Update 'Breakaway try' chalked off as Heriot's make it seven wins on the trot
Staff writer
Monday 14 October 2013
Jamie Dempsey, the Glasgow Hawks coach, believes one debatable refereeing verdict could have cost his side a crucial home Premiership victory over title-chasing Heriot's.

The hosts were penalised for a so-called "no arms" tackle at a vital stage of the 18-13 defeat at Old Anniesland. And the incident led to official Iain Bruce chalking off a breakaway try by Robert Beattie.

Dempsey said: "I think it swung on that big decision. It was a perfectly good piece of defence and it should have been a score under the posts. But I have to admit Heriot's adapted to the testing conditions a fraction better than we did."

Heriot's chief Phil Smith added: "We have now won seven in a row, which is the best start to a campaign we have had for many years.

"It has put us in a strong position. We have always had a good, strong squad but the turnaround probably came when we fought back from 20 points down to beat Gala. That gave the boys enormous self-belief."

Keith Buchan and Max Learmonth snapped up the tries that mattered for the Edinburgh outfit, while Graham Wilson landed a conversion and two penalties.

Hawks salvaged a consolation point with touchdowns from Haddon MacPherson and Andy Linton, Scott Wight adding a last-gasp penalty.

Melrose, meanwhile, turned on the style with a thrilling second-half performance to demolish Aberdeen GR 42-16 at the Greenyards.

Damien Hoyland led the Borderers' charge with a try-double, with Joe Helps again on-form with the boot to land a series of important kicks as well as collecting a touchdown. Their other scores came from Gary Holborn, Nick Beavon, Pete Eccles and Calum Anderson.

Currie's wretched run continued when they crashed 21-12 to Hawick at Mansfield Park. But the Greens were left frustrated over their failure to cash in fully for a precious bonus point.

Lee Armstrong, Bruce McNeil and Graeme Anderson went over for the hosts, Neil Renwick kicking the rest.

This article was posted on 14-Oct-2013, 06:33 by Hugh Barrow.