THE HERALD REPORTS

We gifted the points to County, says disappointed Hawks coach
Staff writer
Monday 23 December 2013
The Glasgow Hawks coach Jamie Dempsey believes his men took the seasonal "joy of giving" message too literally as they were defeated by Stirling County.

The 25-10 success at Old Anniesland eased the Premiership relegation worries and piled a fresh dose of pressure on to the hosts.

"The outcome was very much of our own making - we made far too many unforced errors, especially with the ball in hand. Another important element was County's recent exposure to the higher level of the British and Irish Cup. They really showed in their ruthlessness at the breakdown and full credit must go to them."

Graeme Young, the County coach, said his team had been well-motivated: "We had spoken about the next five games and how every one of them was effectively a cup final and the team responded well.

"In order to beat sides you have to dominate them; if you can't run round them you have to go through them and we did that with direct running. The B&I Cup has been massive for our development. The experienced has exposed us to a new level and that's where they learn."

The talking point came late in the contest when when home utility back Haddon McPherson and rival Matt Lamb were red-carded in the wake of an off-the-ball flare-up. Lamb had earlier been on the scoresheet with one of County's three tries, the others coming from Warriors and Scotland man Richie Vernon and Jamie Bhatti. Brian Archibald was also in pinpoint form with the boot, slotting two conversions and two penalties.

Dan Smart gathered the only home touchdown, goaled by Scott Wight, who also banged over a penalty.

This article was posted on 23-Dec-2013, 11:29 by Hugh Barrow.