A Hawks development xv beat the School Leavers xv 43-5 at Old Anniesland tonight
The Hawks team taken by Ali Macara drew on players from Accies GHK ,Marr and included Andrew Macrae from Bath

The School Leavers squad brought together some of the best players from Glasgow Academy,Kelvinside Academy and the High School of Glasgow,the team was coached by Simon Wintle recently appointed coach to Glasgow Accies and David Ross coach to GHK and played well considering that they only met on the night

A match report from Al Graham


On a dry but clear night at Old Anniesland a heavier and more mature Hawks Development XV beat a talented and brave Combined School Leavers XV (Academy, High School & Kelvinside) by 43-5.
The final score was an unfair reflection of the effort put in by the school side. Their adventurous handling and tackling was of a high order and this contributed to a highly entertaining game of rugby.
The telling factors were the size and mobility of second row forwards Colin Malcolm and Stuart Pollok and No.8 Niall Caddell. This coupled with the sheer speed of wings Mark Oatey and Craig Wright.
At half time Hawks lead by 36-0, but as they adjusted to the pace a sheer size of the opposition the school side eased themselves back into the match and in the second half they only went down by 7 points to five.
The school side saw plenty of the ball throughout the match but tended to loose possession of it in contact. This will improve when they enter adult rugby where the game is played at a slower pace with more emphasis on holding onto possession.
The school side was looked after by Davie Ross GHK's coach and Accies newly appointed coach Simon Wintle. Both coaches were pleased with what they saw and said that there is a lot of talent for the future.
All the school players are to be commended for their efforts as their were no apparent weak links.
Players that caught the eye were Jonny Adams, a large and robust centre who was a constant threat going forward. Matthew Bennett at stand off who kicked astutely and long and lead his line well. Ben Scott the High School stand off, who was a late addition to the team is reminiscent of the Welsh fly halves, small and nippy and difficult to control.
In the pack the line out combination of Matteo Giovanzzi and jumper David Strachan worked extremely well especially as they had not played together before. In the front row the considerable bulk of Nicholas McAulay worked hard and he did an excellent job as Captain.
The match was superbly refereed by David Wilkinson a young Irishman at Glasgow University who is deservedly being fast tracked through the system.
All in all it proved to be a valuable exercise and the hope is that the majority of the school's side will continue their rugby at the 'Annieslands'.

This article was originally posted on 30-Mar-2005, 22:22 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 31-Mar-2005, 21:00.