It's The Damned Waiting Carruthers

Aberdeen GSFP 17 : Glasgow Hawks 17

Two and a half hours in the Green Phantom-mobile (each way), relieved by
a very pleasant lunch at Blackford. My Young Friend and I set off in
expectation of the Hawks finally carrying the premiership title off for
the third time in a row to the accompaniment of congratulations through
the gritted teeth of Andy Irvine.

In the event it now has to wait for Boroughmuir on the 28th of the month
as the drawn game left Hawks just short of the neccessary points.

The journey was made through some gae dreech weather (I see it as my
mission to educate the rest of the group in the ways of Scottish. Gae
dreech is what you or I would refer to as pissing down and a raw wind.)
We fully expected a heavy pitch and a battle to recognise the players
through the mud. In the event it was cold and dry with a 'firm' breeze
running from end to end. The temperature may well have registered above
zero but it will be Tuesday before my nuts disturb the smooth, green
contours of the super-hero costume.

The game was surprisingly sprightly. Mine were probably the only dropped
balls from the cold as the pace of the game couldn't have allowed the
players to chill. Aberdeen had clearly decided to do Hawks no favours.
To be honest they looked like a grizzled and artful pack to me and I
wouldn't have stepped on to the pitch with one or two of them unless I'd
heard them speak beforehand - in a recognisable tongue. They certainly
gave an energetic workout to the Hawks and I'm sure that there were some
bruised bodies in the showers afterwards.

Older fans may remember a Welsh international of days gone by, one Geoff
Wheel by name, lock by position and possessor of a nervous twitch of
head and shoulders that made the sight of him carrying a tray full of
beer across a crowded bar a truly nerve wrenching spectacle. I mention
this because the Aberdeen hooker yesterday seemed stricken with a
similar twitch. It was lucky for his teammates that it only appeared to
strike him when in the vicinity of Hawks players.

I also had some sympathetic feelings for the Aberdeen coach who was
clearly thinking of sending for a golf cart to ensure that his tight
head was able to get back on side in time for the next play.

Apart from that the game allowed no complacency at all. Aberdeen never
looked like breaking out while Hawks never looked completely in control.

Hawks kicked off with the benefit of the breeze and dominated most of
the early play. They were able to punch through on the forward moves and
regularly made the gain line before being turned over. For their part
Aberdeen were able to hold the ball but not make headway. Ten minutes in
and McClay was able to drive over for the only Hawks goal of the
afternoon with Adamson slotting the conversion.

Two minutes later, more or less straight from the restart Mark Sitch
scored a dynamic effort but this one stayed five points.

First half injury time brought Aberdeen's first rewards of the afternoon
when a penalty try was accompanied by a yellow card for Hawks second row
Ross MacDonald.

Nearly ten minutes in to the second half Aberdeen were able to take
advantage of the strong breeze in their favour with a long penalty from
just inside the halfway line.

Eight minutes later Greg Francis was able to crash over for another five
points. Adamson's kick bounced off the upright which, coupled with a
penalty that bounced off the crossbar might have saved Andy Irvine yet
another trip to see the Hawks play.

Luke Parsons crossed for Aberdeen with minutes to go and the goal,
combined with a penalty, set up a frantic last five as both teams tried
to break the deadlock. It wasn't to be however and the game closed with
an honourable draw. Hopefully Andy Irvine will be on hand for the
Boroughmuir game to raise a glass of the bubbly stuff to Hawks.

I was glad to see that my comments about Murray's touchfinders have
borne fruit. Yesterday afternoon he played both touchlines with some
success. Now if I can only find some way to convince the centres of the
need to break inside occasionally and run in to space...

A few minutes in the Aberdeen club house allowed the enjoyment of a fine
guiness as we watched England struggle against Italy.

Back to the studio for some blonde bimbo who manages the task of making
John Inverdale look competent.

regards

The Green Phantom

This article was posted on 12-Feb-2006, 19:23 by Hugh Barrow.