Glasgow Hawks S2….8, East Kilbride S2….4

This was the S2s first outing since 29th January when they met the same opposition and defeated them rather more convincingly.

The day didn’t start off too well. A call was received at about 10:00 am to say that owing to the weather conditions the Glasgow Academy pitch was no longer available to us. After much frantic phoning around we managed to hire a pitch at Scotstoun (a ground that does not hold happy memories for us).

We knew this would be tough, EK are a very big physical team and they tried their very best to keep play close to their big pack at all times. What they didn’t reckon on was the strength and skill of our forwards who once again showed that pound for pound they are the best pack in Scotland at this level. Unfortunately a lack of discipline and too many “hands in the ruck” took the shine off what was otherwise a very strong pack performance. It was not a good day for the backs. Conditions were far from ideal but notwithstanding that, this was a rusty display.

EK have to be congratulated on the vast improvement in their game since the last meeting. Their heads never dropped and this was a true contest from beginning to end. The first Hawks try was scored by Ian Parry, who along with Cammy Crozier and Ross McFarlane made up an excellent front row combination. Ians score was a true forward effort and much deserved. In the backs Max Martin had another fine game and was unfortunate to say the least to have a fine solo effort try chalked off in the first period for a foot that was nowhere near touch! Finn Campbell Young had another fine game on the other wing topped off by an excellent try. Thankfully Joff Stenhouse Is back from injury and slotted both conversions from long range.

The third period was about Ek pressure and Hawks defence. An EK try with 5 mins to go made for a nervous last few minutes but the boys held out for the victory.

This result means that the only defeat suffered by theS2s this season was in the semi final of the Glasgow District tournament in a match that was played over 8 mins each way and which they lost by 1 try to nil. Quite a record. Now we travel to Limerick to take on some of the best under 14 teams Ireland has.What a test that will be bearing in mind that the Irish age group means that their boys will on average be 6 months older than ours!



On another note we who are involved with the S2s are all delighted to note that the under 15 team is going from strength to strength. Well done getting into the semi`s and best of luck from us all for the rest of the competition.

This article was posted on 27-Mar-2006, 13:00 by Hugh Barrow.