Glasgow Hawks Under 15s travelled to Braidholm on Sunday to face GHA in the
Glasgow District Cup Final.

Having defeated the league winners Greenock, and runners up Dalziel, on the
way to the final GHA were probably looked upon as favourites, especially
with the game being played on their home ground, but these Hawks do not give
up without a fight.

The Hawks Under 15s are one of the best supported teams at this level and
the parents vocals were very much in evidence throughout the match giving
encouragement to the Hawks and, where necessary, advice to the ref.

GHA kicked off and immediately put Hawks under pressure. Hawks were looking
decidedly nervous, GHA were playing their very effective ?in your face? rugby
forcing Hawks into handling errors and hurried clearances.

GHA capitalised on some indecision in the Hawks defence to pounce on a loose
ball, resulting in a converted try.

GHA 7 Hawks 0

Ten minutes later the excellent GHA prop David Coupar drove through the heart
of the Hawks defence to score a typical try, also converted. What do they
feed this guy?

GHA 14 Hawks 0

At this stage Hawks heads could have dropped, they were under intense pressure
from GHA, had rarely been in GHA territory and could not get their game going.
The boys stuck to their task and gradually forced their way back into the
game with the forwards beginning to make their mark and some excellent place
kicking from James Hendry and Euan Robertson, turning the GHA defence. But
the half belonged to GHA.

Half Time:

GHA 14 Hawks 0

Hawks still believed we could win this game.

Coach Jim Gossman brought on the 7 allowed replacements and Hawks set about
GHA with renewed vigour.

Hawks forwards started to create some forward momentum, the backs began to
regain their confidence and move the ball along the line and suddenly it
was GHA who found themselves under pressure and having to defend. Credit
must go to GHA for their organisation and commitment as they repulsed Hawks
time and again.

Eventually GHA broke.

Hawks were awarded a penalty, which they chose to run, leading to another
penalty for a high tackle. Kerr Gossman took a quick tap, moved to his right
and passed to David Campbell to crash over the line.

GHA 14 Hawks 5

Hawks now had GHA in sight ? then one of those refereeing decisions that
can turn a game.
Jamie Murphy was penalised for not releasing, although obviously not on the
ground. GHA thumped the ball upfield and chased, a couple of awkward bounces
and suddenly the ball was over the try line.

GHA 19 Hawks 5

This Hawks team was not finished and went after GHA yet again.

Hawks were on the ascendancy and it was taking some last ditch tackling by
GHA to keep the Hawks at bay.

With two minutes on the ref.?s watch Euan Robertson found himself in some
space and danced his way through the GHA defence to touch down under the
posts. James Hendry converted.

GHA 19 Hawks 12

GHA attacked Hawks from the restart. The referee called last play. Hawks
gained control of the ball and launched the backs on one final charge. The
referee called a forward pass ? game over.

Final Score:

GHA 19 Glasgow Hawks 12

Congratulations to GHA on their win.

Great credit must go to all 44 players who took part in the match for their
skill, commitment and fair play.

The Hawks squad returned to Old Anniesland to attend a well-earned reception,
arranged by Ronnie Gourlay of the GHK minis and attended by Ken Hamilton
of Hawks.

This article was posted on 3-May-2006, 16:53 by Hugh Barrow.