Glasgow Hawks 48 Ayr 12

The playing season finally got underway yesteday after the unfortunate events
at Scotstoun last Sunday.

The Under 16s have added a further recruit to our ranks in the shape of Steve
Begley, who kindly gave up his free time to take our forwards for a couple
of sessions, last Wednesday evening and Sunday morning prior to our match,
and then stayed on to view the proceedings. Even though we've only had a
couple of sessions his influence on the team has been tremendous, and improvements
are already obvious.

Hawks started the game with 4 players making their debuts, Craig McKay, Chris
Bush, Matthew Gilhooly and Matthew Clark. We also welcomed back Mike Ferguson
after a series of injuries which resulted in him missing most of last season.

Hawks got the scoring under way with captain Kris McDonald surging over the
Ayr line for a converted try.

Craig McKay then took over scoring two converted tries, before another debutant,
Matthew Gilhooly scored the final try of the first half from a lineout take
and drive from the pack.

Hawks played some tremendous running rugby in the first half opening up the
Ayr defence with their pace and some fine linking play. The scrums were solid
in the face of a big Ayr pack, although we struggled a bit with some of our
lineout throws. Hawks scored 4 first half tries and could have claimed at
least another 3 but for some excellent Ayr defence.

Half Time: Glasgow Hawks 26 Ayr 0

Steve gave the boys some words of encouragement at half time, and they started
the second half in the same manner as the first.

Craig McKay got his hatrick of tries, converted by Euan Robertson. And then
the Hawks went to sleep for a bit. The game was halted when Ayr fly half,
and son of Ayr coach Neil Howie, received a neck and head injury, which resulted
in him being replaced. We are happy to report that after being checked out
at hospital he has been given the all clear, although no rugby for the next
fortnight.

The disruption seemed to affect Hawks more than Ayr, who upped their efforts
and started to impose themselves on Hawks. Ayr scored a try in what was about
their first venture into the Hawks 22, Hawks backs started to kick away possession
and for a while the Hawks looked a bit shaky.

Normal service was resumed with another debut try, this time from winger
Matthew Clark who held off tackles to go over in the corner.

Craig McKay then scored his 4th try of the afternoon.

Ayr scored a consolation goal, before Stephen Dwyer intercepted a pass to
race in from half way to complete the scoring.

Hawks scored 8 tries, but in all honesty should and could have scored another
6.

Final Score: Glasgow Hawks 48 Ayr 12

Scorers:
Tries: Craig McKay (4)
Kris McDonald
Matthew Gilhooly
Matthew Clark
Stephen Dwyer

Conversions: Euan Robertson (4)

This was a good performance by the Hawks, considering the number of new faces
and the fact that this was the first time the team had played together, following
one full training session. Our recruits settled in very quickly, and there
are already signs that we could have an excellent squad in the making.

However, whilst they were satisfied with the result, the coaches noted that
there are areas needing improvement which will be worked on, and, with Steve's
input to our coaching team we should be able to improve on this performance.
In the shortened league campaign our aim must be to treat each game as a
cup tie and score maximum number of points as points difference could be
crucial for play-off places.

Thanks to Jim Gossman for referreeing at short notice;Sandra and Susan for
the "crispy" pies and Hilary for bravely offering the "crispy" pies to those
in the club house.

With 6 players away next Sunday on Glasgow duty we have agreed with Hamilton
to rearrange our game to November 12.

Our next game is at Anniesland on 1st October when we host Greenock Wanderers.

Hawks team:

Mike Ferguson
Stephen Dwyer
Ollie McInnes
David Currie
Matthew Clark
Euan Robertson
Finlay Campbell
Kris McDonald
Stuart McCallum
Tarun Singh
Matthew Gilhooly
Chris Bush
Kerr Gossman
Craig McKay
Philip Gillies

Lloyd Mosson
Peter Hall
Mark Kemsley
Andy McNab
Stuart Fisher

This article was originally posted on 11-Sep-2006, 18:21 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 13-Sep-2006, 20:58.