Hawks 2’s versus Boroughmuir


First versus third, good rugby playing weather and a great surface to play on. The stage was set for an interesting game at Old Anniesland and so it proved. The usual raft of changes even affected the back 5 of the scrum this week with Niall Cadell gaining a well-deserved promotion to the firsts, but neww recruit Justin Reid made his debut, along with Ciaran Fitzgerald as reserve hooker. For the older readers, no, we’re not picking people even older than Kenny Hamilton now. Ciaran is much younger than the former Irish and Lions hooker of the same name and, as he informed me the other night, “from another province”.

It was obvious from the start that this was going to be a very tight game, with some strong tackling in midfield and both packs making huge efforts to impose themselves. Play was largely confined to in between the 22’s and indeed it wasn’t until the 11th minute that there was a score, ‘Muir converting a penalty. The Hawks midfield backs were combining better than last week, KB, Kiddsy and Ricky Munday running well off each other and up until about the 20 minute mark the Hawks lineout, with Gordy MacFadyen throwing in, was turning back ball of a quality which allowed this unit to function well.

Around this point though Richie Gray was forced off with an ankle injury and the lineout started to malfunction. Maybe having a 6’ 8” target removed is a bit off-putting but Jamie Mackinnon, returning after injury, isn’t exactly a midget. ‘Muir obviously sensed this disruption and were starting to gain some ascendancy in territorial terms and this pressure eventually resulted in Rob Holdsworth, who was doing an excellent job of getting the backs going, conceding a penalty for diving over at the ruck and also being yellow carded on the 30 minute mark.

Every player stepped up to the mark in the next 10 minutes. Initially they repelled ‘Muir pressure and then started to play in the opposition’s half. Amazingly, down to 14 men, Hawks put together a fine attack. With Ciaran on for Willie Wong, the forwards produced great ball off a lineout on the right and the ball was worked out to the left, where KB re-introduced himself to the attack and ploughed over in the corner. 36 minutes played Hawks 5 ‘Muir 3.

The visitors were obviously disappointed at losing a try with a man advantage and proceeded to throw waves of attacks at the Hawks line. Murray Wiseman led the way with some fine tackles but in truth it was all hands to the pumps and a fine defensive performance until wee Rob returned just before half time. Indeed it almost looked like Hawks would score again when Sean Murray made a break from his own 22 but the referee had spotted an earlier infringement.

HALF TIME: Hawks 5 ‘Muir 3

A half time team talk that worked! I wish I could remember what was said for future reference. Hawks steamed into the ‘Muir half putting them under huge pressure and after a succession of rucks the gaps appeared and Kiddsy strolled in for a try reminiscent of his one against Aberdeen Grammar. KB converted – Hawks 12 ‘Muir 3, 2 minutes played in the 2nd half.

The next 20 minutes really belonged to Hawks. A couple of long range break outs, with back and forwards supporting and handling really well almost resulted in scores and if one of these had been converted into points the visitors looked as if that would be too much for them. In the 51st minute KB was able to slot over a penalty to take Hawks out to 15-3 in the lead. However on the 63rd minute a mis-directed kick by Hawks in midfield was gathered by ‘Muir, who burst up the middle and scored a fine try. Fortune and an understanding of the Laws favoured Hawks at this point. As the ‘Muir kicker went to convert, he took one small step forward as if to address the ball. Hawks players charged and picked up the ball before he could complete his kick.

At least the concentration levels were high at this point because almost immediately ‘Muir scored again and it must be said it was more of a gift by Hawks. However with the kicker maybe disconcerted by his previous attempt, he snatched at the kick, was bowled over by Stu Dunk who ran hard and chased well all day and the score was reduced to 15-13. ‘Muir were obviously sensing a Hawks collapse and another score would have been absolutely crucial. Tight games like this hinge on small moments and from the restart the ball was gathered in by the ‘Muir number 8 who must have immediately regretted his actions, as an Exocet missile known as Jamie MacKinnon hit him so hard that he failed to release the ball in the ruck. Although KB missed the penalty attempt the marker had been put down and the last 15 minutes belonged to Hawks.

One scrum in particular with a fine pick up and one handed offload from Stu Pollock to Justin Reid, a pick and go at the subsequent ruck from Stu again and some fine hands by the backs should have led to a try but an excellent cover tackle by a ‘Muir player in the left hand corner deprived Hawks. Hawks kept up the pressure with fine ball retention, some good phase play and astute tactical kicking to keep the visitors penned in their own half. Eventually a penalty was conceded and KB made no mistake to take Hawks to 18-13 with 2 minutes to go. Play was contained in the ‘Muir half for that spell and the score remained the same.

All in all a great game of rugby played by two fine sides. ‘Muir won’t be beaten by many teams this season (apart from the return fixture at Meggatland of course!) and the game displayed all that was good about our club game. A major player in this was the referee, Andy Hepburn, who allowed both teams to play rugby and did not want to be the centre of attraction himself. He wasn’t fussy about minor things, he just let the game flow and the game was better for that. Both sides also played their part in a fair and extremely hard fought contest. Next week Currie at home, no excuses for not training. Remember there are players desperate to take your place!

Yellow Jersey awarded to Rob as it was felt to be most appropriate!

Hawks 2’s would also like to pass on our best wishes to Olly Jones who leaves GHK this week. A tour to Bracknell sounds interesting!

Thanks to Gemma – I wonder why she’s so busy? – and hurry back Big John. Stuff the players missing you, I’m now last out the changing room every week!

This article was posted on 1-Oct-2006, 11:48 by Hugh Barrow.