Glasgow Hawks 10 Greenock Wanderers 7

Apologies for lateness of report - my nerves have only just settled after
Sunday's game.

This was a massive game for Hawks. We hadn't beaten Greenock since P7 level
but felt that after the display against Ayr this just might be our turn.

Hawks were dealt some "injury" blows in the lead up to the game. Firstly
"Lucky" Mike Ferguson - "Injuries My Speciality" was ruled out having had
his eyelid stiched as a result of playing in a touch rugby match at Kelvinside
Academy. Mike and second row Matt Gilhooly attended a gig on Friday night
- Sydney Devine or Daniel ODonnell by sounds of things - during which Matt
was accidentally headbutted on the nose - result broken nose and out for
3/4 weeks. Sunday morning brought call off from Chris Bush our other second
row, and back Peter Hall arrived with an elbow injury sustained playing for
Strathallan on Saturday. Hawks were now down to 18 players.

In our last outing Hawks had played some sublime running rugby, Sunday was
to prove that they are more than capable of fronting up to a brutal war of
attrition.

The pitch was in suprisingly good condition after the overnight rain which
caused West to postpone their home game against Dalziel due to waterlogged
pitch.

The game was not a classic free flowing running contest, but an awesome spectacle
of forward power, tackling, commitment, passion, with some fine back play
from two teams determined to win.

Hawks scored first in the third minute when Kris MacDonald picked up at the
base of a ruck and powered over, only for referee Glen Woolard to be unsighted.
Two minutes later try number one arrived. Hawks disrupted a scrum in the
Greenock 22 and then secured the ball at the breakdown. The ball was passed
to Craig McKay who looped around the ruck and Greenock defence before bargingover
the line taking the last line of defence with him. Conversion missed.

Hawks now laid seige in the Greenock half, harrying the defence and forcing
them to kick away possession as their attack was knocked back time after
time. Unfortunately Hawks could not add to their score.

HALF TIME

Glasgow Hawks 5 Greenock 0

Coach Jim Gossman called for a couple of early scores, but it was Greenock
who came firing out of the blocks in the second half.

Gradually Greenock took control and it was Hawks that were now under pressure.But
the tackles were still huge and Greenock were still being knocked back. But
a try had to come. Greenock camped on the Hawks line but despite ruck
after ruck could not breach Hawks defence. Eventually the ball was moved
along the back line with the Greenock centre looping around his partner and
taking a scoring pass as the last of the Hawks defence were drawn in, scoring
in Hawks left hand corner. The try was converted from out on the wing.

Glasgow Hawks 5 Greenock Wanderers 7

In the past this could have been the signal for Hawks heads to drop. Not
this squad. They took the game back to Greenock, but Greenock were not for
lying down either.

Hawks full back Euan Robertson then took a hand, clearing long into the Greenock
half, he chased his kick and caught the Greenock full back bundling him into
touch. From the ensuing line out Hawks caught and drove to the Greenock line
for Kerr Gossman to emerge with the ball and dive over for try number two.
Agonisingly Euan's conversion attempt bounced back of the upright.

Glasgow Hawks 10 Greenock 7.

There was still time for Greenock to come back. The Hawks tackling was immense
and on the final whistle it was Hawks yet again on the attack.

FULL TIME

Glasgow Hawks 10 Greenock Wanderers 7

Credit must go to both sides for a hugely entertaining, competative game,
played in excellent spirit.

Hawks proved on Sunday that they can win not only playing runnig rugby, but
also toughening out up front.

This was a huge performance by the team although we all know that there are
many areas in which we can and must improve.

Hawks Team:
Euan Robertson; Stephen Dwyer; Aidan McCall Hagan; David Currie; Matt Clark;Olly
McInnes; Finlay Campbell
Stuart Fisher; Stuart McCallum; Tarun Singh; Lloyd Mosson; Kerr Gossman;
Philip Gillies; Kris McDonald; Craig McKay
Mark Kemsley; Andy McNab; Douglas Schreiber

Thanks to Carol and Elaine for "volunteering" to dispense the aftermatch
food and drink.

Thanks also to Kenny Baillie for taking our backs for a session on Thursday
night.

Where next? - we're not sure. Should be Dalziel next Sunday but they asked
to reschedule as they have players attending a school play dress rehearsal.
Watch out Begs and Co your TV careers may be under threat.
Will keep you posted.

Gordon

This article was posted on 3-Oct-2006, 13:12 by Hugh Barrow.