Mighty 2’s versus H/J



A rearranged league fixture under lights at Hughenden was to prove to be the fixture to allow the 2’s to get back on track after their close defeat to Heriots.


The team showed remarkably few changes from that previous game considering that the 1’s were to play the following night. Stu Low returned to the wing after his successful sojourn at 9, with Richie McKnight replacing him at 9 and Ryan Welsh came into the front row, thus lowering the average age quite considerably. Well he was taking the place of Messrs Inglis and Hamilton!



The Hawks team started brightly and took an early lead when Ally Maclay burst through some less than convincing defence to score after 11 minutes and this was added to almost immediately by Rory Love who picked up a loose ball on his own 22 and scampered away to dot down under the posts. Conversion made by KB and Hawks led 12-0 after 15 minutes. The Hawks backrow and midfield defence were wreaking havoc with their opposite numbers and continually put them under such extreme pressure that turnovers resulted.


A strong H/J’s pack were providing a steady stream of ball and they scored a fortuitous try after putting the Hawks scrum under pressure, pouncing on poorly controlled ball after 22 minutes.


Hawks were experiencing their greatest problems in the lineout without numerous regulars and only two principal jumpers. Young Nico, playing in only his 2nd start, was finding it hard to hit his jumpers but more than made up for these deficiencies with his play in the loose, thumping one or two of his erstwhile colleagues to the ground both in offence and defence.


HALF TIME: Hawks 12 H/J’s 5



The 2nd half began brightly for Hawks with Skinny Murray demonstrating a lightening turn of pace to scoot in from about the 60m mark, leaving a succession of team mates and opposition trailing in his wake.


Although H/J’s were enjoying the majority of set piece possession, they were unable to find a way through resolute Hawks defence and after 60 minutes it was Ally Maclay who showed that pace, allied to power and a good angle of run, was by far a more effective tactic than sheer brawn. Hawks easing ahead by 24-5.


Chris Bruce was next on the score board just 4 minutes later, showing some fancy footwork and a neat turn of pace to score under the posts, KB converting again to take the score out to 31-5.


Despite H/J’s having sustained pressure, it wasn’t until the last 5 minutes that they were able to turn this into points, using the power of their pack to get the touchdown.



FINAL SCORE: Hawks 31 H/J’s 5


A good result which showed the clear gap in class between the 2 teams. Speed of thought and action are much the better weapons to employ in this game and the 2’s, working off meagre rations had much too much of these components for a strong Hills outfit.


Everyone played their part in a fine win but special thanks must go to Ryan Welsh and Jason Carlin for turning out against potentially a H/J’s 1st XV front row and standing up well to what was thrown at them – thanks guys!


Also great to see so many of these players back-up the next night for the 1sts against GHA and again perform to a high standard. It all augurs well for the next few weeks for both 1st and 2nd XVs .


Next 2’s game against Currie away next Saturday, KO. TBC

This article was posted on 26-Feb-2007, 18:34 by Hugh Barrow.