EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

MacKenzie: Hawks display shows level we must reach
COLIN RENTON AT INVERLEITH
STEWART'S-MELVILLE coach Grant MacKenzie is adamant that Saturday's 89-31 drubbing at the hands of Glasgow Hawks in the National Cup quarter-final can have a positive impact on his side in their bid to return to the Premiership top flight.

Reflecting on a defeat that was painful to endure, MacKenzie said: "The thing we have to take out of it is that Hawks must be working hard on their strength and conditioning and we must take that seriously. If we can do that as well, there is enough rugby in our team to give us a fighting chance of going up next season."

MacKenzie was awestruck by the ferocity and clinical finishing of the two-time Cup winners, who are arguably now favourites for a third win given the quality of the performances they have produced against Heriot's and Stew-Mel on consecutive Saturdays.

"I take my hat off to Glasgow Hawks," he said. "They are a formidable outfit and they have some super rugby players. Their support play and their ability to stay on their feet in the tackle were breathtaking at times."

This article was posted on 9-Apr-2007, 11:12 by Hugh Barrow.