Hawks 2’s versus DHSFP (29/9/07)
From Ally Craig

‘Communication is the problem to be answered’ – 10CC (they were a big band in the 80’s!)



After the front five changing completely last week, it was the turn of the half backs to be affected. With KB unavailable due to a dead leg, Stevie Biggart agreed to move back from 9 to 10 with Stu Low coming in at 9.


A sombre start to the game with a minute’s silence for the young DHS pupil, , who tragically died earlier in the week. Hawks are very aware of the devastation this brings to a club.


Dundee 2’s came to Glasgow with a 4 out of 4 record on their entry to the 1st division and the even more remarkable statistic of being unbeaten in 4 seasons and 54 games – clearly opponents to be respected.


Late replacement ref, Colin Dow of Clydebank, was brought out of retirement as an assessor to ease the worries we had about not getting a ref. The fact that I used to play in the same team as him would have absolutely no bearing on the result!


Dull conditions overhead but warm and dry gave ideal conditions for rugby and it was Hawks who were into their stride quickest, although the lineout failed to function as smoothly as last week, at least initially. Good ball after 8 minutes allowed Stu Dunk to intrude and speed in for a fine try, conversion from Callum Rankine.


At this stage it was clear that this was not going to be as fluid a game as the previous week. Too many players were operating well as individuals but real teamwork, which is usually what cracks open teams, was lacking. This was most obvious when Chris Breckenridge made an excellent break, kept his legs driving in the tackle and was then let down by his support players neglecting to give him any information about where they were.


Eventually the next breakthrough came in the 27th minute with captain Kiddsy showing the way to the try line. The conversion was good by Callum but the referee, quite rightly didn’t give it as Robbie Alexander, running touch, had failed in his duties to go behind the posts! Batman outfit?


Dundee hit back 5 minutes later with a penalty and then just before half time a well controlled driving lineout gave Colin Tennant the chance to touch down – a real ‘babysteps’ moment! Conversion made by Callum,


HALF TIME: HAWKS 19 DHSFP 3



Controlling the ball was to be the key for the 2nd half and making sure that support players were more urgent in their desire to get to rucks and beyond. After 8 minutes Peni Navu scored his almost obligatory try after good support play and interplay between backs and forwards and thereafter Hawks went through a very quiet phase which allowed Dundee some pressure territorially. However they never really looked like crossing the try line and this was a particularly positive fact for the 2’s. Indeed it seemed to have escaped Stu Dunks attention that they had scored a penalty when he shouted, ‘ Keep them to nil! Nil them!’


Hawks eventually got the final score that their play just about deserved when Rory Love touched down with 3 minutes remaining.


FINAL SCORE: HAWKS 29 DHSFP 3


A bitty performance would probably be the fairest description. Although all good players in their own right, some combinations failed to function a smoothly as we will certainly need them to in the next 3 games.


Yet again our work around the contact area needs to be more precise and dynamic but the intensity of these upcoming games will certainly bring out the best in the players.


Thanks to all the usual support staff (and supporters!)


Let’s get the numbers out again at training, to make all work for their places in 1st and 2nd XV’s.

This article was originally posted on 1-Oct-2007, 20:46 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 1-Oct-2007, 20:53.