Hawks 2nd XV versus Watsonians 1


‘After last week’s result, we at last showed some bouncebackability’ (Ian Dowie, EX Crystal Palace manager)


Last week was the first in a series of 3 games which will go a long way to demonstrate if we are real championship contenders this season. Unfortunately we were badly let down by a variety of call-offs and injuries, but the players who turned out showed strength of character.


This match saw 5 new starts for the 2’s this season, Mark Sitch returning from injury, Chris Bruce just returning, Jamie ‘Sack’ MacKinnon answering a call, Neil MacKenzie coming out of retirement and Cammy Little….. well warming himself up for Heriots next week!


A blend of youth and experience then took the field against a Watsonians outfit smarting from their own defeat last week, at home to Aberdeen. A must win game for both teams! New Anniesland was a true ‘green sward’ as described by Hugh Barrow and all the players – well maybe not some of the older ones! – were enthused at the prospect of playing on such a fine surface. Our thanks to Accies and Robert Cheape and duty groundsman Gary, for allowing us to showcase our style of play on such a perfect surface.


Perfect conditions overhead for 2 teams who like to run the ball promised a good, open game and it looked like Hawks would get the first points on the board when awarded a penalty almost in front of the posts after 10 minutes. KB inexplicably missed and comments in the changing room about ‘doing a Gavin Hastings’ were met with a few blank looks from some younger players. Dig out your 1991 World Cup DVD’s – sorry, VHS tapes! – and you’ll know what we mean. KB made amends 6 minutes later when he converted Andy Gray’s catch and drive try from wide out on the right touchline. 7-0 to Hawks.


The coaches now appreciate that it is too much for new combinations to blend instantaneously, no matter how skilful the individual players and this was to prove our undoing 4 minutes later when the ‘sonians full back came in to the line and scored off a simple move. The visitors then had their best spell at this point and put the Hawks’ line under some pressure. Eventually this told and at a ruck on the Hawks’ line, a lack of urgency to post guards, allowed a forward to burrow over. Twenty eight minutes played Hawks 7 Watsonians 10.


Hawks then took their customary wee break and the remainder of the half was a largely defensive effort with ‘sonians threatening to score just before the whistle but fine tackling from Stu Dunk and James Craig kept them at bay.


HALF TIME: Hawks 7 Watsonians 10


Still in it, get the numbers to the rucks, look after the ball and score first. Simple team talk. With the more mature members of the front row rotating their duties according to fatigue, the only half time change was Sack being introduced for try scorer Andy Gray, Rory Hamilton returning to the back row. The forwards certainly responded well and ball carrying duties were shared by Murray Wiseman and Sitchy with good effect and the others supported well. The backs were starting to look more dangerous, prompted by KB and an effervescent Cammy Little and breaks were coming, although snuffed out by the visitors’ defence and penalty offences from Hawks. After 16 minutes a fine kick to the corner led to a mighty drive, well controlled by Sitchy and young Jamie Coskry was the very pleased scorer – smile to be removed surgically. Another fine conversion from KB, wide out on the right.


Almost straight from the kick off the ball was moved left and Stu Dunk fairly scorched into the line to score right under the posts, easy conversion for KB. Hawks were now on a roll and the forwards were making the hard metres and at Cammy’s prompting releasing good quality ball for the backs and it was no surprise when James Craig scored the next try after 20 minutes of the half and the score stood at Hawks 26 Watsonians 10.


A raft of changes on the hour mark resulted in a slight disruption but in truth there was still enough control to ensure that Watsonians were kept at bay. Almost at the death Cammy got a well-deserved try in the corner, just reward for a tireless performance. Not bad for a more mature player on a big pitch like New Anniesland.


FINAL SCORE: Hawks 31 Watsonians 10



Back on the road!! A solid performance, with good showings from all, mature and young alike. Some players in the 2’s are at least sticking their heads above the parapets and showing that playing for Hawks means a lot to them and the ‘old heads’ who played were a steadying influence. Good to see the likes of Neil MacKenzie back in the fold and as for Cammy – he plays with a smile on his face but he’s deadly serious about the business end of winning. Players who missed this one might find their places under extreme pressure and that’s just the way it’s got to be. Competition within the club is a good thing, so long as it’s healthy!


Next week the ‘Nails’ at Goldenacre. Training, especially on Thursday, is so much easier when there are good numbers, so get down there!!

This article was originally posted on 15-Oct-2007, 20:05 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 15-Oct-2007, 20:10.