THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS
GORDON ALEXANDER AT OLD ANNIESLAND
Glasgow Hawks 15

Melrose 9

FRUSTRATED Melrose head coach Craig Chalmers reckoned Christmas came early for Glasgow Hawks in a scrappy affair at Old Anniesland.

On paper, a 3-0 try-count in favour of the hosts spoke volumes. However the former Lions and Scotland stand-off countered: "It wasn't really down to them winning as much as us giving easy turnovers.

"Their first try came as a result of us failing to look after the ball. They made a smart break and went over. The bottom line was that we were surrendering possession too readily. At this level, it is simply not acceptable."

Prop forward Gary Strain bagged the first Glasgow Hawks touchdown in the 13th minute, the others coming from former Scotland speed merchant Rory Kerr and Zimbabwean playmaker Ian Noble.

Melrose could only respond with a penalty treble by Scott Wight and the margin would have been greater had Hawks converted their own opportunities with the boot.

A satisfied Glasgow Hawks coach Dave Wilson said: "It was no classic, but I thought we controlled the ball well when the wind was in our faces.

"I was also pleased with our commitment in defence."

Scorers: Glasgow Hawks: Tries: Strain, Kerr, Noble. Melrose: Pens: Wight (3).

Glasgow Hawks: R Kerr; S Gordon, C Bruce, S Smith, MDavids; I Noble, K Sinclair; G Strain, J Maclay, G McFadyen, AKelly, J Clements, R Hamilton, J Fitzpatrick, M Sitch. Subs used: S Murray, G Mories, A Dale, G Francis, C Tennant

Melrose: S Ruthven; A Jessop, C Macrae, D Whiteford, CAnderson; S Wight, S McCormack; A Gillioe, G Innes, RHiggins, G Dodds, S Johnson, J Dalziel, B Wallace, R Miller. Subs used: R Chrystie, K Cooney, A Clark, R Ovens, G Stewart.

Referee: J Steele.

This article was posted on 26-Nov-2007, 08:20 by Hugh Barrow.