Glasgow Hawks 27 - 27

Stirling County

HARRY McARTHUR December 17 2007
CommentWhen both coaches contend their team should have won, you get the feeling that a draw was probably the right result.

The fact that both teams earned three points (two for the draw and one four-try bonus point) more or less confirms a sharing of the points was correct.

Hawks will feel the slightly more aggrieved, having led by 12 points at one stage and missing out on 13 points through missed kicks. Stirling were a bit annoyed at having flanker Tim Clarke yellow-carded just after they had pulled the score back to 24-22.


The resultant penalty for the misdemeanour no-one but the referee saw stretched Hawks' lead to five points again and although County's tenacity earned them a touchdown after pummelling the home line for a good 10 minutes, the pressure was on Brian Archibald to convert captain Alex Moffat's try for victory. The attempt was not in keeping with his previous kicking, so County had to be content with a meritorious draw.

Although the eight tries scored made the game compelling to watch, errors on both sides prevented the spectators being treated to even more touchdowns.

As ever, Hawks were urged on throughout by captain Mark Sitch with able backing from Gary Strain, John Maclay, John Fitzpatrick and Greg Francis. The backs flattered to deceive, although Mark Davids took some stopping.

County's pack put in a good shift with captain Alex Moffat leading from the front. Justin Matheson and Colin Eadie were rarely far away.

The towering lock, Richard Gray, who left Hawks a few weeks ago to join the Bridgehaugh club, put in an all-round performance that may have Hawks wondering if they should have let him go.

This article was posted on 17-Dec-2007, 08:24 by Hugh Barrow.