A regular programme feature that keeps you up to date with rugby and club issues and news by Kenny Hamilton.

(These may be the views of Glasgow Hawks)

GHA
Heriots should have been our ‘firstfoot’ but they can hold on to their shortbread tin for another week as the match was postponed because of frozen and dangerous ground condition. So it is our East Renfrewshire neighbours who will want to wish us happy new year.

All of our league matches against today’s visitors have been tense and closely fought. The fact that the added spice comes from our both now being in the scramble at the bottom end of the league makes today’s encounter all the more exciting. Hawks hold just a 5 point advantage over GHA. So a warm welcome to the GHA players, Coach Roddy Moir, President Alex Miller and his committee and, of course the supporters.
Last Week
We lost to a team that was hungry for the win and capable of keeping their cool under pressure. After a very promising first 5 minutes Hawks were unable to maintain any momentum with poor set-piece and being overly ambitious in the off-load. A more disciplined approach to recycling the ball in contact will undoubtedly help.

However, the positives were that the line-out was better 2nd half and the quality of play, from a Hawks’ perspective improved over the 80 minutes. Great to see Nick Cox back and with a few more returning from injury or sabbatical this week we should be a stronger outfit. Plenty of noisy support will help.

Development Match
The Hawks development side take on Caledonian Under 18s tomorrow, Sunday 27th Jan at 2.00pm at Old Anniesland. All welcome to support the young up and comings. (That is if you are not at the GHK Burn’s afternoon).
Next Week
Our rearranged match against Heriots takes place next Saturday, 2nd February at 2.00pm (please note kick-off time).

League Structure
First of all, many congratulations to Boroughmuir on their well- deserved championship victory. They have been the most consistent side all season and have played some very attractive rugby at the same time. They also demonstrated the mark of champions by winning when not playing particularly well on occasion.

We have an annual debate about league structure and it is almost upon us yet again. Important league matches will be played next week without Scotland Under 20 players; a 12 team league has left a number of mid-table sides with very little, or nothing to play for at this stage in the season; and, the only excitement left is the relegation battle which will surely be influenced by these other factors.

Of course, we cannot get a consensus amongst the clubs around what is best for Scottish rugby and I really hope that the SRU might offer a lead on this issue over the coming months.



Hawks 10th Anniversary Dinner

There was 1 table left about 2 weeks ago so it looks like a sell-out. If you want to check if there is a space then call Dave Millard for details. (07791 742 634). At Anniesland on Saturday 9th February.

This article was posted on 25-Jan-2008, 10:26 by Hugh Barrow.