Development XV v Viadana (Italy)


Last Tuesday evening saw the last game for the season for the Development XV resulting in a 22-10 victory for Hawks. Praise must go to both sets of players for a very hard fought contest. This was a tough game. A very physical game proved to be the hardest played by the Development XV so far matching up to the Italian lads, some of which are in full time training on professional contracts. The Italian team played with great commitment and to a high standard and should this game be anything to go by, both Hawks and Viadana will be well served in the future.


As for the game, Hawks had a good start with early pressure, matched by resolute defence by Viadana. It is fair to say that the first score by Viadana to lead 5-0 was against the run of play. Hawks bounced back, continued the half the way it had begun and scored two tries to lead 10-5 at half time.


The start of the second half saw a roll reversal with Viadana continually pressing matched by the stout defence of Hawks. An equalizing try brought the score to 10-10. At this point the game could have gone either way, however, Hawks quickly surged up the park from the re-start to score what proved to be a decisive converted try to lead 17-10 with 20 minutes to play. The game then entered its final phase with no quarter given by either team. This coach certainly thought that the sheer physicality of the clashes at this stage belied their age group. As Viadana threw everything to attack in the closing minutes, they were caught out by a late Hawks break away resulting in the final play and score of the game. Final score 22-10.


Viadana proved to be formidable opponents, pressing their physical advantage at times, although fairly, and coming very close to winning this game despite the score line. Thanks to our visitors and best wishes for the rest of the tour. Their captain will certainly have to improve his drinking skills!


As far as the Hawks lads are concerned, the coaches look to develop skill in these boys to progress their rugby careers. However, you sometimes have to dig in to have heart and determination to succeed to win. These boys have this in abundance.


Finally, thanks to the Young Hawks principal sponsors, Bank of Ireland, for their backup this year. Anyone watching last nights game would have seen that their sponsorship is not being wasted. Thanks also to the Club Development Officer, Grant Talbot, for his organisation of the squad.


One problem though, next years squad have an awful lot to live up to.


HG and GW


Team:-


1. James Corsky Hawks

2. Matteo Giovanazi Glasgow Acc

3. Scott Cameron GHK

4. Callum Harvey GHK

5. Duncan Faulkner GHK

6. Michael Borthwick GHK

7. Greg Woolard GHK

8. Hugh parker GHK

9. Craig Gossman GHK

10. Ben Wilkinson Caledonian Uni

11. Craig Bennie GHK

12. John Goldie Glasgow Uni / Herriots

13. Mike Dickson GHK

14. Scott Loudon High School of Glasgow

15. Mike Martin Jordanhill School

16. Jeremy Hanks Newcastle Uni

17. John Mill GHK

18. Graeme Kerr Glasgow Acc

This article was posted on 20-Mar-2008, 14:49 by Hugh Barrow.