Glasgow Accies 19 v Glasgow Hawks 2nd XV 5

New Anniesland

Saturday 23rd August 2008


Accies and Hawks served up a fast moving, competitive and entertaining match in sunny conditions and on a dry pitch. A sizeable number of supporters were well entertained by this game where Accies eventually ran out winners by three tries to one.

In final result could not have been predicted by what happened in the first quarter. Hawks opened up at a blistering pace with the threequarters running every ball to good effect. Accies were stunned by this approach, as they had not realised that Hawks had such a potent young back division. It wasn�t long before Accies defensive wall was broken and Robbie Hair scorched through for a deserved opening try that was unconverted. After this period of intense pressure Accies sizeable pack began to win useable ball and the balance of the game changed in Accies direction.

A penalty was kicked into touch close to Hawks line. From the subsequent lineout Accies had the power to drive Matt Franklin over the line for their opening try converted by Richard McKnight.

Half time: Accies 7 Hawks 5

The second half belonged to Accies. Only on rare occasion did Hawks venture into Accies territory and they never really looked like scoring. The Accies pack began to dominate proceedings in all phases. The back row of Graham Simpson, Cruz and Dave McLaughlin put in a stellar performance and drove back the opposition to such an extent that firstly Matt Smith and Cruz were able to charge through the defence to clinch the match. Richard McKnight converted one of the tries.

Accies certainly built on the win against West of Scotland last week and Coach, Donald Reid, is confident the squad is nearing completion. The only downside from the match was the injury to captain Jamie Doig, which may result in him having to stand down for next weeks opening league match at New Anniesland against Highland

This article was posted on 23-Aug-2008, 21:31 by Hugh Barrow.