THE HERALD REPORTS
Peter Wright, the Glasgow Hawks chief, has backed the club to be back among the honours next season.

Hawks ruled the Premiership roost for most of the decade, but have struggled to cope with their period of transition.

However in the wake of a battling 21-19 defeat to newly crowned champions Ayr at Millbrae, the coach reckons they will be ready to mount a powerful challenge next season.



Wright said: "We showed that we have a lot of exciting young talent who played some great rugby and to run the champions as close underlined just how much they have come on.

"Hopefully, we can continue to develop them into next season and we can look forward to having a much better time of it."

Ian Jardine couldn't disguise his dismay as he bade farewell as coach of Stirling County by watching them being demolished 64-15 by outgoing champions Boroughmuir.

'Muir may have surrendered their crown, but they gave fair warning at Bridgehaugh that they are on course to mount a meaningful challenge next season.

Jardine admitted his side's fortunes had reflected their campaign, saying: "Though we have played some great rugby at times, we've also defended badly and turned over too much ball.

"Consistency has been a problem. However, I am confident these guys are talented enough to bounce straight back up."

'Muir chief Eamon John said: "We needed a confidence boost for the cup, and we got that.

"It was always going to be difficult to defend the championship this season, but we can still get a top-four finish. We gave a solid performance and got the result we deserved."

Capital rivals Heriot's and Melrose warmed up for the sevens season with a brilliant display of attacking action at Goldenacre, the hosts edging it 49-41 for one of the highest aggregate scores in Premiership history.

The wretched season for Hawick was summed up by their fortunes at Myreside where they lost 42-22 to Watsonians.

Edinburgh Accies' Mike Campbell watched a last-gasp conversion attempt slide past the post in a Philliphaugh nailbiter.

Peter Burns had given the visitors the chance of a surprise win by sliding in for the try but Campbell failed to finish the job from a tricky angle and the home side held on to triumph 20-19.

This article was posted on 30-Mar-2009, 07:13 by Hugh Barrow.