THE GLASWEGIAN REPORTS

Boss Peter Reckons His Glasgow Hawks Stars Are Made Of The Wright Stuff
May 14 2009 By Matthew Leslie

GLASGOW HAWKS boss Peter Wright claimed good old fashioned grit ensured his team finished the rugby season on a high.

The Old Anniesland side captured the SHE Shield at Murrayfield last weekend although they were pushed all the way by a dogged Peebles side.
Fighting their way out of a corner was the story of Hawks' season as first they had to pull off the great escape in order to beat relegation and secondly, had to endure a few close shaves en route to their recent trophy glory.

Wright said: "That's what usually happens in cup competitions - you'll find the winners have riden their luck at some point.

"The first 10 minutes of the second half proved decisive as we held out in the face of some pressure from Peebles and also in the semi-final when Jed- Forest were minutes away from causing an upset against us.

"But the fact that we were able to look down the barrel of a gun and come out as winners encourages me greatly as back in September you saw a very different Hawks team to now.

"I'm sure everyone remembers the hiding we got at Boroughmuir but we've gradually instilled some self-belief in the boys because there have been a number of occasions when they've been 15-odd points down and come back to win.

"We at Hawks know that we've a team of good young players but the boys need a wee bit of arrogance on the pitch to impose themselves on other teams so that we don't have to play catch-up.

"Hopefully by ending a tough season as winners in a cup final at Murrayfield will give the young lads a huge confidence boost so that we can be competing at the right end of the table come this time next year." Wright will now spend the summer looking to bring in some new faces.

He added: "I'll be looking to sign up some new players and in particular, one or two backs who are experienced.

"There were times this season where we made some silly mistakes when in good attacking positions so hopefully I will get in some old hands to help steady the ship.

"I've identified some faces and hopefully will be able to secure their signatures soon." Wright also revealed that none of his promising young Hawks have been snapped up by the pro teams.

He continued: "Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh have not made any moves and I don't expect them to seeing as both have more or less finalised their squads for next season.

"What is a concern is the lack of club players throughout Scotland making the step up to those two.

"The Heriot's v Melrose game in the main national cup final showcased some terrific talent and maybe some of them deserve a chance more than some second-rate Argentineans on high wages because the players are there."

This article was originally posted on 14-May-2009, 12:14 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 14-May-2009, 13:02.