THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

THIS time last year, Glasgow Hawks had amassed just one point and were on the verge of a disappointing season, but 12 months on Peter Wright's men have 11 points tucked away and tonight, at Old Anniesland, 7:30pm, they are hoping to add to that total when they take on West of Scotland in the Scottish Hydro Division 1.
"Last season was a tough one for us with what were a pretty young squad," admitted the former Scotland and British Lions prop, who is Hawks' director of rugby, "but they are now a year older, they're better players and the arrival of former pros Eric Milligan and Rory McKay has been a real bonus.

"We're obviously happy with the start, but the West game is a local derby where anything could happen and then we have to play Ayr and Heriot's in successive weeks, so we'll have a better idea of how much we've improved after that. Our first target this season is to be the best team in Glasgow."

One of Hawks' outstanding players so far has been teenage stand-off Duncan Weir, formerly of Cambuslang, whom Wright rates highly. "He's the best young No10 I've seen in years, in fact since Gregor Townsend, and if he keeps improving, I'm sure he will be fast-tracked into one of the pro sides next season. But I hope we can keep him for at least one season"

In contrast to Hawks, West have garnered only one point so far but have given both Boroughmuir and Edinburgh Accies tough games without getting any reward. With such experienced campaigners as Gordon Bulloch and Guy Perrett in the pack, they will provide a stern test for Hawks.

This article was originally posted on 18-Sep-2009, 07:24 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 18-Sep-2009, 07:25.