Hawks beat GHK 12-7 in final
pics courtesy of Mike Blackie
Report from Scott Inglis/Gordi Reid


After a day of texts threatening the make up of the GHK squad, eventually everyone bar Woolard made it pretty much on time with Euan Cadger stepping up to the plate completing the squad.  Drawn in a round robin group with Premier club Hamilton, hosts Hillhead/Jordanhill and also National 2 champions Greenock, it looked a fairly tough task ahead.
 
First up was Hamilton in some attractive white shirts (where were GHKs white shirts many within the Old Anniesland camp were asking...).  The warm up was minimal, something that was to be theme for the evening, but we started very well 2 tries up early on.  Hamilton battled their way back but eventually GHK came out on top 22-12, having played some very good 7s.
 
1 win down and the loyal GHK support began to arrive in greater numbers and spirits were high.  The warm up that followed...well let's just say it was decided never to warm up again!  Next up was the hosts on the main pitch.  Again GHK played some excellent 7s and dominated the game winning 26-5, including a try considered by most to be try of the tournment with a lovely kick from halfway into space in the corner by Gordi Reid picked up perfectly by the flying try machine Hugh Parker, who went on to pick up 7 tries in 4 games, surely a candidate for player of the tournament.
 
That win guaranteed GHK a place in 1 of the 2 finals, but confidence was high and the team had their sights clearly on cup glory, not to mention the possibility of an all Old Anniesland final with Hawks also going well in their group. 
 
Final group game was Greenock, unfortunately without the impressive Rory Love who injured his shoulder in the Hills victory. However, GHK continued playing good 7s rugby and eventually broke Greenock down with some awesome defensive efforts, in particular from Robbie Shedden, Russell Johnston and Scott Cameron who put in some great hits.  The final score of 24-5 ensured GHK won the pool and advanced to the cup final.  Minutes later, Hawks defeated Jordanhill Phoenix to ensure that the cup would be coming back to OA.
 
There was a buzz as both Hawks and GHK players mingled in the lead up to the final with both sets of players gunning for the victory.  The game kicked off and GHK scored first with Hugh Parker scoring an excellent try again showing great pace.  Once more GHK had the bulk of possession and again played the better 7s and had chances but some excellent Hawks defence, both covering and first up hits, put paid to this and next to score were Hawks who got a 7 pointer with a good break down the wing.  Half time score was 7-7.  
 
Second half kicked off and GHK confidence was still high although legs were becoming very, very tired.  However a sterling effort ensued and more chances fell for GHK in the second half including good breaks from Scott Cameron, Andy Shedden, Euan Cadger and Danny Hoffman, unfortunately again the good Hawks defence kept GHK out.  Hawks then scored their 2nd try to take the game to 12-7 with a Callum Harvey break down the wing and penalty given in favour of Hawks which Stuart Low took quickly and bundled his way over.  GHK did not give up though and Gerry Hawkes (Rory Love's injury replacement who we all look forward to seeing in GHK colours next year) and Andy Fleming made a couple of darts but again to no avail.  GHK then had a great opportunity to score when Gordi Reid chipped over Harvey and got flattened late - penalty given but no penalty try.    As the seconds ticked away Robbie Shedden then almost made the line but got caught just short and tried to pass out to Hugh Parker out wide.  Unfortunately this pass was adjuged to have been forward and GHK were finally out of time.  Hawks winners by 12-7.  A very entertaining game, very well contested and fantastic that Old Anniesland provided both finalists.
 
Thanks to all the players who gave everything in an absolutely awesome effort and were unlucky not to have won.  Also thanks to new head coach Kenny Hamilton for running the squad.  Congratulations to Hawks though and also to the other Hawks 7s team who made the final of the Boroughmuir 7s.
 
Squad
1. Robbie Shedden, 
2. Gordi Reid, 
3. Hugh Parker, 
4. Andy Shedden, 
5. Andy Fleming, 
6. Russell Johnston, 
7. Rory Love, 
8. Scott Cameron, 
9. Danny Hoffman, 
10. Euan Cadger

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This article was originally posted on 30-Apr-2010, 20:03 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 1-May-2010, 07:18.