THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

Watsonians 11 - 34 Glasgow Hawks: Hawks feed on Watsonians' disarray

Published Date: 30 August 2010
By ALAN LORIMER
AT MYRESIDE
Glasgow Hawks' position at the top of the Premiership after just two rounds of the competition seemingly suggests a twin challenge from west clubs this season.
But before any gongs are dished out prematurely, judgment on Hawks' title credentials should wait until the end of September when Hawks, by then, will have faced Currie, Ayr and Melrose on successive weekends.

Having opened against West of Scotland and Watsonians, Hawks have had a gentle run into the championship. Which is just as well for coach Peter Wright, currently experimenting with several new personnel.

On Saturday, former Dalziel flanker, Andy Hill, made an impressive Premier One debut in a powerful Hawks back row that was both creative in attack and ruthlessly efficient at the breakdown, while centre David Milne, who moved from Waysiders/Drumpelier, looked purposeful in midfield.

But Hawks' big stars were full back Craig Gossman, whose sheer pace and clever footwork caused Watsonians' defence problems throughout the match, and Dean Kelbrick, the South African born and Scotland qualified powerhouse centre.

For Watsonians it was another difficult afternoon. The Myreside team, as their coach Marcus Di Rollo conceded, has experienced a diet of defeat over the past two seasons. But there were signs that matters are improving. "We were much better today in both the set scrum and the line-out," observed Di Rollo, who is expecting his squad to strengthen in the coming weeks.

"We're hoping that Andrew Skeen and Doug Brown will be back soon from injury," said Di Rollo. It is likely that two big forwards will be arriving at Myreside to strengthen the pack.

Personnel alone will not help Watsonians' cause. Much better use of the ball, more aggressive competition for it at the breakdown, and more thrust going forward would all help.

Watsonians' only try came from sub Ali Rowe right at the end of the game, by which time Hawks were already celebrating after Kelbrick (2), replacement prop John Malakoty, fellow front rower George Hunter and lock Andy Kirkland had crossed for match-winning tries.

Scorers: Watsonians: Try: Rowe. Pens: Forbes, Ker. Glasgow Hawks: Tries:Kelbrick(2), Malakoty, Hunter, Kirkland. Cons: Adamson (3). Pen: Adamson.

Watsonians: A Nash; R Minto, M Di Rollo, C Sorbie, J Forbes; R Aitken, J Blackwood; S Laird, N Hart, K Coertze, D Seed, S Ursache, N Dennis, M Fedo, D Finnie. Subs used: D Orr, J Pelter, G Walsh, A Rowe, M Ker

Glasgow Hawks: C Gossman; T Steven, D Kelbreck, D Milne, K Gossman; M Adamson, P Jericevich; N Nyemba, E Milligan, G Hunter, C Harvey, R McKay, A Hill, R Miller. Subs used J Malakoty, C Taylor, R Niven, J White, A White

Referee: C Rudkin (Hawick Linden)

This article was posted on 30-Aug-2010, 06:59 by Hugh Barrow.