The Herald writes

Flying Gossman brothers hit top gear for red-hot Hawks
Published on 7 Sep 2010


Neil Drysdale

Sibling rivalry and Scottish rugby have always gone together like Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

Where would the game in this country be without the coruscating excellence of the Milnes, Calders, Browns, Lamonts and Hastings brothers?

All of 30 years ago, Jimmy and Bryan Gossman emerged out of West of Scotland to earn international calls and now the former’s sons, Craig and Kerr, have illuminated the early stages of this season’s Premier 1 campaign with a brio and panache which suggests they, too, could fly the Saltire.

Kerr, who turns 19 later this week, has already represented his country at age-group level and is part of the Scottish Rugby Union’s new Elite Development squad; Craig, at 21, has improved with every campaign on the club circuit and was named man of the match in Glasgow Hawks’ 46-26 victory over Stirling County at the weekend, a result which maintained the Anniesland club’s 100% record and propelled them to the summit of the table.

Already, in three outings, the Gossmans have snaffled half-a-dozen tries between them and, while sterner challenges lie ahead in their next trio of fixtures against Currie, Ayr and Melrose, there is an understandable buzz around the camp, not least because the side are averaging in excess of 40 points a game.

“We know that we need to keep performing, but hopefully we can contend for the title,” says Craig. “I have enjoyed every season with Hawks after starting out at GHK [under the guidance of his dad at the age of seven], and my ambition is to be the best that I can be with the guidance of our coaches.[They are led by the former Scotland and British Lions prop, Peter Wright].”

As for Kerr, who shares the blistering pace of his big brother, there is a desire to sprint up the ladder as fast as he blitzes down the wing. “This is my second season at Hawks; the boys are great and there are lots of new exciting players on board. I have been attached to Glasgow Warriors since June and it has brought a new dimension to my training and development. My aim is to fulfil my dream of playing for my country in the future.”

Both youngsters are indebted to the influence of Jimmy – “he has always driven us on from an early age, with help, advice and support. Although he is our biggest critic, he is also our biggest fan” – and yet they have also benefited from the athletics background of their mother, Hilary. Their sister, Nicola, has competed for Scotland at 100m and 200m and is contemplating a comeback before the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

It is an uplifting story, similar to the way the Beatties, John and Johnnie and Jennifer, have paraded their talents in a variety of pursuits, while staying true to their Glasgow roots.

On the basis that nothing excites a rugby crowd more than speedsters hurtling toward the line as if their lives depended on it, the Gossmans have all the qualities required to prosper.

This article was originally posted on 7-Sep-2010, 06:37 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 7-Sep-2010, 06:58.