Waysiders v GHK Preview (no.2)

This Saturday sees probably the most important game for GHK since the creation of the Hawks. They travel to face league leaders Waysiders with both sides having genuine chances of taking the title. However, a loss either way will all but mean National 5 rugby next season as Dumfries will take the 2nd spot, assuming they win their final 2 simpler games.

Not too much needs said about the quality of the two teams...Waysiders have lost just once this season at home - against Dumfries - and GHK travel on the back of an 8 game winning streak including the incredible performance at Marr last weekend.

Squad News

Injuries, unavailabilty and the Hong Kong sevens have hit the visitors - Indeed no less than 5 personnel changes have occurred in the starting XV. Chuck McElroy makes a welcome return to full back having been away for a season in Singapore. Dave Fearnley moves back to centre to replace Olly Jones who has been called up to Hong Kong sevens by his dad, obviously not realising the world class rugby will be taking place at Coatbridge! Jamie Millan is replaced at 10 by Ali McAra, who was quick to point out that GHK has not lost any game he has started at fly half this season...if you like your superstitions...

In the forwards Ken Cowan moves to the back row and Scott Hutton out altogether. Returning to the pack are Chris Lyall and Jamie McKinnon in the middle row and Colin Donald in on the flank. The bench has to be finalised with late fitness tests for a number of players, such is the importance of the game.

Team
15 C McElroy
14 A McTavish
13 D Fearnley
12 S Petrie (c)
11 R Love
10 A McAra
9 C McFarlane
8 S Pollock
7 C Donald
6 K Cowan
5 J McKinnon
4 C Lyall
3 R Welsh
2 G Reid
1 J Carlin

Bench from:S Burleigh, D Monoghan, F McKinven, S Hunter, C Breckinridge, D Ross

The game kicks off at 1pm in Coatbridge and support is encouraged for this table top match.

This article was posted on 18-Mar-2005, 00:01 by Hugh Barrow.