Glasgow Hawks 2's 26-10 Melrose 2's

Tough old test to start after the big freeze but coaches apprehension misplaced by most controlled performance of season. Intensity at training and in warm up carried onto the  pitch and early pressure allowed Ally Maxwell to pick from base of scrum and give Euan Morrison chance to stretch over line for first score. Mike Martin's conv made it 7-0 after 4mins.Tricky conditions made it difficult for both teams to get continuity. Melrose resorted to constant pick and drives playing into the wind but found Hawks defence solid and organised. Most of their attacks ended in  turn overs from the huge hits going in.  Hawks eventually got some pressure and a high tackle allowed Mike Martin to make it 10-0.
Melrose straight up the field, got penalty for Hawks going in at side and kick drilled over from 30metres.  With wind behind Hawks needed a bigger lead and for next few minutes got tempo up, stretching Melrose but struggling to convert chances.Eventually from another Ally Maxwell pick up and drive , Mini Mitchell picked a great line and finished well. Mike's conv and pen for last kick of half made it 20-3 H-T.
Crucial refocus at half time, weather against and a recent history of poor starts to 2nd half concentrated the minds. Hawks played with great patience and moved ball well against the wind. Melrose were always going to get pressure on and eventually after hammering at line for a few minutes managed to drive over , 20-10 after an hour.
Rather than panicking Hawks dominated rest of game without adding to try total. Some  well constructed moves  let down by cold hands at crucial times!!  But pressure on Melrose defence resulted in numerous penalties without ref thinking it was persistent!? 23-10 after great run by Milto Hamilton and forwards driving him to a foot of the line and Melrose coming in at side to stop a certain try. One last infringement  made it 26-10.
Great team togetherness and ruthless defensive organisation laid foundations for solid win.

This article was posted on 17-Jan-2011, 22:52 by Hugh Barrow.