The Evening Times reports

Pyrgos is playing hard ball
Published on 16 Aug 2011


Bert Mitchell

Henry Pyrgos is hoping to use Glasgow’s next two games to secure the No.9 shirt for the Rabo-Direct Pro 12 League opener at Ulster.

The Warriors scrum-half turned in an excellent performance against Newcastle Falcons as Sean Lineen’s side began their pre-season build-up with an impressive 17-7 victory.

Warriors will have two more games before they head to Ravenhill on Friday, September 2 – a meeting with Peter Wright’s Glasgow Hawks next Monday, then English Premiership side Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park on Friday week.

Pyrgos said: “My target is to try and get the number nine shirt for the league opener against Ulster. I feel I have benefited a lot from having my first full pre-season under my belt and hopefully that showed against Newcastle.

“I think all of the lads were just delighted to finally get the game time we have been building towards. It is going to take a few outings to get our full match sharpness back but, hopefully, that will come quickly. The main thing for me is that I am in the best shape of my life thanks to the pre-season we have put in. I would say there are a few guys like that.

“I know I face a fight for the number nine shirt with Colin Gregor, but I might have an advantage in that Budgie has had a knee injury to contend with. It is up to me to make the most of my opportunity. Hopefully my performance against Newcastle was positive in that respect.”

The impression left by last Friday night’s victory over Falcons were, indeed, positive. Pyrgos’ service was sharp and accurate, and the tempo to his game was markedly up on last season. But he was not alone.

What was obvious was that the Falcons clearly wilted badly in the final quarter, while Glasgow’s fitness superiority gave them a marked advantage. There were pass marks for all Warriors’ new boys, and Pyrgos admitted his half-back partnership with summer signing from Melrose, Scott Wight, is one that excites him.

The Glasgow No.9 said: “I thought Scott had a great 40 minutes. He kicked accurately and intelligently, and he has a bit of experience under his belt which, given we have such young stand-offs, will be a benefit for us.

“Rory Pitman was also really impressive when he came on and he gave me some extra protection. His physicality levels are immense. So I think we have given ourselves a great platform to build towards Ulster and our confidence is high.”

This article was originally posted on 16-Aug-2011, 13:14 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 16-Aug-2011, 13:15.