Date: Saturday, 11th February 2006
Kickoff time: 15:00
Against: Aberdeen GSFP
Team: Hawks 1st XV
Location: Away
Competition: Premiership Division 1
Final score: 17 - 17 (lost)

GLASGOW Hawks will have to wait before claiming their third successive league title having shared the points with Aberdeen GSFP in Premier One's second draw of the season. The game ended 17-17, though Hawks came agonisingly close to the fourth try that would have brought the crown. Grammar were awarded a penalty try and scrum-half Luke Parsons crossed. Fly half Keith Oddie kicked both conversions and added a penalty. Hawks' three tries came from Al Maclay, lock Mark Sitch and fit-again flanker Greg Francis, while Mikey Adamson managed one conversion in the freezing conditions. It's The Damned Waiting Carruthers Aberdeen GSFP 17 : Glasgow Hawks 17 Two and a half hours in the Green Phantom-mobile (each way), relieved by a very pleasant lunch at Blackford. My Young Friend and I set off in expectation of the Hawks finally carrying the premiership title off for the third time in a row to the accompaniment of congratulations through the gritted teeth of Andy Irvine. In the event it now has to wait for Boroughmuir on the 28th of the month as the drawn game left Hawks just short of the neccessary points. The journey was made through some gae dreech weather (I see it as my mission to educate the rest of the group in the ways of Scottish. Gae dreech is what you or I would refer to as pissing down and a raw wind.) We fully expected a heavy pitch and a battle to recognise the players through the mud. In the event it was cold and dry with a 'firm' breeze running from end to end. The temperature may well have registered above zero but it will be Tuesday before my nuts disturb the smooth, green contours of the super-hero costume. The game was surprisingly sprightly. Mine were probably the only dropped balls from the cold as the pace of the game couldn't have allowed the players to chill. Aberdeen had clearly decided to do Hawks no favours. To be honest they looked like a grizzled and artful pack to me and I wouldn't have stepped on to the pitch with one or two of them unless I'd heard them speak beforehand - in a recognisable tongue. They certainly gave an energetic workout to the Hawks and I'm sure that there were some bruised bodies in the showers afterwards. Older fans may remember a Welsh international of days gone by, one Geoff Wheel by name, lock by position and possessor of a nervous twitch of head and shoulders that made the sight of him carrying a tray full of beer across a crowded bar a truly nerve wrenching spectacle. I mention this because the Aberdeen hooker yesterday seemed stricken with a similar twitch. It was lucky for his teammates that it only appeared to strike him when in the vicinity of Hawks players. I also had some sympathetic feelings for the Aberdeen coach who was clearly thinking of sending for a golf cart to ensure that his tight head was able to get back on side in time for the next play. Apart from that the game allowed no complacency at all. Aberdeen never looked like breaking out while Hawks never looked completely in control. Hawks kicked off with the benefit of the breeze and dominated most of the early play. They were able to punch through on the forward moves and regularly made the gain line before being turned over. For their part Aberdeen were able to hold the ball but not make headway. Ten minutes in and McClay was able to drive over for the only Hawks goal of the afternoon with Adamson slotting the conversion. Two minutes later, more or less straight from the restart Mark Sitch scored a dynamic effort but this one stayed five points. First half injury time brought Aberdeen's first rewards of the afternoon when a penalty try was accompanied by a yellow card for Hawks second row Ross MacDonald. Nearly ten minutes in to the second half Aberdeen were able to take advantage of the strong breeze in their favour with a long penalty from just inside the halfway line. Eight minutes later Greg Francis was able to crash over for another five points. Adamson's kick bounced off the upright which, coupled with a penalty that bounced off the crossbar might have saved Andy Irvine yet another trip to see the Hawks play. Luke Parsons crossed for Aberdeen with minutes to go and the goal, combined with a penalty, set up a frantic last five as both teams tried to break the deadlock. It wasn't to be however and the game closed with an honourable draw. Hopefully Andy Irvine will be on hand for the Boroughmuir game to raise a glass of the bubbly stuff to Hawks. I was glad to see that my comments about Murray's touchfinders have borne fruit. Yesterday afternoon he played both touchlines with some success. Now if I can only find some way to convince the centres of the need to break inside occasionally and run in to space... A few minutes in the Aberdeen club house allowed the enjoyment of a fine guiness as we watched England struggle against Italy. Back to the studio for some blonde bimbo who manages the task of making John Inverdale look competent. regards The Green Phantom No team list has been added yet.

Click here to go back to the previous page