West Regional Cup Final 2012-2013
GLASGOW HAWKS v AYR UNDER 18’S.
For the second time in 3 weeks and 4th time this season we travelled down to our new “away” home at Millbrae Ayr.
Having seen off residents Ayr in the Semi-final we were to play the only other team; Dumfries; that we had yet to beat over the course of the regular league season. As with our hosts Ayr, Dumfries had won their first league fixture against us by a sizable margin, this being much reduced to single figures in the return match. This was the Final, and we were “due one”!
You could see in the Hawks boys’ eyes and their demeanour that the intent and focus was there. This was tempered; in the supporters eyes anyway when we saw the size of the Dumfries team that took to the pitch. The Hawks pack must have been 1 to 2 stones lighter…..per man! This looked like it was going to be a “tough night at the office”, and so it proved.
Hawks received kick off and “punched up” around the fringes, gaining territory and eventually ended up in the Dumfries 22. They ball was moved quickly wide, and run in.
Hawks 5 v Dumfries 0. ​​​​​The kick was good so…………………………………..
Hawks 7 v Dumfries 0.
The match continued with Hawks exerting more pressure on a clearly surprised Dumfries side. This pressure eventually leading to a penalty wide left on the Dumfries 10 being awarded to Hawks. We could not hear what was said; no doubt out of frustration at this unexpected turn of events; but Dumfries were duly marched back 10. This fell nicely into range, though still at an unpleasant angle and was duly converted.
Hawks 10 v Dumfries 0.
Dumfries responded well to their credit, and started to use their sizable forwards to pick and go, ruck following ruck into the Hawks 22 where the heavily pressured defence failed to roll away to the referees satisfaction and were penalised. Dumfries converting.
Hawks 10 v Dumfries 3.
Hawks took up the challenge, moving the oppositions pack all over the pitch at pace. This was rewarded when their offloading and support work found the ball again over the whitewash and under the posts, the conversion successful.
Hawks 17 v Dumfries 3.
Dumfries continued with their match plan, using their pack to drive it up, the ball rarely moving to their backs. Hawks as planned tried to counter this with quick ball and movement. This again worked as quick ball found an overlap, however desperate defending, and a good cover tackle was spoiled by not releasing (in his defence the tackler had no support) this resulted in another penalty to Hawks. The difficult angle proved too much and the first half ended with Hawks leading 17 points to 3.
The second half started in frenzied fashion, Dumfries using their power game to keep Hawks on the back foot, and Hawks to a man defended as if possessed. For ten to fifteen minutes Dumfries had scrum and rucks in the Hawks half, with Hawks conceding several penalties’ for sealing off or hands in. Dumfries scorned the chance of 3 pointers in favour of a “scrum” on every occasion. The front row in particular, must be congratulated for standing up to this continuous pressure from a much bigger pack; however the entire Hawks pack and backs tackled like demons. From one such massive defensive effort 5 meters out from their posts, the “thin red line” turned over ball (both 6 and 7 put in huge performances’ over the course of the match) and again quick and clever backs play got Hawks out of jail. A passage of great offloading and support running resulted with another try to Hawks under the posts. This was converted easily.
Hawks 24 v Dumfries 3.
As the match drew to a close Dumfries were given a penalty on the Hawks 22 in front of the posts, determined to get over the line they chose to scrummage once more. Again outstanding defence held up and the resultant ball was turned over and kicked up to halfway. The whistle was blown and Hawks had not just won The Cup (the 4th piece of silverware in as many weeks) but had again turned the tables on one of only two teams to have beaten them in the league this season.
Great credit must be given to a Dumfries side who never gave up, for such a challenging match, and although they played hard they and their coaches were most gracious in defeat. They will provide a tough challenge for most opponents.
Hawks match day squad to a man, both backs and forwards, played well. They were terrific in defence and quick and incisive in attack when in possession. This in conjunction with their willingness to run in support throughout the match and clever offloading gave them a deserved victory.
This was a very physical match with both benches being used to the full due to injuries sustained, and at this point I would like to wish Paul McAleer of Hawks a full and speedy recovery from the dislocated shoulder he suffered defending his line. We all wish you well. Similar best wishes to those of our opponents who also were injured in a bruising encounter.
This was a fitting end to a “roller coaster” first season for a virgin Hawks under 18’s squad, who grew and grew together as the season progressed.
It was also a fitting victory for 2 of our coaches who are departing “to play with bigger boys”.
Our thanks and best wishes go with Head Coach Kommandant J Couper and Backs Coach Rear Admiral G Boyle.
Well done to all the Glasgow Hawks under 18’s squad, you have all played your part over the course of an unexpectedly successful first season at this age group. Some of you will be leaving for college / university / work, good luck and wherever you go remember to come back. To those of you returning onwards and upwards. To all remaining coaches, managers and parents many thanks for all you have done for the boys and club, hope to see you next season.
The Major.

This article was posted on 16-May-2013, 08:20 by Hugh Barrow.