Glasgow Hawks 16
Hawick 16
RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE
GREENS’ supporters who made the trip to Glasgow were treated to a hard-fought, dour at times, but ultimately exciting game which ended honours even.
The first 15 minutes was a tightly fought, fast display of aggressive rugby from both sides, with Hawick putting consistent pressure on their hosts. This resulted in a penalty, Neil Renwick confidently kicking between the posts.
But the Teries’ lead was short-lived when, just four minutes’ later, Gormley crossed the line and Adamson converted. This advantage was extended to 10-3 following a penalty – awarded against Hawick for a front-row infringement in the scrum – which was kicked by Adamson.
Hawks began to look the better side and eventually pressure told when the Borderers infringed in front of the posts. Adamson put the hosts 13-3 ahead.
But Hawick heads did not go down. Surging forward play in the midfield led to a break by Lee Armstrong, giving the backs the chance to pass quickly out to winger Steven Anderson who scored in the corner for a try which Renwick was unable to convert.
The second half began with more fast, aggressive rugby. Hawick had two penalty attempts from Renwick during this spell – both uncharacteristically going wide. More home pressure led to a penalty under the Hawick posts and Adamson put his side 16-8 up.
However, again the Greens’ forwards raised their game and, with superior fitness beginning to show, they produced a series of good possession which the backs used to great effect. With only five minutes remaining, a slick handling move involving backs and forwards led to Graeme Anderson accelerating round the last defender to score in the corner. Armstrong’s effort at the extra two points hit the post and bounced out.
With less than two minutes of play left, Hawick forced a penalty seven metres inside the Hawks’ half. Renwick resumed normal service by putting the ball between the posts to complete the scoring.
Hawick coach Phil Leck said: “In the end I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t win. I think Glasgow will feel as if they got out of jail.
“We played our best half of rugby this season, with good structure and more mature play against a very dynamic, well-organised Hawks side. Both teams played modern, fast rugby and the boys did very well to come back after a difficult first half.”
Hawick: Renwick; McLeod, Armstrong, Hogg, S.Anderson; Hutton, Cottrell; Launders, Gibson, Keown, Smith, Willison, Graham, McTaggart, Davies. Subs: Scammell, Landels, Lowrie, Johnstone, G. Anderson.