On Friday evening Glasgow Hawks development squad participated in the Whitecraigs RFC 10 a-side tournament for developing players. This tournament is aimed at players in the 18-20 age group to encourage them to continue to play rugby at the adult level. It is an excellent idea and Whitecraigs should be congratulated on this initiative.
A Hawks squad of 11 players appeared in the club colours and over the 4 games the players acquitted themselves well by winning two games, drawing one and being narrowly beaten in one.
The format took the players some time to adjust to. There are uncontested scrums and lineouts are replaced by tap penalties. This didn't help Hawks as they have a powerful scrum and experienced lineout players, but it certainly tested the players fitness especially as they had to play the first three games without a break.on a warm and sunny evening.
Hawks easily saw off the challenge of Cartha Queen's Park and a combined East Kilbride/ Hamilton team, drew three tries each with Whitecraigs and went down by two tries to one to a well organised Biggar side who had a big squad if players.
Hawks were able to field a squad who have potential. The half back pairing of scrum half Murray Godsman and Calum Coates showed up well with Murray scuttling away, George Horne style, for numerous tries.
These players will be a good addition to the Hawks squad next season. The more experienced second row forward Calum Duke, who played regularly in the 2nd XV last season, caugh the eye with his fitness by putting in a really good shift in the final game. Ewan Rintoul and Scott Bell were also prominent throughout. All the other unnamed members of the squad showed potential for the future and it will be interesting to see their progress over the next few years.
The squad was coached by Gary Strain the Club's Development Officer