Yesterday 39 playing members and a dozen or so intrepid supporters and committee members of Glasgow Hawks RFC descended on Kingston Park, the home of Newcastle Falcons, for a pre-season fixture against Blaydon RFC. Unfortunately the 2nd XV match was cancelled as the opponents were unable to raise a team, at this level, so early in the season; however Fin Gillies and his coaching team did an excellent job of giving as many players as possible game time to get them prepared for the coming season. The match was played as a warm up prior to the Falcons match against Rotherham and, as a result, a healthy crowd had built during the second half and they were entertained by an exciting and competitive game of rugby by two well matched sides that, in total, produced 9 tries.
In the end it was the solid defence and ferocious tackling, coupled with the ability to counter attacks that lead to Hawks victory.
The strong swirling wind and artificial surface gave Hawks some early problems resulted in Hawks conceding an early converted score. After the first 10 minutes Hawks settled and began to look dangerous in attack. They levelled the scores and soon after went into a 12-7 lead only to concede another try to bring the scores level again.
As the game went into the second quarter Hawks began to dominate and by half time they deservedly lead by 24 points to 12. Their handling and support play had been exemplary during this period.
The third quarter continued in the same vein and Hawks scored a further 3 tries to lead comfortably by 39-12. In the final quarter multiple changes in personnel by both sides took place and the pattern of the game changed. Hawks continued to attack but too often these attacks broke down at the final moment. Blaydon took advantage of this and scored 3 converted tries to bring the final score much closer than looked possible with 20 minutes remaining.
All in all Hawks could be satisfied with this performance as they fielded a young side with many of the players new to the Club some looked very promising and will make it into the first team this season and some will have to develop their skills and fitness for a bit longer in the 2nd XV. The good news is that despite some players moving on at the end of the season a hard core of experienced players remain and they looked in good form so early in the season.
Finally a word of congratulations to referee Hamish Robertson and his team for the highly efficient way they handled the match. The playing of advantage was well judged leading to a fast flowing game that kept the game moving at a good pace. Also thanks to Blaydon RFC for their hospitality and the Falcons for the use of their superb facilities at Kingston Park.
The final warm up fixture takes place next Saturday when Hawks visit Mansefield Park to play Hawick.
The first league game takes place the following Saturday when newly promoted Marr RFC are the visitors at a venue still to be decided.

Match details

Match date

Sat 19 Aug 2017

Kickoff

15:00

Team overview