A beautiful summer day, sunny with a light breeze and at 2pm on Saturday the sound of a referee's whistled signalled the start of the new rugby season after 18 months in limbo.
Lenzie were the visitors and Hawks the home side, and there appeared to be a cast of thousands, especially threequarters.
The game was split into 4 sessions of 20 minutes each. Lenzie from West Division 1 are coached by former Hawks favourite, Stephen O'Donnell affectionately known as Chippie and he is clearly doing a good job as his charges gave a good account of themselves. Although eventually overwhelmed by the strength and pace of the Hawks backs they never gave up and on the whole tackled their hearts out throughout the afternoon.
It was expected that there would be some rustiness but by and large the handling in the good conditions was fairly good and unlike, some of the turgid rugby witnessed over the weekend on TV there was plenty of running and handling on show in each of the periods.
From a Hawks perspective, it proved to be a valuable session, with so many players new to the Club clearly determined to demonstrate their determination to try to establish a place in the !st XV this season. The scrummaging and lineout work, for a first run out, was acceptable and should improve as the season develops.
Our thanks go to Lenzie for being sporting opponents and, we thank them for playing and wish
them every success this year.
We also wish to thank David Young for refereeing and hope to see him in the Premier division this season.
Hawks next pre-season friendly take place next Saturday when they visit Stirling County at Bridgehaugh Kick Off 2pm.

Al Graham