Biggar RFC 19 Glasgow Hawks 28

The first stop on the two game weekend tour was Biggar RFC on Friday evening. The game started in warm sunshine and finished in almost total darkness.
Biggar coached by David Wilson former Hawks Captain & Coach are always stuffy opponents especially on their home ground, and they made this encounter, especially in the second half, a real test for the Hawk defence.
Hawks fielded a squad of 27 players in an effort to give as many players as possible match experience.
The half-time scoreline of 7-28 for Hawks was very satisfying. Based on a solid set piece game. Hawks backs had a plentiful supply of the ball, allowing them to demonstrate the power, pace and subtlety of their attack.
The game got off to a sloppy start from Hawks as they conceded a try in the 3rd minute. From a set scrum 25 metres out, Biggar ran the ball across the back division and poor defence let their winger break a tackle and romp home. From that time, Hawks dominated the play and ran in 4 converted tries without reply. Excellent back play led to 3 of them, James Pinketon X 2 and the 3rd by winger Calum Ferrie, the 4th from a well controlled maul, by Paul Cairncross were the scorers.
At this stage in the season, coach Andy Hill is mining for diamonds among the new recruits, and he certainly unearthed a few with this first half performance.
Half backs. 18-year-old former Strathallan schoolboy Eric Davey, at scrum-half, and former Lenzie stand-off Gav Cruikshanks were excellent. Gav converted all four tries. In the pack, Oscar Baird No8 former Highland & Guernsey player and 18-year-old 2nd row former Glasgow Academy schoolboy Ruaraidh Hart both caught the eye.
At half-time, multiple changes took place and the intensity of the play and the running lines dropped off, allowing Biggar to exert much greater pressure. During the final quarter, Hawks were under real pressure, but the good news was that their defence was excellent, and they only conceded two tries despite the constant bombardment.
All in all, an encouraging evening.
Our thanks and best wishes for the season go to Biggar Rugby Club for organising the game and their post-match hospitality
Now on to Blaydon this afternoon.