Hawks edge Nails

Glasgow Hawks caused an upset at Old Anniesland, knocking Heriot’s off the top of the table, in what was a closely fought encounter, sealing their second win of the season over the Edinburgh side.

The result means that now Ayr climb to the summit of the BT Premiership table following a 32-14 win over Gala.

Hawks led 11-3 at half-time through a try from Man of the Match Paddy Boyer and kicks from George Horne.

In the second period, Heriot’s livened up and scored through Liam Steele and Nathan Borel tries but Hawks were resilient and ground out the win thanks to more kicks from George Horne and a Paul Ramsay score.

After the match, an elated Hawks coach, Jamie Dempsey said: “That was a really significant result for us, to be able to beat them home and away this season, and shows we’ve got the metal to compete with the best in this division.

“The guys showed an immense amount of character against a very good Heriot’s team who were the favorites due to how high they are up the top of the table.

“We’ve got the best defensive record in the league but just haven’t been firing in attack so to be able to edge out a team like Heriot’s helped produce one of the best games of the season.

“It’s now upto us to kick on from this and be consistent.”

Hawks lined up with Colin Gregor at full-back and Warriors EDP Tommy Spinks was also included in their starting 15. Finn Gillies captained the home side.

Heriot’s were without their captain Jack Turley who featured for Edinburgh against Leinster last night. George Turner and Struan Dewar joined the Heriot's squad for the first time this season.

Heriot’s went into the match heavily fancied of winning but after 20 minutes they found themselves behind.

Earlier in the match a Graham Wilson penalty gave them a 3-0 lead but a converted Paddy Boyer try put the hosts 7-3 ahead.

In a fairly even first half, BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 Academy player, Glenn Bryce broke clear after 39 minutes and looked certain to score but was bundled into touch just as the line looked as though it was in sight.

At half-time, Heriot’s coach, Phil Smith would have stern words to say to his men but after the break it was the hosts who started promisingly and made it 11-3 through a George Horne kick.

After 51 minutes, Heriot’s built up a prolonged period of pressure and they touched down through Nathan Borel but the conversion was missed.

Hawks were quick to respond though with George Horne, brother of Glasgow Warriors back, Peter, converting a penalty.

Four minutes later, Graham Wilson narrowed the gap once again, notching a penalty.

With the game too close to call, quick thinking from George Horne released Paul Ramsay who motored down the left flank to touch down.

Horne then converted to put them 20-11 ahead.

Heriot’s weren’t to go down easily and Liam Steele broke clear after 70 minutes before producing a mesmeric sidestep which allowed him to dive under the posts, before the kick was converted.

As the game neared a close, Heriot’s desperately tried to build an attack from deep but failed to do so and Hawks clinched a deserved victory.

Elsewhere in the BT Premiership, Melrose defeated Edinburgh Accies 16-5, Hawick drew 31-31 with Currie and Stirling County beat Boroughmuir 29-18.

Hawks: Colin Gregor, Tom Steven, Brendan McGroarty, Davie Milne, Paul Ramsay, George Horne, Paddy Boyer; Steven Findlay, Jack McFarlane, Gary Strain, Andy Kirkland, Jonny Agnew, Stephen Leckey, Finn Gillies (C), Tommy Spinks.

Replacements: Mateusz Bartoscek, Brendan Cullinane, Andy Davidson, Andy Fleming, Robbie Houliston

Heriot’s: Glenn Bryce, Charlie Simpson, Liam Steele, Max Learmonth, Harry Boisseau, Stewart Edwards, Graham Wilson (C); Gavin Cameron, Davy McGregor, Struan Cessford, Russell Nimmo, Jamie Syme, Joe Naya, Jack Mclean, Jason Hill.

Replacements: George Turner, Nathan Borel, Jack Turley, Struan Dewar, James Fleming.