Firsts edged out at Hawks

On: 2010-04-04 14:54:17

Glasgow Hawks 33 Watsonians 22

The first XV fought hard, but went down to defeat at Old Anniesland on Saturday to remain in the Scottish Hydro Premier One relegation zone with just one match remaining.

If Edinburgh Accies can defeat Heriot’s in their final match - that encounter may be played this midweek now with Heriot’s out of the cup - then the firt XV will be down before they even play Melrose in their last match later this month.

Watsonians had the better of the early exchanges and stand-off Mike Ker gave them the lead with an eighth minute penalty. They the had a couple of good chances to add a try, but pressed the self destruct button in the 26th minute when back-row Mike Fedo was sin-binned.

While he was off Hawks made it 3-3 with a penalty from stand-off Andy White and just after his return second-row Mat Whittleston scored a converted try.

Watsonians levelled things up at 10-10 shortly after the interval when winger Richard Minto, pictured, marked his return from eight months out through injury with a try.

Hawks then scored 13 points in a five minute spell to take control of proceedings. White added his second penalty before tries from livewire centre Robbie Hair and winger Marc Taylor.

With 19 minutes to go with Hawks centre Graham Harkness in the sin bin Watsonians got hope through a try by full-back Ali Rowe. However, Hawks scored two more through replacement John Maclay and Gavin McDonald - as opposed to one from Watsonians centre Max Learmonth - to secure the win.

The team gave everything during the match and their commitment and effort cannot be faulted. They should have been further ahead in the opening 25 minutes and were made to pay for that. They also were not helped by injuries to Harris Grant and Gary Scott, while Stuart McInally was putting in a great shift until he had to come off at half-time under National Academy instructions.

There were a number of supporters through at the match which was good to see and if the team can still stay up come Melrose, currently on April 17, then hopefully even more supporters will travel down to lend support.

GH