Glasgow Hawks Wings Clipped By Stunning S2 Performance

Both teams took the field in glorious sunshine and settled into the game with an early try for Cumnock being matched by the visitors and at the end of the first 15 mins of generally scrappy play Cumnock had managed to edge in front 2-1.

The coaches got to work on the team stressing the importance of closing down the opposition on their ball so not allowing the strong Hawks runners any space to work in. They also encouraged the forwards of the need to up their work rate if they were to win the breakdowns. The boys responded in excellent fashion as the second stanza kicked off with the vistors feeling the effect of the homesides pressing game. Time after time the Cumnock forwards forced the turnover to release their slick backline who penetrated the visitors defence time after time. On the occaisions when Hawks did win some ball for their backs the Cumnock defensive line was quick to close down any space and the visitors started to run out of ideas. By the end of the second phase of play the Cumnock team had developed a well deserved lead over the vistors with a 6-2 lead.

Whilst heaping praise on the players during the break the coaches stressed that this Hawks team was a dangerous side and any reduction in the intensity of the Cumnock performance would be siezed upon by the visitors. If they were to close out this match it was vital that the Nock team continued their level of play through to the final whistle. The players committed to maintaining their work rate and this was to prove too much for the visitors who never added to their tally in the final encounter. In fact the Cumnock team raised their game again and ran in three more scores showing flair, passion and commitment that was a credit to each and every one of them.

At the conclusion of the game the Hawks side were devastated at the rugby lesson thay had experienced on the day. The Cumnock coaches were delighted with the performance levels shown throughout the game and stressed to the palyers that this should be viewed as a benchmark for the season ahead. One coach was heard to say " this comes as no surprise as the boys have worked very hard during the summer break and is a taste of the success they can achieve when they believe in themselves and are prepared to put everything into their performance."

Whilst an excellent team effort notable performances on the day go to Taylor Howie who bagged a hatrick of tries, Callan Gordon who won numerous breakdown situations as well as a brace of touchdowns, props Andy Harkiss and Scott Faulds who had outstanding performanes in the loose and team captain Jack Reilly who led from the front with crunching tackles throughout.

Try scorers on the day were Taylor Howie (3), Callan Gordon (2), Andrew Harkiss, Gregor Aitken, Terry Ballantyne, Gavin Wight and David Smith (plus 9 conversions)

This is a significant result for the talented S2 outfit and will hopefully be a platform they can build upon for the season ahead. They should be confident that if they play to their potential in future games they can compete with any team.