Predatory Hawks show no mercy to young West side

WEST OF SCOTLAND...8, GLASGOW HAWKS....34

THERE was, claimed the West support, an element of dej vu about these proceedings. West had similarly flattered to deceive against Gala in the opening quarter earlier in the campaign before eventually succumbing to greater fire power.

So the Hawks still fly high at the top of the BT Scotland Premiership, having taken game set and match at Burnbrae by five tries to one. It was not a pretty sight, even remembering the nature of the conditions; the first half was played in heavy cascading showers.

West had entered the fray with an appetite which certainly seemed to discomfit their more fancied opponents.

In the opening minute Alan Gibbons tore apart the Hawks midfield defence and Stuart Eynon kicked the opening penalty. Although Kenny Baillie equalised with a drop goal, the initiative was certainly with West.

But it was the visitors' elegant full-back, Campbell Aitken, who produced a most inelegant sclaff from his own line which led to the opening try after 10 minutes. West gobbled up the resultant line out and Scott MacKechnie got over for the try.

Had they then been able to capitalise on their most enterprising start, they would have ameliorated what was about to turn into a disaster area for them. But 25 minutes had gone without further score, when the quicksilver Gerry Hawkes scampered down the left wing.

A rolling maul close to the West line and Baillie's flick to Richard MacKnight put the scrum-half over. Aitken's conversion put Hawks ahead 10-8 for the first time.

They had played without the rhythm or tempo of which they are capable but they were unable to look this gift horse in the mouth.

Aitken, intent on rectifying his earlier mistake, strode home from 40 metres in a splendid solo venture while the rest of his side observed from a distance.

The second half was never a contest with this young and weakened West side giving ground throughout.

As the sun came out and the conditions improved so did the fortunes of the league leaders wax strong. Rory McKay began to assert himself on the touchline and five minutes into the second half Andy Plastow was driven over from one such take.

Another was soon to follow with Andy Ness the willing recipient as Eugene Martin arrived from the substitutes' bench.

Finally, after a West comedy of errors, a Barry Mutter try resulted, first from a piece of initiative by Gerry Hawkes then a short penalty and a huge Martin pass.

Baillie's conversion made it 34-8 as West convened at the whistle to discuss their demise.

Copyright 1999
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