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On the opening Saturday of
the new 2011 -2012 league season, Hawick travelled to
Goldenacre to play Heriots. With Hawick just making it
into the top eight of last season's campaign, it was
vital to get off to a good start. Confidence was high
with good pre-season friendly results and the return of
some key players.
Hawick lost Danny
Landels in the opening minutes with a knee injury to be
replaced with Nick Mactaggart. The first half saw Hawick
were struggling to get into any sort of rhythm, making
too many unforced errors and falling off too many
tackles and this resulted in Heriots going into a 11-0
lead through 2 penalties and 1 unconverted try.
The second period saw
Hawick start with much more purpose, still making the
odd error but now playing the match in their opponents
half. Good pressure finally produced a well deserved try
for Neil McColm in the far corner to bring Hawick back
into the match at 11-5. Hawick were now playing some
good rugby with the backs and forwards combining well.
They kept the momentum going and from a move started in
their own half, Gary Johnstone strolled in next to the
posts which Lee Armstrong converted to give the visitors
a 12-11 lead with the match going into the last ten
minutes. The second half had been all Hawick at this
stage but Heriots upped the pace in the latter stages.
Two penalties gave Heriots a 17-12 lead and a soft
converted try in the final minute gave the home side a
24 points to 12 victory.
Over the whole match, a
rather disappointing display from Hawick who will have
to produce a much improved performance against
Boroughmuir next Saturday. |
