Glasgow Hawks 8 Heriot’s 16: Champions clip Hawks’ wings

Graham Wilson in action for Heriot's. Picture: Andrew O'Brien

Hawks rattled the defending champions, especially during a third- quarter purple patch that brought them their only try, but Heriot’s had reserves of power and patience to hold out for a fourth straight victory in the league.

First blood went to Heriot’s after six minutes with a 30-metre Graham Wilson penalty. And he added a second ten minutes later from almost the same spot.

Both teams struggled to get any rhythm into their play with a succession of errors breaking up the flow of the game.

Heriot’s were probably the worst offenders but five minutes before half time they finally got it right,  winning a lineout on the home 22 and forming a maul that went all the way to the line for flanker Ian Wilson to get the try. His namesake converted.

The score seemed to energise Hawks who went straight to the other end of the pitch and stand  off George Horne was able to open their account with a 25-metre penalty.

The second half started as  scrappily as the first had ended but with Hawks looking the livelier team. Winger Robbie Houliston almost got away on the left before the  visiting defence managed to close ranks.

A yellow card for a high tackle by Heriot’s hooker Michael Liness put his team on the back foot and Hawks took advantage as replacement full back Jacob Adamson went in at the corner to score. The conversion was missed.

A third Wilson penalty pushed Heriot’s into an eight point lead and, although Hawks battled to the end, missing two late penalty attempts that might have rescued a losing bonus point, it was enough to win the match.