Heriot's 25 - 21Glasgow Hawks: Last-gasp win keeps Heriot's in the hunt

HERIOT'S emerged from a tight encounter at Goldenacre on Saturday with a dramatic win over Glasgow Hawks, which ensures they remain in the hunt for a fourth place finish in the Scottish Hydro Premier League and possible qualification for next season's British and Irish Cup.

Despite his side putting in a performance which he described as "a little disappointing", Heriot's head coach Bob McKillop declared himself satisfied with the result.

"Given the overhead conditions, the pitch and the time of year, I thought the overall game was just a little of a mess," said McKillion. "I think it was a missed opportunity for the guys to enjoy their rugby."

Hawks held a 9-8 advantage at the break thanks to three Duncan Weir penalties, while the Heriot's points came through an unconverted try from winger Marc Teague and a penalty by Graham Wilson. Teague completed his brace early in the second half, with Wilson adding the extras and a further penalty to give the home side a two-point advantage entering the final quarter, with the additional points for Hawks coming when prop George Hunter smashed over from close range for a converted score.

The real drama was yet to come though – Hawks winger Kerr Gossman crossing for a score in the 80th minute. His try was converted by Weir and that appeared to have delivered a knock-out blow. However, Heriot's gathered the restart and a sweeping move culminated in flanker Michael Maltman diving over for a converted score that led to jubilation in the home ranks and left Hawks coach Peter Wright disappointed. "We got ourselves into a winning position and to lose it at the end is always the worst way to lose a game," said Wright.

Scorers:

Heriot's: Tries: M Teague (2), M Maltman; Cons: G Wilson (2); Pens - Wilson (2).

Hawks: Tries: G Hunter, K Gossman; Cons: D Weir; Pens: Weir (3).

Heriot's: C Goudie; M Teague, M Nimmo, R Mill, J Alston; G Rutherford, G Wilson; A Dymock, K Bryce, M Welch, P O'Connor, M Reid, M Maltman, C Fusaro, J Syme. Subs Used: N Meikle, C Owenson, C Osazuwa, P Eccles, S Johnson.

Glasgow Hawks: C Gossman; K Gossman, E Morrison, G Harkness, R Hair; D Weir, P Jericevich; G Strain, J McLay, G Hunter, R Hamilton, M Whittleson, R McKay, G Oommen, G Strang. Subs Used: C Kerr, C Taylor, A White, G McDonald.

Referee: J van der Merwe.