Premier cup: Brothers star as Dumfries give Hawks a big scare

THE Hiddleston brothers of Dumfries didn't know whether to grin or grimace last night after a remarkable display against Glasgow Hawks in the revamped Scottish Cup.

Hawks - who had been averaging 35 points per match in the top flight - had been expected to steamroller their opponents from two divisions below. But Sam and Tom Hiddleston had other ideas.

Hawks did eventually scrape home by 29-21, but it was the star siblings who emerged as the real heroes of the day. Sam claimed a hat-trick of tries - all of which were converted by Tom.

A cricket score had looked likely when Hawks surged into a 19-0 lead thanks to touchdowns by Ross Miller, Grant Strang and Craig Gossman. The ambitious home side replied in positive fashion and the visitors had to rely on scores by Kerr Gossman and Kris Hamilton to make sure of the win.

Boroughmuir also heaved a huge sigh of relief after being made to battle all the way for a victory. Muir had been tipped to cruise through at the expense of newly promoted third-grade side Dalziel at Motherwell. But the Edinburgh giants were grateful to edge a close contest by just 10-0.

A try by Jamie Doubleday and two goals from Harry Leonard gave the Meggetland men a far from convincing half-time advantage. Superb defence by the hosts prevented any further scoring.

West of Scotland also had to toil at Whitecraigs before securing a 15-5 win. Ally Stevenson, Elliot McLaren and Mark Davis went over for West, with Fraser Campbell nipping in for the Whitecraigs counter.

Frazier Climo marked his first start of the season for holders Ayr by claiming a haul of 19 points in the 57-10 demolition job on Perthshire at the North Inch. The playmaker notched a try and seven conversions as Shire failed to emulate their competition form of last year.

Howe of Fife - who stunned Glasgow Hawks last term - went within a whisker of grabbing another major scalp. They were leading Aberdeen Grammar going into the final stages, only for Dons hooker Niall Shannon to turn the tide.

Brian Archibald scored two tries and three conversions for Stirling County as they crushed Peebles 31-0. The other Stirling tries came from Craig Black, Graham Gilliland and Ben Addison.

Currie's match at Hamilton was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.