Hawks in firing line

Jan 16 2009 by Alan Rennie, Stirling Observer Friday

COUNTY are expecting a battle royal at Bridgehaugh tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) against Glasgow Hawks.

“The players know that we simply must win if we want to stay in the First Division,” said coach Ian Jardine this week.

Hawks have moved seven points clear of Stirling after two five-pointers on the trot. However, they too have had the scent of the Last Chance Saloon in their nostrils.

After last Sunday’s win against Boroughmuir, Hawks coach Peter Wright said: “They (Muir) are mid-table and safe but we were fighting for our life – and it showed.”

Skipper Alex Moffat and Graham Calder went on a spying mission on Hawks last Sunday and they have provided plenty food for thought for Jardine.

“They use Okie (former Stirling player Ian Noble), right, a lot to break the opposition line and we’ll have to be ready for that,” said the former Scotland centre.

“Hawks also love to counter-attack and they had our defence looking badly exposed in the game earlier this season at Anniesland.”

County were told this week by Edinburgh that they wouldn’t be able to call on any of their allocated professionals.

Roland Reid and John Houston are on a provisional list of NINE replacements for Edinburgh’s game against Castres tonight (Friday). Prop Ryan Grant is recuperating from an operation to repair groin damage.

It will not be known whether Glasgow Warriors will be releasing any of their players to Hawks until after the team for the game in Toulouse tomorrow is announced.

Earlier this season, Warriors stand-off Michael Adamson, ironically a Stirling-born lad, was the big difference between the sides.

County’s players enjoyed a very physical training session on Tuesday. They were glad to be back at Bridgehaugh rather than on the university astroturf.

Later, Alex Moffat gave everyone a pleasant surprise when he revealed that he could be OK for tomorrow.

Definitely out though is centre David Lyle, who could be sidelined for six weeks with knee ligament damage.

Jardine announced that his team will be as follows:–

Hope; Lindsay, Gilmour, Archibald, Addison; McGowan, Calder; Hunter, Moffat or Simpson, Davies, McFarlane, Gilchrist, Clarke, Eadie and Deacons.

On the bench will be Garry Mountford, Ross Aitken, Kevin Bryce, Jason Hill and another front row player, dependent on whether Moffat makes it or not.

The 2nd XV are also in action tomorrow at Stirling against Hawks, kick-off 2pm.