McKean 5 + 2

Tom Hope 5

Ben Scott (solo) 5 + 2

McKean 5 + 2

26-0

Bailey (great work by Ro) 5

31-5

Kelso 7

31-7

Fin Douglas 5 (great work Ro)

36-7

Hawick Force took the field tonight, after a frustrating couple of weeks without rugby, and showed just how much the squad have developed and matured this season, as even after a laid off, they hit the ground running, scoring 6 tries to 1, putting in a most professional and disciplined performance, faced with which the Sharks had no answer.

Within 3 minutes Ronan McKean had signalled his intent, blistering through the Kelso defence to dot down near the sticks, Bailey D adding the extras.

Tom Hope was next on the score sheet, barrelling the opposition out of the way for try number two.

The Force forwards were truly zoned in tonight, and they would continue in much the same vein throughout the first half. Coach Matt Landels must have been extremely pleased with the professional way the lads approached this game….. exhibiting quick hands, great ball retention and recycling, and terrific support, all the while dominant in the set pieces, as they had their opponents reeling time and time again.

Next on the scoresheet was live-wire scrumhalf Ben Scott with a sharp break from the scrum after which he dummied and outstripped the defence from 40 yards, Bailey Donaldson adding the extras with a sublime touchline conversion.

McKean was hunting the ball all over the park tonight, and scored his second and Hawick’s fourth with another powerful and direct run, Donaldson once again didn’t disappoint with the boot.

Coach Matt Landles team talk at half time would have been along the lines of ‘more of the same please lads’, and although Kelso pressed hard in the early stages of the second period, Bailey Donaldson scored Hawick’s 5th after Ronan McKean once again pressed the panic button in Kelso back line, bursting through tackle after tackle before giving a sublime offload to his captain to score.

Kelso then had their best period of the game as Hawick soaked up the pressure, until finally a chink in the Force defence let the visitors in for their first score.

This ultimately would be the only points the Sharks would pick up tonight, as the Force were stung back into action.

McKean, the catalyst for so much in attack once again picked his line and punched a hole in the Kelso defence only being stopped inches short, however Fin Douglas was on hand to pick up, pump the legs and drive over to score Hawick’s 6th and final try of the game. Final score 36-7.

This truly was an outstanding performance from the Force squad who from #1 to #20 were terrific tonight.

Discipline was excellent, composure on ball spot on, handling top drawer, and support for each other lightning quick. The speed with which the lads are playing the game, and good hands throughout the squad means teams are put under relentless pressure from the get go……making for a great game rugby for the Friday Night Lights crowd!

Difficult to pick out individuals from such a complete performance, and I will leave the MOTM to coach Matt, however special mention in dispatches for Ronan McKean, Ben Scott, and the ‘crimson connection’ of Bailey & Hughie Donaldson and Tom Hope, in tandem with a powerful front row, towering locks, a destructive back row, complimented by gifted young backs, learning on the job, who will run all day, and tackle everything in sight, these guys led by example…..

Keep it coming lads……keep it coming! 🏉💚