The Greens travelled to Goldenacre on Saturday……making the trip to the capital for the fourth time in as many weeks, as they looked to secure both a home play-off spot, and retain the Norman Suddon Memorial Shield which they won at Mansfield Park last season.

It was ultimately mission accomplished for the Dyes, but only after a hard fought game and a tense finish, as once again this fixture between two greats of Scottish club rugby kept the crowd on the edge of their seats right to the final whistle!

The first quarter was played out like a game of chess, with both sides probing, and looking for a first opportunity. Heriots went to their big pack time and time again, as they used the line-out drive to good effect. Indeed the Goldenacre outfit were first on the scoresheet with an unconverted try.

Hawick then started to rouse themselves for a somewhat slow start and began to gain momentum. By using a clever lineout, Shawn Muir was able to release Hooker Renwick on a run into the Heriots 22. Recycling ball the Hawick forwards ramped up the pressure and eventually the Heriots defence was breached by Fraser Renwick who dived over, with Kirk Ford converting. 5-7 to Hawick.

Hawick came close to doubling their efforts when they set siege to the Heriots line again, as the returning Jae Linton created havoc. Recycling the ball and with the line at their mercy, Hawick looked to move the ball wide, however a call of crossing was made by the referee, and the Blues were able to clear the danger. Halftime 5-7.

It was evident from the way Hawick came out for the second half that both coaches and players had laid their cards on the table, and the Green Machine was in a different gear.

From a superb take on the touchline, Stuart Graham zipped the ball in to Kirk Ford on the visitors 10 yard line….. in a split second the fullback sized up the situation, and beautifully stepped past the Heriots defence….. sprinting on, he had good options with the great support lines being run, and a pop pass inside to the ever present Cal Renwick saw him turn on the afterburners and cruise in under the sticks, for a fantastic try. Ford duly converted 5-14.

Although Heriots were defending well and continually probing themselves, Hawick marched back up the pitch and after several forward drives, tying in the Blue's defence, the ball was whipped wide for winger Morgan Tait to dive into the corner for try number 3.

With the score at 5-19, it looked like the Greens would push on for the bonus point, however Heriots themselves to their credit had other ideas. Although the Greens defence had been excellent all day harnessing the dangerous running Heriots back-line, as the game entered it’s final stages Heriots pressed, and sending the ball wide, went in the corner for an unconverted try. This gave the Goldenacre faithful something to cheer, and their spirits were lifted even further with a third home try was scored as the minutes ticked down.

With the score balanced at 17-19, Hawick as they have done so often this season, tightened things up and cleverly retaining possession, wound down the clock to ultimately secure another win on the road.

This win has secured a home semi-final tie for the Greens, as well as retaining the Norman Suddon Memorial Shield, and is nothing less than the lads deserved following another outstanding league campaign.

11 points on the road in the last 3 weeks against quality opposition, all vying for play-off places, is quite an achievement for this squad of players, who will regroup now, and sit down on Tuesday, in order to prepare for their final game of the regular season, and a trip to Philiphaugh to face Selkirk, who themselves have had a couple of excellent results on the road recently, and who currently are in possession of the Bill McLaren Shield.

Keep it going lads…… one game at a time…. as always💚🏉💪🏻