We are very grateful to the Club’s ex snapper Kenny Bailey who came out of retirement yesterday to capture a few images from our hard fought and gutsy bonus point win over Glasgow Hawks 36-22.
The Greens got the scoreboard ticking over with the metronomic boot of Kirk Ford who landed two penalties, before the sides exchanged tries. Hawks crossing first for a converted try before the lethal Andrew Mitchell sensed a gap which he powered through for Ford to convert. 13-7. Hawks however went in to the break ahead as they firstly worked an opening to score their second try, followed by a further penalty.Half time 13-17.
With Hawks finishing the first 40 the stronger the Mansfield Park faithful were looking for a reaction from the men in green, and what the second half produced was something to wam the hearts on a cold February afternoon. Firstly the previously dominant Hawks pack were marched back by a powerful Hawick scrum and from the resultant penalty Ford cut the deficit to one point.
The Greens were then reduced to 14 when Lee Armstrong saw yellow as he was adjudged to have interfered with play. However the home side managed the ten minutes well with some measured play, actually winning a penalty which the ever reliable Ford slotted to give the Greens the narrowest of leads 19-17.
The Hawks to their credit replied quickly as they powered their way over for their third try setting the game up for a grandstand finish, 19-22.
What then took place showed the heart and spirit of this Greens squad, as a side ravaged by injury throughout the season, were galvanised by a host of tremendous performances, epitomised by that of captain Shawn Muir, took everything the Hawks could throw at them. As the coaches rung the changed off the bench, bringing of Grant Huggan, Corbin Cumming and Owain Gray, Hawick never missed a beat. With the youngsters, (including Grant), showing just what it means to pull on the jersey.
The momentum created saw the ever present Mitchell cross for two further tries, one in particular a copybook score from a solid scrum 5 out, as Logan Henry broke and popped the pass to Mitchell who had run a sublime line.
Although Hawks tried to claw back the deficit in the dying minutes, Hawick’s tails were up and the bonus point was ably secured when a deft chip behind the defensive line from Kirk Ford was beautifully read and raced onto by scrum-half Logan Henry who beat the Hawks cover to the ball. Final score 36-22.
The Greens will now reset and prepare for the challenge of Melrose who will visit Mansfield Park next week, in the rescheduled fixture lost to the snow in November.
However coaches Hogg and McLeod will have been delighted at the commitment and desire shown by the squad on Saturday, and should be commended for the work they have done with this outstanding group of players over the season.
