Welsh is the wizard dazzling Wanderers

Steven McArthur - Steven McArthur • Published 23 Mar 2009 12:30

Hawick YM 29 Greenock Wanderers 13

WALES may have missed out on Six Nations glory on Saturday, but it was Hawick fullback Gregor Welsh who had a field-day at Mansfield Haugh.

Wanderers travelled with several enforced changes to the normal starting line up. Out due to injury were Callum Robb and Brendan McGroarty and also missing were captain Chris Clark, winger David Watson and lock Fraser Chamberlain.

Wanderers kicked off with a stiff breeze behind them and were immediately into attack. Early pressure paid off when YM were penalised for handling in the ruck and Ant Devlin stepped up to slot the first points of the afternoon.

Devlin attempted to further the lead with a well-hit drop goal which flew just wide of the upright, before Welsh missed a penalty opportunity.

On 33 minutes, Hawick got their breakthrough as No 8 Gibson smashed his way over from three metres out.

In the second period, Greenock were awarded a penalty some 35 metres out and, despite a strong wind against him, Devlin struck his team back into the lead. Eight minutes in, the referee yellow carded Hawick replacement hooker Finn for foul play and as they did not have another front row sub, the next 10 minutes were played with uncontested scrums.

The referee"s next decision was to penalise Greenock prop Marc Coyle for entering the ruck from the side, and Welsh stepped up to strike home the penalty.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 23 Mar 09

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