GREENOCK Wanderers host old rivals and former Scottish champions Glasgow Hawks tomorrow in a specially arranged challenge match to commemorate the opening of their new �1.2million pound clubhouse.

The match is the showpiece event of a weekend rugby festival during which all ages at the club, from the Old Crocks to the Mini section, will play at Fort Matilda in front of their own support.

The relationship with Glasgow Hawks goes back many years. The current club is an amalgam of Kelvinside Academicals, Glasgow High School FP and Glasgow Academicals, who have merged over the years to produce the Hawks, established in 1996.

When Wanderers moved to Fort Matilda, in 1922, Kelvinside Accies played the inaugural match and, when the previous clubhouse was opened in 1967, Glasgow High School FP were the opponents. Glasgow Academicals also visited Fort Matilda in 1993 when a commemorative match was arranged to celebrate the completion of a refurbishment programme at the former pavilion.

Hawks are one of Scotland"s top clubs and will provide a stiff test for the Wanderers 1st XV tomorrow.

The festival weekend gets underway in earnest tonight when the "Old Crocks" take centre stage, and two more sides will play an inter-club match followed by some entertainment, beer and burgers. Judging by the waistline on some of these former legends, burgers and beer should be the last thing on their minds. The game kicks-off at 7.30pm.

Jimmy Liddell, Sandy Crear, Dave McVey and Gordon McTavish are just some of the talented "geriatrics" on show, and as usual an entertaining match is in prospect, handled by former international referee Eddie Murray.

On Saturday afternoon the Wanderers under-18 side host Scottish Cup winners Stirling County in a curtain raiser, kicking off at 1.30pm. The Bridgehaugh outfit put the Wanderers youngsters to the sword a fortnight ago, but Bob McFarlane"s lads are made of stern stuff.

The 1st XV take centre stage at 3pm and they will relish the challenge of playing Premiership opposition. There is little doubt that Glasgow Hawks will test the young Wanderers side to the full. Wanderers enjoyed a rare victory this season in last weekend"s league match against Garnock, and that should boost confidence. A disco for members and guests will conclude Saturday"s festivities.

Sunday afternoon is reserved for the Mini and Midi sections of the club, who will meet guest teams. A colourful and entertaining spectacle is anticipated and local rugby fans are invited along to enjoy the stars of the future in action.

Beer tent, tuck shop and burger stalls will all be open during the weekend along with, of course, the members" bar.

President Donnie Cunningham said: 'The formal opening of the clubhouse By HRH, The Princess Royal, in February, was a great day for the club, but we felt we should follow that up with a rugby occasion in which all the players, members and supporters could share.

'The weekend festival is mainly a fun event and we hope our members and spectators will come along throughout the weekend and take in some of the action.

'We will also be supporting the Dreams-4-U charity, which is aimed at raising money for sick children to be sent on a dream holiday which otherwise they couldn"t afford. The charity"s trademark plastic "pig snouts" will be on sale for a �1 each at Fort Matilda, and we trust that our members and patrons will give generously to such a worthwhile cause.' All in all a fun-filled and jam-packed weekend is scheduled at Fort Matilda.

Schedule: Friday 2 May, Old Crocks match, kick-off 7.30pm. Saturday 3 May, Wanderers U-18s v Stirling County U-18s, kick-off 1.30pm. Wanderers v Glasgow Hawks, kick-off 3pm. Match sponsor for this game is CAL MAC Ferries.

Sunday 4 May, Wanderers Mini and Midi matches.

l Wanderers are sponsored by National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd.