Hawick Force 24 Heriots 34
The Volunteer Park saw a wonderfully attacking game of rugby after the weather had tried all week to spoil the party. This youthful Force team were undone only by the odd missed tackle in a ten-minute, second half spell when their bigger, older, opponents scored 3 tries. The first 30 minutes yielded no score for either side yet this was a feast of attacking rugby with last ditch tackles coming to the aid of each side with almost every move. However, it was the visitors who scored first having been extraordinarily lucky to retain 15 players after a horrendously late tackle on the young Teri playmaker Cian Riddell that left the outside half concussed. After that Heriots cut through for a couple of tries whilst the metronomic boot of Kyle Brunton kept the hosts close.
Some lovely, adventurous play from Hawick saw the Force score a try before the break with Charlie Welsh always in the right place and huge endeavour and heart from Harris Brogan. Steven Mabon mysteriously had a try disallowed as he led by example as always before he was correctly awarded a try shortly afterwards. At the break the Force were 17-10 down but coach Davie Lowrie asked for more and the pack stepped it up with Rory Smith willing to carry and tackle all day long. Jack Chelley dived in bravely to score for the home side and with Brunton kicking three conversions and a penalty Hawick came back well to worry and harry the Heriots side throughout. Liam Graham gave everything in the pack and with Arran Fletcher really stepping up, the Force powered back into it despite another disallowed try. As he had been during the week in flood prevention, Murray Renwick was immense on the pitch. Rarely has he played as well and his constant presence was rewarded by a crashing try from running a brilliant line.
Hawick pressed relentlessly, through the likes of livewire Sam Frizzel, for the late try that would have given them the 2 bonus points their effort very much deserved, but it did not quite come. Man of the match had all of the earlier mentioned contenders, but Kyle Brunton was outstanding all day long. His place kicking was exemplary, he kicked hugely and intelligently from hand, and his speed and accuracy of pass created numerous opportunities. Well, done the Force, you were very unlucky not to topple the league leaders.
