TRAVELLING more in hope than expectation, Hawick RFC's vociferous band of supporters were richly rewarded for making the 190-mile round trip to Stirling on Saturday.
It was edge-of-your-seat stuff at Bridgehaugh, but the Greens battled as if their lives depended on it. And their stunning 26-24 victory was no more than they deserved after a rip-roaring performance - summed up perfectly by a clearly delighted coach, Gerry McGuinness: "It's attitude, technique and desire and the boys have got that in buckets."
Typifying that desire in the Hawick ranks was scrum-half Rory McPherson. The former Quins man was down receiving treatment in the closing stages and it looked as if he'd have to be replaced. McPherson had other ideas, though, and, showing great determination and bravery, he was soon back on his feet, carrying the fight into Stirling territory.
But McPherson was just one cog in a well-oiled Green Machine. And McGuinness was quick to point out that Saturday's opening victory was "a big team effort". Herein lies the key to Hawick's season. The coming weeks and months will no doubt throw up some stern tests, but if the Robbie Dyes can reproduce that "big team effort" week in, week out - there's absolutely no reason why the club's somewhat ignominious sojourn into premier two shouldn't be just that. A temporary stay, before they're back where they belong - the top tier of Scottish Rugby.
C'mon Hawick!
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