McDonald toasts happy returns as Warriors clean up

GLASGOW ...... 50 S KINGS .......... 0

KIRAN McDONALD’S man of the match prize proved the perfect birthday gift as Glasgow Warriors surged back to top form and ignited their Pro14 title charge.

Without their top stars Dave Rennie’s men had made a scrappy start to their campaign.

But the return of scrumhalf George Horne in particular sparked a superb revival – sweet revenge after their shock defeat by the Southern Kings in South Africa last season.

Glasgow lock McDonald said: “Being 25 is a bit of a landmark – and so is rattling up 50 points.

“After our sticky start to the season, we knew we had a performance like this in us. We put some pace on the ball and scored some brilliant tries.

“We can now use this as a stepping stone for the rest of the season.”

Warriors dominated the opening exchanges but couldn’t turn pressure into instant points.

They eventually made the breakthrough in the 11th minute when a lineout peel paved the way for Grant Stewart to plough over. Glasgow then spurned the chance of a penalty pot at goal and opted for a scrum in the danger zone.

And the gamble paid off as Matt Fagerson burrowed through from close range.

Adam Hastings added the extras but even better was to come midway through the half when Callum Gibbins shook off four challenges for No.3.

With George Horne conducting the show, Warriors kept up the momentum to earn the bonus-point touchdown five minutes later through prop Oli Kebble.

Hastings’ strike opened up a gap of 24 points. And Nico Matawalu exploded his way into the contest straight from the restart as he latched on to his own chip-ahead for score No.4.

The trend continued after the break and Fagerson claimed the next try, goaled by Hastings.

Ref Joy Neville handed Warriors a penalty try when Kings’ pack capitulated on their line and the rout was rounded off by Ratu Tagive.