HAWICK 24 HERIOT’S 23

Heriot’s challenge for a playoff place stuttered while Hawick retained hope of Premiership survival in a game that had almost everything, writes Atholl Innes.

A red card, three yellow cards and a final-kick victory made Phil Smith, of Heriot’s, the less happier of the two coaches, but the revival of Hawick, which George Graham joined during the season, has instilled belief that survival is possible.

“We knew that it would be hard here,” said Smith, “but I am disappointed with the outcome” – particularly as Heriot’s dominated the second half with 14 men after Michael Maltman had been sent off just before half-time.

However, it was Hawick who produced the final sparkle with a try in the 83rd minute by Darcy Graham and Lee Armstrong slotted the conversion.

The hosts played with a belief and spirit in this must-win game, but Graham admitted: “We are not there yet. There is work to be done.”

The drama began in the second minute when Iain Wilson was sent to the sinbin for a challenge on Gary Munro. From the penalty, Shawn Muir was driven over and Munro added a second try from a break, but Armstrong was unable to convert either score.

Ross Jones cut the deficit before Maltman was redcarded and Bruce Mcneil scored on half-time and Armstrong converted.

Heriot’s qualities up front were rewarded with tries from Martin Hughes and Ross Carmichael. Stuart Edwards converted both and shared penalties with Jones but Hawick were not to be content with a losing point.