‘Self-belief’ key as Little’s men stun Borderers to secure last-eight slot

GIANT-KILLING coach Cammy Little labelled GHK’s BT Scottish Cup triumph over Premiership side Selkirk one of the highlights of his career.

The former Glasgow and Barbarians scrum-half issued his verdict after watching them claim a quarter-final slot against Ayr or Stirling County in what was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament.

GHK — three divisions below the visitors — had leaked an early try at Old Anniesland, but battled back to score three tries to stun the Borderers.

And a thrilled Little said: “It was a very special day for everyone connected with the club, and certainly a new high for me since I started coaching.

“It was the sheer enjoyment and selfbelief among the guys that carried them through. They performed with maturity and patience, deserving their success.”

Little added: “We won’t be worrying about our next Cup match until we get the crucial National Three encounter with Dumfries out of the way. We have a 100 per cent record in the league and that is what we will focus on.”

He was backed up by club president Glenn Woolard, who added: “It was an outstanding display by a team who have just kept on developing over the past few years.

“It was a great collective effort and it would be impossible to pick out any individuals for special mention.

“The boys will be keeping their feet firmly on the ground in the build up to facing Dumfries.”

Scores by Mike Borthwick, Danny Cameron and Marc Taylor sealed the glory for GHK, with Mike Martin making light of the tricky conditions to convert all three.

Elsewhere in the ties that beat the weather, Premier champions Heriot’s had to dig deep to pip Jed Forest 20-19 at Riverside Park, Currie surged to a 31-0 success against Watsonians at Malleny Park and Dundee HSFP had to come from behind to snuff out Falkirk 27-19 at Mayfield.

GHA edged out Biggar 26-18 at Hartreemill and Cartha QP sneaked past Aberdeenshire 25-20 in the Granite City.

While GHK were celebrating their stunning victory, it was a different story for parent club Glasgow Hawks, whose hopes of sneaking last-gasp entry to the Premiership title play-offs were decisively dashed.

They lost 35-14 to Boroughmuir at Meggetland.