Watsonians 59

Hawick 5

HAWICK'S remarkable change in fortunes came to an abrupt end in the capital on Saturday.

And head coach George Graham was given a reminder, if one was needed, of the task ahead if he is to turn the Greens into a Premiership force.

In fairness, Hawick were without several big names for the clash with Watsonians at Myreside but even at full strength they would struggled to contain the home team.

Graham said: "We had little in the way of shape and there were too many errors.

"Watsonians were ruthless and took every opportunity.”

It all started so well for the Greens as Ross Combe raced in from his own half for a first-minute try.

But the stunning start by Hawick only acted as a wake-up call to the Watsonians team.

A fast-paced handling move led to Jason Harries levelling the scores with a burst of pace down the flank just a few minutes later.

Al Harris edged Watsonians in front with the conversion.

Rory Steele raced in for a second try just five minutes later.

The continued home pressure soon led to a third - this time powerful play up front led to Rory Drummond barging over.

The successful conversion gave Watsonians a 19-5 lead.

Approaching the half hour, the home team secured the bonus point with Craig Borthwick battling through several tackles to ground the ball.

The Harris conversion stretched the lead to 26-5.

Hawick's defence continued to be torn apart with Michael Fedo barging his way over the line on 33 minutes.

Harris again kicked the conversion.

Hawick attempted to respond before the interval.

Following half a dozen phases in the hosts 22 Gary Munro barged over, only to be held up.

There was little sign of a fightback after half time as Watsonians opened their lead further within minutes of the restart.

Mark Bertram showed great strength to run through tackles and reach the line.

Harris took the home tally to 40 points.

Willie Thomson and Darren Miller were to score further tries as Hawick struggled to cope in the closing stages.

And in the final minute Harries completed the scoring with try number nine.