HAWKS co-coach Peter Laverie hailed the “sheer physicality” of his men as they snuffed out the Premiership champions on their own turf to further boost their own prospects of squeezing into the title play-off process.
In one of only two top-flight encounters to beat the elements, the Old Anniesland brigade fully merited their triumph.
They adapted better to the horrendous conditions at Goldenacre, dominated the scrummages from start to finish and generally looked the hungrier outfit.
“The whole performance was very pleasing," said a delighted Laverie. "The players really stepped up and really took the game to Heriot's, particularly our forwards.
“The rain was bad enough, but it was the wind that particularly affected things. For both teams, the lineout was challenging but we certainly had the upper hand at scrum time throughout.
“ I’m sure we got the better of territory and possession, however we were all delighted with our defensive organisation and sheer physicality.”
While stressing the “team effort” aspect of the success, Laverie added: “Matt Smith at openside, Andrew Kirkland at blindside and scrum-half were the stand-outs – along with the whole front row.
“While the overhead conditions were awkward to say the least, I have to stress that the pitch was in tremendous shape and it made for an all-round happy day for us in the capital.”
Not only did Hawks celebrate the pocketing of four precious points, they also took custody of the Bill McLaren Shield.
They had signalled their intent when an early Brendan McGroarty surge stretched the host defence.
Having maintained the momentum, they created an excellent overlap try for winger Erland Oag, following fine work by Robert Beattie.
Heriot’s suffered another setback as Martin Baub was yellow carded, however it wasn’t until after the restart that Hawks struck again.
They opted for a scrum instead of a kicked penalty and the gamble paid off almost instantly when Andy Hill darted over, with Josh Henderson adding the extras.
Despite being outmuscled in every aspect, Heriot’s refused to buckle completely and their pluck was rewarded with a consolation-point score from Iain Wilson.
The home brigade manufactured other opportunities during the prolonged period of stoppage time, but Hawks survived the late rally.
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