Gala Old Crocks 14

STARS of the past turned out in force at Mansfield Park on Saturday for what is hoped to be the first of many Old Crocks encounters this season.

The valiant vets put on a very creditable performance during the game with plenty of effort and commitment from both teams.

But it was the Greens who edged ahead in the latter stages to take the victory on home turf.

Hawick supporters witnessed the years roll back as 52-times-capped centre Jim Renwick worked his old magic in the middle of the park, while former Greens internationalist Derek Turnbull, playing for the opposition, was forced to leave the field early after an accidental clash left him with a broken shoulder.

Hawick scored first from winger Hughie Mitchell with a try in the corner before Gala replied with a touchdown from John Laing, converted by Graham Ferguson to take a 7-5 lead into the break.

A welcome nip of port revived the teams at half-time and Gala increased their lead with another converted try, this time Rob McCrirrick going over for Ferguson to add the extras, early in the second half.

From this point on, it was all Hawick, however, and tries from Alistair (Ice) Imray, John Peffers and finally from Nick Bannerman, took the hosts into the lead.

John Hogg found himself playing a dual role in the game and after officiating for a spell in the first half managed to find the legs in the second to make two conversions, taking the final score to 22-14.