The BYAFA 2006 Youth Kitted season took off in remarkable style when the Hawks travelled to Cambuslang on Sunday to take on last season's North Conference Champions, Glasgow Tigers. The game was always going to be a hard fought and difficult battle with both sides, traditional powerhouses, having several rookie players.

Getting the better of the early exchanges the Hawks forced the Tigers to punt on their opening possession only to fumble the punt away. Taking advantage the Tigers capitalised fully, converting a fourth down quarterback sneak, to keep their drive alive, before QB Kris Kennedy completed a twenty-one yard pass to Derek Russell for the opening score. Russell, living up to his reputation of being one of the better kickers in the youth game, added further to the score when he converted the extra point kick.

The Tigers defence then stood firm and forced Hawks to punt. Once more Tigers drove to the endzone behind a powerful ground game. Scott Watson finished the drive by nipping in from seven yards out to increase the home side's lead to 14 - 0 by the end of the first period.

In the second period the both sides still managed to move the ball before stalling at crucial points and the Hawks never looked out of the game. Chris Nichol grabbed a wayward Tigers' pass and promptly too off fully over fifty yards to the delight of the visitors' supporters and sideline to narrow the deficit to 14 - 6.

In the third quarter the Tigers offense struck once more. Scott Watson added to the score on a six-yard driving run while Russell slotted over the kick as the Glasgow side padded their lead to 22 - 6.

Both defenses held firm throughout the fourth quarter, nullifying anything the respective offenses could throw at them. A highly enjoyable and closely fought game ended with defending champions recording their first victory of the year. The Hawks can take a lot of heart from their performance, and once their rookies have gained more competitive experience, they are sure to be in the shake up at the end of the season.