Dear Diary,

What a pissy start to the day, having to turn up at Dumbreck at noon for a 13.00 hours kick-off against Shawlands. What with all the rain during the week I was surprised the pitches were playable. The reason for the early kick-off became clear in due course: five matches on three pitches. It is very clever of Cartha to let other sides such as Glasgow Caledonian University to play their matches there, but it sure messes up the day for those kicking off early. It is great if you’re playing in France, but here in Scotland is an advertisement for summer rugby. The post match atmosphere was subdued, and worsened with the news that neither Hawks nor GHK will feature at cup finals day.


Bill Criggie turned up from work via a night-club and due to the willing assistance of a passing News of the World photographer I am able to append a photograph to record the occasion.


Scott Burliegh appeared to the news that he had been moved to prop and although he did not relish the prospect, declared ‘anything for the good of the team’. How I wish everyone shared his enthusiasm and sense of duty. Another who played out of position was Alex Christie, who confounded those forwards who look down their noses at backs by starring at wing-forward.


The action this week was particularly scrappy, but it seemed that every time the ball was spread wide right, substantial ground was made. Indeed four tries were scored from play along that wing, with Liam McDermid making a significant contribution to at least three. This week the centres MacRae and R Johnston passed at least as frequently as they returned to the forwards and I hope this improvement will continue next week. In one interesting passage of play McDermid hacked inside to McGonnigle who hacked outside to McDermid who hacked back inside for McGonnigle to gather and score. Other tries on the right came from Graydon, R Johnston McGonnigle, two of the three from inside passes by McDermid. Only one try came from the left, when from a break started by Makusha, McGonnigle declined to pass inside, and (saving himself from a post-match kicking) powered through two tacklers to the line.


The line-out improvement that was witnessed last week continued, with Graydon jumping at the front and stealing a large percentage of the opposition put-in. Captain O’Callaghan must have been feeling unadventurous, as he instructed Criggie to convert three penalties, more than in any other game this season. Siddell played soundly and securely, Fuchs was fearlessly faultless, and Macleod mostly magnificent.


Half time score: 37-0.


Full time score 37-0. A dull second half characterised by an out-of-touch GHK performance and only marginally enlivened by substitutes Lewis and Neilson, with a cameo appearance from McNair. The lovely ladies of Bryce Constable, Andy Nielson and one other appeared to watch the game and liven up proceedings.


The team was McGonnigle, Makusha, MacRae, R. Johnston, McDermid, Criggie, Taylor, S. Burleigh, Constable, Siddell, Fuchs, O’Callaghan, Christie, Graydon, MacLeod. Substitutes Lewis, Nielson, McNair.


Man of the match award was shared by McDermid who by his devastating domination of the right wing, set up at least three of the tries, and McGonnigle, who through his exploitation of skill and strength, scored three tries.


Where do all the 1st XV players go when they’re not injured? Watch this space next week. Played twelve won eight. Next week, University of Strathclyde at home, kick-off 14.30 hours.


Assistance required.

Ken O’ Callaghan says that nobody reads this stuff. If you have read it, please take part in this survey by e-mailing Ken at the address below with a mailto:[email protected]

This article was originally posted on 23-Jan-2006, 13:02 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 23-Jan-2006, 13:04.