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InTouch


A regular programme feature that keeps you up to date with rugby and club issues and news by Kenny Hamilton.

(These may be the views of Glasgow Hawks)

Stirling County
It is sad to say that Stirling are already sure of the drop to Premier 2 next season.

I have long been an admirer of the huge effort and finance that they have invested in the development of young people within rugby. I have little doubt that because of that developmental approach they will be back in the top flight before long.

As for today – I suspect that the Stirling players would like nothing better than to knock the champions of their perch.

Our Guests from Hyndland School
Our efforts in strengthening links with the local community bring approximately 100 parents and young people from Hyndland school today. We wish you welcome and hope that you enjoy your day and that we might see you back as players or supporters in the near future.
Hat Trick for Hawks and Scotland Go for 18-12 Overture
It was a kind of ‘Kennedy’ day last Saturday. You know the kind that we will be asking if you remember where you were on such a historic day. Many congratulations have been handed out – correctly to players, coaches, back-room staff etc. But on behalf of the team I would like to thank the supporters and sponsors. You are very much a part of the success of Hawks.

Strangely, although we have a relatively small home support we have a comparatively large travelling support. Loyal girl friends, family and others seem happy to travel and support the team.

On the back of this I wondered if there was any interest in setting up a supporters ‘exchange’? Possibly through the web-site but also by snail-mail for those who “don’t do e-mail.” Sharing transport, organising supporters buses, information on good places for lunch are the sort of things I have in mind. I need 2 or 3 people to volunteer in the first instance to get things going and then hopefully everybody will chip in. Please speak to me or pass on your contact details.

Lack of Ambition May Blight Clubs
As we go to press there will be a major discussion at the Premier 1 forum on Wednesday evening (1st March). There is a move to change the structure of the P1 league next season from the agreed 10 team format and revert to 12 or even a 14 team league. Our ambition has always been to lift the standard of domestic rugby and introduce new challenges through some form of cross-border event or competition. We believe this is the best way of preparing players for other challenges either in the pro ranks or age group Internationals.

On the back of the strategic review of Scottish Rugby I thought we had reached a consensus on this matter. But it seems as though some are determined to settle for the comfort of an extended league.

Regrettably it is this type of manoeuvring and lack of ambition within the Scottish club scene that may consign it to a ‘bit-part’ in the top end of the game rather than being a real contributor.


The Effect of the Old League System

I started playing league rugby a long time ago. (1974 against Kelso I think). Anyway it used to be 2 points for a win and 1 for a draw in those days – and in an idle moment I wondered what effect this would have on the league. Interesting? I don’t think Heriot’s or Currie will want to vote for a return to the old days. See below:


Existing Old System

BT Premier Div 1 Pld Pts

Glasgow Hawks 20 85
Watsonians 20 72
Melrose 20 52
Heriot's 20 51
Ayr 20 49
Hawick 19 49
Currie 19 46
Aberdeen GSFP 18 45
Stewart's Melville FP 20 43
Boroughmuir 20 40
Biggar 20 35
Stirling County 20 20

BT Premier Div 1 Pld Pts

Glasgow Hawks 20 35
Watsonians 20 31
Melrose 20 22
Hawick 20 22
Ayr 20 20
Stew/Mel 20 20
Heriot’s 20 18
Aberdeen 18 17
Currie 19 16
Boroughmuir 20 15
Biggar 20 14
Stirling County 20 6


Our Other Guest
A further thanks to Andy Irvine – the President of the SRU who has joined us again this afternoon. Because there was something else on last Saturday afternoon he was not able to be with us at B’muir. However, he was determined to acknowledge the achievement of Hawks and despite 2 other official engagements today, will present the Championship trophy at the end of the match. We greatly appreciate the energy and diplomatic skill that he has brought to the role of President.



Championship Dinner Dance – Hilton Grosvenor 6th May.

A night not to be missed. Details now available.

This article was posted on 1-Mar-2006, 12:37 by Hugh Barrow.