This season saw the first xv post an excellent record of Played 18 and Won 16 .This was a great effort from the players led by the coaching team of David Ross and Ali Macara. Unfortunately we were just pipped as outright champions by 2 points. At the present moment the SRU intend to change the League structure which would mean GHK going up to a Regional league. .
A good run was also had this year to the third round of the Scottish.Cup . A victory over Newton Stewart from 2 divisions above.was followed by a narrow loss to Edinburgh Accies from Premier 2.. This was an outstanding match which drew plaudits for GHK from the Accies coach, JIm Renwick. Entry to the Bowl competition followed with a draw against local rivals West from Premier 3.Again GHK competed well but lost out eventually. This showed yet again that GHK are capable of playing at a higher level.
There were 3 other rugby highlights. The return of the New Year fixture against Merose saw a large crowd grateful for an excuse to get out the house and some excellent camarederie in the bar!
The David Gilmore Trophy,in memory of the former GHK President, was played for with a game against Glasgow Accies. A well attended dinner in the Jimmie Ireland stand follwed the game which will become an annual fixture.
Finally a tour to England to play Caldy rounded off the rugby playing year in fine fashion.
Our 2nd xv went from strength to strength this year with stiff competition for places.Our thanks to Alex Christie and Jake Love for their organisation.To aid the progress of the team, Ken O’Callaghan has kindly agreed to coach the 2nd xv next year.
Reversing the trend of clubs losing teams a new one will be created next year. This will be done with Glasgow Accies to be called Annieslands xv and will play in the 3rd xv league.
Our success this year was due to a team of very skilled and committed players and our excellent coaching duo. I am pleased that they will continue as coaches next year and will be joined as forwards coach by Ryan Welsh who has been coaching at Dollar Academy.
Our players included a good mixture of experience and young players fresh out of school. This was reflected in the player awards at our successful rugby dinner.GHK Player of the Year- Andy MCtavish
GHK Young Player of the Year- Peter Broadbent
GHK Most Improved Player of the Year- Ali Forbes
GHK 2nd xv Player of the Year- Rod McLeod
I would like to thank David Ross and Ali Macara who worked so hard at training and encouraged a brand of expansive rugby that the players and spectators enjoyed.
GHK look forward to next season’s League and Scottish Cup games with confidence and anticipation. The players appreciate supporters watching and you are always assured of a warm welcome at Old Anniesland.

This article was posted on 16-Jun-2006, 07:09 by Hugh Barrow.