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)
Aberdeen

The Northern Lights are, perhaps, not as bright as in past seasons but still provide a stern test for the Anniesland Army today. Their squad has recently been strengthened and will be their usual combative selves in trying to put one over on Hawks. The points are pretty important to both teams today as Aberdeen would wish to put Hawick into the drop spot while Hawks still have a bit of work to do to get clear of danger. A warm welcome to players, coaches and officials.

Last Week

11 tries, an extraordinary finish and a match for the neutral to savour. Unfortunately it was Watsonians who were left declaring what a wonderful come-back performance they had produced and Hawks who were left reflecting on ‘if only we had….’

The quality of rugby was, at times, breath-taking with both sides playing some great running rugby. But equally the errors at key points proved to be Hawks undoing from a match winning position. The positives outweigh the negatives though as the team continues to grow in confidence and style.

Supercup Experiment

The P1 Supercup, which starts in January, is to trial experimental laws on behalf of the International Rugby Board (IRB). This means that there will be worldwide interest in the competition with visiting delegations from other Unions. Total Rugby, the rugby magazine TV programme which is shown in well over 100 countries, will be featuring some of the matches and regular reports will be featured. Paddy O’Brien and Bruce Cook of the IRB will launch the trial at Murrayfield on 26th November after the Australia match.

There were ‘closed session’ matches at Stellenbosch University earlier to try out some of the experimental laws but this will be the first time they have been used in open competition.

So January will be a bit confusing as we switch between new and existing laws. Our high IQ props will not have a problem with this – but some others might!

Details of the experimental laws will be carried in this column at a later stage.

This is a great opportunity to showcase Scottish club rugby and what it has to offer and there is also a sponsorship opportunity for the P1 tournament. If you are interested I can put you in touch with appropriate contacts.

Congratulations

To former Hawks prop Euan Murray who gets his first start for Scotland against Romania and to young Johnny Beattie who gets his first cap by way of Glasgow Academy. All at Hawks wish you well and look forward to many more successful appearances for your country.

Technology in Court

Donald Findlay has recently suggested in a court case that mobile phone technology is not accurate enough to pinpoint the exact location of the phone holder. Well, can I suggest that MI5 consult Mrs Hamilton to establish which spy-wear she is currently using? Every time she calls she demonstrates pin-point accuracy with her opening interrogation – “Why are you still at Anniesland?”

Joker Jackpot

With a chance to win about £350 it is worth buying a £2 ticket.

Here Comes the Judge

Be warned – Captain Duffy has declared a court session in the clubhouse after next week’s match against Hawick. Assumed guilty with very little prospect of being proven innocent is the somewhat messy way these affairs are conducted.

Christmas Lunch

December 9th – contact Enid Munro or Shirley Wallace.

Christmas Celebration

There are rumours of a Christmas bash – also on the 9th December open to all the sporting sections at Anniesland. Details will be revealed at a later stage. (Hopefully next week.)

This article was posted on 8-Nov-2006, 14:35 by Hugh Barrow.