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)

The Honest Men- And a Vision of 2020
Coach Craig Redpath was quoted just 2 weeks ago as saying that Ayr had blown their chances of winning the league when they drew against Boroughmuir 20 -20. Now, I actually don’t know if he was playing mind games with Currie – but if he was I have to say that it was inspired. Here they are just 2 weeks later and the lead that Currie had has been cut from 8 points to just 2.

Of course Hawks have contributed to that position having beaten the Edinburgh men last week in a really exciting contest that, although pretty tough, was generally played in good spirit. Hawks forwards were in great form stealing line-out ball, pressurising the scrum and, with the backs, putting in the defensive work and turning over ball.

But Ayr will want to complete the double over Hawks having won at Millbrae earlier in the season, and maintain the pressure upon the existing league-leaders. This should be a cracker – with both sides having points to prove.

A warm welcome to the players, supporters and officials from Ayr.


Super Cup

With the experimental laws to be applied in January the rugby world will focus on the experience of Scottish Premier 1 clubs. In addition agreement has been reached on the release of about a dozen pro players to participate in the tournament as they may not be on International duty. So far from being a “Mickey Mouse” arrangement it does offer an opportunity for the best in Scottish Club rugby to show itself to the world. The media interest will be significant and at least one match each week will be recorded on broadcast standard film with the expectation that it will be picked up across the TV networks and will, most certainly, be used by the IRB for evaluation and education purposes.

So in the sure knowledge that national coaches across the globe will be watching, it is an opportunity for players, coaches and Scottish club rugby in general to show what it has to offer. Our first match is against Boroughmuir on 6th January 2007 at 3.00pm.

On the release of pro players – we will have the services of Steve Swindall and last year’s skipper Eric Milligan when available. Unfortunately Colin Shaw, who is also being made available, is to be loaned to Ayr.


Exciting Finish

The league table below shows that any one of 4 teams can still win the championship with just 2 games remaining.

The remaining fixtures pitch the top 4 in some interesting ties:

Today it is:

Heriots V Currie; Hawks v Ayr and Watsonians V Boroughmuir.

On January 13th 2007 it will be Currie v Watsonians and Ayr V Heriots.


This gives you some idea of the importance of today’s matches. Having been there for the last 3 seasons the Hawks players who were involved will confirm that ‘bottle’ is the mast important quality required to win a Championship.

Club International

Ian Rankin of Dundee will be the coach of the Club International side when it takes on Ireland in March. He will be assisted by the Anniesland orphan, George Breckenridge. Now, who will be in the team? As usual I am offering a bottle of Scotland’s finest for the entry with most correct names in the squad which plays. E-mail entries to:

[email protected]



Pro Team Dealings

The recent press coverage about the obviously strained relationship between Edinburgh Rugby and the SRU cannot be good news for the 2 other pro teams. The SRU statement which, in effect, confirmed that there was a problem with a gagging order of “it would be inappropriate for any of the relevant parties to make any further comment” will not inspire confidence from any potential investor. Presumably, in the absence of any interest from outside investors the speculation about the number of pro teams operating next season will kick in to overdrive.


Christmas and New Year

A quick reflection on the Hawks 2006 – another championship at the beginning of the year and a rebuilt team that has made terrific progress under the coaching team of Davey Wilson, Davy Cockburn and Keith Robertson assisted by 2nd team coach Ali Craig. Well done to them and all of the Hawks players. They should achieve the first target of a top 5 finish. The 2nd target is … about the Scottish Cup, and the Super Cup, and Melrose 7s…..

On behalf of Hawks can I thank all sponsors and supporters for all of your contributions and encouragement throughout 2006. And to wish you a happy 2007.

This article was originally posted on 20-Dec-2006, 18:38 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 21-Dec-2006, 08:32.