This was a year of highs and lows. The lows included the league programme and the high was winning the Scottish Plate Final at Murrayfield of which more later.
The league campaign got off to a good start with 3 wins in a row then followed some disappointing draws and losses. This is a league without any give at all and although the latter part of the season picked up there was a disappointing 3rd place in a league that has only one up and that we are desperate to escape. The winners were Marr.
The season was saved by a tremendous run in the Plate competition resulting in a 34 to 29 win over Crieff at Murrayfield. With the greatest respect to our associate club, Hawks,who won the Scottish Cup on the same day[ congratulations to them] the GHK game was judged the game of the day by many including SRU president, Andy Irvine. This was probably due to the exciting finale which saw GHK come from 14 points behind with 12 minutes to go. This win was a fine tribute to the players. coaches and backroom staff who worked tirelessly throughout the year.


There were 4 other rugby highlights. The continued rebirth of the New Year fixture against Merose saw a visit to the Greenyards to win the game despite the sabotage of port,cheese and biscuits at half time! The David Gilmore Trophy,in memory of the former GHK President, was played for with a game against Glasgow Accies. Despite massive control by the GHK pack the game was lost although both sides and spectators agreed it was an excellent game of rugby.Finally a tour to England to play Caldy rounded off the rugby playing year in fine fashion. The tour was given added significance as it was to help celebrate the life of former GHK and Hawks player, Craig Hodgkinson who we all sadly miss. Finally a game against Arizona State University continued the GHK tradition of entertaining touring sides.
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. Ken O’Callaghan agreed to coach the 2nd xv by leading from the front as always. Ken is stepping down as coach this year to concentrate on playing rugby at a higher level and I would like to thank him for his effort and commitment.
Also stepping back this year is Jim Thow who has been a faithful supporter of GHK rugby and latterly policed the touch line wielding his flag. Jim- thanks from eveyone for your help and your banter! NB- Over a beer and some tears in the bar Jim has reversed his decision and will help out next year. Stepping back is team manager , Jake Love who withstood all the friendly abuse hurled at him with a smile. Jake also worked tremendously hard doing arrangements for Murrayfield. He will still be closely involved. Scott Inglis will also step back as GHK Rugby convenor while remaining on the committee.
Coaching also brought changes this year with Davie Ross leaving us in November to take up a coaching development post with the SRU. I would like to thank him for all the effort he put into GHK. There are not many teams at that level who got computerised video analysis feedback. With Ali Macara going to Australia for a few months to analyse Australian back play and hit the beach GHK had to quickly find a coach mid season. GHK were very lucky to acquire ex Scottish internationalist, Jimmy Gossman who brought a new dimension to the team especially through his blistering motivational team talks!
GHK is pleased to announce that Jimmy and Ali will continue as coaches next year with the addition as forwards coach of Ross Dewar who has played for Kikcaldy, GHK and Hawks. Ross has also coached Hawks 2nd xv and Hutchesons’ school 1st xv where he teaches. He is most welcome back to Old Anniesland.
Ross replaces the popular prop and coach, Ryan Welsh whose teaching duties at Dollar Academy made it increasingly hard for him to commit so much time to GHK. Ryan has been an absolute stalwart as a player and as a coach and GHK cannot thank him highly enough for his efforts over the years.
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- Mike Gribben GHK Young Player of the Year- Danny Hoffman
GHK Most Improved Player of the Year- Euan Thow
GHK 2nd xv Player of the Year- Joe Fuchs
A family double was clinched by Jim Thow being awarded Club Man of The Year.
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.





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This article was posted on 13-Jun-2007, 19:12 by Hugh Barrow.