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

(These might be the views Glasgow Hawks).

Today’s Opponents
A warm welcome to our guests from Dundee today. While Hawks have had a slow start the Dundee campaign can best be described as erratic – with a fine away win against Ayr in the opening fixture they been unfortunate since in meeting 3 of the top 4 sides in the league.

The visiting coach is Ian Rankin who is one of the most highly respected, and shrewdest coaches in Scotland. He will be planning surprises for Hawks.

Welcome to the players, supporters and committee.


A Minute’s Silence

We ask you to observe a moment’s silence as a mark of respect for Yousef Abubaker a member of Dundee Eagles. Yusef collapsed at an after-school football session on Monday, and died soon afterwards. He was only 12 years old.

As a club we at Hawks understand the tragic nature of such a loss and offer our thoughts and sympathy to his family and Dundee rugby.

Last Week
Perhaps not an inspired performance but there is still progress being made and the 27-7 victory over Edinburgh Accies allowed us to collect a welcome 5 point maximum. Good performance from Allan Kelly and young Gary Strain were highlights as was the speed of the mark of a ‘young’ Kenny Sinclair – proving age is no barrier to sharpness.

Our Guests
We are joined once again by the students of Hyndland Primary today. They have the reputation of being our best and noisiest supporters when they visit. They will have the benefit of a coaching session with the mini-rugby section supported by Club Development Manager Grant Talbot. We hope you enjoy your day.


Club Internationals

Plans are afoot to develop the Club International programme across 5 of the 6 Nations. It seems likely that Scotland will play Ireland and Wales this season with a regular programme of 2 matches in subsequent seasons involving those countries as well as France and England.

A welcome development but we really need to think about how we accommodate this and the other competing pressures in a season that is already too long and too crowded.


European Competition

Following the demise of the Borders Pro side, Scotland’s two remaining Pro Teams will be allowed to participate in the Heineken (European) Cup this season with no representative in the 2nd tier Challenge Trophy. Next season, if we want both pro teams in the Heineken (and to get the maximum revenue from the competition) we need to field 3 teams. We suggested before that the options might include looking at a club select side or maybe the league champions. It would need a bit of thought about the structure of the season (already too long as it runs from August to May) and its impact on league fixtures etc. but surely that would be worth it to inject a bit of ambition back into club rugby?

Another option would be fielding a development side from the Scottish Rugby Academy – but I am not sure that it would be strong enough.


Craig Hodgkinson Raffle

Takes Place Today. Lots of huge prizes including a car, big screen telly etc. Last chance to buy tickets to support this very worthwhile cause.

World Cup Bet
With the help of a friend I placed a bet on Scotland to reach the semi-final of the World Cup. Odds are 8-1 against. I was later advised however that I only win if the team lose in the semi-final. I don’t mind if the Scotland team gets to the semi-final and I lose my bet.

League Table
Boroughmuir sit proudly on top after 4 matches. What would have happened if Hawks had not gifted 3 scores against them? However, the league has a long way to go and I think we will see another close run competition with a number of changes at the top over the next few weeks.

This article was posted on 27-Sep-2007, 12:24 by Hugh Barrow.