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
I once described Watsonians as the aristocrats of the Premier League and found that they rather liked it. Not sure that was my intention, but they have always been entertaining both on and off the pitch and we have had some fantastic encounters over the years. A warm welcome to coach Cammy Mather (thankfully retired from playing!) and his troops, their supporters and their behind-the-scenes team led by President Morris Duncan.

A quick glance at the league table at the bottom of the page gives an idea of the importance of today’s match to both sides.

Last Week
Our jittery start to the season continued. Following the turnover in players and the high number of injuries that have weakened the squad we are currently looking at the means of recruiting 1 or 2 players to provide cover in key positions. For those unable to travel to Stirling last week, you were spared another of those high blood pressure occasions that the team has managed to put supporters through this season. A merited victory but by the narrowest of margins by 19 – 20. Coach Wilson was happy with some improved areas in the team performance and hopes for more this week. Highlights were a long interception try from Stevie G and a try-saving tackle from Sean Murray (whose nickname cannot be printed here).

World Cup
It was a disappointing exit for Scotland last week in a performance that did not reflect the team’s ability. To some extent it could be seen as mission accomplished by reaching the last 8 but somehow I think the players and supporters have the right to be disappointed.

The loss to Argentina has also opened up a mildly interesting debate about the benefits of funding a professional rugby structure. Argentina have no professional club sides but do have a thriving domestic competition with interest, perhaps not surprisingly, on the increase at the moment.

Many of their best players, of course, seek professional contracts overseas (predominantly in France and other parts of Europe). This has led to the slightly bizarre suggestion that they base their International side in Spain and participate in an enlarged 6 (7) Nations competition. I say bizarre as such a move would surely hold back the development of Spanish rugby I wonder how we would have reacted to basing the Scottish team in London during the period when the team was dominated by Anglos?

The semi-finals begin tonight and you are all welcome to join us in the Pavilion to watch and no doubt join in a hearty chorus of Swing Low…. Mmm?


Pope at Anniesland

The Italian night that followed the last home match was well organised by the player’s committee and congratulations to them. The fancy dress element attracted 2 Popes, 4 Al Capone’s, 1 Rocky Bilbao, some very attractive Toga wearers (mainly women), a couple of Gladiators and 2 Ceasers amongst others. More nights like this please. Great fun for all who were there.

Perhaps a few Morris Dancers tonight?


Match Officials

We have no less than 6 referees on duty today what is the collective noun for a group of refs? On behalf of the refs they suggested a ‘Charm’ (as in hummingbirds). My suggestion was a ‘Confusion of Referees’.

The 6 on duty are: Match referee - Greg Garner visiting from Esher; Ref coach Geraint Davies from the RFU; Eddie Murray ex-International ref and SRU coach; Rob McKinnon and Dave Anderson as today’s touch judges; and, of course our Club link man for match officials David McNair.


Any other suggestions for a group of refs?


Concussion

Some of those who saw Chris Patterson wobble from the pitch a couple of weeks ago might have wondered if he might have been obliged to rest for 3 weeks. But that guidance is now old hat as a much more scientific approach has been introduced to allow testing of players for adverse reaction and judge whether they are fit to play.

The tests look at reaction times and something called ‘cognitive response’ (used to be called having your wits about you). Players do have to submit to a pre-season test for comparison purposes. Anyway, one Hawks player, who will remain nameless, advised on Tuesday night that he has yet to pass the test…. Yes, without getting a bang on the head. But this tall, blond player who has been one of Hawks best performers this season, is now revising for his next test.


President’s Question

Last chance to submit a question that we will pose to the SRU President when we meet him on 22nd October. To [email protected]

This article was originally posted on 11-Oct-2007, 09:32 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 11-Oct-2007, 09:34.