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
Fresh from an absolute thriller in which Hawick triumphed over their neighbours and rivals Melrose by 30-22 last week, we welcome Jim Hay’s squad and their supporters, to Old Anniesland for this afternoon’s match. Their President, Terence Froud, their President is one of the characters in Scottish rugby. Blessed with a thick accent that only the ‘Greens’ can penetrate, sub-titles are displayed on his ample chest so that even Weegies can understand him.


Last Week

A simply brilliant solo try from Rory Kerr gave us a 5 -0 lead at half-time and, to be honest, should have inspired us to better things. But as Heriot’s Rugby reduced their error count in the second half they began to exercise more control and deserved their 20-5 victory. However, on any other day I would expect Hawks to have won this match by playing to their strengths and not forcing the game which led to so many errors.


Shawzy

We hope to have Colin Shaw playing for us this afternoon. Not only has Colin been a very effective performer for the pro Warriors team this season but he will be warmly remembered by Hawks supporters for a simply outstanding performance at Mansfield just a few seasons back when he sneaked a few scores.


SRU President

We met with the SRU President, George Jack and George Clark, the Premier 1 representative on the Council (who is also on the SRU Board which is the main decision making body) on Monday this week. An opportunity to chat through the some of the issues facing Hawks and Scottish Rugby in general. It was a wide-ranging discussion covering issues as varied as our Youth Development activity, European Rugby and developing ambition in club rugby.

We also took the opportunity to raise the anomaly of restricting the number of Pro players allowed to participate at club level while clubs can field as many overseas players as they like. The result is that clubs are better served bringing in overseas players rather than developing Scottish talent.


Diary Dates

Apart from 10th May 2008, which will be the date of the social occasion of the year, the Hawks Dinner/ Dance, you should also keep 2nd February clear as plans are now beginning to take shape around the Hawks 10th Anniversary celebrations.


Refereeing Experiment

Ever wondered what the touch-judges and referees are saying to each other via their intercom systems? A number of the touch flags at the top end of the game are microphone linked to the referee. Well, in effort to assist coaches understanding of what is going on it has been suggested that a pilot programme will allow some coaches to listen in. A good innovation in my view. It is listen only – which is just as well given the desire of some of the more animated coaches in P1 who wish to engage match officials in regular debate and discussion.

Of course, at some International matches, the supporters can also listen in, which I think helps improve the general level of understanding of the laws of the game, and the enjoyment of the spectacle.


League Standings

After round 8 of the league it does not make pretty reading for Hawks supporters. However, a couple of wins would soon change our standing. So let’s get right behind the team give the players as much support as possible.

This article was posted on 25-Oct-2007, 07:49 by Hugh Barrow.