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).

Ca Va les hommes
No Popeye Doyle in their line-up but a very strong French Connection from the men from Millbrae has allowed them to compete with the best in the league. They, like Hawks, probably need some momentum to build behind their campaign by getting consecutive wins. Last week’s victory over 2nd top team Melrose confirms their credentials as a team that will have an influence, at least, on this season’s title race. We have had some epic tussles over the last few years and what they sometimes lack in subtlety and grace has been compensated by honest endeavour and dogged determination. A warm welcome to the players, coach Craig Redpath, President Billy McHarg and supporters.

Last Week
As I was enjoying the Lanarkshire Countryside with the mighty 2s last week I was not at the GHA match. However, from eye-witness reports the pattern seemed to be:- very organised and explosive first 20 minutes, sleepy middle 50 minutes (!) and a very competent last 10 to close out the game.

But a win in any derby match is welcome and 2 wins-in-a-row very welcome.

Telly to Cover Club Rugby
Starting tomorrow at 6.00pm on STV a new rugby magazine programme introduced by Richie Gray. It is scheduled to run for 10 weeks at this stage. Great to see this being put in place as a boost for club rugby and its sponsors, and well done to all in SRU for effective quiet lobbying. All we need now is that people watch it.

Boroughmuir for Europe?
I mentioned this a few weeks back and it has since become a bit of a live issue. Scotland hope to have 3 teams involved in European competition next season. (In fact it is pretty necessary to maintain the financial contribution that we get from that competition.) Now of course there is the option of a London based, Scottish professional entity being that 3rd team, but given the likely resistance from the RFU to that arrangement then I would have thought the prospect of getting it up and running for next season is becoming a bit remote. Perhaps the other options need to be considered now.

If the London based option is considered realistic for future seasons then OK, we might be looking at a one-off for next season. In which case I would suggest a club composite side, which as I understand it needs some form of club identity (say Scottish Barbarians?), might be entered.

If, however, there is the prospect of a longer-term commitment required then I do think we should be ensuring that it is our club champions that are participating. (OK, to take the pressure of Boroughmuir, whoever that might be).

Will they need financial support? – yes and it should be provided from the European income. Will we need to adjust our season – yes, but if there is a willingness to find solutions, we can.

Will they struggle in that competition? – possibly, but as the Italian clubs can confirm, you have to start someplace in exposing yourselves to higher level competition. And to strengthen the team, the contracted professional players not named in the Eu squads for Edinburgh and Glasgow could be ‘transferred’ to Boroughmuir temporarily. (sorry, the club Champions).

Some of this may not be possible, but if it starts to inject a bit of ambition back into Scottish club rugby then I am all for it.

Congratulations to the Bid Team
I am, of course, writing this ahead of the Friday announcement, but I am convinced that Glasgow will be awarded the right to host the 2014 Commonwealth games. I certainly hope so. Despite the prophets of doom and gloom who will point to ‘the cost and the diversion of funds from other worthwhile projects’ it presents a massive opportunity to motivate the entire population around a major sporting event. Not just an opportunity for young, aspiring sports’ people but also the development of community activity and volunteering in the run up to the games.

A great opportunity for Hawks too – creating wider interest in our sport and ensuring we have a few Hawks running out at Ibrox for the Commonwealth 7s tournament.

Changing Times
We have tried to maintain a consistent Kick-off time of 3.00pm for the season as, from feedback, it suits our supporters and sponsors much better. So most 1st XV matches will Kick-off at 3 with the might 2s at 2.00pm.

However, we depend on the agreement of the opposition for this arrangement and our next home match against Melrose will kick-off at 2.00pm. I think there must be an evening service at the Abbey that they need to get back for.

Saturday night
In the Pavilion – Karaoke, the Band with No Name and ‘dressing-up’??!! The mind boggles.

This article was posted on 8-Nov-2007, 11:13 by Hugh Barrow.