GHK RUGBY REPORT 2007/08
This was a mixed year for GHK rugby. On the plus side was a tour overseas and a good Cup run. However promotion from our league eluded us and remains a high priority.
The league campaign produced some good results home and away but the eventual winners were Waysiders/Drumpellier who went through the season unbeaten. Promotion next year will not be easy in such a keenly contested league but GHK feel they can build on a second season with a young and talented group of local players.
Away from the league a good Cup run saw GHK lose in the semi- final of the Plate denying them the opportunity to defend the title of Plate Winners from last year's final at Murrayfield. Why the SRU have proposed to do away with the Cup is beyond comprehension as it offers our players the chance to play intense and varied fixtures outwith the league comfort zone. Hopefully the forthcoming AGM will dismiss this proposal.


Our fixture with Glasgow Accies for the David Gilmore Trophy, named after the popular former GHK player and past President was as usual a hotly contested and skilful game. GHK were proud to run out clear winners and take back the trophy to Old Anniesland.


The traditional game against Melrose was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute as Melrose got caught up in bad traffic jam due to a serious road traffic accident. This fixture will continue next year due to its popularity with both clubs.


Our thanks to President, Dougie Munro, who had the idea and drive to organise a wonderful tour to Toulouse. All the games were won against the French opposition and just as importantly there was the intense bonding that only a rugby tour can bring to a club. Incoming President, Colin Wilson, promises an even more exotic tour location this year! Silverware was gained with a win at the Helensburgh sevens tournament. Our sevens team this year included an exciting young GHK player, Craig Gossman, who played for Hawks at the Melrose sevens at the age of 18.
GHK 2nd xv had a good season on and off the pitch. This was greatly helped by Charlie Dunlop as player/coach and Ken O'Callaghan as captain- all rumours of hanging up his boots are surely not to be believed! Jim Thow as Le Petit General ably marshalled his troops to the far flung places of this league including one notable away victory!





The coaching team has seen some changes at the end of the season. Ali McAra has stepped down after several years as a coach but will continue to play. GHK would like to thank Ali for the time and effort he has put into the club.Ross Dewar is also stepping down due to an increased work load with his school rugby duties. His work with the forwards this year was of a high standard. Ross will still be an ever present sight at Old Anniesland through his band and as a team supporter. Our thanks to Ross.
GHK is pleased to announce that Jimmy Gossman, former Scottish internationalist will continue as head coach next year with two additions to his coaching team- Ken Cowan and Chris Ratcliffe. Ken has played rugby for GHK and the Royal Marines. He will be coaching the forwards with the assistance of Chris who has the distinction of playing for the Welsh International Deaf team who won the inaugural World Cup.


GHK will also be receiving regular coaching sessions from former Scotland and Lions player, Peter Wright. Peter will be coaching Glasgow Hawks, our associate club with whom we maintain close links.


Once again our players included a good mixture of experience and young players fresh out of school who displayed exciting talent which bodes well for the future. This was reflected in the player awards at our successful rugby dinner shared with the GHK Ladies Hockey section and preceded by the team photo courtesy of David Mc Nair.

GHK 2ND XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR 07/08 FRASER JOHNSTONE

GHK 2ND XV YOUNG PLAYERS OF THE YEAR 07/08 ANDY DRUMMOND AND MIKE BORTHWICK




GHK Club Man of the Year was awarded to inspirational GHK captain, Ali Forbes. His work as a player, organiser and consumer of Trawler rum made him a clear winner.

GHK 1ST XV YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 07/08 CALUM HARVEY

GHK 1ST XV MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR 07/08 JOHN LOHAR

GHK 1ST XV PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR 07/08 CRAIG GOSSMAN



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.

This article was posted on 11-Jun-2008, 06:51 by Hugh Barrow.