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ACCIES RUGBY NEWS
Edition No: 2 October 2008
Welcome
To the second edition of this publication. It is distributed by email but hard copies can be obtained at the bar at New Anniesland. If you do not wish to receive a copy please email Alasdair Graham, Editor, on [email protected]. If you wish to add a comment or contribute an article please use the same email address.
If you know of any Academical supporter who might be interested in receiving a copy please forward it to them and ask them to send their email address to the Editor
Glasgow Accies Rugby Chairman’s Message
In last month’s edition of Rugby News Hugh Barrow very eloquently reported on Accies Rugby in relation to its long history, its progress since the inception of Professional rugby in 1997, and also its need to maintain a healthy association with the PE staff at the Academy. He also referred to the importance of our Club maintaining strong links with Glasgow Hawks all of which the rugby committee agrees entirely.
Before the arrival of Gordon McKay and Donald Reid, last season we saw our 1st XV drifting along in the bottom half on National League Division 2. Since then, there has been real ambition and direction installed in the Club, that is beginning to be reflected in the team’s results, as you will see below.
The only sad aspect of this early success, however, is that Gordon, as a result of his sad and untimely death, has not been able to witness his ambitious planning beginning to bear fruit. Donald, has, nonetheless worked tirelessly to fulfil the goals both he and Gordon had set for the Club. This early success has encouraged many new players to join us at New Anniesland where we now have a player base of over 50, with a strong 2nd XV pool to select from. Under the watchful eyes of Nigel Campbell, Stuart Wilson and Andy Dunlop we are expecting this side to do well in their league.
The Club is therefore in good heart at present but I am ever mindful of the need to have a strong core of committed personnel behind the scenes to help drive the Club forward. We have recently started a fund raising campaign, but it is important also that we have member’s support to share the duties in a number of relatively non-onerous roles. I appeal to you to come forward and offer your support to keep our hopes and ambitions on track. In particular we need volunteers to be part of:
Match Watchers Team for 1st and 2nd XV.
1st XV home match Welcome/Gate Duty Rota Team.
Please contact me or any other member of the committee listed below if you can help.
I hope that you will be encouraged to visit New Anniesland throughout the season to give the team your support at home matches, when I shall look forward to meeting you again.
Gordon Wilson
New Accies Website
Is still under construction but it is hoped that it will be in place by the end of October.
Rugby Report for September
The season got under way with a home game against Highland that Accies won by 26-3. It was a bit of a rusty performance but 4 tries were scored to gain the valuable bonus point. The following week the team travelled to play Greenock Wanderers with no fewer that 9 first team squad members missing for one reason or another. Wanderers scored twice in the first five minutes leaving Accies with a mountain to climb. The game was there for the taking but Accies failed to take their chances and eventually went down by 28-16. This was a bitter blow so early in the season and a huge wake up call for everyone concerned.
The following week the side were back at home and performed significantly better by beating Hillfoots 43-12 and scoring seven tries to two in the process.
2.
On 20th September they travelled to Forrester, not normally a happy hunting ground for Accies, and secured their first away win of the season by 17-10. An outstanding Accies defence and a virtuoso performance by Cruz Kawakameni, who scored all three ties to bring his tally in four games to seven, was enough to see off a resolute Forrester XV.
The final game in September was at home against Stewartry. This looked on paper to be a comfortable five pointer but it turned out to be too close for that. Accies did get the four-try bonus point but in a Jekyle and Hyde performance they got home by only 30-22. The second half was played in a heavy drizzle that made the ball exceptionally difficult to handle and there were too many handling errors to get any real continuity.
In the month 4 wins and 1 loss with a commendable points ‘for’ tally of 130 and 19 league points. This leaves us 2 points behind Hawick YM and 5 behind Whitecraigs.
In the next three weeks Accies play 4th placed Linlithgow, second placed Hawick YM and first placed Whitecraigs they will need to be in top form to come out with three victories.
The player situation is improving and 21 new players have registered with the Club. This includes 6 from Glasgow Academy XV’s from last year and 2 Academicals returning to the City from studies elsewhere. We are confident of fielding a young but powerful 2nd XV and there is the prospect that we might even get a 3rd side out fairly soon.
2nd XV
As there are a large number of students that play for Accies the 2nd XV always experience difficulty in fielding a strong team in the early weeks of September. This year was no different. Holidays, weddings, exams and work commitments meant that the side was fairly weak when they met Greenock Wanderers and GHK and both matches were lost. However things improved and there was a good win at Strathendrick. At the September weekend a friendly was played against Helensburgh and won by 50-0. Accies had so many players by this time that they were able to lend their opponents two to make up their numbers. The prospects for the rest of the season look quite good and a few of the 2nd XV players will be challenging for a place in the 1st XV squad.
Rugby Reports
A detailed rugby report is published every week and posted on the Glasgow Hawks website on the Sunday following each match. To obtain this log on to: www.glasgowhawks.com and look in the news section
Change of Captain
We are sorry to report that Captain Jamie Doig sustained a serious leg injury in the final minute of the pre season victory over Glasgow Hawks 2nd XV. This has necessitated an operation that will keep him out of the game for 6 months. He has kindly handed over the captaincy to Richard McKnight who returned from the Hawks at the end of last season. We wish Jamie a speedy recovery and Richard all success in his new role
Whitecraigs
On Saturday 18th October Accies play Whitecraigs at New Anniesland. This local derby against the Southsiders is sure to attract a large turnout from the visitor’s supporters. We need your support that day.
There will be a pre match lunch in the Clubhouse and we ask if you will take a table. Table sizes are 6,8 and 10 but we can also fit in smaller numbers. The cost of lunch is £12 for sponsor members and £15. This includes an entry to the match fee of £3.00.
The bar will open at 12-30 with lunch served at 1-15pm. The match commences at 3.00pm
Social & Personal
Births: On 26th September 2008 to Richard & Joanne McKnight, a daughter, Olivia Susan. First grandchild for proud grandparents Graeme & Shona
Engagements: On 17th July 2008 in the Maldives. Paul Allan to Sara Lee. They are planning a wedding for next summer.
3.
Rugby Committee 2009-2009
Chairman Gordon Wilson
Tel. Home 01505 872753
Mobile 07971 201122
Email: [email protected]
Director of Rugby Donald Reid
Tel. Home 0141 563 7803
Mobile 07595 218494
Email: [email protected]
Secretary Alasdair Graham
Tel. Home 0141 616 4056
Mobile 0774 0777498
Email: [email protected]
1st XV Coach Chas Afuakwah
Mobile 07831 534645
Email: [email protected]
1st XV Captain Richard McKnight
Mobile 07919 902464
Email: [email protected]
2nd XV Coach Nigel Campbell
Mobile 07917 120372
Email: [email protected]
Communications Rep Stuart Wilson
Tel. Home 01505 850436
Mobile 07951 168723
Email: [email protected]
New Faces
Robert Letson A full back from Glasgow Academy last year.
Chris Hall A flanker from Glasgow Academy last year.
Christopher McAlpine A prop from Glasgow Academy last year.
Jordan Sime A hooker from Glasgow academy last year.
Ben Wilkinson A stand off from Belfast. He played once last season but was then elected as Captain of The Caledonia University 1st XV.
Chris Johnson A centre and another player from Belfast.
Alexandre Brun A Frenchman who had not played any rugby until he came to Glasgow this summer. In a few weeks time he will probably become a useful wing threequarter.
John Beveridge A scrum half from the Glasgow Academy 1st XV from four years ago.
Ryan Simmons A 26 year old centre.
Jack Walker A No.8 from St. Columba’s School in Kilmacolm. Played for Scottish Schools two seasons ago.
Returning Player
Ross Kennedy Centre Threequarter has recovered from a leg injury that has kept him out of the game for two years.
Zayd Al-Khfaj Hooker has recovered from a neck and shoulder injury in the second game of last season
Lunch at Home Matches
On the Saturday of home matches a soup and sandwich lunch will be available for all supporters without prior booking. For games commencing at 3pm lunch will commence at 1pm and for games commencing at 2pm lunch will be available from 12noon.There is no need to book just turn up.
4.
Social Activities Programme
Sat Oct 18th Pre match lunch at 1pm (Booking Essential)
Accies play Whitecraigs at 3pm
Captains Charity Night on behalf of CHAS.
The B Flats will be performing live.
Commences at 7-00pm and entry is £5.00.
Please support this worthwhile cause and have a good night’sf entertainment in the Clubhouse at the same time.
Sat Nov 1st Sponsors Lunch by Invitation 12noon
Accies play Newton Stewart at 2pm
Clubhouse Halloween Party 7pm
Fri Nov 7th Glasgow Academical Club Dinner at Hampden Park
Fri Nov 21st Glasgow Hawks v West of Scotland kick off 8pm
Sat Nov 29th Mike Belch’s 4th XV Reunion Lunch 12noon (Tickets available from Mike 0141 942 3138)
Sat Dec 13th Glasgow Accies Rugby Family Christmas Lunch (all ages)
12 noon sharp. Accies play Forrester at 2pm
Fri Dec 26th Boxing Day Family Lunch 12 noon
Accies play Accies Exiles at 2pm
Boxing Day evening function
Main Sponsor
The Club greatly appreciates the generous and continuing support of Brian Gibson of Gibson Investments who is our major sponsor for the 2nd year running.
Sponsors
The Rugby Club is greatly indebted to the generosity of the following sponsors.
Scot JCB training top sponsor
anCnoc board sponsor
Allan Interiors board sponsor
Graham Technology board sponsor
Lexus board sponsor
PRG Recruitment board sponsor
T.B Dunn & Co Chartered Accountants board sponsor
John Watson of John Watson Printers
Ian & Sheena Graham
Niall Campbell
We are still looking for match ball sponsors for home games and sponsors to choose the Accies man of the match.
Match Day Sponsors
Please help the Club if you can. We are still seeking financial support for each Home match.
Pick the anCnoc Accies Man of the Match - £40.00
Home Match sponsor - £50.00 per game
Ball Sponsor - £30.00 per game
Buy all 3 for only £100.00 and have Club lunch hospitality for 4 on the day.
Boxing Day Match - £200.00, which includes Lunch Hospitality for 6 persons.
If you wish to assist us in this way please speak to Gordon Wilson on 01505 872753
Player Sponsors
We are delighted to welcome our sponsor members to all our games and extremely grateful for their continued generosity. Sponsor members each sponsor one of the first team squad. At the same time each player is encouraged to find his own sponsor. The money that comes from this arrangement is used for the team’s general running expenses such as cost of coach travel to away games, playing kit and medical costs.
Sponsor members are entitled to free entry to all home games except cup-ties and afternoon tea after all home games.
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We are indebted to the following members who are sponsoring players this season:
Alan Smith John McFarlane Alasdair Graham Bernard Hermes
Cameron Macgregor Kenneth Sandford Colin Guthrie Colin Atkinson
Alastair Headrick Andrew Howie Alastair Lockhart Tom Howie
Peter Jensen John Carruthers Brian Lockhart Hugh Barrow
Neil Maclean Jimmy Watt Drew Aitken Ken Waine
Iain Jarvie Lindsay Crawford George McLaren Keggie Magowan
Bob Scully David Chassels Bobby Scully Sandy Bannerman
If you are interested in sponsoring a player please contact Alasdair Graham on 0141 616 4056 or send an email to [email protected]
Mini Rugby
Primary 4 to Primary 7 takes place at New Anniesland on Sunday mornings from 10am till 12 noon.
For details contact Stuart Neilson 07771 845104
Midi Rugby
This year Accies and GHK have combined under the umbrella of Glasgow Hawks. All first year boys will be welcome to attend the training sessions, which will take place on Sunday mornings commencing 10-30am.
Fixture List
Fixture cards containing details of all Accies, GHK, Hawks and Glasgow Academy matches will be issued to all players and non-playing members within the next few days. If you are not a non-playing member of the Club fixture cards can be obtained for a small donation from the Bar Steward or the Secretary Alasdair Graham.
Glasgow Accies 1st XV SHE National League Division 2
30 Aug Highland Home Won 24-3 Bonus Point
06 Sept Greenock Wanderers Away Lost 28-16
13 Sept Hillfoots Home Won 43-12 Bonus Point
20 Sept Forrester Away Won 17-10
27 Sept Stewartry Home Won 30-22 Bonus Point
04 Oct Linlithgow Away
11 Oct Hawick YM Away
18 Oct Whitecraigs Home
25 Oct Caithness Away
01 Nov Newton Stewart Home
08 Nov Kilmarnock Away
15 Nov
22 Nov Highland Away
29 Nov Greenock Wanderers Home
06 Dec Hillfoots Away
13 Dec Linlithgow Home
20 Dec Cup Tie
26 Dec Accies Exiles Home
The fixtures for the second half of the season will appear in a later edition of Accies News.
GROGS
The Glasgow Rugby Old Geezers Society was founded five years ago as a lunchtime meeting club for ex rugby players and others interested in the game. It meets once a month on the second Wednesday from September to April at Braidholm the clubhouse of GHA. Meetings start at 12noon and a two-course lunch and coffee is served at 12-30. After lunch a speaker addresses the group and answers questions. Our own Roy Dingwall is the Chairman and runs the meetings in his own inimitable style. The cost is £10 for lunch and there is no membership fee. The next meeting is on Wednesday 8th October when Gordon McKie, Chief Executive of the SRU is the speaker. If you wish to attend this meeting or be notified of future meeting send an email to: [email protected] or call Alasdair Graham on 0141 616 4056
6.
Hawks
After a fairly torrid start to the season Hawks managed to record an excellent away from home win last Saturday when they beat Currie 27-26
On Saturday 4th October they have an equally important match when they play Stirling County at Old Anniesland.
Glasgow Accies players are well represented in the Hawks XV. Grant Strang and Andy Jackson play in the back row at No.8 and flanker respectively. Former Accies players Niall Caddell is in the second row and Gavin Macdonald plays in the centre.
Please make a note in your diary for Friday 21st November when Hawks play West of Scotland under the lights at 8-00pm. It is highly likely that this match will be televised.
The bar at New Anniesland will be open before and after the match and we hope to have food available. There will be more information in the November edition of Accies Rugby News.
This article was posted on 4-Oct-2008, 10:33 by Hugh Barrow.
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