Hawks will face Jedforest in the semi final of the Shield next Saturday at Old Anniesland after the borderers beat Falkirk this afternoon


Macfarlane frustrated by YM's late withdrawal

THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

Published Date: 18 April 2009
By DAVID FERGUSON
HAWICK YM have withdrawn from the Scottish Hydro Electric Shield, handing Glasgow Hawks a bye to the semi-finals, in a move fuelling calls for Hawick clubs to revamp rugby in the town.
The YM have been the success story of Hawick rugby recently, following their promotion to National League, Division Two with another season challenging for promotion. They just missed out last weekend when Linlithgow won their final match to join Whitecraigs on the ladder up.

However, by then, YM's resources were growing very thin with only 16 players travelling to Stewartry last weekend and Andrew Gibson turning out just shy of his 50th birthday. Coach James Macfarlane told The Scotsman: "It's a real shame for us because we were all looking forward to the challenge of going to Hawks, but we only had 12 players at the start of the week and another was called up to Hawick's sevens side this weekend, and we can't get any more.

"We've had pretty skinny numbers over the season and with injuries piling up we're at the mercy of the Hawick club having left-overs and semi-junior sides being able to prove players. In the cup, most other players are ineligible and Hawick Wanderers (youth team], who also help us, are going through a difficult time with the funeral of Richard Wilkinson this week.

"The bulk of my squad are teenagers and a cup-tie against the Hawks would have been a fantastic opportunity for them to learn, but sadly that opportunity has gone for the time being."

Macfarlane was quick to offer thanks to the SRU and Hawks for understanding their predicament – there will be no sanctions taken against the Hawick club – but the former Hawick coach believes the withdrawal adds to the feeling that the famous Borders rugby town needs a rethink.

"There is always talk about clubs being at each other's throats in Hawick, but we actually are hugely supportive of the Hawick club and I encourage all my players to aim to play for Hawick, even though we can suffer as a result. But it's becoming a constant battle to find enough players for all the clubs, especially with Hawick running a second XV.

"I think Hawick rugby has the perfect chance now to get everyone round the table, start with a blank sheet of paper and look at how we develop players properly through the stages. The four junior clubs, two semi-junior and Hawick at the top was a great system in the past, but times have changed.

"Sadly, people's egos and personalities get in the way, but, to me, it wouldn't take much to have everyone pulling together and Hawick rugby growing again."

This article was originally posted on 18-Apr-2009, 17:31 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 19-Apr-2009, 13:22.