This was a tremendous year for GHK rugby. Promotion from our league for the 1st xv was gained in style with the 2nds also deservedly promoted. Both teams were champions of their league. In the 1sts a young and talented group of players were ably coached by Charlie Dunlop and Ken Cowan. All coaches and players rose to the challenge of promotion . GHK would like to thank Charlie and Ken for the time and effort they put into the team. Thanks are also due to 1st xv captain, Ali ‘Disco’ Forbes for his leadership and drive. The 1stxv will now play in National League 3.

The 2nd xv played winning rugby while also enjoying themselves off the pitch. Much of the impetus for this came from Jim Thow whose themed away days certainly contributed to the very evident strong team bond. Jim is handing over his managerial duties to Iain Macrae and I know GHK are very grateful to Jim for all the work he has done over the years for the club.

Away from the leagues a good Cup run saw GHK beat Bishopton and Glasgow University before being put out in Round 3 by Dumfries by one point who were 3 leagues above. This clearly showed that GHK can compete in national league rugby. GHK then went into the Bowl competition and beat Grangemouth to enter the quarter finals. There they met Murrayfield Wanderers and narrowly lost again to a team from 3 leagues ahead.

Our thanks to President, Colin Wilson, who drove the club forward to our sole aim this year league victory!

To our hard working committee members who do so much behind the scenes many thanks especially to our Honorary President , Percy Friebe, who came to all the game whatever the weather!

GHK and Glasgow Hawks, our associate club with whom we maintain close links continued to work together. It was pleasing to see many GHK players from last year perform well with Hawks especially last years GHK Players’ Player of the Year, Craig Gossman, who had an exceptional season.

Once again the GHK squad 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.

GHK 1ST XV
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 08/09
SCOTT CAMERON

GHK 1ST XV
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR 08/09
ANDREW DRUMMOND

GHK 1ST XV
PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR 08/09
MIKE BORTHWICK

GHK 2ND XV
PLAYER OF THE YEAR 08/09
JONO RABY

GHK 2ND XV
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 08/09
RHUARIDH MCLELLAN

GHK 2nd XV
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR 08/09
SCOTT ROBERTSON

CLUB MAN OF THE YEAR
20O8/09
ERIC HUGH

TEAM OF THE YEAR
GHK 1ST XV

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 originally posted on 21-Jun-2009, 17:20 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 21-Jun-2009, 18:12.