The Haar That Binds Us

“There are no extraordinary men...just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.” Admiral William Frederick Halsey Jr.

Tuesday 10th November 2009. The Men who trained on this date will realise its significance. As this intrepid scribe traversed Anniesland cross on Tuesday, under the shadow of Scotland tallest listed building wearing what only can be described as a pair of tights, he was met with a sight that could move a Prop to tears. There laid out before was a haar covering the great ground at OA speckled with the silhouettes of players and Officers. As the men present at this unique time would have realised, this was no mere 'mist' but rather the Great Lord had allowed us a glimpse of the stuff that binds us.

No man can fully grasp how far and how fast we have come, but condense, if you will, the 50,000 years of man's recorded history. Stated in these terms, we know very little about the early years, except at the end of them advanced man had learned to use the skins of animals to make shelters. Then about 100 years ago, under this standard, man picked up and ran with a ball. This is a breathtaking pace, and such a pace cannot help but create new ills as it dispels old, new problems, new dangers. Men, despite the high costs and hardships we must remain focussed on the potential high reward within our great game.

If this capsule history of our progress teaches us anything, it is that man, in his quest for rugby progress, is determined and cannot be deterred. The sport of Rugby Union will go ahead, whether we join in it or not,. This is an adventure that we all have a part to play. Men, we must run faster, tackle harder, scrummage further and jump higher. It is the desire to excel in our great game that is intrinsically instilled within and binds us all at Anniesland . It was this that was temporarily visible on Tuesday.

As we set sail on the second leg of our journey there is new battles to be one, and they must be won and used for the progress of the badge on our chests. The league is there, and we're going to climb it. And, therefore, with the Captain at the bridge, we ask for blessing on one of the greatest adventures on which man has ever embarked.

The XV seamen for GHK have two changes of note for tomorrows game. Le Breck makes way after a strong couple of weeks in the blue and green jersey. Coming in the opposite direction is Joe Macari for his second start of the season with young James Hendry granted his debut due to Sheddens problematic lug.

Padre Dunlop and Assistant Adjutant General Shambilton have been below deck stoking the engine room. Hair on Fire!

The Regiment for tomorrows game against Hillfoots at Old Anniesland, 12pm kick-off, is as follows:

15 D ‘Shergar's Hair' Whyte
14 C ‘Sofa Can Fast‘ Sorlie
13 J 'Sand-Crack' Macari
12 D ‘Rennpferd’ Hoffman
11 R ‘No Bettor’ Love
10 J ‘The Bookies Favourite‘ Shannon
9 J 'Maythehorsebewithyou' Hendry
1 A ‘Rhythm Method’ Forbes
2 G ‘Shetland Pony’ Reid
3 C ‘Heartbeat's Morph was made from’ McLay
4 E ‘Onewaytickettothegluefactory’ Thow
5 H ‘Plastered, out of a mare called Tipples’ Parker
6 A ‘Mules Can Talk’ McTavish
7 P ‘Some say that he is wanted by the CIA and his breath smells of polo mints. All we know is he’s called...’ Broadbent
8 R ‘Shefoggedmyglasses' McCormack

16 J 'Hoof Hearted' Lohoar
17 A ’Young Esso‘ Neilson
18 C 'Wearthefoxhat ' Barkmeier

Theme for the clubhouse extravaganza: Race Night

Genuine best wishes and a thick slice of Dundee cake to all Anniesland teams tomorrow.

Yours as always, running towards the gunfire in front row union, ball in hand and making ground, with a Samoan sidestep, handoff and correct presentation. Never beaten, its best Mizuno boot forward and onto the second phase. With thoughts of Ralgex jerseys and opportunities with armpit hair. Crouch. Touch. Pause. Engage. Heart in the fire. Head in the Icebox. Its all about the core.

Disco [Capt..]


Supporting Note: Major Ken Cowan is back at the helm. Maneuvers BEFORE training.

This article was posted on 13-Nov-2009, 12:19 by Hugh Barrow.