GHK RUGBY REPORT 2009/10


GHK RUGBY REPORT 2009/10
This was another good year for GHK rugby. Promotion into the National Leagues for the 1st xv did not see the team resting on their laurels but instead a determined charge to be promoted again. Unfortunately we just fell short at the final hurdle with a creditable 3rd place. This was an especially harsh winter and full credit to captain, Ali Forbes,players and coaches who maintained great numbers at training over a very fractured season. At one point we had to train in the indoor riding stables at the vet school! A young and talented group of players were ably coached by Charlie Dunlop, Kenny Hamilton and Ken Cowan. Lessons have been learnt about what is needed to compete at this level for instance the importance of bonus points.
The 2nds who had been promoted last year also did well with a second place in their league. Unfortunately due to SRU reorganisation no one was promoted from their league despite all the hard work from the players and coaches, Glenn Woolard, Henry Gray and Mike Gribben, The 2nds have been a great success story this year with vastly increased numbers.

Coaching

Unfortunately Charlie Dunlop is standing down to pressure of work commitments but will stay involved in his beloved Old Anniesland rugby.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion this year the coaching team below are seen as the right blend to secure promotion to National 2. The coaching team has been reorganised into -

Head Coach- Kenny Hamilton
Stepping up from forwards coach last year Kenny has considerable experience of Scottish rugby at many levels. Kenny has been Director of Rugby at both GHK and Hawks and has coached Glasgow age grade sides up to Under 21 level. His tactical awareness and organisational skills will ensure every game is well prepared for.

Assistant Coaches

GHK are delighted to welcome back several former players to work on specialist areas.

Rob Holdsworth- backs and game analysis.

Rob was a talented scrumhalf for GHK and Hawks. He now works for Glasgow Warriors as their Performance Analyst. Rob has also worked with Scotland A and Scotland and will be able to bring the latest ideas from the professional game to Old Anniesland. Rob is now keen to further his own coaching career and work with our talented backline.

Liam McIntyre- forwards coach and front five specialist.

Liam has played with distinction and been involved in all levels of rugby. He has propped at age grade representative level; played for GHK and was part of the strong Cup and league winning team at Glasgow Hawks. Recently Liam has coached National 3 team, Helensburgh. All at GHK are pleased to have him back.

Gerry Hawkes- back three specialist.

Gerry's nickname of ' hitman' says it all. He was a prolific scorer with GHK, Hawks and Hamilton. Gerry has also been involved in league and cup success and will bring a wealth of experience to impart to our younger players.

The GHK 2nd xv coaching team who did a tremendous job taking the team to second place will remain in position. Henry Gray, Glenn Woolard and Mike Gribben. Their hard work was exemplified by the number of 2nd xv players who moved to the 1sts.


Our thanks to President, Forbes Dunlop, who, in spite of recent illness gave absolutely everything to drive the club forward.
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 games whatever the weather!

Our links with Hawks remain strong and Kenny Hamilton has already had positive meetings with Peter Wright re links on player and coach development.



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. Held in the Jimmie Ireland Stand demand was so great this year that despite the 110 capacity there was a waiting list!


The 1st xv awards were presented by Kenny Hamilton after a speech by Hawks Captain, Rory McKay.
The 2nd xv awards were handed out by Glenn Woolard.

GHK 1ST XV
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 09/10
RORY MCCORMACK
GHK 1ST XV
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR 09/10
DAVIE WHYTE
GHK 1ST XV
PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR 09/10
HUGH PARKER
GHK 2ND XV
PLAYER OF THE YEAR 09/10
SCOTT ROBINSON
GHK 2ND XV
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 09/10
ADAM MCLAY
GHK 2nd XV
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR 09/10
ROSS FERGUS
CLUB MAN OF THE YEAR
20O9/2010
Percy Friebe
Team of The Year.
2nd xv
GHK look forward to this 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 21-Jun-2010, 07:08 by Scott

 

This article was posted on 21-Jun-2010, 13:01 by Hugh Barrow.