Good morning everyone
From a playing perspective the last three weeks have proved to be very difficult with the number of players unavailable mostly through injury. The total last Saturday across the Club was 29 this resulted in us fielding very young and inexperienced sides against some of the toughest opponents in the league. We did well to beat a very powerful Aberdeenshire side who had a massive pack but the task proved to be too much against Hawick YM and Kilmarnock although we had chances in both matches that were not fully realised.
Some of the young players that have been introduced will be very valuable to us in the future as they certainly have talent and this should develop as they gain strength and experience.
In a side that is nearly at full strength it is always possible to introduce a youngster and allow him to play with older heads around him but when you have to have five or six inexperienced players being introduced at the same time it is a different story.
However it is not all gloom and doom. As several players have returned and are available for selection.
Brad Bell is back from the USA having been delayed by the difficulty in getting a visa. Mike Hermes has recovered from a compulsory lay off of three week caused by concussion. Ali McLaren is making good progress from a groin strain and could be back. Dougie Laidlaw should also be available if needed for the centre. Fabi Marchetti is back from holiday and Jack Walker is fit again after a shoulder injury. Dr Jamie Robertson may get the weekend off and that will make competition for the second row more intense as new boy Chris McLellan has been outstanding since he came into the side two weeks ago.
It will be interesting to see what head coach John Beattie, recently returned from the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, comes up with in his team selection.
Director of Rugby, Donald Reid, introduced a new coaching structure earlier this week. John Beattie will continue as head coach assisted by his brother Duncan who will coach the forwards and Ewan Smith will coach the backs. Ewan has done an excellent job with the 2nd XV since he joined us at the start of the season and his experience as a stand off with West of Scotland for 12 years will be invaluable. Donald Reid will assist Nigel Campbell with the 2nd XV who have had great influx of new players and some good performances so far this season.
Accies play Annan at New Anniesland on Saturday. Please note the kick off is at 2pm
Have a good week

Alasdair Graham

This article was posted on 27-Oct-2010, 08:43 by Hugh Barrow.