The annual match between Glasgow Accies and Glasgow Accies Exiles is only two weeks away and the Exiles team is starting to take shape. It normally consists of players playing for Clubs away from Glasgow and that is partly true this year also but this year it also consists of players who are fit but not necessarily playing regular rugby.
The mountain men are coming home. Ricky Munday who spends much of his life scaling mountains in remote parts of the world as well as doing excellent work with the underprivileged in Africa is home for Christmas and will take part. He will be joined by ex Academy PE master Ally McLay who sometimes climbs with Ricky. Both formidable players with Hawks in their day.
Al Smith brother of current Accies Captain Stuart is home from New Zealand and is dusting off his boots to play in the centre.
Rumour has it that Richard McKnight may come out of retirement to play with his brother Stuart who currently plays for the British Airways XV in London.
The Howie brothers John and Adam have confirmed their availability. John played for Aberdeenshire against Accies earlier in the season. Adam was an Accies regular last season until he went globetrotting. He is back in Edinburgh now and I think plays for Stewart Melville.
Michael Walker brother of Accies No.8 Jack is home for Christmas and will form part of a strong back row.
Stuart Low does not have to travel far as he plays for Hawks and he gets married this June.
Euan Shand son of the Glasgow Academical Club's Secretary Ken Shand and a very useful full back playing University rugby in the South West of England has also confirmed his availability.
Max Henderson who recently took up an appointment in London is looking forward to being home for Christmas and getting a game on the wing.
Rammy Baxter a regular in the Exiles XV is travelling home from London.
Stuart Ker who is a regular member of the Stewart's Melville 1st XV is hoping to get medical clearance from his doctor following and injury and hopefully may be able to play.
A number of other high profile players still have to confirm their availability so more of that later.
It looks like being a strong team and all we need now is for the weather to clear up.
The game kicks off at 2pm.
You are all invited and if previous games are anything to go by it will be an entertaining afternoon

Alasdair Graham

This article was posted on 12-Dec-2010, 20:05 by Hugh Barrow.