Ludere causa ludende

This Friday's contest between Glasgow Accies and GHK continues one of the traditions of Anniesland rugby that stretches back to the 1880s Although it does not hold the status of yesteryear it still holds the spirit of a derby clash

Prior to the arrival of Hawks in 1997 over the years this contest provided the lifeblood for rugby in Glasgow's West End
The contest may have changed it's format over the years with Accies facing Glasgow HSFP Kelvinside Accies Glasgow High and now GHK at different times but the passion has not altered as will be seen under lights on Friday
Historically some of these matches were even played on Christmas Day or more recently Boxing Day

Many of the greatest names in Scottish rugby have taken to the field in this contest

Max Simmers (Brian's father)
John M Bannerman (grandfather of Shade Munro)
Wilson Shaw (one of the few Scots on Twickenham's wall of fame)
Herbert Waddell (became president of the Barbarians)
Jimmy Ireland ( who allegedly asked a fellow cap on the way to play for Scotland at Murrayfield Who are playing today is it Wales or Ireland?)
Vivian Weston of Kelvinside Accie fame(grandfather of Watsonian star Jamie Weston)
Laurie Duff(who later ran a butchers business under the slogan Buy Duff Meat)
Angus Cameron ( who in a charity soccer match at Hampden almost put the ball along with the Queens Park goalie through the net whilst taking a penalty)
John Beattie(now coaching Accies)
The roll goes on Scottish Caps and British Lions alike

In fact in 1955 a combined team of Glasgow Accies and Glasgow HSFP took on a British Lions Select following the Lions famous tour to South Africa
The Select side included the legendary Cliff Morgan who went on to be the Welsh voice for BBC Rugby
Angus Cameron was vice captain of the Lions who had beaten the Boks at the very citadel of South African rugby power Ellis Park Johannesburg

"There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night"
Three of the greats Jimmy Dykes John Bannerman and Ludi Stuart played in the match for Scotland/Ireland against England/Wales held in The Close at Rugby School to celebrate the centenary of William Webb Ellis 's mythical "fine disregard of the rules"

Over the years they played in blue and white of Glasgow Accies the all white of Kelvinside the chocolate and gold of Glasgow High School FP and the Cameronian colours of GHK which had also been previously worn by High men before World War 1

The players that take the field at Old Anniesland this Friday evening in the blue and white of Accies or the Cameronian colours of GHK to compete for the David Gilmore Trophy add another chapter to a long and worthy story

Ed Thanks to Brian for the loan of his cigarette card collection

This article was originally posted on 8-Feb-2011, 08:14 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 8-Feb-2011, 08:56.