Dear Diary,
Today I went to Old Anniesland more in hope than expectation that I would see a decent 2nd XV game, considering the opposition came from Newton Stewart. How wrong I was! Despite being outplayed for almost the whole game by a rampant full strength GHK team, the Newton Stewart players kept their discipline and competed to the last. They even had the good grace to hang about the bar for two hours socialising with the home players. Ahhh, it takes me back to when this happened week in week out. I’m sure we’re now looking forward to our trip to Wigtownshire.

I’ve been going to Anniesland for a very long time now, but today was the first occasion I can recall seeing three brothers play in the same team. I’m sure the 2nd XV are grateful to the procreative activities of Mr and Mrs Johnston in the late 1980’s. I hope the team captain invites them to the annual dinner to express our gratitude.

Also on display were two brothers from the Inglis family, to whom we are equally grateful. I hope this is a lesson for those club members under 40 years old - do the business now. The future is not in your hands, but in your actions. And if the outcome is a daughter, then she can always play hockey.

And talking of doing the business, the Referees’ Society at last produced a referee, and very fair he was too, although with a bit to learn about imposing his presence on the game. The referee assessor was Jim Bulloch, a sensible chap, once a top referee, whose two sons both played for Scotland. (Just can’t get away from procreation today!). He was ably assisted by our resident former referee, who in the interests of fairness advised the referee to disallow a GHK try-scoring move from a quick line-out throw-in not taken at the line-of-touch, as the lineout had already formed (two players from each side are required to form a line-out - that‘s this week‘s lesson in the laws). The referee was unusual in that he brought his own supporters, three ladies and a male. They outnumbered the Newton Stewart fans, and contributed to the crowd again reaching thirty persons, if you count Ian Macraes’ baby.

With regard to the match there was much to report, but I can’t remember most of it. The blind side move with Liam was tried twice but on both occasions the No. 8 picked up and fed through the scrum half and full-back - not the correct option. The move is best executed by the scrum half coming round with a speedy pick-up and release to Liam on meeting the first hint of opposition cover. Perhaps we should practice it in the bar after next week’s game. Joe Fuchs uncharacteristically dropped an otherwise scoring pass under the posts. The ball tended to become stuck at the centre three-quarter when the obvious play was all the way to the winger. Only later did I learn that we had no centres, and the places were being filled by further wingers. Happily all substitutes took the field for extended periods and I hope this will help their match fitness. Bill Criggie had another excellent game at stand-off half, but slipped on many occasions. Time to check the studs Bill!

The team (in no particular order) was Fraser Johnston, Russell Johnston, Adam Johnston, Mathew Inglis, Ben Inglis, I Macrae, A Watson, M Reid (making a welcome comeback), A Christie, J Fuchs, K O’Callaghan, S Makusha, B Criggie, L McDermid, N Lewis, S Kennedy, D McNair (touch judge), G Doverty, M Gribben, E Graydon. I think there’s one missing - if he could make himself known next week I would be most grateful.

The try scorers were Messrs Makusha, Graydon (2), Fuchs, O’Callaghan (did you notice the full moon tonight?), Kennedy, Christie, Russell Johnston (2), McDermid (2) (despite only playing for one half!), Criggie. Bill also scored one penalty and ten conversions. Final score 78-7. Played five won four.

Mr Johnston was present to witness events, as was Mr Graydon. Next week is Lenzie away. All parents and supporters welcome. I do hope we can continue to field such a strong side.

This article was originally posted on 15-Oct-2005, 22:52 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 16-Oct-2005, 13:28.