Dear Diary,
After a night at the Golden Oldies’ High Tea it was a struggle to get to Anniesland for the latest 2nd XV fixture, but, if I hadn’t been there I wouldn’t have believed it. A very bad day at the office, not only in losing to league leaders Garnock, but the style of the loss and the injuries accumulated.

But to more important matters. Yet again we had more players than are allowed to take the field. How do we keep them interested and in so doing contribute to the development of Scottish Rugby? In my view the answer is a new regulation along the lines of ‘There is no maximum number of substitutes in any game involving the lowest ranked team of any club. Opponents must be informed by the lowest rank team of any club at least six days before any fixture that there will be no maximum number of substitutes for that fixture’. (I understand the stand-off half Bill Criggie is a solicitor and could do better, but I think all of reasonable intelligence will get the drift). The effect would be everyone who turns up gets a game. Eventually, when sufficient numbers have turned up, a new lowest ranked team can be formed, with the former lowest ranked team then complying with the general maximum number of substitutes rule. How long will it be until those who administer the regulations wake up and smell the coffee? Who is going to help them wake up? Or, will clubs continue to be caught in never-land with insufficient numbers to form a further XV? What is more important to Scottish Rugby - second or third fifteens fielding only five substitutes, or, a contribution towards expansion of the player base?

Anyway, to return to the most recent action, this was a somewhat disappointing performance. Although Garnock are a skilful well-drilled side I am sure the result would have been much closer if GHK had managed to get the midfield backs going. For the second week in a row the interpretation of off-side lines (not to mention what the tackling player must do at a tackle (Law 15.(a) ……. must immediately release the tackled player; Law 15.5(b) …… must immediately get up or move away from the tackled player; Law 15.5(c) ……… must get up before playing the ball) did not help in this regard. The GHK try came from a flowing back move early in the game, delightfully finished off by Liam. This move promised much, but nothing further developed. Again the whole team stuck to the task on the tackling front, but were eventually outgunned.

The three Johnston brothers were in attendance for the third week in a row. The Garnock No. 12 attempted to ‘dunt’ Bill Criggie and had he done so would surely have been the subject of citing procedures as an experienced ex-referee in the crowd had a clear view of proceedings. In a blow to the GHK hopes for the rest of the season, Alex Christie and Liam McDermid were able to have a full discussion of selection policy, pitch condition and the meaning of life, while waiting for treatment at the Western Infirmary (and as a consequence the team list is not yet available). Alex has had a gash to his cheek glued (apparently this produces a smaller scar than stitching) and Liam has a broken finger. In addition Colin McGonnigle has a dodgy knee. If Neil Lewis can delete the drinking from his extensive nocturnal activities he could make a welcome return to the starting line-up next week. A significant crowd assembled for the game, including many spare and injured players, but a few drifted away before full time.

A low key diary entry, I know, but finally a few thoughts about a few players.
Euan McDonald was the star GHK performer, and can come back any time.
Fraser Johnston had a great game and I hope he continues to put the tackles in.
Mark Reid, thanks for making many hard yards.
I hope that Colin McGonnigle, doesn’t play before seeking medical advice about that knee.
Mathew Inglis had some great performances last year, and we would like a repeat, but he will have to train once per week. (Or even better twice, a regular 45 minute session in the gym would do wonders.)
Sam Makusha should defend on the off-side line unless requested by the full-back otherwise to do.
I wish Ken O’Callaghan would use his not inconsiderable brain and join the rucks and mauls from the back (or wait at the off-side line).

The score was 5-31 or thereabout. Played seven won five. Next week all are welcome at Troon for the fixture against Marr. Oh I do like to be beside the seaside …………

This article was posted on 30-Oct-2005, 23:27 by Hugh Barrow.