GHK Rugby Report 2012/13

Our record this year in West League Division One- Played 18, Won 14. To win 14 games would be enough in many leagues to win promotion but this was a season dominated by Marr who deservedly won the league with all their matches won.
The priority next year is to gain promotion. Preseason strength and conditioning sessions are already well under way in various gyms and in outdoor circuit sessions across Glasgow.. Rugby skill sessions will start at Balgray- thanks to KA for use- on Monday 8th July and continuing every Monday/ Thursday there with Tuesday sessions at Victoria Park leading to preseason games against Strathendrick,Greenock and Livingston.
We have been very lucky to have had Kenny Hamilton as Head coach over the last few years. Kenny has put in countless hours for the team on the training pitch, game days and organisation behind the scenes. He was also a major driving force in the recent successful GHK tour to America. Kenny is stepping back but will remain involved in our proposed upcoming Tour and as a link with Hawks in his Director of Hawks rugby post. Thanks are also due for the work of Team manager, Jake Love, and our physios, Gill and Eilidh. Our annual David Gilmore Memorial game was won against Glasgow Accies at OA. Mention must be made of captain , Danny Hoffmann,who is stepping down from the position due to pressure of work but will continue to play.His leadership over the last few seasons has been exemplary both on and off the pitch.
2.

Our 2nd xv coached by Glenn Woolard and Henry Gray worked with the first xv and many players moved between the two teams.. The team secured their position in West One league by once again gaining fifth place. Our thanks to Glenn and Henry for their sterling efforts this season made harder by many cancelled games due to the weather.
In the West Regional Shield, GHK once again had a good run and reached the semi final only to be beaten by eventual winners Marr. A new fixture was a GHK vs Exiles game that welcomed back many former players to Old Anniesland. This fixture will run again on August 3rd.
All at GHK are delighted to congratulate Mike Borthwick on his award for SRU and RBS West regional Player of The Season. This is the second time that Mike has gained this award. It is decided by votes garnered from opposition clubs who vote for their Player of the match.
Our coaching team this year will be led by Liam McIntyre. Liam had great success as a player with GHK and Hawks. He has coached senior club rugby for several years now and is also a SRU age grade coach with Caledonia District. Liam will bring an uncompromising and winning attitude to our teams backed up with the latest in coaching methods.

3.GHKRFC Awards Dinner
A great night in the Jimmie Ireland Stand shared as usual with the GHK ladies from the hockey section.
The following awards were handed out -
GHKRFC 1ST XV
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012/13
Calum Ruxton
GHKRFC 1ST XV
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012/13
Adam Johnston
GHKRFC 1ST XV
PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF YEAR 2012/13
Pete Ritchie
GHKRFC 2ND XV 2012/13
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rory Long
GHKRFC
CLUB MAN OF THE YEAR 2012/13
Danny Hoffman
4.
News of the passing away of some Old Anniesland stalwarts has saddened the year. Former Presidents,Gordon Anderson, Jimmy Martin and George Arthur. John McCrossan who tirelessly and efficiently led the mini rugby section through many years. Mima Hamilton who was an ever present supporter on our touchlines.
Their work and support are never forgotten and is built on for future generations of players at Old Anniesland. GHK look forward to this season’s League and Scottish Shield games with confidence and anticipation. The players appreciate supporters watching and you are always assured of a warm welcome at OA.
Scott Inglis GHK Rugby Convenor

This article was posted on 14-Jun-2013, 10:29 by Hugh Barrow.