Congratulations go to all the boys below in making the various District Squads.
Edinburgh U18's Versus Newcastle Falcons Academy Team, Sunday 14th February in Newcastle
Cal Davis, Robbie Wilson, Ewan Smith & James Ferguson
Border U17's Versus Edinburgh U17's
Robbie Wilson & Gary Peebles
Alex Spence has been selected in a strong Gael Force team to play Newport at Rodney Parade tomorrow night (Friday 12th February) at 7.30pm in the British & Irish Cup.
Neil Rodger was due to be in the squad as well but due to injury has missed out.
Also in the Squad is Former Haddington Colts player Sam Atkin
All at Haddington wish Alex and Sam all the best for tomorrow night, anyone down in Wales from Haddington is encouraged to show the boys there support if at all possible.
Team
15 Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors)
14 Michael Doneghan (National Academy and Stewarts Melville) *
13 Hefin O’Hare (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Rob Dewey (Glasgow Warriors)
11 Tom Bury (National Academy and Boroughmuir) *
10 Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Mark McMillan (Glasgow Warriors)
1 Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors)
2 Fergus Thomson (captain, Glasgow Warriors)
3 Lewis Niven (National Academy and Edinburgh Academicals) *
4 Steven Turnbull (Edinburgh Rugby)
5 Dan Turner (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Fraser McKenzie (Edinburgh Rugby)
7 Alex Spence (National Academy and Haddington) **
8 James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors)
Replacements
16 Ryan Grant (Edinburgh Rugby)
17 David Young (Edinburgh Rugby)
18 Tim Barker (Glasgow Warriors)
19 Neale Patrick (National Academy and Boroughmuir)*
20 Ross Sutherland (Stewart’s Melville)
21 Ross Samson (Edinburgh Rugby)
22 Sam Atkin (National Academy and Edinburgh Academicals)**
* Denotes a member of the Scottish National Contracted Academy
** Denotes a member of the Scottish Rugby National Academy supported by the Scottish Institute of Sport
HRFC are delighted to confirm the details of the Midsummers Ball to be held in a marquee outside the Rugby Club on Friday 14th May 2010.
The event is hoped to raise much-needed funds towards the upkeep of the Club as well as being a great night out for everyone as long as the members fully support it.
Again this year the Club have endeavoured to keep costs to a minimum by providing a 3 course meal followed by an excellent band to finish off the evening, all at the princely sum of £30 per head.
Book a full table of 10 or just order 2 tickets, either way we want to see you along to have a fantastic evening to round off the season.
Players, Coaches, Parents - All welcome. Don't leave it too late! BOOK NOW
Friday 14th May 2010
Marquee outside HRFC Clubhouse
Arrival 7pm - 3 course meal to be served from 7.30pm
Followed by Dancing to the band China Blue till 12am
Tickets £30
Orders for tickets can be any number, tables hold 10.
To book a place or for further information please call Lynn Lund on 01620825717 or email lynn.lund@tesco.net
Tickets will be issued on receipt of payment and will be required on the night.
PLEASE NOTE:- All monies for tickets must be paid no later than 7th May 2010, ticket money cannot be paid at the ball.
Get in those wardrobes and dig out your 80's gear for Saturday 27th February.
7.30pm - Late, Tickets £5.00 from All Committee Members
It's a big day at the club:
12.30pm Sponsors Thank You Lunch, 3.00pm Haddington v Biggar, 1.30pm Italy v Scotland, 4.00pm England v Ireland, 7.30pm 80's Night.
What A Line Up!!!!
HRFC sends it best regards to its oldest living member Willie Cowan, who celebrated his 90th Birthday on Tuesday.
Haddington 0 Peebles 22
Haddington welcomed Peebles to Neilson park on Saturday for a first league fixture for both sides since mid December. Both side having managed to play one Border league matching in the intervening period.
It was Peebles who looked the livelier in the early exchanges and they were rewarded after just 5 mins with a fine try. Having secured a line-out on the Scarlets 22' the ball was moved wide and with quick second phase ball the overlap was created for Dale Clancey to score the opening try for the visitors. The conversion was missed, but Peebles had established an early lead. Haddington 0 Peebles 5.
The early warning seems to bring some urgency to the Haddington play and we start to secure more ball and some telling kicking putting pressure on Peebles. On 12 mins Haddington lose Calum Cockburn to injury and he is replaced by Rhod Thomas on the wing.
A penalty to the Scarlets on 15 mins pushes play into the Peebles 22'. Peebles defend well and despite several surges nothing comes of it and Peebles clear their lines.
The game at this point is fairly even, being played in midfield with neither side able to take clear control.
On 30 mins Peebles secure good line-out ball and press for the line, but after several waves of attack the Reds keep the line intact with solid defending and eventually turn the ball over and clear the lines.
On 35 mins prop Laidlaw suffers a shoulder injury forcing the Reds into another early substitution with Gary Cockburn taking to the field.
With 5 mins remaining till half time the Scarlets are looking good at 0 - 5 with the second half looming down the slope, but the remaining minutes before half time would see the game turned on its head.
Firstly Peebles win line-out ball on the Scarlets 22' after a clearance kick to touch was deemed to have been passed back into the 22'. Peebles secure good ball and move along the back line and weak midfield tackling sees Peebles centre Hogarth cross the line under the sticks for a soft score from the Haddington perspective. The conversion is good and the lead is extended to Haddington 0 Peebles 12.
On 40 mins the Reds are harshly penalised at the scrum and after some back chat the Reds are marched back twice and the fracas see hooker Harrison firstly yellow carded and then red carded to leave Haddington stunned.
Shortly after the ref blows for half time.
Half Time: Haddington 0 Peebles 12
Haddington are forced to withdrawn no. 8 Paris who had been having a good game to allow Elliot on as replacement hooker.
First blood of the second half goes to Peebles, with penalty following a Haddington infringement in midfield. Haddington 0 Peebles 15.
Haddington despite being a man down stick to their task and ask questions of the visitors defence which stands firm.
On 62 mins Peebles secure line-out ball in the Haddington 22' and make the numbers count driving over for the score by McConnell. The conversion is again successful taking the score on to Haddington 0 Peebles 22.
Peebles receive their first of 2 yellow cards on 66 mins for persistent killing of the ball and evening up the number the Scarlets go on to dominate the possession and territory for the remainder of the game and despite coming close several times are unable to break a well organised Peebles defence.
Final Score: Haddington 0 Peebles 22
While Peebles merited their victory taking their chances when they came along, the game was perhaps closer then the scoreline suggests. Surely on another days the Scarlets would have got a couple of scores, but for excellent defending and a bit of luck deserting Haddington at crucial times.
There was still many positive aspects to the Haddington play and the effort could not be faulted. While still deep in the relegation battle there is still everything to play for and our fait remains in our own hands.
Next week Kelso come visiting for what will be a vital match to both teams
Kick Off 2.00pm
Many thanks to all who sold and purchased raffle tickets for the Xmas Raffle.
Below is a list of winners which were drawn at the New Year lunch on Saturday 2nd January.
I'm sure you will join us in thanking Lynn Lund for producing a fantastic lunch, someone on Saturday said "that was a banquet not a lunch"!!!
Winners can contact Lyndsay Stuart via e-mail at: lyndsaystuart@hotmail.comPRIZE DRAW WINNERS
£200 Brian Gruber
Belhaven Tour Andrew Musgrave
Hamper Margaret Paterson
Edinburgh Tickets Elaine Morrin
Glenkinchie Tour
And Bottle Nigel Robson
Signed SRU Ball Ken Wood
2 Bottles of Wine Anthony Glasgow
Bottle of Bicardi Alan Laidlaw
Sparkling Wine Norman Morrison
Bottle of Vodka Billy Davidson
Bottles of whiskey Janet Anderson
M Allan
Roddy Bell
Bottle of Gin Lucy Hewitt
Beer Tom Hogg
Bottle of Wine Zoe Munro
James Pate
Bob Snodgrass
Bottle of Port Cameron Glasgow
Bottle of Sherry Tommy Wason
RBS Gym Bag Sophie Robertson
Looks Hairdresser
Voucher Steve Clark
Box of Heroes John McShane
Ferrero Rocher Lisa Wason
Terry’s All Gold Red Hot Chilli Pipers
HRFC GETS GROWING TO SUPPORT MOVEMBER 2009
AND THE BOYS NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Movember – the month formerly known as November – has hit Haddington Rugby Club for the first time as some of our boys attempt (some more successfully than others) to furnish their top lips with a comedy tache in aid of charity.
Alan Laidlaw, Derek O’Riordan, Euan Herkes, Rory Couper, Mark Morrison, Greig Munro, Gordon Galashan, Keith Wallace, Paul Pritchard and Quinton Caulfield are all putting their embarrassment aside for one month and embracing their tache growing potential.
Alongside being a good laugh for those involved - and those spectating -Movember has raised over £30 million globally for the fight against prostate cancer and as a direct result has helped highlight male health issues around the world.
The inaugural Hearts & Heroes Challenge took place last May when over 500 walkers and runners competed in the 29-mile course, which took place in the Scottish Borders, starting at St Mary’s Loch and finishing at The Greenyards, the home of Melrose RFC.
The 2010 event, to be held on 15 May is over the same route, and supports two Charities, Poppy Scotland and Hearts and Balls.
Rugby was well represented last year, and we are looking to build on this and make the event an even bigger success. Hearts and Balls is there to help those in rugby who unfortunately have sustained injury whilst involved in the game, and this is our main annual source of funds. So we are encouraging as many as possible from the rugby community to participate, raise funds or whatever – but do their bit, to ensure we continue helping rugby to help its own.
While the full Challenge is 29 miles, there is also the opportunity to do the bronze award (11 miles) or the silver award (21 miles).
To enter the event, which costs £50 per person, look at the following website – www.heartsandheroes.co.uk, which provides all the information you need to enter.
If, for any reason, your club cannot take part in the 2010 Hearts & Heroes event, we would like you to consider running a raffle or hold other events to raise funds for the cause.
To learn more about Hearts & Balls why not visit www.heartsandballs.org.uk, or if you wish to know more about the 2010 event please contact me on 07538 579191 or john.thorburn@heartsandballs.
You can also contact Hearts & Balls Chairman, Jim Littlefair on 07764 696 312 or Board member, Malcolm Gillies on 07831 852 056.
John Thorburn, Events Co-Ordinator
100 Club - Recent Winners
September Draw - 1st Alan Laidlaw, 2nd Jim Weston
October Draw - 1st Mary Lou Renton, 2nd Tom Hogg
November Draw - 1st Alan Waugh, 2nd John Burns
"As many of you will be aware, HRFC run a “100 Club” . Many of you have already joined, however, there are plenty spaces available and I would urge you all to join this excellent, no-hassle way of raising money for the Club, as well as giving you the opportunity of winning some money. If you would like to join or would like more information, please call Lyndsay Stuart on 07906 117205.
Update to Haddington RFC U16's
Since the last match report Haddington U16's have played 4 matches.
13/9/09
League
Haddington 12 North Berwick 47
The score line in this match does not do justice to the game.
Haddington allowed North Berwick 3 simple tries, all converted, by not clearing up through kicks.
Hopefully the boys will have learned from this because, apart from these scores, they competed well at the breakdown and managed to score 2 well worked tries.
There was lots of good tackling and running from both sides in what was a thoroughly entertaining match enjoyed by supporters from both sides.
Tries scored by Kyle Munro and Sam Thomas conversion by Keir Duffy
11/10/09
League
Hawick 55 Haddington 0
Haddington were completely outclassed by a very strong Hawick side that ran in 9 tries, 5 converted.
There were some good passages of play towards the end from Haddington but they still could not cross the Hawick line.
For most of the game Hawick were far stronger at the breakdown and managed to win the vast majority of loose ball which had Haddington on the back foot and even some good strong tackling couldn't prevent the tries been run in.
18/10/09
League
Dalkeith/Penicuik 16 Haddington 12
Much better performance from Haddington this week, winning the try count 2-1 and playing some very good fast running rugby.
Again, unfortunately, the forwards were bullied off the ball too often at the breakdowns. When the ball was won the Haddington backs had some excellent breaks that took stout tackling from the Dalkeith/Penicuik defence to stop.
The main difference was that Haddington gave away too many penalties and the home kicker was on form, kicking 3 out of 4 of these and one conversion.
Tries scored by Chris Thomson and Kyle Munro, conversion Keir Duffy.
8/11/09
National Youth Bowl pre round
Haddington 24 Kelso 30
A brilliant match at Neilson Park.
Here the U16's were back to there best. Both sides were playing fast rugby, winning the ball on the ground and moving it wide, hence the 9 tries shared in this game.
The score changed regularly, Haddington went ahead with a try scored from broken play in the Kelso 22 by Kyle Munro, then Kelso scored a penalty and then 2 tries to take a 13-5 lead. Haddington came back when a well-worked move off the back of a scrum allowed Aaron McCall to cross, conversion by Keir Duffy 12-13. Kelso were next to score with a converted try making it 12-18.
The home side bounced back quickly and after picking a pass off his toes Finlay Baird crossed to bring the difference back to just a point 17-18.
Into the 2nd half and Kelso scored twice with no reply to give themselves a 2 score lead 17-30. Haddington refused to lie down though and quickly got one back when Kyle Munro drove over the line and Keir Duffy converted to bring the match to a nail-biting finale 24-30.
With only one score in it Haddington lifted their game and pushed and pushed at the Kelso try line.
Unfortunately despite the best efforts of the whole team, they could not make those vital last few inches and the match ended with Haddington camped on the Kelso line in the shadow of the posts.
We would like to keep you all as up to date with future developments as we approach our centenary year.
We have our master database which always needs updating, at present there are many names missing from it who have been associated with the club in one way or another over the years.
After a tough few weeks, the Club at last had something to smile about with good wins for the 1st XV, 2nd XV and the Colts at the weekend.
Richard Scott also found the funny side to his hair transplant going a bit awry, John Stewart dreams of scoring at Mansfield Park remain a distant-dream, whilst Euan Chalmers found slicing his hand open had a silver lining! Sadly though, Big Malc's Irish mate remains toothless!
Is anyone interested in club bow ties? These would be the same as the normal neck ties but in in bow tie design - ready to wear.
Cost would be the same as neck ties - £13.00 each.
If you would like a bow tie please let me know. I will only order if there is sufficient interest
David MacKay - tel. 07974 927467 or email d.mackay123@btinternet.com
Haddington Rugby Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Derek O'Riordan as Youth Development Officer. Derek takes over the role from Greig Munro who is off on his travels Down Under. Greig took on the role two years ago and has worked tirelessly within the cluster schools in and around Haddington to grow the playing base for the Rugby Club. He has built up a strong link between the schools and the Club to ensure children are given the opportunity not only to play rugby but to enjoy a more active lifestyle. We wish to thank Greig for his hard work and hope that he returns in the not too distant future to assist in the Club's long-term development. The building blocks are now in place for Derek to enhance the role and ensure the Club continue to compete at the top table of Scottish Rugby for many years to come.
Derek O'Riordan:- After joining the Club at the beginning of last season from Italian side Lazio, Derek quickly established himself at No.8 within the 1st XV. He went on to assist in coaching the Haddington U15 side that had a very successful season and is vice-captain of the Club for season 2009-10.
Congratulations to newly weds, Rhodri & Evie Thomas, who tied the knot on Saturday 11th July at Winton House, Pencaitland. As well as many of his rugby colleague's, Rhodri's family and friends travelled up from the Welsh valleys to celebrate the wedding along with the happy couple.
The good news is Gary Glass has been spotted in Haddington and will be back down training this week. The bad news is that he is still a letch and women (of all ages) are still in danger of the predator! See photo below!
PAYMENT IS DUE IN THIS FRIDAY, 12TH JUNE.
PLEASE CONTACT LYNN LUND TO ARRANGE PAYMENT AND ENSURE YOU DONT MISS OUT ON A GREAT NIGHT. THERE'S STILL TIME TO BOOK. DONT DELAY!
* OVER 20 TABLES BOOKED ALREADY*
With the Annual Sportsman's dinner having been cancelled this year, the Club are delighted to announce the introduction of the Midsummers Ball to be held in a marquee outside the Rugby Club on Friday 19th June. The event is hoped to raise much-needed funds towards the upkeep of the Club as well as being a great night out for everyone as long as the members fully support it.
Funding is obviously an integral part of Haddington Rugby Club but we are also aware of the current economic climate, therefore, with that in mind the Club have endeavoured to keep costs to a minimum by providing a 3 course meal followed by an excellent band to finish off the evening, all at the princely sum of £25 per head.
Book a full table of 10 or just order 2 tickets, either way we want to see you along to have a fantastic evening during the well-earned off season.
Players, Coaches, Parents - All welcome. Don't leave it too late! BOOK NOW
Friday 19th June 2009
Marquee outside HRFC Clubhouse
Arrival 7pm - 3 course meal to be served from 7.30pm
Followed by Dancing to the band Xpression till 12am
Tickets £25
Orders for tickets can be any number, tables hold 10.
To book a place or for further information please call Lynn Lund on 01620825717 or email lynn.lund@tesco.net
Tickets will be issued on receipt of payment and will be required on the night.
PLEASE NOTE: - All monies for tickets must be paid no later than 12th June 2009, ticket money cannot be paid at the ball.
All
It is with great pleasure that I announce my first appearance on the hallowed turf of Twickenham.
I shall be playing for the Penguins Golden Oldies v The Lords and Commons Rugby Club as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Penguins, on Sunday 31st May.
The Penguins are an invitation team with the principal objective: “To foster- by coaching and playing the development, goodwill and camaraderie of Rugby Union worldwide”, to date they have visited 57 countries to do so.
A number of ex-internationals are expected to take part, together who two former HRFC stalwarts John Kerr and Gordon Dickson.
I shall be using the occasion to raise funds for the Penguins Coaching Charity and for our in-house Charity, The Millennium Project (which helps underprivileged children around the world).
If you wish to make a donation, please let me know, if you want to gift aid then please confirm and there will be tax advantages.
If you wish further interest then you may wish to sponsor me on the basis of “ball minutes” ie the product of the number of times that I touch the ball and the number of minutes I get on the field. (The maximum minutes are 40 since I do not qualify for the first period which is over 55).
A prize will go to the winner who is closest.
I will of course keep you posted, and rest assured ask my opponents about their expenses during the scrums.
Yours in Rugby
Keith Wallace
|
Player |
Played |
Tries |
Pens |
Conv |
D/G |
Points |
|
Jamie Peters |
28 |
3 |
31 |
33 |
|
174 |
|
Gary Glass |
27 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Paddy Brown |
26 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Neil Watt |
25 |
7 |
|
|
1 |
38 |
|
Callum Cockburn |
24 |
5 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Neil Rodger |
23 |
2 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Craig Samuel |
22 |
2 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Mark Morrison |
22 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Graeme Waugh |
22 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Derek O'Riordan |
21 |
2 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Bob Snodgrass |
21 |
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Callum Mark |
20 |
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Craig Adam |
20 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Craig Harrison |
20 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Donald Snodgrass |
19 |
6 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Quinton Caulfield |
19 |
2 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Sam Johnson |
18 |
6 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Dougie Orr |
18 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Nick Bell |
16 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Ross Martin |
16 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
James Warren |
14 |
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Ewan Herkes |
14 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Sam Hughes |
12 |
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Rhodri Thomas |
11 |
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Graham Dykes |
8 |
2 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Greig Taylor |
8 |
0 |
8 |
5 |
|
34 |
|
Paul Pritchard |
7 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Graeme Crawford |
6 |
2 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Dale Gordon |
4 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Andy Scott |
4 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Callum Elliot |
4 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Greig Munro |
4 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Ben Inglis |
3 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
James Weddell |
2 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Paddy McQuiston |
2 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Willie Thomson |
1 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Alex Spence |
1 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Sam Atkin |
1 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
The player's from all the senior teams were well represented at Donald Snodgrass's farewell dinner as captain. The evening began with Keith Wallace's slant on Rabbie Burns 'grace' before the players got tucked in to their meal. Ross 'The Gimp' Martin engaged in his now customary 'troosers doon and tap aff' stint at the start of the meal also. Some reckon its to increase the number of waitresses on the evening, however, the truth being he hasn't been able to buy a try over the previous three seasons and deserves all the humiliation that is bestowed on him, although he looked a bit too comfortable in his role as The Gimp.
Eddie Pollock was the first speaker up and went on to tell many stories from his three year stint as coach, spitting his false teeth out during an after match rant at the players, as well as his altercation with an Aberdeen supporter during a match, being but a few. Donald Snodgrass was next up to try and embarrass most of his fellow athletes, and deservedly so, for their usual acts of indecency throughout the season, before Eddie remembered yet another story to tell as daylight beckoned. Guest speaker from Dundee HSFP, Ken Andrew, finished of the evening with some wonderul stories and one-liners. Any concerned parties will be relieved to know that Burnsey did make it home, on Monday!!
Awards on the Evening
1st XV Players Player of the Year: Craig Adam
1st XV Most Improved Player: Callum Cockburn
Top Try Scorer: Neil Watt
2nd XV Players Player of the Year: Andy Scott
3rd XV Players Player of the Year: Glenn Miller
Congratulations to all the winners, however, the most poignant moment was made by 2nd XV captain, Willie Thomson who paid a glowing tribute in memory of Niall Fairgrieve who sadly passed away earlier in the season and who was, and will be, sorely missed by everyone at the Club for many years to come. The Club are still planning a lasting memorial in tribute to Niall's contribution to the Club.
Following a players meeting, the Club are delighted to announce that Neil Watt will Captain the 1st XV for season 2009/10 with Derek O'Riordan voted in as Vice-Captain.
The Club and players would like to thank Donald Snodgrass and Gary Glass for their hard work and effort in the respective roles over the previous two seasons.
After the meeting the players were also introduced to the new coaching team of Stewart Bennet and Rory Couper who laid out their plans for the forthcoming league and cup campaign.
Pre season training will get underway on Tuesday 30th June. Enjoy your break.
Haddington Rugby Club would like to announce the departures of senior coaches, Eddie Pollock and Graeme Burns at the end of this season.
Both Coaches have been with the Club for the past three seasons and took over at a time when the Club had just been relegated to Premier Three. In their first season in charge Haddington were crowned Premier Three champions after the team went on a run of 13 league matches up until the end of the season. The second season also proved fruitful with a fourth placed finish in Premier Two, which was Haddington’s highest league placing for decades, whilst they also took the Club to the quarter-final of the SHE National Cup competition for the first time.
This season has seen the Club endure an inconsistent league campaign and losing the remaining 5 league matches meant finishing fourth bottom of the league, however, the disappointment was soon countered by the Club reaching the semi final of the SHE National Cup competition, another first in the Club’s history.
There is no doubt the Club has made great strides over the past 3 seasons with these coaches being at the helm and the Club will always be grateful for the major influence and contribution both coaches have made. We wish them every success in the future.
2009/10 Coaching Team
In response to the above, the Club are now in a position and delighted to announce the new coaching team for next season to be Stewart Bennet as Head Coach and Rory Couper as back's coach.
Stewart hails from Kelso and played over 200 games for the Borders Club whilst also representing Border Reivers. He moved on to Melrose as player-coach before finishing his playing career at Stewarts Melville where he also coached for three seasons.
Rory is the ex-Boroughmuir captain who has represented Scotland at 7s, U21, U19, U18 and Student levels as well as playing for the Scotland International Club team on four occasions. Rory now works at Knox Academy as the sports and physical activity co-ordinator.
Both Coaches bring a wealth of playing and coaching ability and I’m sure everyone linked to Haddington Rugby Club will be delighted to have them onboard and would wish them every success over the coming season.
Another significant part of the coaching team is the retention of John Stewart as Head Coach of the 2nd XV. John has played a major part in the success of the 2nd XV in the Border Championship and has brought a significant number of his players through into the 1st XV this season.
As part of “The Three Grand Challenge” to raise funds for the Club through player events, Wally’s “Caped Crusaders” from the 3rds hereby issue a challenge to the 1sts, 2nds and Maidstone 5ths (Touring Team) to take them on in the HRFC Beer Olympics to be held on 18th April in the Clubhouse at 1830hrs. This to form part of the 3rds day out.
All other teams welcome.
This will take us back to our roots of record setting feats in some of the great traditional beer room sports.
By all accounts the 1950s and 1960s were dominated by one Ronald J(ohnny Weismuller) C(harles Atlas) Glasgow who set records for: bottle walking; lifting marble statues; and climbing farmhouse roofs. All whilst scaring the s$%t out of world class 10s such as Mike Gibson, Earle Kirton and Dai Watkins.
The 1970s were the setting for the practical jokes of Ronald Skea Esq, where few records were set, but we had some “hugely embarrassed members”.
The 1980’s were however our zenith in terms of records, who can forget:
1. The late Ian Willox’s world mark in bar diving, when he reached the seats on the other side of the small bar (He was the ex Scottish U16 swim champ but it was the stuff of Peter Pan)
2. Dobs Redpath’s 3 second pint, and three in 12secs, who was unbeaten until losing a “University Challenge” whereupon he retired from all competition.
3. Gavin Tully Jackson’s win in the freestyle: 20 one handed press-ups then staying in the one handed press up position whilst picking up a pint with his teeth and drinking it down in one.
4. Norman Morrison breaking the world record for human skittles whilst failing miserably at the broom race.
5. Davy “Popeye” George unbeaten against all comers at arm wrestling.
6. Neil (Mc)Butcher’s triple somersault and double back flip with pike, barefoot in his boxers down in the Neilson Park mud.
7. Keith Wallace’s speed and volume soup eating record at the 86 Captain’s dinner: six plates from the left before the guys on the right realised he was not passing it up.
The 1990s and Noughties have, frankly been our nadir, other than the odd outbreak of Pub Golf (not an Olympic Sport), so it is hoped some new champion will emerge.
· Is Davy George still unbeatable?
· Who is the new Dobs Redpath?
· Will all the tall dudes be strong enough to stretch further than RJC at bottle walking?
· Will John Mitchell win the belly dancing?
· Will Mo emulate his Dad at human skittles?
· Will anyone understand Harry at the end of the evening?
· Will anyone understand Harry at the start of the evening?
· Will there be enough beer to silence Clifford?
All this and more will be revealed on the night.
Pies, Pampers and Paramedics provided.
Bring your own rainwear.
Keith Wallace
Further replica kit has been recieved and will be added to the stock already available at Leisure Time, Haddington.
These include 1/4 zip rain jackets, small size t-shirts and xxl polo shirts.
Adult XL Size Only Available @ £40
STADIUM JACKET
Adult Sizes S - XXL @ £18
T-SHIRT
Adult Sizes XS - XXL @ £39
STRIP(standard fit) Children Sizes 7/8 - 9/10 - 11/12 - 13years @ £29
Adult Sizes XS - XXL @ £28
1/4 ZIP RAIN JACKET Children Sizes 9/10 - 11/12 - 13years @ £20
(picture not available)
POLO T SHIRTS: Adult Sizes S - XXL @ £20
The UK's first rugby specific play programme.
Youngsters between the age of 2 and 5 are now able to follow in the their rugby heroes footsteps by attending Rugbytots. The kids are shown the ropes by Carl McWilliam, who was formerly part of the New Zealand 7s team and more recently played for Watsonians. Carl finally hung up his boots last year and now wants to pass on his knowledge at grass roots level but in a fun and educational way.
He comments, "It is a great way to get kids learning the very basic motor skills which will give them a head start in any sport they choose to follow. The aim is to create a positive play environment which will help to develop confidence and social skills."
Several classes are already successfully underway in Edinburgh and Rugbytots is looking to move to the Haddington area soon. Contact kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk, call 0845 313 3252 or visit www.rugbytots.co.uk
Here's another piece of Club nostalgia from one of the first overseas tours Haddington RFC ever went on. There are still a few faces from the tour brochure still seen down at the Club, although a lot less recognisable than from their 80's picture!
