http://gharugby.co.uk Glasgow Hutchesons' Aloysians Rugby Football Club commonly known as GHA play at Braidholm in Glasgow, Scotland. They are part of the Scottish Rugby Union. Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:40:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/04/another-loss-for-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/04/another-loss-for-gha Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:40:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/04/another-loss-for-gha GHA 10 Edinburgh Academicals 29

Briefly, midway in the second half, GHA showed real signs of coming back
to snatch victory against Edinburgh Academicals at Braidholm on Saturday.
Instead, the visitors scored two late tries, grabbing a bonus point.

GHA were left without even the solace of a losing bonus, and their [...]]]> GHA 10 Edinburgh Academicals 29

Briefly, midway in the second half, GHA showed real signs of coming back
to snatch victory against Edinburgh Academicals at Braidholm on Saturday.
Instead, the visitors scored two late tries, grabbing a bonus point.

GHA were left without even the solace of a losing bonus, and their place in the
league table is unchanged on the penultimate rung of the ladder. That, though,
is still only on alphabetic priority, ahead of Stewart’s Melville.

Accies dominated the first half, though with only two tries to show for that.
Jamie Sole scored after 12 minutes on the right after a tapped penalty on the
left, and on the half-hour Iain Berthinussen broke through off lineout ball. What
looked like being another Edinburgh try was denied by Dominic Dunn’s fine
saving tackle in GHA’s left corner.

Stuart Evans converted both tries, the second a ricochet off the far post. But
he missed two penalties, and Accies squandered at least four other try-scoring
chances with forward passes and knock-ons. Ironically, their third try also
should have been chalked off because of a blatant forward pass in the lead-up.

GHA looked like making a swift response to the first try when Patrick Hilley
caught the kick-off flying at full tilt. Accies were penalised there, but David Scott
missed the kick and a subsequent one. So the home team finished the first half
down by 0-14.

However, GHA were much more in the game in the third quarter. Jamie Pinder
scored on the left eight minutes into the second half after direct lead-up work by
Ryan Jenkins and Morne Strydom.

Scott converted, but he missed another after Evans had eased Accies to 17-
7 in 53 minutes. Murray Houston took over the goal-kicking duties after Kenny
Blyth had been sin-binned for not rolling away at a breakdown. Accies could
count themselves fortunate that the referee’s yellow card was not displayed
more often such was their persistence in going off their feet at tackles. A second
visitor, Robin Snape, was later sin-binned, but that meant little in the contest as
it was four minutes into added time.

Houston’s goal was GHA’s only benefit while Accies were short-handed, and
any hope of a GHA recovery was dashed by late tries by Sole and Scott Jeffers,
the latter converted by Evans.

In the final play of the game Scott Lang had the ball over Accies’ line, but even
that late consolation was denied by a previous infringement.

GHA – Dominic Dunn; Patrick Hilley, Ross McClymont, Stuart Keenan, Scott
Lang; David Scott, Murray Houston; Geoff Warnock, Donald Malcolm, Josh
Low, Ryan Jenkins, Simon Shearer, Morne Strydom, Jamie Pinder, Ruchin
Filander. Substitutes – Stephen Spowart, Paul Harkins, Sam Bingham, Andrew
Rushforth.

Edinburgh Academicals – Jamie Sole; Josh Pecqueur, Matt Coupar, Iain
Berthinussen, Sam Atkin; Stuart Evans, John Letham; Duncan MacLeod,
Michael Liness, Kenny Blyth, Nathan Pike, Greg Campbell, Robin Snape, Andy
Lamb, Tom Drennan. Substitutes – Scott Jeffers, Johnny McSorley, Callum
Reid, Paddy Traylor.

Referee – Kevin White.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/03/catch-forrester-and-welsh-in-action-tonight http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/03/catch-forrester-and-welsh-in-action-tonight Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:21:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/03/catch-forrester-and-welsh-in-action-tonight
If you can't make it to the game, you can watch it on BBC Alba. Coverage starts at 7pm.
Former GHA stalwarts, Calum Forrester and Jon Welsh start for the Warriors this evening in their Magners League opening tie at home to Leinster. Kick Off at Firhill is at 7:05pm.

If you can't make it to the game, you can watch it on BBC Alba. Coverage starts at 7pm. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tndvy

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/02/win-a-hamper-this-saturday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/02/win-a-hamper-this-saturday Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:42:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/02/win-a-hamper-this-saturday Scottish Hampers, there will be a hamper in the raffle after this Saturday's home game against Edinburgh Accies.
Check out their website here: www.scottishhampers.co.uk

We also [...]]]> Scottish Hampers, there will be a hamper in the raffle after this Saturday's home game against Edinburgh Accies.
Check out their website here: www.scottishhampers.co.uk

We also have the new lunch menu running from Saturday so why not come along for a bite to eat before the game. Call the club on 0141 637 5850 to make a reservation.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/01/edinburgh-accies-return http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/01/edinburgh-accies-return Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:37:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/09/01/edinburgh-accies-return
This fixture should stir the memory of all GHA supporters who were witness to the last time these two sides met at Braidholm. It was a cold, wet winter's day in early December 2007. GHA and Accies were locked in a Premier One fight for survival and as the game entered second [...]]]>
This fixture should stir the memory of all GHA supporters who were witness to the last time these two sides met at Braidholm. It was a cold, wet winter's day in early December 2007. GHA and Accies were locked in a Premier One fight for survival and as the game entered second half injury time, the Accies held a 15-10 advantage. Then it happened. GHA won possession just inside the Accies half. Knowing that this would be the final play of the game, they advanced the ball up the field to the Accies line. And after retaining the ball for 37 phases in the driving rain, Jon Welsh bull-dozed his way over from a yard out to draw the game level. Noonan slotted the conversion to secure one of the most memorable wins in GHA's history by 17-15.

We can't promise the same drama this Saturday but with Accies flying high and GHA struggling after the first two games, another famous victory this weekend would get the team back on track. We hope you can join us and lend your support to the boys.

Why not join us for lunch before the game with the new lunch menu starting on Saturday. Phone Claire on 0141 637 5850 if you'd like to make a booking.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/29/another-defeat-for-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/29/another-defeat-for-gha Sun, 29 Aug 2010 06:23:25 +0000 Bill mcMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/29/another-defeat-for-gha Hillhead/Jordanhill 20 GHA 13

It looks like being a long hard season for GHA. Defeat at home by Jed-Forest last
week was followed by an away loss against Hillhead/Jordanhill.

A bonus point was taken from that Hughenden defeat. However, it is a worry feature
of the Premier Two league table that GHA are not at the [...]]]> Hillhead/Jordanhill 20 GHA 13

It looks like being a long hard season for GHA. Defeat at home by Jed-Forest last
week was followed by an away loss against Hillhead/Jordanhill.

A bonus point was taken from that Hughenden defeat. However, it is a worry feature
of the Premier Two league table that GHA are not at the foot of the ladder only
through alphabetical advantage. The Braidholm club have the same points-difference
as Kirkcaldy.

In a messy match, with excitement generated only by the closeness of the scoring
throughout, GHA held the lead briefly after a Donald Malcolm try in 27 minutes. At
almost the same time in the second half a Stuart Keenan try pulled the visitors level
at 13-all, but the home team snatched victory when for the second time in the match
Donald Pitkethly scored on the blind side of a close-range scrum.

Over the two matches so far this season GHA have conceded seven tries, and five of
these have been scored by No.8 forwards. It may not be a significant factor: Jed No.8
scored his three off lineout drives whereas his Hughenden counterpart had his from
scrums.

Pitkethly’s first was far too easy. GHA were down to 14 men, with Simon Shearer in
the sin-bin, and yet they omitted to adequately cover the narrow side of a close-in
scrum. That was left to Morne Strydom to police, but the blind-side flanker was drawn
away as the scrum wheeled to the home team’s advantage.

GHA started brightly, though without anything to show, and the first time Hillhead/
Jordanhill had play inside the visitors’ half they earned a tackle penalty in nine
minutes. Gus Twaddle was just short from a step inside the GHA half, but he was on
target 13 minutes later downwind from only slightly shorter range after a scrummage
penalty.

Two minutes after that he missed again from halfway, though the tide seemed to
have turned against GHA when Patrick Hilley had to pull off a try-saving tackle inside
his own 22. Almost immediately, however, GHA found the means to run from deep,
and when Scott Lang kicked ahead Hilley followed up for what seemed a genuine try.
But it was denied because the referee called a penalty for GHA for a late tackle on
Lang.

GHA’s supporters were furious that advantage had not been allowed. Fortunately,
it was from the ensuing penalty lineout that Malcolm scored GHA’s first try. Murray
Houston could not convert from tight on the left touchline.

Twaddle restored the home club’s lead with a goal from a tackle penalty in 35
minutes, and Pitkethly’s first try with the full back’s conversion gave Hillhead/
Jordanhill a 13-5 half-time lead. But a Houston penalty goal from a tackle
infringement cut the margin to five points in the minute after the interval.

Midway in the second half GHA lost Gregg Taylor with a rib injury, and that
allowed young David Scott switch to his more accustomed role at stand-off. Almost
immediately he sparked the play that allowed Keenan to break from the home 10-
metre line and run all the way into the right corner in 63 minutes. It was too far out for
Houston to convert.

It seemed good fortune might be on GHA’s side in thwarting the home club’s late
efforts. Twaddle missed a penalty from 30 metres, and a home try from another
five-metre scrum was denied because of obstruction. But from a similar scrum in 76
minutes Pitkethly pounced again, Twaddle converting.

GHA had one last shot at salvaging a draw when Keenan and Gareth Jones charged
into the home 22. But hope ended with a knock-on in the follow-up.

Hillhead/Jordanhill – Gus Twaddle; Lewis Matheson, Dan Witko, David Paterson,
Andy Leslie; Oliver Maddocks, David Armstrong; Dave Simm, Joe Stafford, Nick
McAuley, Duncan McCartney, David Fisken, Stuart Rose, Dougie Crighton, Donald
Pitkethly. Substitutes – Fraser Paul, Archie Millar, Will Goulding, Chris Tulloch.

GHA – Chris Binnie; David Scott, Patrick Hilley, Stuart Keenan, Scott Lang; Gregg
Taylor, Murray Houston; Matt Kidd, Donald Malcolm, Josh Low, Ryan Jenkins, Simon
Shearer, Morne Strydom, Jamie Pinder, Ruchin Filander. Substitutes – Stephen
Spowart, Gareth Jones, Paul Harkins, Brandon Wamberg.

Referee – David Walker.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/26/gha-debut-for-new-zealander http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/26/gha-debut-for-new-zealander Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:49:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/26/gha-debut-for-new-zealander against Hillhead/Jordanhill at Hughenden on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Team:

15 Chris Binnie

14 David Scott
13 Patrick Hilley
12 Stuart Keenan
11 Scott Lang

10 Gregg Taylor
9 Murray Houston

1 Matt Kidd
2 Donald [...]]]> against Hillhead/Jordanhill at Hughenden on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Team:

15 Chris Binnie

14 David Scott
13 Patrick Hilley
12 Stuart Keenan
11 Scott Lang

10 Gregg Taylor
9 Murray Houston

1 Matt Kidd
2 Donald Malcolm
3 Josh Low

4 Ryan Jenkins
5 Simon Shearer

6 Morne Strydom
7 Jamie Pinder
8 Ruchin Filander

Substitutes:
16 Stephen Spowart
17 Gareth Jones
18 Paul Harkins
19 Jim Noonan

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/25/welsh-misses-out-on-award http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/25/welsh-misses-out-on-award Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:07:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/25/welsh-misses-out-on-award
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/22/gha-fade-after-bright-start http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/22/gha-fade-after-bright-start Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:43:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/22/gha-fade-after-bright-start GHA 25 Jed-Forest 34

A 20-7 lead at half-time ought to have been enough for GHA to base victory against
Jed-Forest at Braidholm on the opening day of the Premier Two programme. But it
was not to be. Jed scored 27 points without reply in the half-hour after the interval,
and even a losing bonus point escaped GHA’s [...]]]> GHA 25 Jed-Forest 34

A 20-7 lead at half-time ought to have been enough for GHA to base victory against
Jed-Forest at Braidholm on the opening day of the Premier Two programme. But it
was not to be. Jed scored 27 points without reply in the half-hour after the interval,
and even a losing bonus point escaped GHA’s grasp.

GHA fielded no fewer than four on debut, three of them in the pack. Another would-
be newcomer, Simon Shearer, had to stand on the sidelines as his clearance papers
from New Zealand failed to arrive in time. Yet it looked all so bright for the home
support in the early stages, with the new-look GHA team willing to spread the game
wide. Tries by wing, Scott Lang and full back Andrew Gillman, were indicative of the
home team’s intentions.

Lang scored his debut try after only four minutes. Ruchin Filander, another of GHA’s
newcomers, sparked the scoring move with a quickly taken free kick, and Chris
Binnie broke through to close to the line before Andrew Gillman sent Lang over.

Murray Houston converted from far out on the left and then added two penalty goals
so that GHA led 13-7 after 23 minutes. By then, however, the margin really ought to
have been wider given the amount of threat that GHA posed.

Gregg Taylor looked comfortable in his new role at stand-off, ever eager to swing the
ball wide. He also turned Jed’s rare threats with heavy kicks, and as a variation, his
chip to the goal-line would have been rewarded if GHA had not gone offside. Filander
stirred the crowd with his breenging runs, Houston was a busy scrum half as well
as an 80% goal-kicker, and Gillman was a regular threat from full back. One of his
breaks, up the left touchline, would have produced a memorable try if a supporting
pass had not gone slightly forward.

Gregor Young’s clear break through the middle for a Jed try, with Euan Scott
converting, cut GHA’s lead to 10-7 in 11 minutes, and the visitors would have been
level midway in the first half if the full back’s penalty kick had not thwarted by a post.
Houston responded to that escape with his second penalty goal, and GHA stretched
the lead to 13 points in 27 minutes after replacement Paul Harkins had stolen a Jed
lineout. Patrick Hilley’s long pass then let Dunn run in from more than 20 metres
before drawing and passing to Gillman out on the right touchline. Houston again
converted from a wide angle.

Harkins had had to take over in the pack after one of the newcomers, Adam Barnett,
the Scotland under-17 lock of last season, had injured a foot. That early enforced
change, however, did not much affect the GHA effort in the second quarter. But,
whatever happened at the interval, the game dramatically changed. Also, seven
minutes into the second half, GHA were forced to change their stand-off, Jim Noonan
stepping in for the injured Taylor.

Regardless of that, however, with GHA struggling at the lineout, the home runners
did not have enough possession to repeat their first-half show as Jed dominated
possession, notably with Chris Laidlaw’s astute use of the stiff breeze to plug the
GHA’s left-hand corner. Two Jed tries came from that ploy, with the forwards driving
over for Darren Gillespie to score on each occasion.

Scott converted the second of those for a 20-19 lead, but GHA could have been back
in front if another Gillman break had not been denied by an interception. Instead,
Young scored his second and the Jed bonus-point try with a too-easy run up the
wing, Scott converting, and Gillespie had his third by picking off GHA’s loose lineout
ball.

GHA then lost Filander, yellow-carded for a high tackle, and Scott extended the
visitors’ lead to 14 points with the consequent penalty goal. But two minutes into
added time the short-handed home team still found the way to come back to within
bonus-point range, when Houston chipped ahead from halfway and Jamie Pinder
gathered on the full and ran 40 metres for a try.

Houston’s conversion attempt from the right touchline drifted wide on the stiff breeze.
Frustratingly, it was his only miss in five shots at goal.

GHA – Andrew Gillman; Dominic Dunn, Chris Binnie, Patrick Hilley, Scott Lang;
Gregg Taylor, Murray Houston; Matthew Kidd, Donald Malcolm, Josh Low, Adam
Barnett, Dominic Kellock, Morne Strydom, Jamie Pinder, Ruchin Filander. Substitutes
– Stephen Spowart, Gareth Jones, Paul Harkins, Jim Noonan.

Jed-Forest – Euan Scott; James Hogg, Gregor Young, Gary Hill, David Gobby; Chris
Laidlaw, Ross Goodfellow; Gary Wardle, David Grieve, Graham Slorance, Paul Hill,
Michael Weekley, Donald Grieve, Darren Gillespie. Substitutes – Alexandru Ovidiu,
Scott Raeburn, Andrew Nagle, Scott Laidlaw.

Referee – Rab McHenry.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/20/jon-welsh-up-for-award http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/20/jon-welsh-up-for-award Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:13:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/20/jon-welsh-up-for-award
The following extract is from the full story on Glasgowwarriors.org

Welsh, Glasgow's 23-year-old prop, is listed among the league's brightest young stars for the [...]]]>
The following extract is from the full story on Glasgowwarriors.org

Welsh, Glasgow's 23-year-old prop, is listed among the league's brightest young stars for the Magners Young Player of the Season award. The prize is open only to those players who were under 23 and uncapped at the start of the season. They also had to play a minimum of 300 minutes in the 2009/10 campaign.

Having spent his first year as a professional working on his fitness and conditioning, Welsh made a significant impact in the Warriors' front row when he finally took to the field.

His stand-out performances, which regularly saw him selected ahead of two seasoned internationalists in Kevin Tkachuk and Justin Va'a, the former electrician went onto win two Scotland 'A' caps in November, something he hopes to add to in the very near future.

He said: "It's a huge honour for me to play for Glasgow. It's my hometown club and I'm excited to live my boyhood dream each and every day.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be named alongside so many great young players, but with that, I also recognise that I have some stiff opposition for this award."

Story courtesy of Glasgowwarriors.org

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/19/gha-team-to-play-jed-on-saturday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/19/gha-team-to-play-jed-on-saturday Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:46:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/19/gha-team-to-play-jed-on-saturday Saturday for the opening game of the Premier Two season.

Among the quartet on debut against Jed-Forest is Adam Barnett, the Scotland under-
17 international last season who has come up through the GHA youth system. It
is expected that he will be joined [...]]]> Saturday for the opening game of the Premier Two season.

Among the quartet on debut against Jed-Forest is Adam Barnett, the Scotland under-
17 international last season who has come up through the GHA youth system. It
is expected that he will be joined in the second row by Simon Shearer, who has
recently arrived from New Zealand.

Two former Irvine forwards, Morne Strydom and Ruchin Filander, will be in the back
row, flanking GHA regular Jamie Pinder, and up front Donald Malcolm, the former
Scotland under-19 hooker, returns to the GHA colours after a sojourn north of the
Clyde with Glasgow Hawks.

Hutchesons’ Grammar School former pupil Scott Lang will make his debut on the left
wing.

GHA’s team:

15 Andrew Gillman

14 Dominic Dunn
13 Chris Binnie
12 Patrick Hilley
11 Scott Lang

10 Gregg Taylor
9 Murray Houston

1 Matthew Kidd
2 Donald Malcolm
3 Josh Low
4 Simon Shearer
5 Adam Barnett
6 Morne Strydom
7 Jamie Pinder
8 Ruchin Filander

Substitutes:
Stephen Spowart
Dominic Kellock
Paul Harkins
Jim Noonan

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/18/international-tickets http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/18/international-tickets Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:41:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/18/international-tickets International Tickets section on the [...]]]> International Tickets section on the website. Click the link to be taken straight to the page.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/14/gha-defeat-ardrossan http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/14/gha-defeat-ardrossan Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:44:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/14/gha-defeat-ardrossan GHA 45 - 29 Ardrossan Accademicals

GHA defeated Ardrossan in their final fixture before next weekend's season opener at home to Jed-Forest. Tries for Keenan, Binnie, Lang, Patrick, Filander, Harkins and Crosbie.

Full report to follow. [...]]]> GHA 45 - 29 Ardrossan Accademicals

GHA defeated Ardrossan in their final fixture before next weekend's season opener at home to Jed-Forest. Tries for Keenan, Binnie, Lang, Patrick, Filander, Harkins and Crosbie.

Full report to follow.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/10/preseason-round-up http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/10/preseason-round-up Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:53:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/08/10/preseason-round-up
Although West ran out comfortable winners by approximately 60-12, there were some encouraging performances throughout the team. None more so than that of 17 year old lock Adam Barnett who played with great assurance and put in a solid all round display. Also encouraging was the return of former GHA hooker Donald Malcolm from long term injury who despite playing his first game in a couple of years showed that he has lost none of the class that won him several Scotland age grade caps.

GHA scored two tries. The first came from an opportunistic break off of a W.o.S. midfield scrum by GHA scrum half Scott Mathieson. He robbed his oppostie number of the ball and made a searing break up the middle before feeding Adam Barnett who beat the cover defence to score in the left corner. The second try came from young flanker Sam Bingham who broke through the West defensive line from 10 metres out before handing off the cover tackler to score under the posts. James Noonan converted.

This weekend sees GHA take on Premier 3 Ardrossan Accademicals at Braidholm. The game will start with the two 2nd XVs squaring off before the 1st XV players play out the final hour or so. Kick off will be at around 2pm. Come along and see how the boys are shaping up for the new season. Remember, the season starts proper at home to Jed-Forest on August 21st. We need a big support down to help get the team off to a winning start.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/28/join-our-mailing-list http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/28/join-our-mailing-list Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:40:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/28/join-our-mailing-list
To register for our mailing list please click here

For those that are on either Facebook or Twitter you can also follow our updates on both of these social networks.

Click the following links to visit our social network profiles:

GHA on Facebook

GHA on Twitter

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/28/gha-take-on-the-hawks http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/28/gha-take-on-the-hawks Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:55:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/28/gha-take-on-the-hawks
The first game sees GHA take on Hawks with a 6pm Kick Off so if you're looking for something to do this Friday [...]]]>
The first game sees GHA take on Hawks with a 6pm Kick Off so if you're looking for something to do this Friday night, why not head along to Old Anniesland to support the boys as they shape up for the new season.

Furhter info on the hawks website: http://www.glasgowhawks.com/news/8084

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/20/gha-handed-tough-cup-draw http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/20/gha-handed-tough-cup-draw Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:14:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/20/gha-handed-tough-cup-draw

6 November – home against Dunfermline

8 January – away to Ayr

12 February – away to Perthshire


The league stage [...]]]>

6 November – home against Dunfermline

8 January – away to Ayr

12 February – away to Perthshire


The league stage will be played in nine pools, each with four clubs. The seven best-placed pool winners will go into the quarter-finals whereas the two other pool winners will have to play off for the other place in the last eight. Thereafter it’s straight knock-out.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/11/preseason http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/11/preseason Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:55:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/11/preseason
It is essential that everyone attends as we build toward the new season. [...]]]>
It is essential that everyone attends as we build toward the new season.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/08/ghas-thistles-return http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/08/ghas-thistles-return Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:29:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/08/ghas-thistles-return
6 GHA u17 lads that joined up with the Glasgow Thistles in their 2 week trip to Italy in June. 17 players (8 from Stirling County, 6 from GHA and 3 from Cumnock) trained at Viadana's ground in Italy improving their core skills, ball handling and strength & conditioning. This trip was partially funded by the Leonardo da Vinci fund from the EU , which enables players to experience rugby in a European country other than their own.

The players are from left to right - Dominic Barrett, David Scott, Adam Barnett, Andy Mather, Brendan Barrett & Nick McCaw

3 players, Adam Barnett, Rory Hughes & David Scott from the GHA u17 team were invited to join the 30 strong Scotland u17 squad that are currently in Vallodolid in Spain. This trip is used to sharpen the skills of these players in preparation for their transition (hopefully!) to the Scotland u18 squad. A typical day would see them start with breakfast at 8am followed by a full-on gym session and pool recovery afterwards. After lunch and a compulsory siesta, due to the
heat, the players then embark on a rugby skills session and a further period of pool recovery and ice baths. After dinner they all participate in a team meeting to discuss the day's progress and to plan for the next day's session. If they have any energy left they have some free time till lights out at 11pm. As part of the trip they are playing in 2 friendly matches against older opposition in the shape of a Catalan u19 team and in the second week against Spain u19's.

2 further players, Josh Rutnagur & Craig Williamson, from the GHA u17 squad have also been selected to participate in this year's SRU Struan Camp in Perthshire. This is where the best players across Scotland from u15-u18 are put through their paces by SRU coaches in order to progress to representative rugby at District & national level.

We wish all these boys the best of success at their various camps and look forward to welcoming them back to the GHA u18 squad this season.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/01/tour-match-reports http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/01/tour-match-reports Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:20:00 +0000 Rangi Jericevich http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/07/01/tour-match-reports GHA 57 – 14 Santa Monica

With the previous day's flight/night still heavy in the legs, GHA were slow to get going in the LA heat and an error strewn first half ended 14-12 to the hosts. GHA squandered chance after chance with “slippery hands due to the pre-game application of tanning oil” being the most [...]]]> GHA 57 – 14 Santa Monica

With the previous day's flight/night still heavy in the legs, GHA were slow to get going in the LA heat and an error strewn first half ended 14-12 to the hosts. GHA squandered chance after chance with “slippery hands due to the pre-game application of tanning oil” being the most original excuse.

The second half saw Santa Monica's former GHA and HA lock Johnnie Mundell switch to the green and red. Logic would say that this change made all of the difference, however I don't wish to give him that much credit as I'm sure he'll do that himself. GHA in general played with a lot more structure and the backs began to dominate as Santa Monica faltered. Johnnie scored two excellent tries, one for each side and gave away a host of penalties throughout with his own unique interpretation of the rules (some things never change!). Indeed, after entering a ruck from the side for the umpteenth time, GHA skipper Niall Cassie was forced to take action - “Johnnie, want to stop stitching us up mate!”

The match in general was played in great humour, right down to the referee's Cartha strip which did him no favours when it came to taking flak from the boys. GHA scored 9 tries in total, the best of which was a long range effort which included some great interplay up the left hand side before Gordon Adams finished in the corner from 40 metres out.

After the match, the team's moved on to O'Brien's Pub in Santa Monica.

As reported on the Santa Monica website:
“GHA showed great touring attitudes by showing up in their traditional garb, followed by arguments on the quality of their tartan and tall tales to local women about the process of farming Haggis to produce enough fur for their sporran.

GHA skipper Niall Cassie presented SMRC with a plaque to commemorate the game, as well as a bottle of fine Scottish whisky which was shared by all for the remainder of the evening.”

All in all it was a fantastic day and night and GHA are extremely grateful to the hospitality provided by their hosts and the staff at O'Brien's.

GHA 35 – 7 San Francisco Golden Gate
Click here for photos

The second game of the tour was an altogether different affair. SFGG were fresh off the back of a runners-up medal in the US National Championship. Although SFGG weren't at full strength for this game, GHA knew they were in for a tough game. Cue one of the most exciting and committed performances seen from a GHA side for many a year.

GHA's mobile forward pack, which contained 3 teenagers, dominated throughout. Jamie Pinder, Ben Farrell and Dominic Kellock won several turnovers throughout whilst Ryan Jenkins, Josh Low, Paul MacLeod and Chris Landsburgh had excellent games in the loose. But perhaps the performance of the day came from GHA's “senior” forward John Willock, who led from the front and put in some telling tackles, particularly in the second half when SFGG put the GHA defence under concerted pressure.

The game opened at a blistering speed with GHA retaining the ball for a full 5 minutes, working the ball up the field into the SFGG 22. Quick ball close to the posts was spun wide for winger Niall Cassie to score in the right corner.

GHA maintained this tempo and Cassie was unlucky not to score his second try when his chip and chase went slightly too long as he chased it into the same corner. GHA centre Rangi Jericevich left the field with a shoulder injury midway through the first half which forced a reshuffle in the backline. Scott Weir came on to the left wing, Ross McClymont stepped into the centre from full back whilst Gordon Adams shuffled from wing to full back. GHA eventually got a deserved second try when another quick ball in the mid field was spread wide to Weir who showed great pace as he rounded the SFGG cover defense to score under the sticks.

Shortly afterwards and from a similar position in the midfield, the ball was again spun wide and this time Ryan Jenkins came back on the angle and cut through the SFGG defensive line before accelerating in for the score from a good 30 metres. Jim Noonan landed all 3 conversions to make the score 21-0 at the half.

The second period saw the home side show great commitment as they came back into it. Despite a heroic defensive effort from GHA, SFGG eventually got a deserved score from close quarters as their lock went for the quick pick and go off of a ruck.

This was to be GHA's day though. Niall Cassie restored GHA's advantage with a scything run from 40 metres out after fielding a wayward SFGG kick. Jenkins then score his second try 5 minutes from time after cutting another great angle off of a trademark Jim Noonan shimmy which tied in two defenders. Noonan converted both second half tries to give a final score of 35-7.

The post match hospitality was yet again fantastic. Great food and beer was laid on by SFGG and GHA were privileged to have played at one of America's leading rugby facilities. A special thanks must also go to SFGG coach Paul Keeler and player Michael Walker who were fantastic hosts.

GHA Team:
Ross McClymont, Niall Cassie, Rangi Jericevich, Chris Binnie, Gordon Adams, Jim Noonan, Stuart Keenan; Josh Low, Chris Landsburgh, Dominic Kellock, John Willock, Ryan Jenkins, Paul MacLeod, Ben Farrell, Jamie Pinder. Replacement: Scott Weir

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/06/11/gha-in-the-usa http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/06/11/gha-in-the-usa Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:38:00 +0000 Rangi http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/06/11/gha-in-the-usa
First up, they take on the Santa Monica Rugby Club of Los Angeles where they will meet up with former HA and GHA lock, Johnnie [...]]]>
First up, they take on the Santa Monica Rugby Club of Los Angeles where they will meet up with former HA and GHA lock, Johnnie Mundell. Unfortunately, Johnnie is unable to pull on the Green and Red for one last time due to a "wrecked knee". Santa Monica is also the home club of Augustin Baldioli. Most will remember him as 'Oggy' the big hairy prop who played for us during the 2006/07 season.

Santa Monica are a perennial powerhouse of American rugby and since their foundation in 1972, they have seen no fewer than 20 players go on to play for the US National Team, 3 of which were to captain their country.

The second game is against San Francisco Golden Gate, the 2009 US National Champions and the runners-up in the 2010 championship. SFGG are a club with a not too dissimilar history to GHA, having been formed in 2001 with the merger of two former foes and with the ambition of creating a club capable of competing at the top level in American rugby. With 1 win and 3 runner-up awards in the last 4 US National Championships, they haven't done too badly.

The anticipated team to take the field in the first game will be/resemble the following:

1. Josh Low
2. Chris Landsburgh
3. John Willock
4. Paul MacLeod
5. Ryan Jenkins
6. Ben Farrell
7. Jamie Pinder
8. Dominic Kellock

9. Stuart Keenan
10. James Noonan

11. Scott Weir
12. Chris Binnie
13. Niall Cassie (c)
14. Rangi Jericevich
15. Ross McClymont

16. Gordon Adams
17. An honorary Scotsman
18. Another honorary Scotsman

Waterboy: Martin Hilley

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/06/11/gazelles-dinner-photos http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/06/11/gazelles-dinner-photos Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:44:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/06/11/gazelles-dinner-photos
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/05/20/former-gha-trio-in-scotland-a-trophy-defence http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/05/20/former-gha-trio-in-scotland-a-trophy-defence Thu, 20 May 2010 11:03:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/05/20/former-gha-trio-in-scotland-a-trophy-defence
James and Calum were in the team who won the trophy last year, also in Bucharest, when the Scots beat France A in the tournament decider. This year the Scots [...]]]>
James and Calum were in the team who won the trophy last year, also in Bucharest, when the Scots beat France A in the tournament decider. This year the Scots will be up against Georgia, Namibia, and the Argentina Jaguars.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/05/09/hearts-and-heroes http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/05/09/hearts-and-heroes Sun, 09 May 2010 19:48:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/05/09/hearts-and-heroes
All you have to do is sponsor them!!

Please be generous for the 2 great charities supported by this event: Poppy Scotland and Hearts & Balls.

Team 1: Paul Tyler, Kenny [...]]]>
On May 15th fourteen members of GHA rugby club will be running, walking, staggering and crawling 29 miles along the Southern Upland Way for charity.

All you have to do is sponsor them!!

Please be generous for the 2 great charities supported by this event: Poppy Scotland and Hearts & Balls.

Team 1: Paul Tyler, Kenny Fairburn, Stuart Keenan, Iain Nelson, Ryan Jenkins, Craig Davidson
http://my.artezglobal.com/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=33719&langPref=en-CA


Team 2: Rangi Jericevich, Murray Houston, Chris Landsburgh, Gordon Adams
http://my.artezglobal.com/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=33730&langPref=en-CA


Team 3: Johnny Leitch, Russell Bridges, Dominic Kellock, Paul Harkins
http://my.artezglobal.com/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=33738&langPref=en-CA





]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/27/kelly-brown-and-tim-barker-guest-at-junior-awards-night http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/27/kelly-brown-and-tim-barker-guest-at-junior-awards-night Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:05:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/27/kelly-brown-and-tim-barker-guest-at-junior-awards-night
The awards ceremony begins at 8.30 with awards at each age-group for;
- Squad Member of the Year
- Most Improved Player
- Coaches Player of [...]]]>
The awards ceremony begins at 8.30 with awards at each age-group for;
- Squad Member of the Year
- Most Improved Player
- Coaches Player of the Year
- Players’ Player of the Year

The Under 17 and Under 18 Awards will be held the following evening, Thursday 29th.

All club members are welcome to come along to show their appreciation to our young stars.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/26/williamwood-lose-narrowly-at-murrayfield http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/26/williamwood-lose-narrowly-at-murrayfield Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:13:00 +0000 Alastair Currie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/26/williamwood-lose-narrowly-at-murrayfield
A late try [...]]]>
A late try by Aberdeen sealed the win, but Williamwood were literally inches away from a last-ditch try when they were beaten by the clock. This was a huge performance from the school side, the first time Williamwood have appeared in a National Final. Well done to all the boys, who can be proud of what they've achieved.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/25/a-second-heavy-defeat-in-april http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/25/a-second-heavy-defeat-in-april Sun, 25 Apr 2010 06:08:21 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/25/a-second-heavy-defeat-in-april Stirling County 75 GHA 19

April is a month GHA would wish to airbrush from the playing record. It was the month of the last two games of the Premier Two programme, and both were heavy defeats. The home loss against Aberdeen Grammar three weeks ago was severe enough, but it was worse at Bridgehaugh on Saturday, with Stirling County [...]]]> Stirling County 75 GHA 19

April is a month GHA would wish to airbrush from the playing record. It was the month of the last two games of the Premier Two programme, and both were heavy defeats. The home loss against Aberdeen Grammar three weeks ago was severe enough, but it was worse at Bridgehaugh on Saturday, with Stirling County scoring 11 tries in winning by 75-19.

Despite the defeat, GHA remained in fifth place in the P2 table. That would change to a final finish of sixth only if Aberdeen win at Gala on Friday night.

Stirling were already Premier Two champions, and they were obviously out to celebrate the trophy presentation which followed the match. They were 21 points up in 18 minutes, they secured a bonus point in first-half added time, and seven tries flowed from the champions in the second half.

Fate was not kind to GHA before the match. Two of their most experienced forwards were unavailable, and only a few hours before kick-off Jim Noonan, the long-established pivot, dropped out with injury. Niall Cassie had to take over in the unaccustomed role at stand-off, and even he played only half a game. The captain gave into injury at the interval, and Andrew Gillman had to switch to fly half.

In the circumstances it was hardly surprising that GHA were outgunned in the scrum and struggled for decent possession in the lineout. Yet the mainly young pack, including four 19-year-olds, did not wilt in their determination, though they could not counter the bulk and drive that produced Stirling’s three pile-over tries.

Even though GHA leaked so many tries they still produced dogged defence, none more so than the crossfield covering tackle by Rangi Jericevich to deny Jonny Hope as the County stand-off scampered up the touchline almost into the left corner late in the first half. Cassie (until injured), Andrew Rushforth, and Patrick Hilley also had notable hits in midfield.

GHA, creditably, scored three tries of their own, two of them by the workaholic Gillman. He also converted those scores.

His pace from his own quickly tapped penalty nearly 40 metres out carried him clear for a try by the posts, cutting County back to 21-7 after 28 minutes. Jericevich’s elusive work opened the way for Gillman to run diagonally in off the right for his second.

But the best of the GHA scores – perhaps the best of the match – was scored by the persistent Jamie Pinder just after Stirling had reached their half-century midway in the second half. Jericevich opened the door for that GHA score, too, with a run up the right, and Gregg Taylor made the link for the flanker.

GHA might have had another try and a bonus point if Ruairi O’Keefe had not been obstructed as he chased his own kick ahead into the home 22. Incredibly, the referee waved play on, and it was even more frustrating that the official ignored blatant forward passes in the prelude to each of County’s last two tries, scores that bracketed Gillman’s second in the final 12 minutes.

Robbie McGowan, Benji Bersanti and Jonny Clarke each had two tries for Stirling. Ben Addison, Glenn Bryce, Andy Simpson, and Garry Mountford had one apiece, as did Brain Archibald, who also goaled seven of the tries. McGowan kicked three conversions.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/24/gha-annual-general-meeting http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/24/gha-annual-general-meeting Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:48:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/24/gha-annual-general-meeting
AGM papers will be sent to club members early next month. [...]]]>
AGM papers will be sent to club members early next month.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/24/keep-right-on-to-the-end-of-the-road http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/24/keep-right-on-to-the-end-of-the-road Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:47:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/24/keep-right-on-to-the-end-of-the-road
GHA’s team:

15 Chris Binnie

14 Dominic Dunn

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Andrew Rushforth

11 Ruairi O’Keefe

10 Jim Noonan

9 [...]]]>
GHA’s team:

15 Chris Binnie

14 Dominic Dunn

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Andrew Rushforth

11 Ruairi O’Keefe

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Josh Low

3 Matthew Kidd

4 Ryan Jenkins

5 David Stoddart

6 Jamie Auld

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes:

Andrew McFarlane

Patrick Hilley

Gregg Taylor

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/21/players-meeting http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/21/players-meeting Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:31:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/21/players-meeting

IMPORTANT PLAYERS MEETING straight after training


Please make an effort to attend, up for discussion will be:


Players kit packages

Player sponsors

Sponsorship incentives

Sevens

Next season – League structure, pre-season, players, summer [...]]]>

IMPORTANT PLAYERS MEETING straight after training


Please make an effort to attend, up for discussion will be:


Players kit packages

Player sponsors

Sponsorship incentives

Sevens

Next season – League structure, pre-season, players, summer training programmes, specialist advice

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/19/video-gha-200910 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/19/video-gha-200910 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:45:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/19/video-gha-200910 Click Here to view the GHA Season Review Video for 2009/10 [...]]]> Click Here to view the GHA Season Review Video for 2009/10

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/19/gha-minis-entertain-at-firhill http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/19/gha-minis-entertain-at-firhill Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:07:00 +0000 Ron Macleod http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/19/gha-minis-entertain-at-firhill
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/15/williamwood-to-play-at-murrayfield http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/15/williamwood-to-play-at-murrayfield Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:21:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/15/williamwood-to-play-at-murrayfield
Why not make the trip through to Edinburgh to support the boys. KO [...]]]>
Why not make the trip through to Edinburgh to support the boys. KO is at 5pm

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/14/highlights-from-scotland-u19s-victory-over-france-at-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/14/highlights-from-scotland-u19s-victory-over-france-at-braidholm Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:19:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/14/highlights-from-scotland-u19s-victory-over-france-at-braidholm
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/08/gazelleslions-reunion-dinner http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/08/gazelleslions-reunion-dinner Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:00:00 +0000 Brian Tracey http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/08/gazelleslions-reunion-dinner
Gazelles /Lions Reunion Dinner.

If you want to spend a night reminiscing about that 40 yard swerving run to score under the posts, then get yourself to Braidholm for what is sure to be the event of the season.

Quality food, quality drink and some speakers also. [...]]]>
Gazelles /Lions Reunion Dinner.

If you want to spend a night reminiscing about that 40 yard swerving run to score under the posts, then get yourself to Braidholm for what is sure to be the event of the season.

Quality food, quality drink and some speakers also.

Efforts are being made to contact as many people as possible, so if you know of someone who would want to attend please pass on the following information.

Event: Reunion Dinner

Date: 4th June 7pm for 7.30pm

Place: Braidholm

Cost: £25

Dress: Smart /Casual

Numbers are limited so let me know as soon as possible to ensure your place. You can do this by

* Phone 639 7699 or 07759675629
* E mail braidholmgazelle@yahoo.co.uk
* Post 11Lochinch Place G77 6XU
* Mouth Just tell me


Cheques should be sent to Keith Jones or me and made payable to …..TF Gazelles.

Brian Tracey

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/05/international-rugby-at-braidholm-on-sunday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/05/international-rugby-at-braidholm-on-sunday Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:58:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/05/international-rugby-at-braidholm-on-sunday
The young Scots are already in winning mood this month. In their first under-19 international of the season they beat Italy 32-3 at Parabiago, near Milan, on Saturday.

Everyone is encouraged to come [...]]]>
The young Scots are already in winning mood this month. In their first under-19 international of the season they beat Italy 32-3 at Parabiago, near Milan, on Saturday.

Everyone is encouraged to come along to Braidholm on Sunday. The kick-off will be at 2.00pm, and admission will be free to the ground and to the stand.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/04/two-gha-boys-enjoy-victory-but-not-the-1st-xv http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/04/two-gha-boys-enjoy-victory-but-not-the-1st-xv Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:56:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/04/two-gha-boys-enjoy-victory-but-not-the-1st-xv
It could have been worse for GHA in the Premier Two match as Aberdeen would have notched a half-century if their goal-kicker had been more accurate. Rob Lawson converted only three of the eight tries.

Aberdeen had a four-try bonus point in the bag and led 22-0 after less than half an hour with tries by Peter Nelson, Calum Scott, Lawson, and Mark Oatey. Between the second and third of those scores Andrew Gillman gave GHA hope of a response with a sortie up the left touchline.

It was only then that GHA took the zero off the scoreboard with a Jim Noonan penalty goal in 34 minutes from a scrummage infringement. But Grammar were soon back on the rampage. GHA lost a lineout, and the visiting pack surge on for Bennedick to score in the right corner.

That score was reflection of how the game was going. Aberdeen bullied the forward game, and GHA had little scope despite sterling efforts by Gillman, Jamie Pinder, and Dominic Kellock.

Late in the first half, however, GHA had their first real chance of a try, when they hammering the Aberdeen goal-line. Nothing came it, and Aberdeen led 27-3 at the interval.

A run up the left touchline by Josh Low early in the second half gave GHA hope of a recovery, but their cause was hampered by Niall Cassie’s injury departure. The captain was hit by the ball on the right eye. He was off for nearly 20 minutes, and by the time he returned the scoreline was 10-34 after a pushover try for Andrew Wilson and a Ross McClymont try that was just reward for GHA pressure, though it needed a quickly tapped penalty by Gillman to create the score for the full back. Noonan converted.

Grammar scored twice more in the last eight minutes, the first of those by Lawson (his second) from a No.8 pick-up. Back came GHA, and Cassie’s tapped penalty sent McClymont close. The full back was denied, but Pinder went over for what appeared to be a try. He was certain, as were many in the crowd. But unbelievably the referee ruled that the ball had been held up.

GHA had the scrum put-in, but Noonan’s pass was intercepted by Steven Aitken, who ran nearly 90 metres to score. Lawson converted. It was a 14-point turn-over – what should have been a 17-39 scoreline turned into 10-46.

GHA – Ross McClymont; Ruairi O’Keefe, Niall Cassie (captain), Dominic Dunn, Chris Binnie; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Josh Low, Andrew McFarlane, Andy Kelly, Geoff Warnock, Ryan Jenkins, Jamie Auld, Jamie Pinder, Dominic Kellock. Substitutes – Matthew Kidd, David Stoddart, Chris Landsburgh, Patrick Hilley.

Aberdeen Grammar – Steven Aitken; Colin Phillips,, Peter Nelson, Cameron Caine, Calum Scott; Mark Bennedick, Rob Lawson; Barney Henderson, Billy Russell (captain), Calum McConnachie, Murray Douglas, Sandy Warnock, Mark Oatey, Tony McGuiness, Andrew Wilson. Substitutes – Graeme Carson, Sam Bingham, Mark Borowski, Craig Catto.

Referee – Malcolm Gray.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/04/rory-and-adam-start-for-scotland http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/04/rory-and-adam-start-for-scotland Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:56:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/04/04/rory-and-adam-start-for-scotland
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/29/two-league-matches-left-for-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/29/two-league-matches-left-for-gha Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:57:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/29/two-league-matches-left-for-gha
But the GHA league season will drag on for two more weeks after that. The last match has been postponed again, GHA visiting Bridgehaugh to play Stirling County on Saturday 24 April. [...]]]>
But the GHA league season will drag on for two more weeks after that. The last match has been postponed again, GHA visiting Bridgehaugh to play Stirling County on Saturday 24 April. That game was originally put back from 9 January to 10 April because of the severe weather, and the Stirling were allowed dispensation for a further postponement because they are to be playing in the Melrose Sevens.

After that the next event in the diary if the Braidholm Sevens on Saturday 8 May.

That will be a busy weekend at Braidholm as GHA’s annual Mini-rugby tournament is to be held on Sunday 9 May, with more than 500 players taking part.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/26/an-exciting-addition-to-the-scottish-7s-circuit http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/26/an-exciting-addition-to-the-scottish-7s-circuit Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:51:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/26/an-exciting-addition-to-the-scottish-7s-circuit www.scottishrugby.org/community/

Friday, 26 March 2010

A new breed of rugby sevens tournament has emerged over the past decade.

While traditionally tournament participation would follow an 'invite only' format, [...]]]>
From the Scottish Rugby Website: www.scottishrugby.org/community/

Friday, 26 March 2010

A new breed of rugby sevens tournament has emerged over the past decade.

While traditionally tournament participation would follow an 'invite only' format, the sport's growing popularity has led to an increased demand for 'open' events that permit anyone to apply for entry.

The Braidholm 7s, based at the home of GHA Rugby Club in Glasgow, has been introduced to the rugby calendar with the ambition of becoming Scotland's premier open tournament.

Events that operate an open category, like the Bournemouth 7s and the Manchester Rugby 7s, have seen applications soar in recent seasons.

Outwith the club game, a number of specialised sevens teams have appeared - from corporate-sponsored invitational sides to bands of friends who get together for a few tournaments every summer.

This burgeoning appetite for the game has seen the largest open tournaments develop an almost music festival like reputation, with teams and spectators flocking from far and wide.

Braidholm provides the ideal location for a rugby sevens festival - a large, modern clubhouse, spacious playing fields with plenty of room for spectators, including a stand, ample parking, and good transport links.

Tournament organiser, Rangi Jericevich, said: "We want to create an event that adds an exciting new flavour to the Scottish sevens circuit.

"With our open invite we hope to attract a good mix of clubs and teams from a variety of backgrounds, playing some competitive rugby while enjoying the hospitality and festival atmosphere.

"We've got a variety of things happening on the day, and we've also organised what will be a fantastic after-party held at The Arches, Glasgow's iconic club and music venue."

The Braidholm 7s takes place on Saturday 8 May at GHA Rugby Club, Braidholm Road, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6EB.

There are still a few places left for those who wish to enter a team. More details on the event along with how to enter can be found on the tournament website www.braidholm7s.co.uk or you can email any enquiries to enquiries@braidholm7s.co.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE EMIRATES AIRLINE EDINBURGH 7s

* The Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s is the eighth and final leg of the IRB Sevens World Series. It will be held at Murrayfield on 29 and 30 May 2010.
* Tickets are available to by logging onto www.edinburgh7s.com by calling the 24-hour Ticket Hotline - 0844 335 3933 or in person from the Murrayfield Ticket Centre, Gate A, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh (open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).
* Rugby Sevens will be one of the showpiece events of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Ticket prices
* Adult one day advance ticket - £15 (£20 on the day)
* One day student and under-18 - £10 and £5
* Senior citizen one day - £10
* Family one day advance ticket - £35 (two adults & two children)
All tickets are ANY DAY tickets - valid for either day of the event

The Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s is one of two major events at Murrayfield in the month of May
* Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May: Rugby League's Magic Weekend
* Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 May: Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/19/gha-team-to-play-hawick http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/19/gha-team-to-play-hawick Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:15:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/19/gha-team-to-play-hawick
Match Day Programme:
Pages 1-4 |
Match Day Programme:
Pages 1-4 | Pages 2-3

1. Geoff Warnock
2. Josh Low
3. Andrew Kelly
4. Ian Smith
5. Ryan Jenkins
6. Jamie Auld
7. Jamie Pinder
8. Dominic Kellock

9. Murray Houston
10. James Noonan

11. Ruaridh O'Keefe
12. Andrew Rushforth
13. Niall Cassie (c)
14. Patrick Hilley
15. Ross mcClymont

Replacements:

Andrew MacFarlane
Brandon Wamberg
Ian Nelson
Chris Binnie

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/15/two-boys-in-scotland-u17-squad http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/15/two-boys-in-scotland-u17-squad Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:48:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/15/two-boys-in-scotland-u17-squad
The squad will have games against England, France, and Canada between 4 and 9 April at the Somerset school. Before then they have warm-up games against their [...]]]>
The squad will have games against England, France, and Canada between 4 and 9 April at the Somerset school. Before then they have warm-up games against their Newcastle Falcons contemporaries and a Border Select.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/15/lunch-club-this-saturday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/15/lunch-club-this-saturday Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:35:00 +0000 Brian Williams http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/15/lunch-club-this-saturday
It promises to be an excellent afternoon with the lunch convening at 12.45 for 1.00 followed by kick-off at 3.00. Friends and business guests are welcome – call Helen on 0141 637 5850 to reserve your lunch places.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/11/scottish-deaf-play-england-at-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/11/scottish-deaf-play-england-at-braidholm Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:32:00 +0000 Neil Houston http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/11/scottish-deaf-play-england-at-braidholm
The Scots squad are focused on winning back the Kolkata Cup, not least, to go ahead in the over standings in this fixture. Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Deaf Squad, [...]]]>
The Scottish Deaf Rugby are set to play English Deaf Rugby, the current holders of the Kolkata Cup, at GHA RFC,Braidholm,Glasgow on Saturday 13th March (Kick Off 1pm)

The Scots squad are focused on winning back the Kolkata Cup, not least, to go ahead in the over standings in this fixture. Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Deaf Squad, Captain Hamish Neish (Hawick YM) said,

“This fixture, playing at GHA RFC, the home of the Scottish Deaf Rugby, gives the Scottish Deaf Rugby Team the chance to get our series of International Games off to a great start, with the opportunity to win back the Kolkata Cup from England. It is sure to be a extremely hard match and a lively occasion, the game cannot come soon enough for us ! ”

Last Fixture

England v Scotland Coventry 12th March 2008 England won 25-15

Scotland V England Glasgow 18th November 2006 drew 25-25 Scotland won the trophy due to scoring more tries

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/09/gillman-and-jenkins-to-face-leinster http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/09/gillman-and-jenkins-to-face-leinster Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/09/gillman-and-jenkins-to-face-leinster
Click here to read full [...]]]>
Click here to read full preview on Scottish Rugby Website.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/07/photos-from-euan-murray-day http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/07/photos-from-euan-murray-day Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:12:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/07/photos-from-euan-murray-day
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/07/a-famous-day-at-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/07/a-famous-day-at-braidholm Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:28:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/03/07/a-famous-day-at-braidholm GHA 83 Dunfermline 0

It was a grand day at Braidholm on Saturday. GHA bestowed life membership on a famous son, Euan Murray, the Scotland and Lions prop, who responded by presenting the club with a Lions jersey, and the day was round off with the first XV running in 13 tries without any reply from Dunfermline.

GHA made an [...]]]> GHA 83 Dunfermline 0

It was a grand day at Braidholm on Saturday. GHA bestowed life membership on a famous son, Euan Murray, the Scotland and Lions prop, who responded by presenting the club with a Lions jersey, and the day was round off with the first XV running in 13 tries without any reply from Dunfermline.

GHA made an early statement with three tries in the first nine minutes. The bonus point was in hand after 24 minutes, and by half-time GHA had scored two more and led 40-0.

Andrew Rushforth had three of the tries. Andrew Gillman and Jamie Pinder notched two each. Jim Noonan kicked nine conversions as well as scoring a try. The others were by Ruairi O’Keefe, Gregor Jones, Andrew Kelly, Ryan Jenkins, and Martin Hilley.

GHA took the impetus from the start. Pinder ran the ball back at the opposition from the kick-off, and in no time at all the home team were on the Dunfermline goal-line. Gillman, Niall Cassie, and Jenkins each had a go at the line before Noonan dummied and shimmied his way over. With barely two minutes gone, GHA were seven points up.

Four minutes later Noonan kicked across the field for O’Keefe, Pinder linked, and Jenkins drove over for his try. The making of that score was to prove to be GHA’s way forward for the remainder of the afternoon – move the ball wide, whether by hand or boot.

However, it was Dunfermline’s loose possession from a close-range defensive scrum that let Pinder in for GHA’s third try, and the bonus point seemed to have been tied up within the first quarter when Ross McClymont chased through from O’Keefe’s kick ahead. But the full back was recalled, ruled to have been offside, and he left the contest soon afterwards because of a pulled hamstring.

Hilley took over as replacement, and within five minutes he had scored the bonus-point try, finishing off on the right from swift crossfield passing after Gillman had set up the position on the left in the visitors’ 22. Hilley then provided the link for Rushforth’s first, and in added time before the interval Gillman completed a long-range attack from a turn-over in the home 22.

GHA’s second-half scoring began even more briskly than from the start of the match – three tries in six minutes. Noonan kicked to the left for Pinder’s second, Kelly brought up the half-century by ploughing in for his try after O’Keefe had been denied short of the line, and Gillman ran away on a scrummage blind side in his own half to make the Jones try.

Dunfermline suffered a yellow card for the illegal tackle on Gillman in that move. The scrum half was off the field to recover for less than five minutes. But GHA dipped into a relatively slack spell. In not much less than half an hour they scored just once, when Hilley latched on to a Noonan kick for Rushforth to run in from 45 metres.

However, with Dunfermline down to 14 men because of injuries, GHA finished off with the same rush as they had started the second half – three tries in five minutes. O’Keefe picked up loose ball in the visitors’ 22 to sprint in, Gillman broke away to score from within his own half, with no need to call on a five-man overlap. Noonan, seeking to maintain the pace, saved time by converting with a drop kick, and Rushforth closed the scoring with his third.

GHA – Ross McClymont; Gregor Jones, Niall Cassie (captain), Andrew Rushforth, Ruairi O’Keefe; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Josh Low, Andrew Kelly, Ian Smith, Ryan Jenkins, Paul Harkins, Jamie Pinder, Dominic Kellock. Replacements – Iain Nelson, Andrew McFarlane, Gordon Adams, Patrick Hilley.

Dunfermline – Graeme Lowe; Kim McGregor, Scott Swankie (captain), Andy Brown, Scott Morman; Mark Fellows, Lewis Crosby; Andy Warneford, Greig Valentine, Danny Jennings, Callum McKenzie, Gareth McColl, Tommy McColl, James Lawrie, Sky Laurie. Replacements – Ross Gribbons, Niall Campbell, Ged McQueen, Gene Simmiss.

Referee – David Jack.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/26/stirling-county-v-gha-game-off http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/26/stirling-county-v-gha-game-off Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:37:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/26/stirling-county-v-gha-game-off
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/22/euan-murray-celebration-lunch http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/22/euan-murray-celebration-lunch Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:35:00 +0000 Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/22/euan-murray-celebration-lunch
Celebration Lunch

Saturday 6th March 2010

n recognition of Euan Murray’s achievements on the Rugby field in recent years, the Management Committee of Glasgow Hutchesons’ Aloysians R.F.C. have offered Euan Honorary Life Membership of the Club.

Presentation of the honour will take [...]]]>
Celebration Lunch

Saturday 6th March 2010

n recognition of Euan Murray’s achievements on the Rugby field in recent years, the Management Committee of Glasgow Hutchesons’ Aloysians R.F.C. have offered Euan Honorary Life Membership of the Club.

Presentation of the honour will take place at a lunch in the Main Lounge at Braidholm immediately preceding the home match against Dunfermline on Saturday 6th March 2010 at 12.30 p.m.

A LIMITED number of tickets for the lunch are available at a price of £10 per person.

Names to Helen Watson no later than Monday 1st March 2010.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/21/ghas-winning-streak-ends http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/21/ghas-winning-streak-ends Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:53:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/21/ghas-winning-streak-ends Gala 15, GHA 13

Alls that’s good cannot go on for ever. So GHA’s winning sequence in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two ended in defeat by Gala at Netherdale.

GHA were twice ahead in the first half, each time with a Niall Cassie try. But a bonus point was all that they came home with, though the final margin was so [...]]]> Gala 15, GHA 13

Alls that’s good cannot go on for ever. So GHA’s winning sequence in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two ended in defeat by Gala at Netherdale.

GHA were twice ahead in the first half, each time with a Niall Cassie try. But a bonus point was all that they came home with, though the final margin was so close that it would have been overturned if Jim Noonan had been successful with a penalty kick from a step inside his own half right at the end of the contest.

It was Gala’s second win against GHA this season, the first back in late October. In between, though, GHA had won six league games in a row, steadily climbing up the league table into third place. They are still in that position, but thoughts of promotion can now be only an ephemeral dream: they are 19 points behind Stirling County, whom they play away next Saturday, and 14 adrift of Hawick.

For much of the time it was an eager contest, and both teams could look back and ponder how it might have been better. Gala could have won by more whereas GHA also could rue missed chances, not just that late, long-range penalty attempt by the stand-off.

Late in the first half GHA ought to have profited from a Gala knock-on just inside the home half. Dominic Kellock exploited it and sent Andrew Rushforth off on a surging run towards the right corner, but with the goal-line begging, Gregor Jones knocked on what should have been a scoring pass from the centre.

A try then would have put GHA at least 10 points clear. Instead, in the last eight minutes of the first half Gala turned a 5-10 deficit into a 15-10 lead, with a Gregor Hunter penalty goal, a Lee Millar try, and a Hunter conversion.

Midway in the second half GHA had a long spell in the Gala half, but they made little of it. Their best chance was when Noonan blocked an attempted clearance in the left corner and gathered the ball to send Jamie Pinder to the line. The visiting forwards piled in behind the flanker. But they were held up, and all that came of that was a Noonan penalty goal, which was to be the only score of the second half.

Gala could have been six points up in the first six minutes of the match. But Graham Speirs missed a couple of penalties, and only two minutes after the second of these the visitors took the lead after Rangi Jericevich’s break through the middle. Noonan missed the conversion from out on the left.

Gala equalised in 24 minutes when Mike Christie went over on the blind side of a close-range lineout, but GHA had a swift response as Noonan’s short pass sent Cassie through a barely discernable hole about 30 metres out. The centre still had much to do before scoring well out on the right, and Noonan again missed the conversion.

Jericevich pulled up with a hamstring injury in making the break for the first try. But he was not alone. Ross McClymont and Iain Nelson suffered similar injuries, and consequent reshuffling of the outside backs proved to be too much of a handicap despite willing efforts, which were no better exemplified than by Ruairi O’Keefe’s recovery twice from injury. He ended the first half lying unconscious on the ground, and late in the second half, keen not the miss a second’s action, he ran off the field in eager search for a medic to reset a dislocated finger!

Gala – Gregor Hunter; Greg Marks, Lee Millar, Alan Emond, Graham Speirs; Andy McLean, Iain Ross; Alan Johnston, Mike Christie, Daryl Hughes, Chris Weir, John Anderson, Opeta Palapoi (captain), Steven Cairns, Graeme Bryce. Substitutes – Lewis Roden, Bruce Rennie, Gus Laing, Lee Kibble.

GHA – Ross McClymont; Rangi Jericevich, Niall Cassie (captain), Andrew Rushforth, Ruairi O’Keefe; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gilman; Geoff Warnock, Josh Low, Andrew Kelly, Ian Smith, Ryan Jenkins, Iain Nelson, Jamie Pinder, Dominic Kellock. Substitutes – David Stoddart, Ollie Gilmartin, Andrew McFarlane, Gregor Jones.

Referee – Gary Gordon.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/19/gha-boys-help-glasgow-u17-to-victory http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/19/gha-boys-help-glasgow-u17-to-victory Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:39:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/19/gha-boys-help-glasgow-u17-to-victory
In photo from left to right - Adam Barnett, Craig Williamson, David Scott & Rory Hughes [...]]]>
In photo from left to right - Adam Barnett, Craig Williamson, David Scott & Rory Hughes



]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/19/gha-u18-defeat-west http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/19/gha-u18-defeat-west Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:28:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/19/gha-u18-defeat-west Photos [...]]]> Photos

West of Scotland 5 GHA 15

Sat 13th Feb 2010

Having being blessed with a fine day in Milngavie, GHA arrived in fine fettle with 24 players to choose from in our return U18 League match against old rivals West.

With a changed team to reflect the depth in our squad we took to the field and within a few minutes of kick off, novice stand-off, Andy Black, made a superb run from the West 10m line straight through the defence only failing to score when he was bundled into touch 5m short of the West try line. Shortly after the line out a scrum was awarded to GHA. Calum Shields picked up fed the ball to Josh Rutnagur who went on one of his usual jinking runs beating 3 players before passing to Andy Black to touch down in the corner. Unfortunately Josh’s conversion attempt fell just short to leave the score as West 0 GHA 5.

There then followed a period of scrappy end to end play with both teams guilty of missed passes and knock-ons. Some 12mins into the match Andy Black had to leave the field after a clash of heads (although his dad was heard to comment that he actually looked better after his face had been rearranged) and was replaced by our usual stand-off, David Scott.

No sooner had Davy joined the fray than we were awarded a penalty close to the West line. Josh took a quick tap and go passed to Brendan Barrett who was stopped just short. However, West had not retired 10m and were further penalised. Davy took the penalty from close to the touchline and added 3 points to our tally making the score West 0 GHA 8 after 16mins.

Virtually straight from the restart West upped their game and their winger had a great run down the touchline putting a grubber kick in towards our try line. One of the West players following up got to the ball first and despite suspicions of a knock-on in the run up was awarded the try. The West hooker, on kicking duty, missed the conversion leaving the score West 5 GHA 8.

Just before half time Davy put a great grubber kick through the defence and both he and Johnnie Haughney raced to touch down. Inexplicably the referee decided that he couldn’t be sure of the score and did not award the try.

Half time West 5 GHA 8

Ian and Hugh rang the changes at the start of the 2nd half bringing on a number of replacements.

Some great interplay between Johnnie Haughney, Amir Najafian and Craig Williamson nearly resulted in a score for Craig against his old club but he was thwarted just shy of the line. From the resultant scrum, Calum picked up and passed to Josh who feinted left and jinked right to score close to the posts. Davy duly converted making the score West 5 GHA 15.

In the final 20mins of the match play ebbed and flowed from one end to the other with neither team threatening to score and the match petered out with the final score West 5 GHA 15.
There were a number of pleasing factors; the fact that we were able to take a squad of 24, the fact we kept our unbeaten record for another match and the performances of Euan MacCallum, Amir Najafian, Josh Rutnagur and Andy Black. However, for his great forward running from centre and tenacious tackling in defence, the GHA coaches Man of the Match is awarded to Johnnie Haughney.

Squad

Forwards: Dominic Barrett, Tom Ritchie, Ben McGinty, Euan MacCallum, Matt Conner, Nick McCaw, Brendan Barrett & Calum Shields

Backs: Josh Rutnagur, Andy Black, Francesco di Cosmo, Johnnie Haughney, Gordon Belch, Amir Najafian & Euan Stirling

Replacements From: Andy Mather, Craig Williamson, Calum Hunter, Adam Barnett, Kelso Brown, David Scott, James Hendry, Rob McLintock, Tim McCarthy & Rory Hughes

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/17/gha-calendar http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/17/gha-calendar Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:43:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/17/gha-calendar
If you haven't seen them, I've attached a preview of the July page below.

Click Here for July [...]]]>
If you haven't seen them, I've attached a preview of the July page below.

Click Here for July preview.

Thanks

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/u18s-triumph-in-city-derby http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/u18s-triumph-in-city-derby Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:55:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/u18s-triumph-in-city-derby
Full Report to Follow [...]]]>
Full Report to Follow

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/3-gha-players-in-glasgow-u16-squad http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/3-gha-players-in-glasgow-u16-squad Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:53:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/3-gha-players-in-glasgow-u16-squad
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/u18s-through-to-3rd-round-in-cup http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/u18s-through-to-3rd-round-in-cup Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:37:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/15/u18s-through-to-3rd-round-in-cup
Glenrothes 10 – GHA 24

View Photos

Due to the recent cold snap, pitch conditions were treacherous and so this tie was moved to the pitch at Buckhaven High School.

The match could not have [...]]]>
Glenrothes 10 – GHA 24

View Photos

Due to the recent cold snap, pitch conditions were treacherous and so this tie was moved to the pitch at Buckhaven High School.

The match could not have started better for GHA, as straight from the kick off our flying winger, Rory Hughes, caught the ball and weaved his way past 4 Glenrothes defenders. This led to a series of rucks. Calum Shields picked up from the last of these and powered his way over the line leaving 2 more Glenrothes players trailing in his wake. Davy Scott duly popped the conversion over to put GHA 7-0 after only 3 minutes play.

With 15 mins gone a charged down kick led to the ball being fed along the GHA backline and from 25m out Rory used his pace and strength to beat several Glenrothes defenders and score GHA’s 2nd try. Unfortunately the conversion was missed leaving us 12-0 in front.

Over the next 20mins play raged from end to end with neither team taking control of the match and the half fizzled out with GHA still 12-0 to the good.

After 8mins of the 2nd half Glenrothes were awarded a penalty within kicking distance after GHA were penalised for holding on after the tackle. The kick was narrowly missed but the signs were ominous that our discipline was beginning to show cracks and Andy Mather was shown a yellow card, consigning him to 10mins in the sin bin, for a body check on the advancing Glenrothes player after he had kicked forward. A series of penalties for Glenrothes followed with the one closest to the GHA line being kicked over to give the home team 3 points and hope, especially with the man advantage..

A great surging run from Ben Thomson from deep inside our own half led to a sweet move involving Craig Williamson who showed great pace and strength to surge into the opposing 22. Unfortunately his pass was spilled by Gordon Belch when a try looked more likely and Glenrothes recovered. The Glenrothes scrum half put in a great box kick which both David Scott and Gordon Belch left for each other and the Glenrothes full back took full advantage to take the ball and score underneath the posts. With the resultant conversion kicked over the GHA boys were looking somewhat ragged. So after 13 mins of the second half played it was now Glenrothes 10 GHA 12 and it looked game on as the opposition surged in confidence.

With 17mins of the 2nd half gone an altercation between Rory and one of the Glenrothes players resulted in a yellow card for each. Soon after Andy Mather returned to the fray and evened up the sides. This seemed to spark the GHA back into a positive frame and after some superb forward play David Scott ran through for our 3rd try. With the conversion kick missed the score was now 17-12 for GHA.

With confidence now seeping through the GHA squad a darting run from David Scott put us deep into the opposing half. He fed the ball to Kelso Brown who in turn popped the ball up to Josh Rutnagur who duly dove over the line for the best try of the match. Davy dusted himself down and promptly put the conversion between the posts from a tight angle to make the score 24-10 for GHA.

With 10mins to go we still had time for another Glenrothes player to be given a yellow card and for Davy Scott to miss a penalty. With no further scoring the game ended Glenrothes 10 GHA 24.

This was a hard fought victory from a very young side - the squad was made up of 5 under 18’s, 13 under 17’s and 2 boys not yet 16. With better discipline and less back chat this team could be a match for any of the other 7 team left in the competition. There were a number of star performers with the pick of the forwards being Calum Hunter, Adam Barnett and Kelso Brown and great performances from Josh Rutnagur, Davy Scott and Francesco di Cosmo in the backs but the Coaches thought the GHA man of the match was Nick McCaw

Squad

Forwards

Craig Williamson, Tom Ritchie, Andy Mather, Calum Hunter, Adam Barnett, Nick McCaw, Calum Shields and Ross Carty

Backs

Josh Rutnagur, David Scott, Francesco Di Cosmo, Gordon Belch, Rob McLintock, Rory Hughes & Ben Thomson

Replacements

Kelso Brown, Johnnie Haughney, Euan MaCallum, Brendan Barrett & Fraser Hamilton

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/14/depleted-2nds-lose-narrowly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/14/depleted-2nds-lose-narrowly Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:52:00 +0000 Jim McCormick http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/14/depleted-2nds-lose-narrowly Hamilton 2ndXV 21- 19 GHA 2ndXV

With seven enforced changes to last week’s team, the seconds pitched up at Leigh Bent to take on a Hamilton team who had achieved some excellent results of late.

It was obvious from the outset that GHA had the upper hand when it came to running rugby. An early penalty miss by Murray [...]]]> Hamilton 2ndXV 21- 19 GHA 2ndXV

With seven enforced changes to last week’s team, the seconds pitched up at Leigh Bent to take on a Hamilton team who had achieved some excellent results of late.

It was obvious from the outset that GHA had the upper hand when it came to running rugby. An early penalty miss by Murray Houston was soon forgotten as GHA registered the first points of the game. The turnover ball from a ruck on their own 22 metre line was fed along the back line and resulted in a score for Rangi Jericevich. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful. However, the lead was only short-lived as from a scrum the Hamilton number 8 picked up and, due to some poor tackling by GHA, he was able to score. With a conversion slotted, Hamilton took the lead. With mistakes being made on both sides, the scorers weren’t troubled until the second half.

After some wise words from Coach Fairbairn at half time, GHA registered their second try of the game within one minute of the re-start. Excellent pressure from John Willock and Kerr McEwan saw the ball turned over and then some skillful interplay between Rangi Jericevich and Brandon Wamberg resulted in the centre crashing over for his second try. Murray Houston converted. Once again, the lead only lasted five minutes. A carbon copy score from Hamilton’s number 8 handed the lead back to them. Hamilton stretched the lead to 21 – 12 after a break by their number 8 who fed the supporting player for their third and final try of the day. With the conversion successful, Hamilton took a commanding lead. They then tried to press home the advantage, but for the second week running, GHA showed a resoluteness in defence and kept out the opposition. Déjà vu struck once again as GHA registered a try in the dying moments of the game. A length of the field break was halted illegally by Hamilton on their 5 metre line. Murray Houston took a quick tap and fed Rangi Jericevich to crash over for his hat-trick. Murray Houston successfully converted the try to bring GHA back to within 2 points. From the re-start, GHA broke deep into Hamilton territory. Quick ball from a ruck seemed to provide GHA with an opportunity to steal the game from Hamilton. However, the referee decided an infringement had occurred at the ruck and blew the final whistle.

Despite an error-strewn performance, another losing bonus point was the consolation prize. With Hamilton being the visitors to Braidholm on Saturday 20th February, GHA don’t have long to wait to avenge this disappointing result. Attendance at training on Tuesday and Thursday is essential.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/12/hutchie-triumph-in-scottish-cup http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/12/hutchie-triumph-in-scottish-cup Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:40:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/12/hutchie-triumph-in-scottish-cup
Read More Here [...]]]>
Read More Here

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/11/gazelles-defeat-clydebank http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/11/gazelles-defeat-clydebank Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:09:00 +0000 John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/11/gazelles-defeat-clydebank Clydebank 2 XV 12 GHA Gazelles 43

A fiercely fought draw against Dalziel two weeks ago looked like ideal preparation for this key league fixture at Clydebank, and indeed the early possession and territory was all Gazelles. Against the run of play, however, the home team scored a breakaway try.

The visitors [...]]]> Clydebank 2 XV 12 GHA Gazelles 43

A fiercely fought draw against Dalziel two weeks ago looked like ideal preparation for this key league fixture at Clydebank, and indeed the early possession and territory was all Gazelles. Against the run of play, however, the home team scored a breakaway try.

The visitors struck back quickly, forwards and backs combining to send Armstrong in at the corner. The Gazelles’ second score followed in short order as Pickens finished off a drive by Booth from Carpenter’s line out take.

Clydebank responded, their scrum half sending the right winger off on a weaving run which beat the GHA defence. The game was finely balanced at this point, and had the makings of a similar encounter to the aforementioned gritty precursor.

But as half-time approached, the Gazelles once again gained the ascendancy, this time Graeme Scott barreling over. Brian Tracey’s two conversions saw the score at 19-12 to the Braidholm men at the turnaround.

And from the re-start, it was the visitors who found the extra gears. Scott chased and caught the GHA kick-off, and the resulting thrust took Scott Pickens over the line, allowing Tracey to add the extra points.

This was the signal for the big ball carriers to cut loose, and with Andy Freeth to the fore, Clydebank began to wilt. Paul Armstrong’s second try came from neat work by Shields, releasing the winger to scurry in at the corner flag.

With the score now at 31 -12, and the game secure, the GHA side could have been forgiven for easing up to the whistle, but quite the reverse occurred.

Twice in succession, the Clydebank defence was stretched first one way, then the other, and on each occasion, arch-opportunist Carpenter was on hand to evade the despairing cover. A last conversion from Tracey took the final score to 43 – 12, a very fair reflection of a game where the home side competed for 80 minutes, but ultimately could not match the more powerful Gazelles.

GHA Gazelles

15 G. MacGregor ( A. McIlroy 70 mins )

14 I. MacGillivray ( G. McLachlan 70 mins )

13 D. Shields

12 G. Summers

11 P. Armstrong

10 B.Tracey

9 G. Innes

1 G. Scott ( J. Harkness 70 mins )

2 J. Clarke ( D. Wallace 60 mins )

3 Z. McIlwham

4 G. Carpenter ( A.Brown 70 mins )

5 I. Grierson ( D. Marshall 65 mins )

6 M Booth ( A. Cairns 50 mins )

7 S. Pickens

8 A. Freeth

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/09/4-gha-players-in-glasgow-u17-squad http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/09/4-gha-players-in-glasgow-u17-squad Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:32:00 +0000 David Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/09/4-gha-players-in-glasgow-u17-squad
3 of our current U17 squad will start the match and our newest recruit will be one of the replacements.

Congratulations and good luck to Adam Barnett, Rory Hughes, David Scott and Craig Williamson [...]]]>
3 of our current U17 squad will start the match and our newest recruit will be one of the replacements.

Congratulations and good luck to Adam Barnett, Rory Hughes, David Scott and Craig Williamson

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/09/gha-lose-narrowly-to-selkirk-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/09/gha-lose-narrowly-to-selkirk-video-highlights Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:28:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/09/gha-lose-narrowly-to-selkirk-video-highlights Click Here [...]]]> Click Here

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/07/gha-u18s-through-to-quarters http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/07/gha-u18s-through-to-quarters Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:51:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/07/gha-u18s-through-to-quarters
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/05/eddie-scores-for-scotland-a http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/05/eddie-scores-for-scotland-a Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:46:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/05/eddie-scores-for-scotland-a
But it was not enough. The Irish won by 34-19.

Two other forwards from the Braidholm club, Euan Murray and Jon Welsh, were the starting props in the Scottish team. [...]]]>
But it was not enough. The Irish won by 34-19.

Two other forwards from the Braidholm club, Euan Murray and Jon Welsh, were the starting props in the Scottish team.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/05/gha-head-to-borders-on-cup-business http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/05/gha-head-to-borders-on-cup-business Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:45:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/05/gha-head-to-borders-on-cup-business
15 Ross McClymont

14 Chris Binnie

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Andrew Rushforth

11 Ruairi O’Keefe

10 James Noonan

9 Andrew [...]]]>
15 Ross McClymont

14 Chris Binnie

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Andrew Rushforth

11 Ruairi O’Keefe

10 James Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Josh Low

3 Andy Kelly

4 Ian Smith

5 Mike Gurran

6 Ryan Jenkins

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Jamie Auld

Substitutes:

16 Chris Landsburgh

17 Andrew McFarlane

18 Paul Harkins

19 Rangi Jericevich

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/04/club-dinner-announcement http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/04/club-dinner-announcement Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:20:00 +0000 Euan Baillie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/02/04/club-dinner-announcement
Time: 7.00 for 7.30pm
Cost: £30 per ticket
Dress: Formal/Very Smart
Speakers: Roy Dingwall, Gavin Summers, Peter Brown

Please contact Helen or Euan Baillie if you wish to attend [...]]]>
Time: 7.00 for 7.30pm
Cost: £30 per ticket
Dress: Formal/Very Smart
Speakers: Roy Dingwall, Gavin Summers, Peter Brown

Please contact Helen or Euan Baillie if you wish to attend

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/31/burns-supper-success http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/31/burns-supper-success Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:43:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/31/burns-supper-success the greatest Scot.

Some photos of the evening are below.



]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/30/game-off-lunch-onburns-night-on http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/30/game-off-lunch-onburns-night-on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:40:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/30/game-off-lunch-onburns-night-on
However, the pre-match lunch goes ahead as planned, as does the Burns Supper in the evening.

A new date for the GHA v Aberdeen game will be announced later. [...]]]>
However, the pre-match lunch goes ahead as planned, as does the Burns Supper in the evening.

A new date for the GHA v Aberdeen game will be announced later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/29/andy-kelly-returns-for-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/29/andy-kelly-returns-for-gha Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:53:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/29/andy-kelly-returns-for-gha Program Pages 1 & 4
Program Pages 2 & 3

Andy Kelly returns to GHA’s front row for the Premier Two match against Aberdeen Grammar at Braidholm on Saturday. The tight-head prop missed last [...]]]> Program Pages 1 & 4
Program Pages 2 & 3

Andy Kelly returns to GHA’s front row for the Premier Two match against Aberdeen Grammar at Braidholm on Saturday. The tight-head prop missed last week’s win at Kirkcaldy because of professional commitments.

Ruairi O’Keefe and Ryan Jenkins, both bench players last week, return to the starting line-up. With Jenkins at lock Mike Gurran switches to the blind-side flank.

Please note that sunset is now late enough for league matches to kick off at 3pm.

GHA’s team to play against Aberdeen:


15 Ross McClymont

14 Chris Binnie

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Andrew Rushforth

11 Ruairi O’Keefe

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Josh Low

2 Chris Landsburgh

3 Andy Kelly

4 Ian Smith

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Mike Gurran

7 Jamie Auld

8 Jamie Pinder

Substitutes:

16 Stephen Spowart

17 Paul Harkins

18 Iain Nelson

19 Rangi Jericevich

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/29/grogs-february-lunch http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/29/grogs-february-lunch Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:13:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/29/grogs-february-lunch
The speaker on this date is to be Dr. Donald Macleod, President of Selkirk RFC. Donald was the Scottish Rugby Union team doctor from 1965-1995 and the British Lions' team doctor on the 1983 tour to New [...]]]>
The speaker on this date is to be Dr. Donald Macleod, President of Selkirk RFC. Donald was the Scottish Rugby Union team doctor from 1965-1995 and the British Lions' team doctor on the 1983 tour to New Zealand.

As we had 108 members at the January lunch, a record for GROGS, it is even more important that you advise a committee member if you are to attend. Braidholm can seat up to 120, so we have yet to achieve capacity.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/25/burns-night-at-gha-update http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/25/burns-night-at-gha-update Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:29:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/25/burns-night-at-gha-update now on Saturday the 30th January - 7pm for a 730 start.

The night has been organised as part of the senior tour fund raising and includes a 2 course meal of Cock-a-leekie soup followed by the traditional Haggis and then Coffee and Shortbread.

All members are invited to come along, [...]]]>
Reserve your place at the GHA Burns Night now on Saturday the 30th January - 7pm for a 730 start.

The night has been organised as part of the senior tour fund raising and includes a 2 course meal of Cock-a-leekie soup followed by the traditional Haggis and then Coffee and Shortbread.

All members are invited to come along, ladies and gentlemen, for a night of traditional Scottish fayre.

The cost is £15 each.

Please email burns@gharugby.co.uk to reserve places. Alternatively you can text or call Rangi on 07734 153872 to make your booking. Please let us know asap if you can come along.

Vegetarian options will be available if required just let us know in advance.

Och Aye!

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/25/a-winning-start-for-the-2s http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/25/a-winning-start-for-the-2s Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:20:00 +0000 Jim McCormack http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/25/a-winning-start-for-the-2s Kirkcaldy 2nd XV 8, GHA 2nd XV 22

The 2s travelled to Kirkcaldy with a team shorn of some regular faces. Strength in depth shone through as the players who stepped up for both the first and second teams played their parts in an excellent day for the club.

A grim day was not condusive to champagne rugby . A constant drizzle [...]]]> Kirkcaldy 2nd XV 8, GHA 2nd XV 22

The 2s travelled to Kirkcaldy with a team shorn of some regular faces. Strength in depth shone through as the players who stepped up for both the first and second teams played their parts in an excellent day for the club.

A grim day was not condusive to champagne rugby . A constant drizzle and sticky pitch, along with lack of match practise, resulted in a first half littered by mistakes. Thankfully some stout defence and one moment of excellent rugby saw GHA go into the break 19 – 8 up. Murray Houston had his kicking boots on and kicked 2 penalties (missing another attempt) before the home team registered their first 3 pointer of the afternoon. Another Houston penalty was unfortunately followed by a personal disaster for the GHA scrum half . He seemed to have the situation under control as he picked up a hack through and set himself to clear. However his attempted clearance was charged down and Kirkcaldy dotted down for the first try of the afternoon. The conversion was thankfully missed but the home team had hauled themselves back to within one point. Another penalty by Houston eased the nerves and then a moment of exquisite first phase rugby helped GHA extend their lead. With the ball fed to Ryan Miemczyk, he unleashed a beautiful pass to Brandon Wamberg who galloped through the centre of the home defence. With the defensive cover closing in Wamberg fed Patrick Hilley who crashed over for the score with several would be tacklers hanging on. Houston converted.

A re-jig of the backline at half-time and with Paul Harkins being replaced by James Beattie already in the first half, a “new look” GHA took the field in the second half. Kirkcaldy came out with all guns blazing and it took a monumental rearguard action by GHA to keep them at bay. The defensive action was led admirably by Gregor Jones at stand off and both Hilley and Gilmartin were outstanding in this aspect of the game. With both substitutes on the pitch Kerr McEwan had to return to the fray to replace Olly Gilmartin after he suffered an injury. With time running out Murray Houston slotted another penalty to relief the tension both on and off the pitch.

An excellent start to 2010 for the 2s but with a price – both Harkins and Jones had to endure the dreaded visit to hospital the day after. With Forrester at home next week it is essential that all fit players front up for training on Tuesday and Thursday. Anybody not available for training or for next Saturday’s game please let the coaches know.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/gha-welcome-belfast-high http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/gha-welcome-belfast-high Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:53:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/gha-welcome-belfast-high
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/gha-u18-progress-in-cup http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/gha-u18-progress-in-cup Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:48:00 +0000 David Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/gha-u18-progress-in-cup Greenock Wanderers 0 – GHA 32

Match Photos

After a lengthy lay off due to the awful weather over the last 5 weeks it was fantastic to have a sunny and virtually windless day in Greenock to restart the rugby season.

Although [...]]]> Greenock Wanderers 0 – GHA 32

Match Photos

After a lengthy lay off due to the awful weather over the last 5 weeks it was fantastic to have a sunny and virtually windless day in Greenock to restart the rugby season.

Although both teams were relatively rusty after the layoff they served up a great match for the watching supporters with GHA eventually running out victorious by 32-0.

Greenock started the game in the ascendency and pinned back GHA for the first 15 minutes with strong and aggressive forward play and some good back moves with their centres making telling breaks through the stretched GHA defence. However, some poor handling let them down and GHA were able to capitalise and start to slowly edge their way into the game, winning good forward ball on their own 22 and surging forward culminating in a try, after 16 minutes, in the corner by Andy Black. Given that this was his first match for 6 months after injury, he showed fine awareness and strong running for a well deserved score. Unfortunately, from right out on the touchline the conversion attempt was narrowly missed.

A period of scrappy play from both sides ensued as cold hands caused many spilled passes and consequently knock-ons. In addition, both sides gave away several penalties in their eagerness to get in control of the ball. It came as no surprise after Greenock conceded a penalty in front of the posts that Davy Scott added a further 3 points to make the score 8-0 after 28 minutes.

With the final play of the half Kelso Brown touched down after some superb offloads amongst the forwards and with Davy duly converting the half time score was 15-0 to GHA.

Within 5 minutes gone in the second half GHA were awarded yet another penalty as the Greenock forwards were on the wrong side of the ruck but an excellent kick from right on the touchline from Davy fell agonisingly short.

Two quick tries followed 9 in the 50th & 55th minutes, as the GHA forwards started to exert their influence on the game with several scrums taken against the head. Both tries were scored after the backs strung passes across both sides of the pitch giving touchdowns to Andy Black in one corner and Mark Carnan in the other. Davy converted the latter of these to make the score 27-0 in GHA’s favour.

James Hendry completed the scoring with another excellent try in the 66th minute clearly showing to all that when moving the ball wide, space is created for the wingers to utilise which resulted in 4 of GHA’s 5 tries. Final score Greenock 0 GHA 32

Several pleasing aspects can be drawn from this match; firstly all the GHA squad got some game time and the extra training done in the gym when the weather was its poorest gave those who attended an extra period of fitness when those around were flagging a little.

All those who participated put up a sterling performance but three players stood out from the rest and they were Andy Black, Kelso Brown and Andy Mather.

A special mention must also be made of our 2 new recruits, Craig Williamson & Rob McLintock, who have recently joined us from West of Scotland and have fitted in really well.

Next up are Glenrothes (away) in Round 2 of the National Cup on Saturday 30th January and then we entertain a touring team from Belfast High School on Sunday 31st January at Braidholm. All are welcome to come and watch.

Squad

Forwards

Craig Williamson, Tom Ritchie, Andy Mather, Calum Hunter, Adam Barnett, Nick McCaw, Calum Shields and Ross Carty

Backs

Josh Rutnagur, David Scott, Francesco Di Cosmo, Gordon Belch, Andy Black, Mark Carnan & Rory Hughes

Replacements - From

Ben McGinty, Kelso Brown, Matt Conner, Johnnie Haughney, Euan MaCallum, James Hendry, Cameron Gilchrist, Amir Najafian, Rob McLintock & Ben Thomson

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/ghas-winning-run-continues http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/ghas-winning-run-continues Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:46:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/ghas-winning-run-continues Kirkcaldy 9 GHA 16

GHA picked up where they left off before the deep freeze by beating Kirkcaldy at Beveridge Park on Saturday. It was their sixth win in a row, a sequence that has propelled them from the danger zone up to the upper flight of Scottish Hydro Premier Two.

It has been a winning run that has been both a [...]]]> Kirkcaldy 9 GHA 16

GHA picked up where they left off before the deep freeze by beating Kirkcaldy at Beveridge Park on Saturday. It was their sixth win in a row, a sequence that has propelled them from the danger zone up to the upper flight of Scottish Hydro Premier Two.

It has been a winning run that has been both a relief and a pleasure, not least because it has been achieved while blooding youngsters in Premiership rugby. The 18-year-old Chris Landsburgh had his first start at hooker on Saturday after an initiation on the bench in the October win at Aberdeen. Beside him at tight head was another of that age, Josh Low, and in the back row was Jamie Auld, celebrating his 18th birthday. Among the replacements were two more aged 18, David Stoddart and Matthew Kidd.

Victory by 19-6 was not as emphatic as the Braidholm win had been against the Fifers in October. This time Kirkcaldy picked up a losing bonus point, and it was much more dogged performance by GHA. They had what New Zealanders refer to mongrel in their game – not thoroughbred but effective.

GHA’s scrummage was not as secure as they would have wish. But the youngsters in the front row were not dismayed: they lived and learned, the lesson not least that scrummaging is not all truly legal.

All of the band of 18 played their part in a forceful game outside the set piece. The GHA pack were very much together in the loose, scoring the game’s only try with a typical churn of pick-and-drive rugby. Dominic Kellock’s was the name on the scoresheet, but it was an eight-man try.

Three times in the game GHA played that percussion game on the home goal-line. Only once, though, was it successful.

In one individual sense, Ian Smith stood out for GHA. He dominated the line-out, and that provided the security of possession on which GHA based their win.

GHA had the early pressure, including their first siege on the home line. Nothing came of it. Then Kirkcaldy had a turn, though without real threat, and 22 minutes had gone when GHA returned to close-range attack. This time they succeeded with Kellock’s try plus a Jim Noonan conversion.

Quintan Sanft responded in 31 minutes with a penalty goal that was made all the easier because GHA failed to retired 10 metres from the original infringement. Less than a minute later Noonan missed a penalty, but with the last play of the first half he took GHA to a 10-3 lead with a drop goal.

It was to be a double-whammy by Noonan. Only two minutes into the second half he kicked another penalty goal.

Over the next eight minutes Sanft and Noonan swapped penalty goals, and as the game went into the last quarter the home stand-off kicked another. GHA’s lead was down to 16-9 in a game that they probable should have had sewn up by then.

Worse was to befall them when Ruairi O’Keefe was sin-binned for offside at a ruck. But GHA survived being short-handed, and Ross McClymont even found the means to spring another of his mazy runs, beating no fewer than five tackles.

It was only in the four or so minutes of added time that Kirkcaldy opened up their own game. That late home effort was to no effective. But it was a reminder of the Herald article that the late Bill McLaren wrote probably 30 years ago about the constant puzzle why teams so often play their best rugby out of desperation instead of as an early gambit. In this case, though, one part of the answer to that conundrum was that GHA’s defence was well enough organised for Kirkcaldy to have too few opportunities until too late.

Kirkcaldy – Alan Tasker; Iain Gillies, Cameron Goodall, Mark Wallace, Jordan Webster; Quintan Sanft, Gavin McKenzie; Mark Thomson, Greg Wallace, Jamie Brown, Stevie Mitchell, Kenny Fraser, Liam Neilson, Rab van Rensberg, Matt Harvey. Substitutes – Willie Gray, George Mangalo, Stuart Porter, R Murphy.

GHA – Ross McClymont; Chris Binnie, Niall Cassie (captain), Andrew Rushforth, Rangi Jericevich; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Chris Landsburgh, Josh Low, Ian Smith, Mike Gurran, Jamie Auld, Jamie Pinder, Dominic Kellock. Substitutes – Matthew Kidd, Ryan Jenkins, David Stoddart, Ruairi O’Keefe.

Referee – Colin Brett (Edinburgh Referees’ Society).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/hutchie-hold-on-to-earn-place-in-final http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/hutchie-hold-on-to-earn-place-in-final Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:40:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/24/hutchie-hold-on-to-earn-place-in-final http://www.scottishrugby.org/content/view/754/2/

Hutcheson’s Grammar School held on to a 10-7 lead over title holders George Watson’s College at the Auldhouse playing fields in Glasgow today to put an end [...]]]> http://www.scottishrugby.org/content/view/754/2/

Hutcheson’s Grammar School held on to a 10-7 lead over title holders George Watson’s College at the Auldhouse playing fields in Glasgow today to put an end to any capital hopes of an all-Edinburgh Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools’ Cup finals day.

The visitors were first to take the lead after just eight minutes when Watson’s trademark expansive rugby saw the ball spun wide to wing Saunas Thomson to dot down at the touchline.

Stand-off Fraser McKay struck the conversion well from distance to add the extras, however, moments before half-time, sustained forward pressure from the dominant Hutchi pack saw the impressive number 8, Gordon Campbell, cross for a try.

Stand-off George Swankey kept his composure to make his kick and bring the sides level at the break, 7-7.In the second-half Watson’s upped the tempo and exerted sustained pressure on the hosts however a well-organised Hutchesons’ defence weathered the storm before they earned a penalty directly in front of the posts with which Swanky made no mistake, to take the lead and, ultimately, a place in the final.

The Glasgow school will face Stewart’s-Melville College in the under-15 final at Murrayfield after they went through as the winning away side from a tense 3-3 draw at New Field while their under-18 side came back from 0-3 down at Merchiston Castle School to offer the school a shot at an illustrious cup double.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/22/gha-return-to-action-in-fife http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/22/gha-return-to-action-in-fife Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:09:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/22/gha-return-to-action-in-fife
Earlier this season GHA beat Kirkcaldy by 41-24 at [...]]]>
Earlier this season GHA beat Kirkcaldy by 41-24 at Braidholm. Another of the same would do nicely to kick off 2010. Please not that the match kick-off is at 2.45pm.

GHA team:

15 Ross McClymont

14 Chris Binnie

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Andrew Rushforth

11 Rangi Jericevich

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Chris Landsburgh

3 Josh Low

4 Ian Smith

5 Mike Gurran

6 Jamie Auld

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes:

16 Matthew Kidd

17 Ryan Jenkins

18 David Stoddart

19 Ruairi O’Keefe

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/22/jon-welsh-signs-new-glasgow-contract http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/22/jon-welsh-signs-new-glasgow-contract Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:08:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/22/jon-welsh-signs-new-glasgow-contract
Welsh, as reported on Warriors’ website, is thrilled to agree a new contract before he joins up with the national squad for the first time. “It was always my ambition to stay here in Glasgow,” he said. “Thankfully that’s worked out. I’m now looking to continue the way I’m going and give it my all in a Glasgow jersey.

“Glasgow is my home town, and every time I run out onto the Firhill pitch it’s fantastic. I now just want to focus on playing my rugby with Glasgow Warriors.”

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/20/jon-and-josh-reach-for-the-heights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/20/jon-and-josh-reach-for-the-heights Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:40:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/20/jon-and-josh-reach-for-the-heights
A current GHA prop, Josh Low, also is [...]]]>
A current GHA prop, Josh Low, also is moving up the ladder. The 18-year-old, who has become a regular in the club first XV, was listed earlier this season in the national under-19 squad, but he was promoted to starting tight head last Saturday in the Scotland under-20 team who played against the Club International XV in a warm-up match at Dunbar.

Let’s hope this in an indication that Josh will be in the Scottish squad for the under-20 Six Nations matches over the next two months.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/16/hearts-heroes-challenge http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/16/hearts-heroes-challenge Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:12:27 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/16/hearts-heroes-challenge
It is a walk/run of 29 miles over the Southern Upland Way from St Mary's Loch to Melrose RFC. It can be done in bronze (12 miles), silver (21 miles) or gold (29 [...]]]>
It is a walk/run of 29 miles over the Southern Upland Way from St Mary's Loch to Melrose RFC. It can be done in bronze (12 miles), silver (21 miles) or gold (29 miles).

Oer 650 participants took part last year and raised over £230k. More information is on www.heartsandheroes.co.uk

Can you let me know if you would be interested in taking part in this event and at what level? I am hoping to do the Gold event so will be looking for another 3 to do it with me. I hope we’ll be able to get a couple of teams from the club.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Hearts and Hero’s challenge lease contact Paul Tyler asap by email (pauldtyler2000@yahoo.co.uk )or on Facebook. Also if you know anyone outwith the club who would be interested please forward the email onto them.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/14/all-gha-matches-off-at-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/14/all-gha-matches-off-at-braidholm Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:14:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/14/all-gha-matches-off-at-braidholm
After an inspection of the ground and a review of the weather forecast it has been accepted that the pitches have no chance of being payable by Saturday. [...]]]>
After an inspection of the ground and a review of the weather forecast it has been accepted that the pitches have no chance of being payable by Saturday.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/training-this-tuesday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/training-this-tuesday Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:54:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/training-this-tuesday
There will be a £1 a head charge to cover hiring costs for the hall.

Either meet at the college or at Braidholm at 7:30pm for a lift or directions. [...]]]>
There will be a £1 a head charge to cover hiring costs for the hall.

Either meet at the college or at Braidholm at 7:30pm for a lift or directions.



]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/grogs-lunch-january-2010 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/grogs-lunch-january-2010 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:35:00 +0000 Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/grogs-lunch-january-2010
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/bob-mutch-notice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/bob-mutch-notice Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:33:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/bob-mutch-notice
It is with regret that the Club has learned of the death of Bob Mutch, at his home in Aberdeenshire.

Bob had been in poor health for some time and following the death of his wife Ethel in 2009, his health had further deteriorated until he passed away today, Friday 8th January 2010.

As a past Vice [...]]]>
It is with regret that the Club has learned of the death of Bob Mutch, at his home in Aberdeenshire.

Bob had been in poor health for some time and following the death of his wife Ethel in 2009, his health had further deteriorated until he passed away today, Friday 8th January 2010.

As a past Vice President of Clarkston Rugby Football Club, Bob was a tireless worker and held a number of Management positions until he and Ethel moved to Aberdeenshire. Bob’s son Robin was an outstanding back row forward in the Clarkston first XV and his grandson Mark McMillan was an enthusiastic member of the Clarkston Junior Section along with his father Tom.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but Glasgow Hutchesons’ Aloysians Rugby Football Club extends its condolences to Robin and Joanna and family.




Tom Morrice

(President, GHA RFC)

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/training-info-plus-new-strips-arrive http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/training-info-plus-new-strips-arrive Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:42:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/11/training-info-plus-new-strips-arrive


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/08/new-dates-for-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/08/new-dates-for-gha Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:42:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2010/01/08/new-dates-for-gha
The home match against Haddington, put back from 19 December, has been provisionally listed for Saturday 13 February. Similarly, Saturday 27 February is the provisional date for GHA’s visit to Stirling County, which has been [...]]]>
The home match against Haddington, put back from 19 December, has been provisionally listed for Saturday 13 February. Similarly, Saturday 27 February is the provisional date for GHA’s visit to Stirling County, which has been postponed because of the big freeze.

Both dates are provisional because Premier Cup commitments would have to take precedence. GHA’s first-round cup-tie is against Selkirk at Philiphaugh on Saturday 6 February.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/21/junior-players-selected-for-glasgow http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/21/junior-players-selected-for-glasgow Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:54:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/21/junior-players-selected-for-glasgow
Adam Barnett
Rory Hughes
David Scott
Craig Williamson (recently transferred to us From West of Scotland)

Also to congratulate

Max Lott
Grant [...]]]>
Adam Barnett
Rory Hughes
David Scott
Craig Williamson (recently transferred to us From West of Scotland)

Also to congratulate

Max Lott
Grant MacDonald
James Malcolm
Joshua Rutnagur

For getting through to the next stage for the Glasgow U16 Squad for their forthcoming Inter-District Championship

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/19/gha-rugby-games-off http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/19/gha-rugby-games-off Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:17:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/19/gha-rugby-games-off
A new date has yet to be defined for that P2 match, though it is expected to be Saturday 13 February, the same day as the Scotland v Wales international in Cardiff.

However, the [...]]]>
A new date has yet to be defined for that P2 match, though it is expected to be Saturday 13 February, the same day as the Scotland v Wales international in Cardiff.

However, the club will be open as usual and all players and supporters are asked to make your way down to Braidholm for some pre-christmas drinks. There will also be touch rugby from 1230 if possible so bring trainers.

Provan Sports will be there selling club merchandise and the new club calendar will also be on sale along with raffle tickets for the club hamper.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/16/gazelles-defeat-cartha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/16/gazelles-defeat-cartha Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:19:00 +0000 John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/16/gazelles-defeat-cartha GHA Gazelles 32 Cartha QP 3 XV 7



With the scheduled opposition, Loch Lomond, unable to play, the Gazelles took on Cartha in a re-arranged league fixture.

The difference in pre-match routine was marked – while the Cartha squad were running grids, the Gazelles were sorting out the usual positional [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 32 Cartha QP 3 XV 7



With the scheduled opposition, Loch Lomond, unable to play, the Gazelles took on Cartha in a re-arranged league fixture.

The difference in pre-match routine was marked – while the Cartha squad were running grids, the Gazelles were sorting out the usual positional problems, specifically, who could fill the hooking role until Jim Clarke could get there.

Step up to the mark then Graeme Carpenter, and with this surprising but effective stop-gap, the game kicked off. Against expectations, it was the home side which immediately took control. Using the mighty pack to full advantage, four tries were notched up before the visitors were out of the starting blocks.

Steady pressure on the Cartha line led to a penalty. Carpenter tapped quickly and fed Iain Grierson, and the big farmer, with the even bigger Andy Freeth in tandem, ploughed over for the first score.

Next up was the Gazelle party piece – a lineout on the Cartha 5 metre line, a clean catch by Harkness, and a huge surge from the pack to drive over with Martin Booth in possession of the ball.

The third try followed in 25 minutes, that man Grierson getting his second from plundered Cartha lineout ball.

And five minutes later, Andy Freeth, operating at No. 8 on his debut, added the fourth, picking up from the scrum base to run in. Opinion is varied as to the exact distance he ran, suffice to say it was more than 5 metres, less than 50.

Three conversions from Gus Innes topped the points up to 26 without reply, at which stage Cartha had their best phase of play, but their sustained attacks met resolute defence, and so went without reward.

The GHA half-time talk centred on re-taking control of the game, but after the re-start, it was the visitors who struck first, from a quick break out in loose play, their kicker adding the extras with a difficult and well taken conversion.

This was to be their only score. With the giant GHA pack dominating scrum and lineout, the home side steadily put a stranglehold on the game. When Cartha mounted an attack, they were scythed down by the Exocet that is Scott Pickens, by the by the new centre pairing of Shields and Armstrong, or by the wings coming up in aggressive defence. Pickens was denied over the line, but the pressure eventually told and Cartha conceded two penalties in quick succession. Innes took the points from both, much to the irritation of the opposition who knew that the clock was running down.

As the game drew to a close, Cartha tried some long range speculative kicking, all of which was mopped up and returned with interest by Arthur McLean.

As the whistle sounded, the gathering gloom was in direct contrast to the mood of the home side, who were justifiably pleased with the day’s proceedings. Good rotation of the pool of 18 players had resulted in a well taken victory, despite the lack of recent games.

A final word for referee Egor Mukhin, who controlled the game well, and whose gentle persuasion of a few of the old stagers ensured that the game never strayed far from good humour.



Team:


A. McLean ( R. Banning 40 mins )

I. MacGillivray ( A. McLean 60 mins )

P. Armstrong

D. Shields

G. McLachlan ( R. McFarlane 40 mins )

G. Innes

G. McGregor ( A. Freeth 55 mins )

G. Scott

G. Carpenter

D. Gowan

J. Harkness ( J. Clarke 20 mins )

I. Grierson

M. Booth

A. Freeth ( J. Harkness 40 mins )

S. Pickens

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/14/last-game-of-the-decade http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/14/last-game-of-the-decade Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:48:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/14/last-game-of-the-decade
Earlier in the season GHA drew 29 – 29 with Haddington and now on the back of 5 successive wins they are looking to finish 2009 on a high.

GHA are now up to fourth in SHE Premier division 2 and another victory on Saturday [...]]]>
Earlier in the season GHA drew 29 – 29 with Haddington and now on the back of 5 successive wins they are looking to finish 2009 on a high.

GHA are now up to fourth in SHE Premier division 2 and another victory on Saturday could see them move up to third if Gala fail to beat Hawick.

What the boys need now is YOU and your support for this crucial league game.

As well as that PSL will be at Braidholm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th selling their incredibly popular range of GHA kit. It’s a perfect time to finish your Christmas shopping – and every purchase benefits the club too.

Hope to see you there.



]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/13/right-to-the-wire http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/13/right-to-the-wire Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:11:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/13/right-to-the-wire

Returning from a broken hand was Jamie Auld who had a major part to play in the game as did promoted winger Rangi Jericevich who forced his way into the squad following excellent performances in the 2nd XV. There were also late call ups for Gregor Jones, Patrick Hilley, Matt Kidd and Olly Gilmartin all of whom have represented the 1st XV at different stages of the season.


The game was played in excellent but chilly conditions and the Gytes pitch was in great condition for running rugby which suited both teams.


GHA put pressure on Peebles from the kick off and a series of probing kicks from James Noonan kept them on the back foot. A penalty 30 metres out after five minutes gave GHA a 3 – 0 lead.


A short period of Peebles pressure followed although the GHA defence was more than a match and eventually forced the error. A lovely kick for Noonan allowed Chris Binnie and Ruairi O’Keefe to put pressure on the Peebles winger and force the penalty. Another successful strike from Noonan put GHA 6 – 0 up.


There followed a cat and mouse period of the game with neither side managing to take control of play. The GHA scrum turned the Peebles front row to demonstrate that the forward battle would not be easy for them. Andrew Gillman sniped down the blind side from a turn over and reminded Peebles that they could not take their eyes off him for a second. Other than that there was some pretty aimless kicking from both sides which didn’t really suit either team’s style.


The best attacking move of the game came from the GHA backs following an excellent driven lineout broke down when the final pass was delivered a fraction too early to Jericevich who ran out of room.


Peebles gradually began to exert pressure through their superior kicking and challenging the GHA lineout. Eventually a penalty in front of the posts allowed them to get into the game 6 – 3.


GHA extended their lead to 9 – 3 with another Noonan penalty following a precision kick from Noonan and good pressure at the Peebles lineout. It was a short lived moment of breathing space however as Peebles kicked a penalty three minutes later to close the gap to 9 – 6.


Peebles seemed to be getting the upper hand and another threatening attack from a charged down kick was only thwarted by O’Keefe’s quick thinking and physical intervention. Peebles standoff Warnock was becoming more influential and seemed to be finding more holes to put his willing runners into. However GHA lack nothing in the guts department and their defence held firm. On the stroke of half time, and definitely against the run of play, the Peebles backs made a crucial error under pressure which allowed Niall Cassie to pick up the loose ball and sprint home from the halfway line. Noonan converted for a 16 – 6 half-time lead.


Peebles started the second half at breakneck speed and it was all GHA could do to keep out the waves of attack. To the fore was Andy Rushforth who put in a series of crunching tackles. The resistance was short-lived however and only four minutes into the half Peebles opened GHA up in midfield and put winger David Anderson under the posts for a superb try. The conversion added meant GHA’s lead was cut to 16 – 13.


Following another sustained Peebles attack Andy Kelly was very harshly sent to the sin-bin. Peebles elected for the scrum and Number 8 James Oakes controlled the ball beautifully for the touchdown as they drove GHA’s seven men over the line. The conversion was crucially missed but Peebles were ahead for the first time 16 – 18.


It took some committed GHA defence to stop Peebles taking advantage of their numerical supremacy with another catch and drive close to the line, a relieving penalty allowed Noonan to move play out of the danger zone.


A quick tap from Gillman put Peebles under pressure and when they regained possession and kicked up field Noonan was hit by the Peebles winger Neil Hogarth so early that the referee had no option but to send him to the sin-bin.


Ten minutes later the Peebles scrum half Fraser Strachan was also sent for a 10 minute rest. He deliberately killed the ball following a galloping 60 metre run from lock Mike Gurran. Noonan kicked the resultant penalty and GHA retook the lead 19 – 18.


A searing blindside break from Gillman caught Peebles asleep. He fed Jericevich who carried the ball deep into Peebles half; his neat chip caused Peebles to concede another penalty. Noonan missed his only kick at goal of the day.


Still down to 14 men Peebles launched a sustained attack which ended with GHA conceding a penalty in front of the posts and Peebles again took the lead 21 – 19.


With two minutes left on the clock GHA won a scrum against the head and Noonan’s drop goal attempt was charged down by the offside Peebles midfield. The referee signalled the penalty and Noonan took no time to place the ball and knock it over GHA 22 – Peebles 21.


A frenetic final few minutes ended with GHA forcing Peebles to try and attack from their own line to no avail. The final whistle was met with relief by all GHA players and travelling support.


The result means GHA have now won their last five league matches and with the usual odd mixture of results round the country they have climbed to fourth place in the league and are only two points behind Gala in third.


Next week is the last game before Christmas and GHA entertain Haddington at Braidholm in a 2pm kick off. It would be good to see a big crowd at home for another critical league encounter.


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/11/ghas-3pm-kick-off-at-peebles http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/11/ghas-3pm-kick-off-at-peebles Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:46:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/11/ghas-3pm-kick-off-at-peebles
GHA team:

15: Chris Binnie
14: Rangi Jericevich
13: Niall Cassie (captain)
12: Martin Dunn
11: Ruairi O’Keefe
10: Jim Noonan
9: Andrew Gillman

1: Geoff Warnock
2: Josh [...]]]>
GHA team:

15: Chris Binnie
14: Rangi Jericevich
13: Niall Cassie (captain)
12: Martin Dunn
11: Ruairi O’Keefe
10: Jim Noonan
9: Andrew Gillman

1: Geoff Warnock
2: Josh Low
3: Andrew Kelly
4: Ryan Jenkins
5: Mike Gurran
6: Jamie Auld
7: Jamie Pinder
8: Paul Harkins

Substitutes:

Matthew Kidd
Andrew Rushforth
Ollie Gilmartin
David Stoddart

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/06/gha-up-to-5th-place-in-premier-2 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/06/gha-up-to-5th-place-in-premier-2 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:26:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/06/gha-up-to-5th-place-in-premier-2 GHA 15 Kelso 0

Match Program:
Pages 1 & 4
Pages 2 & 3 [...]]]> GHA 15 Kelso 0

Match Program:
Pages 1 & 4
Pages 2 & 3

GHA continued their winning roll with victory against Kelso at Braidholm. It was their seventh win in nine matches, and it moved them up from seventh to fifth in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two league table, a far cry from the troubled weeks that followed their away defeat against the same opposition on the opening day of the season in August.

All in all, it was pleasing day for GHA. Four Braidholm-based teams played, though three of the games were switched to Auldhouse, and all four won – the second XV against Musselburgh, the Braidholm team against Renfrew, and the under-18s versus Ayr in addition to the first XV.

At the end of the Premier Two match, though, GHA had to settle for the satisfaction of a win rather than a satisfactory win. But it could have been so different if they had kept up the early impetus which produced a try for Ross McClymont after only five minutes. McClymont sparked the scoring move with a precisely weighted high kick from which the Kelso full back took the ball together with Ruairi O’Keefe’s follow-up tackle. The ball broke loose for McClymont to gather and sprint in for about 20 metres.

Noonan converted, but GHA could not take more from their first-half dominance. Noonan missed a drop kick at goal, so did Ewen Ford. Then Noonan missed a penalty, so did Ford, and as the first half went into added time Greg Ponton failed with a drop kick.

GHA’s game was based on Ian Smith lineout control, and the home scrummage became more forceful as the second half wore on. But possession was laboured, and two scores in the eight minutes after the interval were all that GHA could add to their tally. When a forward drive, initiated by Smith’s lineout take, was pulled down Noonan kicked the penalty goal, and another driving maul from a lineout then produced even more with the forwards churning over from a Jamie Pinder try.

Noonan missed the conversion, and that was the end of the scoring. GHA could not exploit even numerical advantage while Stuart Laing was in the sin-bin midway in the second half.

Ironically, Kelso played their best all-team rugby in the eight minutes to which added time. GHA, though, were secure, though they had a lucky escape when Kevin Utterson knocked on as he skidding over the line.

GHA – Ross McClymont; Chris Binnie, Niall Cassie (captain), Martin Dunn, Ruairi O’Keefe; James Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Josh Low, Iain Nelson, Andy Kelly, Ian Smith, Ryan Jenkins, Dominic Kellock, Jamie Pinder, Mike Gurran. Substitutes: Joe Coffey, David Stoddart, Geoff Warnock, Andrew Rushforth.

Kelso – Nathan Trotter; Greg Ponton, Gregg Minto, Kevin Utterson (captain), Mee-Kaa-Eel Hartley; Ewan Ford, Andrew Tait; Chris Keen, Chris Riddell, Ross Glendinning, Ian Wallace, John Szkudro, Michael Murphy, Gareth Riddell, Iain Moodie. Substitutes: Daniel Porteous, Greg Brown, Stuart Laing, Paul Grahamslaw.

Referee – Alan Campbell (WSRRS).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/04/niall-cassie-back-to-lead-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/04/niall-cassie-back-to-lead-gha Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:31:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/04/niall-cassie-back-to-lead-gha
With Smith’s return, Mike Gurran moves from lock to No.8, flanked by Dominic Kellock and Jamie Pinder. [...]]]>
With Smith’s return, Mike Gurran moves from lock to No.8, flanked by Dominic Kellock and Jamie Pinder.

GHA’s win against Biggar was their sixth win in the past eight league matches, and they will now be looking to avenge their bonus-point defeat at Kelso on the opening day of the championship season in August.

The GHA v Kelso match will kick off at 2pm. GHA team:

15 Ross McClymont

14 Chris Binnie

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Martin Dunn

11 Ruairi O’Keefe

10 James Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Josh Low

2 Iain Nelson

3 Andy Kelly

4 Ian Smith

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Dominic Kellock

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Mike Gurran

Substitutes:

Joe Coffey

David Stoddart

Geoff Warnock

Andrew Rushforth

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/02/gha-v-kelso-this-saturday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/02/gha-v-kelso-this-saturday Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:59:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/02/gha-v-kelso-this-saturday here. [...]]]> here.



]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/02/credit-cards-now-accepted http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/02/credit-cards-now-accepted Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:56:00 +0000 Gordon Johnstone http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/12/02/credit-cards-now-accepted
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/30/important-players-notice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/30/important-players-notice Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:10:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/30/important-players-notice
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/29/biggar-but-not-big-enough http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/29/biggar-but-not-big-enough Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:17:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/29/biggar-but-not-big-enough Biggar 26 GHA 34


After a week off to enjoy Scotland beating Australia GHA travelled to Biggar for the resumption of the league programme. Expectation was high following 2 good wins and even the absence of talisman captain Niall Cassie and forward colossus Ian Smith didn’t diminish the confidence of the squad. In [...]]]> Biggar 26 GHA 34


After a week off to enjoy Scotland beating Australia GHA travelled to Biggar for the resumption of the league programme. Expectation was high following 2 good wins and even the absence of talisman captain Niall Cassie and forward colossus Ian Smith didn’t diminish the confidence of the squad. In Niall’s absence Andrew Gillman made his debut as 1st XV captain.


Biggar started the day 3 league places above GHA and with their full cohort of overseas stars fit and a formidable home record they must have fancied themselves to get their promotion push back on track.


Given the previous weeks dreadful weather the pitch was in excellent condition and dry, still overhead conditions were perfect to play rugby.


GHA received kick off and from the first clearance of the game James Noonan was hit late. The penalty was kicked to touch and from the lineout GHA won a free kick. Two powerful surges by Ian Nelson and Mike Gurran pulled the Biggar defence across the field. Noonan saw the space and an exquisite cross field kick allowed Ruairi O’Keefe to collect and finish brilliantly. The conversion was missed from out wide but it was the perfect start.


Biggar then got into their stride and their forwards took control of the game. A series of penalties allowed them to kick the ball into the corners where the effectiveness of their lineout catch and drive brought them 2 tries in quick succession.


The sequence of penalties eventually led to Ian Nelson being yellow carded for collapsing a maul close to the line. Obviously being an upstanding member of the law enforcement community it had nothing to do with him! While down to 14 men GHA decided that tackling was optional and conceded 2 soft tries to let Biggar race into a well deserved 26 – 5 lead.


To the GHA player’s credit their heads didn’t go down, even when on the receiving end of the home supports “interesting” banter and their player’s constant “whooping” and high-fiving each other.


A penetrating run from Ross McClymont and some pinpoint kicking from Noonan meant GHA finished the half much the stronger team. Just before the break and with Nelson back on the field Biggar were put under huge pressure on their own line. The second yellow card of the game was shown, this time to the Biggar prop. From the penalty GHA opted for the scrum and drove Biggar back over their line. However the ball was deemed to be held up and the referee decided there was no time for another scrum and blew for half time with the home team 26 – 5 up.


With harsh words from the coaches and captain ringing in their ears the GHA players knew they had to start the 2nd half with a bang.


The bang came after 3 minutes when Ian Nelson finished off some excellent driving work by the forwards. James Noonan converted and the players realised that Biggar were vulnerable.


The GHA forwards took a vice like grip on the game driven forward by a near perfect kicking display from Gillman and Noonan which the home team simply couldn’t match. With the forwards dominating the scrum and the loose there was more space for Gillman and McClymont to create havoc in the Biggar defence.


A second try followed with Biggar down to 14 men, another period of energy sapping driving from the forwards drove Biggar back towards their line. Gillman spotted space behind the defence and put an inch perfect chip over for Jamie Pinder to run onto and score. The conversion was missed as was a subsequent penalty attempt but at 26 – 17 the game was all of a sudden in the balance.


With Biggar unable to get out of their own half and Mike Gurran and Jamie Pinder starting to make telling runs through a tiring home team defence another try was inevitable. When it came, from another lineout catch and drive it was disallowed for a knock on that only the referee managed to see.


Not to be kept down for long though Gillman sliced through the defence, fed Noonan supporting on the inside who delivered a perfect pass for Chris Binnie to go under the posts and score the bonus point try. Noonan added the conversion to close the gap to 2 points with 14 minutes still to play.


Another chip from Noonan very nearly put O’Keefe away for his second but this time the touchline saved the home side. However the damage was done and hands on heads from the very subdued home players gave GHA the lift they needed.


Andy Rushforth replaced Martin Dunn and made an impact with some strong direct running which set up the position for Ross McClymont to round the Biggar defence. With training ground simplicity he drew the last man and put Pinder away for his second try. With the conversion added GHA went in front and another penalty took them to 34 – 26 and denied Biggar even a losing bonus.


The proverbial game of two halves saw a 29 point swing in favour of GHA who extend their winning run to 3 matches (2 of them away from home).


Next week we welcome Kelso to Braidholm for the first of 3 crucial league encounters before Christmas

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/irb-sevens-debut-for-james-and-peter http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/irb-sevens-debut-for-james-and-peter Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/irb-sevens-debut-for-james-and-peter
The sevens series opens in Dubai in 5 and 6 December, and the Scots then fly on to South Africa for the tournament in George a week later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/andrew-gillman-to-lead-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/andrew-gillman-to-lead-gha Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:51:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/andrew-gillman-to-lead-gha
Please note that the Biggar match will kick off at 1.00pm. Kick-offs will return to the midwinter normal (2.00pm) for the Braidholm match against Kelso a week on [...]]]>
Andrew Gillman will captain GHA in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two match against Biggar at Hartreemill on Saturday. He takes over the reins from the injured Niall Cassie.

Please note that the Biggar match will kick off at 1.00pm. Kick-offs will return to the midwinter normal (2.00pm) for the Braidholm match against Kelso a week on Saturday.
GHA team to play at Biggar:
Chris Binnie

Ruairi O’Keefe

Martin Dunn

Ross McClymont

Patrick Hilley

Jim Noonan

Andrew Gillman (captain)
Josh Low

Iain Nelson

Andrew Kelly

Mike Gurran

Ryan Jenkins

Olly Gilmartin

Jamie Pinder

Dominic Kellock

Substitutes:

Matthew Kidd

Geoff Warnock

David Stoddart

Gregor Jones

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/gha-boys-national-cup-tie-at-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/gha-boys-national-cup-tie-at-braidholm Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:33:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/27/gha-boys-national-cup-tie-at-braidholm
Please come along to cheer on the GHA boys in this big game. [...]]]>
Please come along to cheer on the GHA boys in this big game.

Or you could make the longer journey to Edinburgh the same day to support GHA’s under-16 team in their National Youth Cup quarter-final against Boroughmuir at Meggetland. The kick-off in that match will be at 11.00am.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/23/the-mighty-push http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/23/the-mighty-push Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:35:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/23/the-mighty-push
GHA would like to wish David well in his campaign and ask our members to visit his website for more information (link below) and donate what they can to his cause.

www.themightypush.com

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/19/ghas-festive-event-schedule http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/19/ghas-festive-event-schedule Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:23:00 +0000 Euan Baillie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/19/ghas-festive-event-schedule Mini Christmas Party
Sunday 20th December 2009
10.30AM @The Club

Mini Section Match v Dads/Coaches..Same format as previous years...organised chaos but great fun for all...Parents (Muns and Dads) are encouraged to take part. Followed by .. Santa (with pressies) Food and Party Games. Don't miss a great day for all the [...]]]> Mini Christmas Party
Sunday 20th December 2009
10.30AM @The Club

Mini Section Match v Dads/Coaches..Same format as previous years...organised chaos but great fun for all...Parents (Muns and Dads) are encouraged to take part. Followed by .. Santa (with pressies) Food and Party Games. Don't miss a great day for all the family.

Boxing Day
Time TBC (More details will be posted later)

The ever popular mulled wine tarts and christmas cake.

GHA'a Christmas Family Party
Sunday 27th December 2009
6.30PM @ The Club
£5 Family Ticket

Don't miss the best night of the year. Deal or No Deal ...Noel Edmonds Live @ GHA.
Bouncy Castle, inside raffles, games, prizes, disco. Bring your own sandwiches, etc. crisps/dips will be provided. Tickets sell quickly at this event so to avoid disappointment conats Euan Baillie to book. euanbaillie@hotmail.com.

Please support your club!

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/19/scotland-a-debut-for-jon-welsh http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/19/scotland-a-debut-for-jon-welsh Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:01:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/19/scotland-a-debut-for-jon-welsh
Jon’s previous experience in his country’s colours was as tight head in Scotland’s in the club internationals against Wales and Ireland in February 2008. He created such an impression in those matches that he earned a professional contract later that year.
Admission to the Netherdale match is free. The kick-off is at 7.30pm.

Three other former GHA players, Calum Forrester, James Eddie, and Peter Jericevich, are among the Gael Force replacements for the team’s opening match in the British and Irish Cup competition against Cornish Pirates at Camborne on Sunday.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/17/almost-brilliant http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/17/almost-brilliant Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:55:00 +0000 Jim McCormick http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/17/almost-brilliant GHA 2nd XV 64 Perthshire 2nd XV 0

This was coach Kenny Fairbairn’s assessment of the teams performance against a plucky Perthshire outfit. Both the home and away teams didn’t have their troubles to seek before hand but once the game got underway all these problems were forgotten. Within 10 minutes Ben Wright , GHA’s [...]]]> GHA 2nd XV 64 Perthshire 2nd XV 0

This was coach Kenny Fairbairn’s assessment of the teams performance against a plucky Perthshire outfit. Both the home and away teams didn’t have their troubles to seek before hand but once the game got underway all these problems were forgotten. Within 10 minutes Ben Wright , GHA’s flying winger, had scored the first of his four tries.Paul harkins fielded the ball on his own 10m line.The ball fed to the wing who beat several players on the road to the try-line. In fact all of his tries came from the Perthshire 10m line or beyond. Not to be outdone by his fellow winger, Rangi Jericevich also scored twice in the first half, both being long range efforts and coming from excellent lineout ball provided by the forwards. Ben Farrell scored to ensure that the hard work done by the forwards did not go unrewarded. The 31-nil half-time score flattered GHA as for long periods of time Perthshire dominated but were unable to trouble the score board.

The second half was only 5 minutes old when from a turnover at scrum-time on the halfway line, Gregor Jones was fed the ball and he started the scoring . From the resultant restart the ball was fed to Ben Wright who did what he does best – score. in the second half the GHA forwards started to dominate at set piece time. Both Andy Rushforth and Ben Wright benefited from this improvement as the added a score apiece to make the score 59 – nil. There were other opportunities for the backline to add to their already huge tally but several opportunities were butchered and it took a forward to finish off the scoring for the afternoon. Paul Harkins decided to show Ben and Rangi how to be a winger. From a scrum on halfway the ball was fed along the backline to Rangi. When he was stopped the ball was recycled and found the no.8 recovering from his work in the scrum. Despite still having some work to do he was just about quick enough to go round the covering Perthshire front row forward. Job done. Murray Houston capped a fine personal performance by converting 8 of the tries.

Excellent result but still plenty of room for improvement before the game against Hamilton. Training as usual on Tuesday and Thursday – BE THERE.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/15/gha-fell-jed-forest http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/15/gha-fell-jed-forest Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0000 Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/15/gha-fell-jed-forest G.H.A 28 Jed-forest 20


Following reports from around the U.K. of storms sweeping up from the south, it was a pleasure to turn up at Braidholm to find the ground bathed in late autumn sunshine, with no sign of the forecast rain and a good crowd assembling.


Both sides were at pretty much full strength as Jed [...]]]> G.H.A 28 Jed-forest 20


Following reports from around the U.K. of storms sweeping up from the south, it was a pleasure to turn up at Braidholm to find the ground bathed in late autumn sunshine, with no sign of the forecast rain and a good crowd assembling.


Both sides were at pretty much full strength as Jed kicked off from the Clubhouse end into the strong sun, the kick being safely gathered by Ian Smith and a kick from James Noonan took play deep into the Jed half. However at the ensuing ruck, the home side were penalised and Jed were able to clear upfield. From the lineout, Jed kicked into the GHA half and a fumble on the dropping ball, returned the advantage to the visitors. Desperate defence within their 22 metre area saw GHA clearing the danger back downfield. Andrew Gillman, as usual, continued to harass the visitors’ defence and with Roy Laidlaw, the former Scotland scrum half in the stand, one wondered if Roy recalled his first visit to Braidholm as a youngster, all those years ago.


Play continued to move from end to end with GHA conceding a number of turn-overs in promising attacking moves. Jed were awarded a penalty and the ball was kicked to the far corner and from the line out, GHA were penalised for a late tackle and Ewan Scott made no mistake with a kick from the home 10 metre line.


0-3


G.H.A. continued to concede penalties and to lose the ball in tackle situations and Jed moved towards the home line, where a series of rucks allowed Jed number 8 Darren Gillespie to pick up and power over for a well taken try. Ewan Scott kicked the attempted conversion wide.


0 -8


This score seemed to galvanise GHA into greater efforts and following some excellent handling and kicks from James Noonan, a scrum 10 metres out saw the ball going through the line to allow an intruding Gregg Taylor to surge forward for the home side’s opening score. James Noonan was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt.


5-8


Jed kicked off and quickly took play back into the home half of the field where an infringement allowed Jed number 10 Ewan Scott to add to his tally with another penalty.


5-11


Jamie Pinder was showing some excellent attacking skills and from one surging run, a ruck was set up on the Jed line and the ball was swept out to the far touch line where a good take by Chris Binnie allowed the home winger to cross for a well taken try. The difficult conversion attempt by James Noonan was well judged and with half time approaching the home team took the lead for the first time.


12 – 11


Just before half time, number 4 Mike Gurran had a powerful run but he was tackled just short of the Jed line and the players and officials returned to the dressing rooms for “sustenance.”


HALF TIME 12 – 11


GHA kicked off and as Jed swept upfield, the home side were penalised for being off side and from 30 metres out Ewan Scott, the Jed stand off made no mistake with his kick.


12 – 14


There now ensued a period of sloppy play from both sides with countless knocks-on and turnovers and as Jed were adjudged off side once more, James Noonan kicked a penalty to retake the lead.


15- 14


Jed had one really promising move when from a kick ahead, their entire back line, assisted by several forwards, bore down on a depleted GHA defence, but the defence held and a good clearance took play back to half way. Niall Cassie had another surging run down the near touchline followed by an excellent pass to Jamie Pinder, but he was stopped short of the Jed line. Soon after, James Noonan converted a penalty award to extend his side’s lead.


18-14


Not to be outdone, Jed continued to press and again Ewan Scott reduced the leeway, this time with a drop goal.


18-17


With the home spectators and the visitors looking at their watches and wondering what the result would be, GHA were awarded a penalty on the far side, about 20 metres from touch and as the visitors defence concentrated on the possibility of a home line out or a quick tap, Noonan astutely kicked straight across field where an onrushing Chris Binnie safely gathered and fell over for his second try. With a conversion kick from near the stand side touchline, Nonan brought out full points.


25 -17


With the clock approaching 80 minutes, Ewan Scott converted another penalty for the visitors.


25 – 20


A good run from defence by Gregg Taylor took play to the half way line where a late tackle allowed James Noonan a kick from where the ball landed and he made no mistake to finish the scoring with a penalty.


FINAL SCORE G.H.A 28 Jed-forest 20


With no league match on Saturday 21st November, G.H.A. look forward to the visit of Kelso for the return fixture on Saturday 5th December 2009


Man of the Match – Chris Binnie

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/14/stoddart-steps-up-to-starting-xv http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/14/stoddart-steps-up-to-starting-xv Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:57:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/14/stoddart-steps-up-to-starting-xv

Yet another of GHA’s youngsters, Josh Low, returns to the starting XV, [...]]]>

Yet another of GHA’s youngsters, Josh Low, returns to the starting XV, as does Gregg Taylor. Low, who was unavailable last week, will be at tight head, and Taylor at his usual full-back berth.


Remember the kick-off will be at 1.00pm.


GHA’s team:


Gregg Taylor

Chris Binnie

Niall Cassie (captain)

Ross McClymont

Patrick Hilley

Jim Noonan

Andrew Gillman


Geoff Warnock

Iain Nelson

Josh Low

Mike Gurran

Ian Smith

David Stoddart

Jamie Pinder

Dominic Kellock


Substitutes:

Joe Coffey

Ryan Jenkins

Olly Gilmartin

Ruairi O’Keefe

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/12/one-oclock-gun-for-gha-v-jed http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/12/one-oclock-gun-for-gha-v-jed Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:05:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/12/one-oclock-gun-for-gha-v-jed
It’s even earlier that the normal for this time of year because of a Scottish Rugby Board instruction that club rugby matches that day have to be finished before the Scotland v Fiji international kicks off at Murrayfield. [...]]]>
It’s even earlier that the normal for this time of year because of a Scottish Rugby Board instruction that club rugby matches that day have to be finished before the Scotland v Fiji international kicks off at Murrayfield.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/08/ghas-bonus-point-win-at-dunfermline http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/08/ghas-bonus-point-win-at-dunfermline Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:58:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/08/ghas-bonus-point-win-at-dunfermline Dunfermline 5 GHA 34

GHA notched five tries and five championship points in beating Dunfermline at McKane Park on Saturday. It was their second scoring bonus point of the season.

The five points did not change GHA’s league position. They are still eighth in the Scottish Hydro Premier 2 table, but they are now closer [...]]]> Dunfermline 5 GHA 34

GHA notched five tries and five championship points in beating Dunfermline at McKane Park on Saturday. It was their second scoring bonus point of the season.

The five points did not change GHA’s league position. They are still eighth in the Scottish Hydro Premier 2 table, but they are now closer to seventh place than ninth.

Dominic Kellock had two of the tries. Two of his fellow forwards, Jamie Pinder and young David Stoddart, scored one each, as did Ross McClymont. Jim Noonan added the extras to three tries and kicked a penalty goal as well as twice striking a goalpost with conversion attempts.

McClymont’s try was the bonus-point score 25 minutes into the second half. But GHA really had should have had that extra point in the bag by half-time. So dominant were they in possession and position that the first 40 minutes were played almost exclusively in the Dunfermline half of the field.

Ian Smith was a key figure in the lineout, not least in winning touchline ball for the first try after only nine minutes. Mike Curran carried on, and the rest of the pack piled in to drive over for Kellock to score. Noonan converted from the left.

McClymont was the most impressive of the GHA backs throughout the game, testing the home defence at almost every opportunity, most notably when he broke from close to the Dunfermline 10-metre line and was denied only in the right corner. GHA made nothing of that. Nor could they capitalise on numerical advantage after James Lawrie’s sin-binning.

It was only at the end of the first half, after the home numbers were restored to 15, that GHA scored again. Once more a Smith lineout take was the catalyst. The pack drove, Pinder scored, and Noonan converted again from well out on the left for 14-0 at half-time.

GHA started the second half brightly with Noonan’s penalty goal from 24 metres and Kellock’s second try, a score set up by McClymont’s elusive run into the left corner and then battering-ram work by the forwards, notably Gurran and Andrew Kelly. Noonan’s goal kick hit woodwork, but GHA had a comfortable 22-0 lead only eight minutes into the second half.

It was then that Dunfermline had their first genuine chance of a try, when Gerhart Meyer was denied close to the line after he had latched on to GHA’s loose lineout ball. Then, in 58 minutes, the visitors lost Kelly into the sin-bin as Dunfermline continued to press.

GHA survived that threat, and ironically they were still short-handed when the bonus point was secured. Patrick Hilley kicked ahead, Chris Binnie won the contest on the chase, and McClymont backed his pace to run in from more than 20 metres. Again Noonan’s kick hit a post.

GHA completed their scoring in 74 minutes when Hilley chased up the left touchline to open the way for 18-year-old replacement Stoddart to pounce for his try. Noonan converted.

It was only then that Dunfermline found the means to notch their only score, Neibert Kitching escaping to run in from fully 20 metres. But he failed to convert his own try.

Late in the game, too, GHA had the opportunity to introduce another 18-year-old, Matthew Kidd, for a replacement appearance. Six under-19 players have now played for GHA this season. The starting XV at Dunfermline included the 17-year-old Jamie Auld on the blind side, and among the replacements were Stoddart and Kidd. At various times earlier this season Josh Low, Chris Lansburgh, and Ben Farrell, all also aged 18, have been in the club’s Premiership match squad.

Not only is the future bright with such youngsters coming through to the first team but the appearance of so many introduced to the first-team squad in the first half of the league season is a reflection of the health of the club’s junior section and the wealth of the coaching ability at that level.

GHA – Martin Dunn; Chris Binnie, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Patrick Hilley; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Iain Nelson, Andrew Kelly, Ian Smith, Mike Gurran, Jamie Auld, Jamie Pinder, Dominic Kellock. Substitutes – Matthew Kidd, Ryan Jenkins, David Stoddart, Gregg Taylor.

Dunfermline – Scott Swankie (captain); Andy Hutt, Scott Gracie, Rob Truesdale, Scott Mormon; Neibert Kitching, Jonny Bruton, Andy Warneford, Greig Valentine, Gareth McColl, Gene Simiss, Gerhard Meyer, Kim McGregor, James Lawrie, Sky Lawrie. Substitutes – Danny Jennings, Mark Fellows, Ross Gribbon, Niall Campbell.

Referee – Fraser Balharry.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/06/gha-boys-in-national-quarter-finals http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/06/gha-boys-in-national-quarter-finals Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:27:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/06/gha-boys-in-national-quarter-finals
However, the GHA under-16s have been drawn away to Boroughmuir the same day, also in a quarter-final in their National Cup competition. [...]]]>
However, the GHA under-16s have been drawn away to Boroughmuir the same day, also in a quarter-final in their National Cup competition.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/02/fireworks-night-at-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/02/fireworks-night-at-braidholm Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:39:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/02/fireworks-night-at-braidholm
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/02/narrow-defeat-for-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/02/narrow-defeat-for-gha Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:26:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/11/02/narrow-defeat-for-gha GHA 14 Gala 16

GHA gained only a losing bonus point from their Scottish Hydro Premier Two game against Gala at Braidholm on Saturday. It was one of these games where each club’s share of the championship points might have been more or it might have been less.

GHA’s plans were upset by an enforced change in the [...]]]> GHA 14 Gala 16

GHA gained only a losing bonus point from their Scottish Hydro Premier Two game against Gala at Braidholm on Saturday. It was one of these games where each club’s share of the championship points might have been more or it might have been less.

GHA’s plans were upset by an enforced change in the starting team less than half an hour before kick-off, with Iain Nelson being called in from the second XV because Glen King had been injured in the warm-up. But the major influencing factor in the contest was the refereeing of the tackle throughout the match.

Both sets of players were unsure of how the English exchange referee was applying that law. To say the least, his interpretation was bizarre in that he appeared to be allowing tackled players to hang on to the ball while penalising opposition players who were trying to claim it.

It was so crazy that on one occasion Andy Boag lifted the ball … and the Gala man clinging to it. Who was penalised? Not the Gala player who had failed to release the ball. However, Gala could have cited similar, even if not so blatant instances where the call went againt them.

As for the game itself on an ideal day for rugby, GHA made a bright start, with Chris Binnie latching on to Jim Noonan’s chipped kick. Nothing came of that. Instead, a long kick by Andy McLean took Gala into position for the opening score after five minutes. It was a try by Graeme Bryce from his own pick-up at the base of a close-range scrum. Graham converted and added a penalty goal midway in the first half.

Twice Andrew Gillman split the Gala defence with enterprising, electric long runs. The first produced nothing, but the second created the position for Ross McClymont to send Patrick Hilley in at the left corner. Noonan’s conversion attempt drifted wide.

By then, however, the refereeing of the tackle law was having an obvious affect on the game. Four of the six penalty goals in the match were from tackle infringements. Speirs and Noonan swapped penalty goals before the interval, when Gala led 13-8, but the home stand-off kicked two more so that GHA led 14-13 seven minutes into the second half. To that GHA could have added a try if Binnie had not been tackled without the ball as he chased a Noonan cross-kick to the right corner. But the referee deemed it was not obstruction!

Noonan missed a penalty from about 30 metres after 59 minutes whereas Speirs kicked one from inside the home 22. That restored Gala’s led and reflected the flow of the game in the final quarter.

But right at the end, with about three minutes of added time fully expected, a chip and chase up the right touchline by Gregor Jones procured what would have been a throw-in for GHA close to the visitors’ goal-line. But the referee whistled the end of the game less than 70 seconds of added time. Gala were relieved, GHA dismayed.

GHA – Martin Dunn; Chris Binnie, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Patrick Hilley; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Josh Low, Iain Nelson, Andrew Kelly, Mike Gurran, Ryan Jenkins, Dominic Kellock, Andy Boag, Jamie Pinder. Substitutes – Geoff Warnock, Ian Smith, David Stoddart, Gregor Jones.

Gala – Graham Speirs; Shaun Law, Ian Ross, Ryan Ormiston, Ross Livingston; Andy McLean, Lawrence Lemmon; Alan Johnston, Mike Christie, Craig Hogg, Opeta Palepoi (captain), Euan Dods, Steven Cairns, Graeme Bryce. Substitutes – Ewan McQuillan, Paul Stewart, John Anderson, Lee Millar.

Referee – Simon Harding (RFU).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/30/grogs-november-lunch http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/30/grogs-november-lunch Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:44:00 +0000 Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/30/grogs-november-lunch
As this lunch coincides with the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day, it is appropriate that [...]]]>
As this lunch coincides with the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day, it is appropriate that the guest speaker will be Fr. Peter Banyard. Fr. Banyard is an old friend of all 3 constituent clubs at Braidholm.

All members are asked to be at Braidholm for 12.30pm, in order that the lunch can get under way no later than 1 pm.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/30/pinder-and-king-back-in-ghas-pack http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/30/pinder-and-king-back-in-ghas-pack Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:40:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/30/pinder-and-king-back-in-ghas-pack Click to view Match Program pages 1-4 [...]]]> Click to view Match Program pages 1-4

Click to view Match Program pages 2-3

Jamie Pinder and Glen King are back in GHA’s pack for the Premier Two match against Gala at Braidholm on Saturday.

King missed the worthy win against Aberdeen Grammar up north last week. Pinder has been absent for the past three weeks because of a shoulder injury. Martin Dunn, too, makes a return, playing at full back as the only change in the victorious team’s back division.

Saturday’s match will kick off at 2.00pm, as will all of GHA’s home matches up to late January.
GHA team:

Martin Dunn

Patrick Hilley

Niall Cassie (captain)

Ross McClymont

Chris Binnie

Jim Noonan

Andrew Gillman

Josh Low

Glen King

Andrew Kelly

Mike Gurran

Ryan Jenkins

Dominic Kellock

Andy Boag

Jamie Pinder

Substitutes:

Geoff Warnock

David Stoddart

Ian Smith

Gregor Jones

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/27/the-maroons-are-coming http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/27/the-maroons-are-coming Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:13:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/27/the-maroons-are-coming
This is one not to miss. GHA have won their last 2 games against 2 of the table topping teams and are looking to defeat Gala to go above them in the league.

Get down to Braidholm and get behind your team [...]]]>
Saturday 31st October sees a Halloween spectacular at Braidholm as GHA RFC welcome Gala RFC to Braidholm.

This is one not to miss. GHA have won their last 2 games against 2 of the table topping teams and are looking to defeat Gala to go above them in the league.

Get down to Braidholm and get behind your team

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/cup-double-for-gha-boys http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/cup-double-for-gha-boys Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:24:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/cup-double-for-gha-boys
The under-16 team ran in 10 tries in beating the Paisley/Whitecraigs combine by 60-5. But the younger team had a much harder contest, [...]]]>
The under-16 team ran in 10 tries in beating the Paisley/Whitecraigs combine by 60-5. But the younger team had a much harder contest, winning against Dumfries by just 12-5.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/gazelles-defeat-waysiders http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/gazelles-defeat-waysiders Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:16:00 +0000 John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/gazelles-defeat-waysiders GHA Gazelles 10 Waysiders/Drumpellier 2 XV 0

The Gazelles’ league programme continued on Saturday as they welcomed the Coatbridge side to Braidholm. Despite the usual last minute team selection headaches, eased with the unexpected availability of Fraser McDonald and David Nicol, the Gazelles were still more [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 10 Waysiders/Drumpellier 2 XV 0

The Gazelles’ league programme continued on Saturday as they welcomed the Coatbridge side to Braidholm. Despite the usual last minute team selection headaches, eased with the unexpected availability of Fraser McDonald and David Nicol, the Gazelles were still more comfortably prepared for the game, as the visitors’ arrival was delayed by heavy traffic congestion.

And so it was the home side who started the game more effectively. First blood went to Iain MacGillivray. A series of forward drives took the Gazelles to the Waysiders’ posts. The ball was fed to the right several times as the pack tried to cross the line from short range, until fly-half Innes, spotting that the WD defence was stretched, reversed the direction. The ball was whipped out left, and with the visitors’ tight head just too late to reach the corner flag, The Pastry Express slipped through the gap like a bull elephant through a turnstile.

A second score followed in short order, this time at the opposite corner. David Nicol stole the ball cleanly at a WD lineout, the Gazelles swarmed round, the drive to the line was tight and controlled, and the score was the classic Gazelle move seen several times already this season, but only rarely while the ELVs applied. This time, veteran second row Harkness came up with the ball.

Half time changes saw George Sweeney come in at centre, and Ally Cairns at blind side. From the re-start, it was clear that WDs were not just there to make up the numbers and upped their efforts. But the home side were not prepared to let this one slip away, and gave as good in return. So the second half became something of an attritional affair, with both defences soaking up pressure effectively. Waysiders big forwards ran whatever ball they could get their hands on. GHA had just the edge in the scrum, and took a few against the head. Nicol and Harkness plundered the opposition lineout, and young centre Sweeney was close to breaking through on a couple of occasions.

But it was honours even, the opposing defences holding fast until the final whistle ended a good honest contest, well managed by referee Derrick McInally, and perhaps a little more entertaining than the scoreline may suggest.


GHA Gazelles:

G. Summers ( G Sweeney half-time ), I. MacGillivray, A. Mallin, R. Keenan ( G. Summers 55 minutes ) , C. Miller, G. Innes, M. Booth ( J. Harkness 60 minutes ), F.McDonald, M.McKee, J. Clarke, J. Harkness ( A. Cairns half-time ), I. Grierson, S. Burns, Z. McIlwham, D. Nicol.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-high http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-high Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:39:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-high Sat 3rd October

Ayr 12 GHA 3

Our first league match of the season was a fairly evenly contested affair with the wind blowing fiercely from one end of the pitch to the other making it the clichéd “game of 2 halves”.

David Scott opened the scoring for GHA with a well struck penalty and we [...]]]> Sat 3rd October

Ayr 12 GHA 3

Our first league match of the season was a fairly evenly contested affair with the wind blowing fiercely from one end of the pitch to the other making it the clichéd “game of 2 halves”.

David Scott opened the scoring for GHA with a well struck penalty and we thought with the wind in our favour we could go on to put some points on the board before the elements turned to Ayr’s advantage. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case as Ayr spent most of the first 20 minutes camped deep in our half as their older and wiser forwards used their strength to maintain us. Indeed, it was only a matter of time before they bundled over for an unconverted try to make the score 5-3 to Ayr We still had once last chance to go in front before the half ended but David narrowly missed a penalty.

In the second half we began brightly and started to take the ball towards Ayr as we tried to use our backs and superior fitness but all Ayr had to do was get the ball back and kick to the corners which they did to great effect. After another line out close to our line, we were awarded a penalty but inexplicably we decided to run it, Ayr sensed our folly and promptly stole the ball and scored under the posts given their kicker an easy conversion. Although we competed more in the opposition half after this point, we could not make the necessary breakthrough and so Ayr ran out 12-3 victors.

As a first competitive outing for the U18’s this was not a bad start against one of the strongest teams in the league. With around 40 players to choose from to form 1 team and being able to virtually have the pick of the best Ayrshire can offer, Ayr will be a force this year. We are already looking forward to the return match later in the season when we should be more street wise at this level.

GHA

Forwards: McGinty, Ritchie, Mather, Shields, Barnett, McCaw, Carty and Renucci

Backs: Rutnagur, Scott, Carnan, Di Cosmo, Belch, Hamilton and Thomson

Replacements – D Barrett, Brown, Gilchrist, Stirling, McMenemy, Campbell and B Barrett


Sat 10th October

GHA 0 Dumfries 27

In excellent playing conditions, GHA played against their old nemesis Dumfries at Braidholm and were given a valuable lesson in playing as a team. Dumfries were not that much better than us but they combined between forwards and backs beautifully and looked like a squad who were at the top of their game whereas we were somewhat disjointed at times.


We were not helped by the most unfortunate of charge down kicks in the first minute leaving Calum Templeton the easy job of scoring to put the visitors 5-0 up. Whether this contributed to the confidence of Dumfries or the nerves of our boys, it’s hard to know but suffice to say Dumfries went on to score a further 3 tries, 2 of which were converted, and 1 penalty to make the final score 0-27.

Their coach remarked after the match that he had a full fit squad to pick from and that most of them had played together for years and that they played at their best whereas we were missing a number of key players through injury and yet again did not have a settled squad.

One of the features of the 2 league matches so far is that we have a very young squad with only 6 or 7 of last year’s U18’s and the rest coming from last year’s U16’s. This puts us at a disadvantage as both Ayr and Dumfries had the majority of their squad playing their second season at this age level. Nevertheless, as we get more competitive games under our belt, there will be definite improvement when we meet these teams again in the return matches.

GHA

Forwards: McGinty, Ritchie, Mather, Hunter, Barnett, McCaw, Haughney and Shields

Backs: Rutnagur, Scott, Stirling, Belch, Carnan, Hendry and Thomson

Replacements: Wright, Brown, Conner, Di Cosmo, Renucci and Campbell


Sat 24th October

GHA 34 West Of Scotland 14

Our first U18 victory of the season was greeted by enthusiastic applause by the watching parents and other spectators and hopefully this will be the start of a good run for this young team.

Within the first 10 minutes we had breached the West line with 2 great tries from the backs. First Mark Carnan went over in the far corner after a great line of passes through the backs leaving David Scott to score an excellent conversion from the far touchline some 25m from the posts and then Rory Hughes made one of his lung bursting explosive runs to score in the same corner. This 12-0 cushion clearly lifted the confidence of the squad and they started to enjoy their play.

A lapse of concentration midway through the first half allowed the pacy West centre to burst through and score against the run of play and their kicker made the extra 2 points. At this point GHA realised there was still a game to be won and raised the tempo again. A neat and well rehearsed No 8 pickup move between Ross Carty and Josh Rutnagur resulted in a fine score for Josh to which David Scott added the conversion making the half time score 19-7 for GHA.

The second half went in the same vein as the first with GHA forcing the opposition back through some clever kicking from David and fine forward play. The forwards clearly started to believe in their own ability and took the ball to the opposition at every opportunity giving good clean ball to Josh at scrum half. This in turn meant our backs had plenty of time to do their stuff and thus it was no surprise when both Mark and Rory doubled their try score count early in the 2nd half. Both conversions were agonisingly short into the wind and left us 29-7 up having safely secured the bonus point.

Not to be outdone, the forwards again turned the screw on their opposite numbers and after a series of rucks and mauls in the bottom corner Paul Renucci forced his way through for a well deserved try which unfortunately was unconverted. As the coaches used all the replacements to ensure everybody got some quality game time, West roared up the pitch and with the last passage of play scored under the posts leaving their kicker with an easy conversion. The referee then blew his whistle to make the final score 34-14 for GHA.

A great performance by all the squad today and a real boost to their confidence and the coaches hope this will carry on for the rest of the season. One aspect needing worked on is the securing of the ball after it has been won in a ruck or maul as too often today this was lost as the referee deemed the ball out at the back and the opposition stole it before we could react. Nevertheless, well done to all as we started to look and play as a team.

GHA

Forwards: Mather, Ritchie, McGinty, Hunter, Shields, McCaw, Carty and Wright

Backs: Hamilton, Scott, Carnan, Rutnagur, Di Cosmo, Belch and Hughes

Replacements: (from) D Barrett, Brown, Conner, Hendry, Dunn, B Barrett, Renucci, McCallum and Campbell

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/gha-defeat-dons-in-downpour http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/gha-defeat-dons-in-downpour Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000 Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/25/gha-defeat-dons-in-downpour Aberdeen 10 GHA 17

On a day more suited to water polo than Rugby football, Aberdeen Grammar and GHA took the field at Rubislaw in front of a good crowd who had braved the elements to support their respective teams.


With the gale force wind swirling around the pitch, and with heavy driving rain, Aberdeen kicked off, [...]]]> Aberdeen 10 GHA 17

On a day more suited to water polo than Rugby football, Aberdeen Grammar and GHA took the field at Rubislaw in front of a good crowd who had braved the elements to support their respective teams.


With the gale force wind swirling around the pitch, and with heavy driving rain, Aberdeen kicked off, straight to James Noonan who managed to kick clear back up to near the half way line. From the resulting line out, Grammar retained possession but were penalised for holding the ball in a ruck and a Noonan kick took play back up field. Aberdeen continued to attack strongly and from a line out, only a good tackle from Andy Boag saved the day.


Noonan continued to clean up much of the Grammar attacking kicks, ably assisted by Greg Taylor who had one huge kick ahead to the Aberdeen 22 metre line. After 20 minutes play, GHA were awarded a penalty kick for “handling in the ruck” and James Noonan made no mistake with a kick at goal from the Grammar 22 to open the scoring (0-3)


From the restart, Grammar took play to the GHA 22 metre line where the visitors were penalised for a high tackle on an attacker. The Grammar scrum half Rob Lawson made no mistake with the kick, to level the scores. (3-3)


Soon after, Greg Taylor had to leave the field with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Greg Jones.


In 30 minutes, a well judged kick by Noonan, to the stand side of the field, bounced awkwardly for the defending winger and Patrick Hilley cleverly and deftly chipped the ball ahead and beat both winger and full back to the touch down. (3-8). James Noonan was successful with a difficult conversion to put his side further ahead (3-10). At this point Jamie Auld was replaced by David Stoddart.


Ross McClymont and Niall Cassie were making some telling tackles in midfield and an attempted clearance by Grammar was charged down by new boy Mike Gurran who repeated his try scoring prowess from the previous week by touching down for his second club try. (3-15). James Noonan brought out full points with a good conversion.


(Half time score 3-17).


James Noonan kicked off the second half and GHA took play up to the Aberdeen 22 metre line where the home side were penalised for a handling offence. Noonan’s kick at goal was blown just wide of the near side upright. Aberdeen Grammar then took play well into the GHA half and from a resulting line out, the referee awarded the home side a free kick for “closing the gap” at the line out. Grammar were quick to exploit the disarray in the visitors’ defence and it was no surprise when Billy Russell ran in for a well taken try. (8-17). Scrum half Rob Lawson then added to the score-line with a conversion. (10-17).


With 20 minutes of the half remaining, both sides continued to press forward in the attack, but good tackling and the disadvantages of incessant freezing rain and a swirling wind negated much of the good play. Ross McClymont had one excellent clearing kick to deep into the Grammar half but was impeded and gratefully accepted the “double” penalty, taking play to the home 22. Grammar successfully defended their line and took play back into the visitors’ half where they were awarded a penalty which was kicked wide of the posts by Rob Lawson.


Play continued to swing from end to end and as tiredness took its toll, Grammar managed to bring the ball up field and set up a succession of rucks on the GHA line. It was apparent that with 5 minutes over time played, the match was all but over, as Grammar camped on the goal line. Eventually from a surge ahead, the referee raised his arm aloft, not to award a try as the home support had anticipated but, cruelly, to penalise the attempted scorer for making a “double move.” The penalty kick to touch was gratefully taken by James Noonan and the visitors had won an extremely hard victory.


(Full-time 10-17)


Back in the club-house, the concensus of opinion was that the match probably should not have been played in such conditions but credit must be given to both sides for the spirited way they played in what was a very sporting encounter. Tribute should also be paid to the match officials for their contribution to the match and of course to the Aberdeen Grammar Rugby committee for allowing the game to go ahead and for their hospitality.


This result, despite the BBC TV text service getting it totally wrong, means that GHA have beaten the sides currently first and second in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier League Division 2, and next Saturday sees Gala coming to Braidholm for a 2 p.m. kick off.


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/23/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/23/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:33:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/23/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi

GHA’s team for the Aberdeen match:


15 Gregg Taylor

14 Patrick Hilley

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Chris Binnie


10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman


1 Geoff Warnock

2 Josh Low

3 Andrew Kelly


4 Mike Gurran

5 Ryan Jenkins


6 Jamie Auld

7 Andy Boag

8 Dominic Kellock


Replacements:

Chris Landsburgh

David Stoddart

Martin Dunn

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/20/gazelles-defeat-hawks http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/20/gazelles-defeat-hawks Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:41:00 +0000 John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/20/gazelles-defeat-hawks GHA Gazelles 36 Anniesland Hawks 0

A meaty front five, some well-seasoned backs, and a generous sprinkling of youthful vigour. If it sounds like a winning recipe, then it was. With newcomers Scott Pickens in the back row, and Andy Mallin in the centre, and Gus Innes, David Currie and Chris Miller all becoming available, the [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 36 Anniesland Hawks 0

A meaty front five, some well-seasoned backs, and a generous sprinkling of youthful vigour. If it sounds like a winning recipe, then it was. With newcomers Scott Pickens in the back row, and Andy Mallin in the centre, and Gus Innes, David Currie and Chris Miller all becoming available, the mid week selection crisis was overcome, and then some.

The newly formed Anniesland Hawks visited Braidholm on the back of a league win at Hamilton, but were unlucky enough to meet a Gazelles team featuring not just brawn, but pace and invention.

A debut try from Pickens, at the heart of a driving maul settled GHA. A second score followed in quick succession, the Kiwi again featuring as he picked up from a scrum and fed scrum-half Booth, who nipped in at the corner flag.

Two scores ahead, and the Gazelles began to turn the screw. The Hawks scrum, under intense pressure, were unable to take their own ball. The Gazelles’ back row, arguably the fastest trio on the pitch scavenged relentlessly. And the backs, with Innes calling the shots at 10, and David Shields switching from centre to wing, made full use of the possession secured by the pack.

But credit to Hawks, who soaked up this pressure until the second half. Their defence did then crack, with first Harkness squeezing over from short range, then Booth adding his second, supporting the threequarters to run in on the right wing.

And in the last quarter of the game, with David Currie positively airborne in the lineout, and the pack taking scrum after scrum, slick handling and support saw McLean add number five, skipping round the wing to score under the posts, and finally Currie, surely running on Duracells, sprinting through a tiring Hawks’ defence to make it six tries.

Gus Innes added three conversions along the way.

Hawks were unlucky to lose their stand off early in the game, but did not give up against a very strong Gazelle line-up. One last mention should go to referee Jim Biggin, who had an excellent game.

See Pitch 3? See entertainment?

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/gha-boys-in-national-cup-matches http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/gha-boys-in-national-cup-matches Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:59:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/gha-boys-in-national-cup-matches
The under-16 team take on a composite Paisley/Whitecraigs XV, and the under-15s play against Dumfries. Both games will kick off at 2pm.

Winners of each of the games will go through to the last eight of their respective competitions. [...]]]>
The under-16 team take on a composite Paisley/Whitecraigs XV, and the under-15s play against Dumfries. Both games will kick off at 2pm.

Winners of each of the games will go through to the last eight of their respective competitions.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/u17u18s-defeat-west http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/u17u18s-defeat-west Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:16:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/u17u18s-defeat-west
In addition, congratulations to the following boys who have made it to the next stage in the selection for the Glasgow U17 squad - the final 37.

Adam Barnett
Rory Hughes
Calum Hunter
David Scott

Well done [...]]]>
In addition, congratulations to the following boys who have made it to the next stage in the selection for the Glasgow U17 squad - the final 37.

Adam Barnett
Rory Hughes
Calum Hunter
David Scott

Well done from all at GHA and good luck in getting into the final 26 selected.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/ghas-six-try-haul-against-kirkcaldy http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/ghas-six-try-haul-against-kirkcaldy Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:43:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/19/ghas-six-try-haul-against-kirkcaldy GHA 41 Kirkcaldy 24

What a difference a week makes! GHA set the Hawick horror behind them and ran in six tries in beating Kirkcaldy on Saturday in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two match in ideal rugby conditions at Braidholm. It was their first four-try bonus of the season, and the maximum-points haul lifted GHA up to eighth in the [...]]]> GHA 41 Kirkcaldy 24

What a difference a week makes! GHA set the Hawick horror behind them and ran in six tries in beating Kirkcaldy on Saturday in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two match in ideal rugby conditions at Braidholm. It was their first four-try bonus of the season, and the maximum-points haul lifted GHA up to eighth in the table.

Moreover, success extended down through the ranks. The second team also beat their Kirkcaldy counterparts, and in a third match at Braidholm the Gazelles defeated Glasgow Hawks. Away from home, the Braidholm XV beat Birkmyre, and they top the table in the West League’s third division. All of them, like the first XV, collected a four-try bonus, and the under-18 team won as well.

Andy Boag, Niall Cassie, Andrew Gillman, Chris Binnie, Mike Gurran, and Ross McClymont scored GHA’s tries in the Premier Two game. Gurran, a 23-year-old New Zealander, arrived in Glasgow less than 24 hours before the kick-off, and though he started on the bench, he wasted no time in marking his presence on the scoresheet after he had joined the contest for the second half. He was on the field for barely 10 minutes when he picked up from a blocked Kirkcaldy kick and galloped in from more than 20 metres.

Another debutant, Josh Low, made his mark in the first half, particularly in the scrummage. The 18-year-old was unfazed by the step-up to the first XV and fitted in admirably to the loose-head role.

Jim Noonan opened the scoring with a penalty goal in seven minutes following sustained pressure. But he then missed two penalties and a couple of conversions before he found success again by adding the points to tries number three to six, one from tight on each touchline.

GHA were eight points up within three minutes of Noonan’s first goal. Rory Watson broke up the right touchline, and though the wing was caught close to the line the support was with him as Cassie linked to send Boag over. The flanker went on to make so much of an over-all impression on the game that he won the man-of-the-match award.

Quintin Sanft was short with a 40-metres penalty attempt for the visitors, but the flow continued to be in GHA’s favour as Kirkcaldy fell foul of a referee who applied the contact and breakdown laws as they ought to be. A Gillman thrust into the Kirkcaldy 22 deserved better than a Noonan miss, and more than half an hour had past before GHA scored again. From a ruck set up by Binnie just inside the visitors’ 22 Cassie arced round to the blind side and ran down the left touchline to score at the corner.

Immediately, GHA struck again, though it was from what seemed no more than a speculative cross-kick to the right by Boag. A forward kicking for position? But Gillman was to profit as he sped on to a kind bounce to gather and score at the posts.

Noonan kicked the first of his four conversions, and GHA led 20-0 going into first-half added time. But in the 10 minutes straddling the interval Craig Wilson scored twice for Kirkcaldy from close-range scrums. Sanft converted the second of these, and the home lead was down to 20-12.

But GHA responded with two quick-fire tries. Gregg Taylor sprinted down the left touchline from a Noonan cross-kick, and Binnie was there in support to score the bonus-point try. It was then that Gurran grabbed his debut try, and GHA led 34-12 only 12 minutes into the second half.

Going into the final quarter, Geoff Warnock and Chris McConnell were sin-binned in a single incident, and soon afterwards Wilson scored his third try, also from a close-range scrum. Sanft again converted.

GHA were not finished. The contest was close to added time when McClymont chipped ahead about 22 metres out and won the race to score. But with the final play of the day, four minutes into overtime, Jordan Webster snatched a bonus point fro Kirkcaldy.

GHA – Gregg Taylor; Rory Watson, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Chris Binnie; Jim Noonan, Andy Gillman; Josh Low, Glen King, Andy Kelly, Geoff Warnock, Ryan Jenkins, Jamie Auld, Andy Boag, Dominic Kellock. Substitutes – Paul Macleod, Tim Peyton, Mike Gurran, Gregor Jones.

Kirkcaldy – Colin Harvey (captain); Allan Tasker, Cameron Goodall, Ian Gillies, Jordan Webster; Quintin Sanft, Gavin McKenzie; Mark Thomson, Greg Wallace, Willie Gray, Stuart Porter, Kenny Fraser, Matt Harvey, Rab van Rensberg, Craig Wilson. Substitutes – Jamie Brown, Gavin Nelson, Ryan Venters, Chris McConnell.
Referee – Gus Tweedale.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/18/2nd-xv-get-back-to-winning-ways http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/18/2nd-xv-get-back-to-winning-ways Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:31:00 +0000 Jim McCormick http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/18/2nd-xv-get-back-to-winning-ways GHA 35 – Kirkcaldy 12

A fine day for rugby and GHA were looking to get back to winning ways. The team suffered a very early setback when Gordon Adams their young stand off had to leave the field after coming second best in a tackle. With Ryan Miemczyk stepping in there was no drop in standards and after a period of pressure [...]]]> GHA 35 – Kirkcaldy 12

A fine day for rugby and GHA were looking to get back to winning ways. The team suffered a very early setback when Gordon Adams their young stand off had to leave the field after coming second best in a tackle. With Ryan Miemczyk stepping in there was no drop in standards and after a period of pressure GHA went 3 nil up as Murray Houston slotted a penalty. From the re-start Ben Farrell claimed the ball and fed Rangi Jericevich who made an excellent break into the opposition half. He offloaded to Brandon Wamberg who had taken up an excellent supporting position. The fullback handed off the would-be tackler and raced in for the first score. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

The game settled down for a period with both teams testing each other and with Kirkcaldy missing two kickable penalties, it took until the 25 minute mark before another score was registered. Another excellent scrummage from the GHA pack allowed the ball to be fed to Andy Rushforth, who made a trademark break. With the ball being recycled quickly, Paddy Hilley was able to feed Ben Wright for his first try of the day. Again the conversation was missed.

On the half hour mark from a line-out in their own 22 the ball was fed to Andy Rushforth who carried well. From the ruck the ball was fed to Paul Harkins in space on the halfway line and once he got into his stride he had the defenders trailing in his wake. Iain Nelson was also in his wake but the old timer stayed with the youngster and was in hand to take the pass and then had the presence of mind to feed Ben Wright for his second of the game. This time Murray Houston was successful with his conversion attempt.

20 points were already accumulated but GHA were not finished just yet. A scrum on halfway was turned over by Kirkcaldy as GHA surprisingly took their foot off the pedal. As the ball was hacked through, the Kirkcaldy chasers overshot and left Ben Wright to pick up. With defenders covering across the flying winger pinned back his ear sand sprinted down the wing for his hat-trick score. Conversion was missed.

With some injuries picked up in the bruising first half Martin Dunn replaced Ben Wright and Kerr McEwan replaced Paul Harkins.

Kirkcaldy were not going to back down and came out in the second half with an even more aggressive attitude. However GHA stood up to this in the first 10 minutes and scored 2 tries to effectively take the game beyond Kirkcaldy.

Once again excellent ruck ball the ball was switched by Iain Nelson to Paddy Hilley on the blind side. He fed Ryan Miemczyk who hot stepped his way to the line. Five minutes later another excellent scrum turned over ball on the Kirkcaldy 5 metre line. An excellent pick up by number 8 David Stoddart lead to him crashing over for his first score of the season. Murray Houston converted.

With a 37 point lead GHA seemed to take their foot of the gas. With some slack play in their own 22 GHA allowed Kirkcaldy 2 scores in the last quarter of the match. This took some shine off a performance which up to this point had been quite clinical.

MOM - Joe Coffey

A game away to Forrester next week requires another good turnout at training on Tuesday and Thursday.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/grogs-october-lunch http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/grogs-october-lunch Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:44:00 +0000 Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/grogs-october-lunch
We look forward to the November lunch, on Wednesday 11th November 2009 at 12.30 p.m., when the guest [...]]]>
We look forward to the November lunch, on Wednesday 11th November 2009 at 12.30 p.m., when the guest speaker will be Fr Peter Banyard.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/gha-debut-for-josh-low http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/gha-debut-for-josh-low Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:42:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/gha-debut-for-josh-low
Andy Boag and Rory Watson also are back in action. GHA team:

Gregg Taylor; Rory Watson, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Chris Binnie; Jim [...]]]>
Andy Boag and Rory Watson also are back in action. GHA team:

Gregg Taylor; Rory Watson, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Chris Binnie; Jim Noonan, Andy Gillman; Josh Low, Glen King, Andy Kelly, Geoff Warnock, Ryan Jenkins, Jamie Auld, Dominic Kellock, Andy Boag. Substitutes – Paul Macleod, Tim Peyton, Mike Gurran, Gregor Jones.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/gazelles-triumph-over-hamilton http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/gazelles-triumph-over-hamilton Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:07:00 +0000 John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/16/gazelles-triumph-over-hamilton Hamilton 4XV 12 GHA Gazelles 20



With Jordanhill Phoenix calling off the league fixture, the Gazelles were fortunate enough to get the call from Hamilton, where playing numbers are allowing a fourth XV.

Once again, the Gazelles faced more youthful opposition, and with Hamilton electing to have unopposed [...]]]> Hamilton 4XV 12 GHA Gazelles 20



With Jordanhill Phoenix calling off the league fixture, the Gazelles were fortunate enough to get the call from Hamilton, where playing numbers are allowing a fourth XV.

Once again, the Gazelles faced more youthful opposition, and with Hamilton electing to have unopposed scrums from the outset, that could have been construed as an additional handicap to the powerful visiting pack.

But not so, for GHA had a backs line more than capable of the challenge, with newcomers Shields, Smith and Reilly adding industry and pace to complement the older heads.

GHA struck first. Graeme Scott went on a typical barging run into the Hamilton half and fed Summers. His silky, arcing run took him into the corner just ahead of the despairing Hamilton cover, to put the visitors ahead by 5 points.

The second try was added when the backs, opted to run from within their own 22. McLean came into the line and his well judged pass released Reilly in space on the right wing. His scorching run took him all the way to the try line, passing at least two defenders on the outside.

Before half time, Hamilton replied with their first score, a try from open play exposing, for once, an opening in an otherwise strong defence.

Midway through the second half, back-to back tries came from quick penalties, one apiece. Sustained forward pressure took the Gazelles to the Hamilton 5 metre line.As a penalty was awarded for a ruck infringement, Malky McKee took a quick tap, fed Ian Grierson, and the giant farmer crashed over from short range.

The home team immediately came back, from similar range, and right under the posts. The tap was taken, and the Hamilton player simply brushed through the defence which hadn’t yet retreated. The conversion took the score to 15 -12 to the Gazelles.

The stage was set for the closing minutes of the game, both sides showing plenty of endeavour to secure the win. At this point, the benefit of the younger players was clear, their tackling and work rate being instrumental in holding Hamilton at bay.

It was fitting therefore, that the game was closed out as Dave Shields, excellent all day, created the opening for Vincent Reilly to exploit his searing pace to add his second score.


GHA Gazelles


A. McLean, V. Reilly, D. Shields, C. Anderson, J. Smith, G. Summers, M. Booth, D. Marshall, M.McKee, D. Gowan, J. Harkness, I. Grierson, G. Scott, Z. McIlwham, A. Cairns

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/big-win-for-u17s-while-u18s-struggle http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/big-win-for-u17s-while-u18s-struggle Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:31:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/big-win-for-u17s-while-u18s-struggle GHA U18 0 Dumfries U18 27


Hamilton U17 0 GHA U17 58

Match reports to Follow. [...]]]> GHA U18 0 Dumfries U18 27


Hamilton U17 0 GHA U17 58

Match reports to Follow.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/quiz-night-success http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/quiz-night-success Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:23:00 +0000 Euan Baillie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/quiz-night-success
Whilst the turn out was down on the previous one, mainly due to the start of the school holidays, it was a great night with over 40 in attendance.

As usual Bob Auld, our resident quiz master, provided some tough and challenging questions but there could only be [...]]]>
Whilst the turn out was down on the previous one, mainly due to the start of the school holidays, it was a great night with over 40 in attendance.

As usual Bob Auld, our resident quiz master, provided some tough and challenging questions but there could only be one winning team.

And the winners were....

"TEAM PLAYERS"

consisting of (and try not to laugh) Niall Cassie, Scott Weir, Andrew Gillman and Niall's girlfriend (sorry her name escapes me).

Well done to them and all those who took part.

Unfortunately the Halloween Disco has been cancelled on the 31st Oct, so the next social functions are...

Saturday 14th November

U18's Race Night


Saturday 5th December

Players "Stars in Your Eyes" night


Sunday 20th December

Junior section Christmas party


Boxing Day

Mulled Wine


Sunday 27th December

Family Night


PLEASE TRY AND ATTEND SOME OF THE ABOVE AND SUPPORT GHA

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/humiliation-at-hawick http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/humiliation-at-hawick Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:20:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/13/humiliation-at-hawick Hawick 50 GHA 14


Hawick ran in seven tries in racking up a half-century against GHA at Mansfield Park on Saturday. To say the least it was a heavy defeat. Perhaps the worst aspect was not the humiliation, it was simply that it followed only seven days after the victory against Stirling County and the hope that the corner had [...]]]> Hawick 50 GHA 14


Hawick ran in seven tries in racking up a half-century against GHA at Mansfield Park on Saturday. To say the least it was a heavy defeat. Perhaps the worst aspect was not the humiliation, it was simply that it followed only seven days after the victory against Stirling County and the hope that the corner had been turned and the season could only improve with a first league win in the bag.

However, early on an afternoon when the weather was autumn at its best, almost have been said to have been stolen from real summer, it seemed that GHA would have their work cut out in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two match beside the Teviot. Their lineout was almost non-effective: eleven times in the first half they had the throw-in, and nine of those they lost. The touchline set-piece platform was not just unstable – it hardly existed.

The match would have merited less than a handful of paragraphs. But, as reasons to extend the record, it had bizarre moments, all in the second half.

Hawick profited with 18 points within 22 minutes of the kick-off, with tries by Neil Renwick and Greg Anderson, Renwick converting his own try as well as kicking two penalty goals. Only then did GHA find the means to strike back, when Tim Peyton and Jamie Auld sent Niall Cassie in for a try that Jim Noonan converted. By half-time, however, Hawick were 28-7 up, their third try being scored just before the interval by Colin Murray after Noonan had been caught in possession close his own goal-line.

As if that were not enough, the second half started with a penalty against GHA instead of the normal restart drop goal. It was the referee’s appropriate penalty for the visitors’ late return to the field from the changing room! Who has heard of that before?

The third quarter passed without a score, not even one by the dominant home team. But within that time Ruairi O’Keefe was sin-binned for slowing down Hawick repossession at a tackle close to the GHA line, and as soon as he returned to the contest Bruce McNeill suffered the same fate on a rare venture by GHA close to Hawick’s line.

It was then that GHA broke the second half’s scoring drought, when Gregg Taylor and Joe Coffey combined to sent Iain Nelson in at the left corner. Noonan converted, and the home lead was down to 28-14.

But that was as far as GHA could go. Within five minutes Hawick had answered with a double-whammy – tries by Michael Graham (the bonus-point score) and Renwick’s second.
O’Keefe was then shown a second yellow card. His offence, called by an assistant referee, was allegedly stamping at a ruck. It was, though, a clear case of mistaken identity. But two yellow cards equal a red, and the young wing’s game was over.
Within minutes, the same stand-side touch flag was signalling foul play. The culprit was none other than McNeill, and for the second time in the match the Hawick captain followed O’Keefe off the field. Another second yellow, another red card. Bizarre!
Hawick, however, did not need their leader to show the way to their 50, with a try by Rory McPherson, Renwick’s third conversion, and Anderson’s second score.

Hawick – Neil Renwick; Greg Anderson, Lee Armstrong, Craig Neish, Colin Murray; Dean McCracken, Rory McPherson; Nicky Little, Hue Scammell, Ali Marsh, Kieran Willison, Craig Charters, David Lowrie, Ross Gibson, Bruce McNeill (captain). Substitutes – Ali Weir, Michael Graham, Matthew Landels, Gary Lowrie.
GHA – Chris Binnie; Ruairi O’Keefe, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Gregor Jones; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; David McKay, Glen King, Joe Coffey, Geoff Warnock, Ryan Jenkins, Iain Nelson, Paul Harkin, Dominic Kellock. Substitutes – Jamie Auld, Paul Macleod, Tim Peyton, Gregg Taylor.

Referee – Fraser Balharry.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/12/two-more-wins-for-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/12/two-more-wins-for-braidholm Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:21:00 +0000 Rod Jenkins http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/12/two-more-wins-for-braidholm Braidholm 40 - 7 Lanark

In a match, where the score flatters Braidholm, Lanark played well above their position in the league, causing problems for Braidholm throughout the match.

In the first 20 minute Braidholm hardly won any ball, and were constantly repulsing Lanark forward advances within 10 metre of Braidholm’s [...]]]> Braidholm 40 - 7 Lanark

In a match, where the score flatters Braidholm, Lanark played well above their position in the league, causing problems for Braidholm throughout the match.

In the first 20 minute Braidholm hardly won any ball, and were constantly repulsing Lanark forward advances within 10 metre of Braidholm’s try line. Great defending within this period and Braidholm’s ability to clear their lines laid the foundation for this win. With very few forays into Lanark territory it was a great relief when from a good backs move down the left, with Danny Clafferty and Euan Greer chasing a long downfield clearance, and winning the resultant lineout, from broken play Massimo Pieri, using his lightening pace carved an opening for himself and ran in under the post, for Greer to convert. 7-0. Followed closely by another piece of good backs interaction, from a scrum close to the Lanark line, Danny Clafferty scored in the corner from a half break by Lewis Brien, Greer failed to convert, 12-0. Half time came all too quickly with Braidholm starting to get on top.

Braidholm broke the Lanark team with two tries just after halftime, with both Euan Greer and George Sweeney scoring adjacent to the posts, giving Greer 2 conversions, 26-0. Much credit goes to Lanark as they came back at Braidholm and eventually scoring a well deserved try and converted, 26-7. In stepped Stuart Keenan, with possibly the try of the match, after some broken play, chipped a ball over the opposition backs, and ran onto it to score, Greer converting, 33-7. Finally to round off a srerling match Massimo popped up again, haring in under the posts to score his second try, converted by Greer, 40-7.

Massimo was awarded the man of the match for his efforts and we look forward to him wearing his lovely hat again!



Bishopton 10 - 41 Braidholm

On what turned out to be a comfortable win for Braidholm, in the wind/rain/gales/sunshine, at the KGV pitch at Renfrew, it was anything but, at midday on the Saturday. With a bare 15 players and a gap in the three quarters, it looked like Braidholm would struggle to get out a team. However, with coach Peoples getting a centre from the Gazelles and the timely appearance of Scott Malone, Braidholm set off with 17 players.

The strong winds were blowing, pretty much, straight down the pitch and Braidholm were fortunate to kick with the wind in the first half. Braidholm put Bishopton under pressure from the start and scored their first try 10 minutes in, after the award of a penalty to Braidholm, Scott Mathieson took a quick tap and scuttled over, adjacent to the post, to give Euan Greer a simple kick which he duly converted, 7-0. After a poor kick-off from Bishopton, Braidholm exerted more pressure and breaking from a maul, Olly Gilmartin sent 3 or 4 Bishopton players the wrong way with an audacious dummy, to canter in under the posts from 20 metres, Greer converting, 14-0. Around about this time the referee took a hand and yellow carded Ian Wheeler, for the team being persistently offside at the Ruck/Maul. This was done without a warning from the referee to the captain, that he was thinking of doing this, but like the Mid-Argyll game the referee, in this spectator’s opinion, was trying to even up the game. Mathieson, then broke on the blind side, from a Ruck close to the halfway line, and scampered to the corner for the third try, unfortunately too far out in the conditions for Greer to convert, 19-0. Bishopton changed tactics and kept the ball close to the forwards and made good territorial gains, until eventually the referee decided they had scored, whilst it was unclear to all on the touchline, and a complete surprise to the Bishopton coach, that a try had been scored, unconverted, 19-5. Wheeler came back on and again Braidholm exerted good pressure and again from a quick penalty Mathieson skipped over, for his third try and Greer converted, 26-5.

In the second half it was clear that Braidholm were going to have to defend against the strong wind and not play an open game. Bishopton put Braidholm in the corner, close to their line and from a lineout, which wasn’t well defended, scored a try in the corner, unconverted, 26-10. This was the catalyst to get Braidholm going again and between forwards and backs never gave Bishopton another opportunity, close to their line. The best try of the match came midway through the half, when from a long clearance kick, by the Bishopton stand-off, Greer picked up the ball, close to his 22 metre line, and going left beat two or three chasers and sent an outside pass to Stuart Keenan, who fed Danny Clafferty on the inside, who scored under the posts, ably converted by Greer, 33-10. Now on the ascendency, Braidholm put Bishopton under increasing pressure in their 22 metre area, and again from a short penalty Mathieson scooted over in the corner; Greer failed to convert, 38-10. This was Mathieson’s last act in the match, and he and came off with Ross Keenan going to scrum half. Again with the clock ticking down Braidholm were awarded a penalty adjacent to the posts and to the coach’s chagrin, it was decided to take the kick, and Greer kicked the penalty, 41-10. With a couple of minutes remaining the referee yellow carded Russell Bridges, but it was unclear exactly what the decision was for.

Overall this was a very good team performance with both Forwards and Backs working together as a team.

Braidholm Roving Reporter

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/08/gha-out-for-first-away-win-of-the-season http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/08/gha-out-for-first-away-win-of-the-season Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:27:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/08/gha-out-for-first-away-win-of-the-season

GHA’s squad: [...]]]>

GHA’s squad:


Backs – Chris Binnie, Ruairi O’Keefe, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Greg Jones, Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman, and Gregg Taylor.


Forwards – Geoff Warnock, Glen King, David McKay, Joe Coffey, Iain Nelson, Jamie Auld, Ryan Jenkins, Tim Peyton, Dominic Kellock, Paul Macleod, and Paul Harkin.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/07/video-p5s-play-half-time-game http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/07/video-p5s-play-half-time-game Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:57:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/07/video-p5s-play-half-time-game GHA tv. [...]]]>
For all GHA video highlights please visit GHA tv.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/06/gazelles-lose-out-to-dalziel http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/06/gazelles-lose-out-to-dalziel Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:43:00 +0000 John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/06/gazelles-lose-out-to-dalziel GHA Gazelles 7 Dalziel 3 XV 22


With five call-offs and one player moving up to Braidholm in the couple of hours before kick off, only Zander McIlwham and Jim Clarke coming off the injured and sick list allowed some hasty reconstruction to get a team on the park, the park itself being a last minute tactical switch to the [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 7 Dalziel 3 XV 22


With five call-offs and one player moving up to Braidholm in the couple of hours before kick off, only Zander McIlwham and Jim Clarke coming off the injured and sick list allowed some hasty reconstruction to get a team on the park, the park itself being a last minute tactical switch to the tighter confines of Pitch 3.

Given the far from ideal preparation, it was surprising then that the Gazelles dominated the early part of the game, using the strong wind and forward power to keep Dalziel in their own 22 for much of the time. This pressure culminated in Lawson squirming to the line after several drives were held up, but the referee considered that the ball did not cross.

Immediately after, and much against the run of play, the Dalziel left winger broke away and tore down the touchline, winning the footrace against a heroic covering run from MacGillivray to score an unconverted try.

Before half time, Dalziel added a second converted try after their backs took advantage of midfield space afforded by our unfamiliar threequarter line-up.

After half time, and now into the wind, GHA worked hard to get back on terms. In the previous two games, the forwards have scored eight of the nine tries. But some classic back play from first phase ball notched up one for the backs, and indeed provided the Gazelles’ only score of the day.

At a lineout on the Dalziel 22, an accurate throw from McIlwham was taken cleanly by Harkness, set up by the pack, and the ball was whipped along the line to the intruding MacGillivray. The Pastry Express took the ball at pace, cutting through the Dalziel defence like a sledgehammer through butter. McLean made no mistake with the conversion.

Ultimately, though, the Dalziel pool proved too strong on the day, and in the last quarter of the game, turned the tables on GHA, turning possession and territorial advantage into a further two converted tries.

The final score of 22-7 was a somewhat harsh reward for a dogged performance from a team which bore little resemblance to the original selection.

GHA Gazelles
I. MacGillivray, G. Summers, A. Dalziel-Guest, C. Miller, C. Hodgson, R. Lawson A.McLean, D. Marshall ( J.Clarke, 50 mins ), M.McKee, D. Gowan, J. Harkness, I. Grierson, M. Booth, Z.McIlwham ( D. Marshall, 70 mins ), S.Burns

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/05/quiz-night-this-friday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/05/quiz-night-this-friday Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:42:00 +0000 Euan Baillie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/05/quiz-night-this-friday
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/05/vote-for-rugby-in-the-olympics http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/05/vote-for-rugby-in-the-olympics Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:12:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/05/vote-for-rugby-in-the-olympics
Scotland gave the abbreviated rugby game to the world. So please support this campaign and register your support in a poll that is currently running on an online Olympic publication – www.insidethegames.biz. The poll can be found on the right-hand side of the home page.

The results of the poll will be published on Thursday in the lead-up to the IOC vote and ahead of the International Rugby Board's final presentation to the 106 IOC members in Copenhagen. Please register your vote today and forward notify fellow members of the Rugby family, friends and colleagues. Together we can make the Olympic dream a reality!

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/04/a-sterling-effort-against-stirling-county http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/04/a-sterling-effort-against-stirling-county Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:27:00 +0000 Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/04/a-sterling-effort-against-stirling-county GHA 11 – Stirling County 8

Note: Amended GHA try scorer
In front of a sizeable crowd and in clear sunshine, but with a nasty cross wind, Stirling County kicked off from the pavilion end . From the ensuing catch and ruck, the attacking Stirling forwards were adjudged to have drifted offside and James Noonan cleared [...]]]> GHA 11 – Stirling County 8

Note: Amended GHA try scorer
In front of a sizeable crowd and in clear sunshine, but with a nasty cross wind, Stirling County kicked off from the pavilion end . From the ensuing catch and ruck, the attacking Stirling forwards were adjudged to have drifted offside and James Noonan cleared upfield. A ruck situation in the Stirling half led to a knock-on and from the scrum, Stirling were able to move the ball towards the home 22 but a powerful tackle by Niall Cassie, the home captain, stopped the attack and a kick to touch led to a line out on the home 22 metres line.


Ian Smith was performing admirably in the home lines-out and an excellent take allowed James Noonan to kick downfield, but an awkward bounce eluded the onrushing GHA forwards. Stirling immediately went on the counter attack and a penalty was awarded for a dangerous tackle on the half-way line. Niall Cassie was causing problems for the Stirling defence and an excellent run took play over the half-way line. GHA continued to press forward and following a ruck on the Stirling 10 metre line, GHA were awarded a penalty but Noonan’s kick drifted wide of the upright in the strong wind. From the drop-out, Stirling retained possession and took play to the home goal-line, but excellent cover tackling kept the score-line intact, and a knock-on gave GHA the opportunity to clear the danger, as a penalty was awarded for Stirling being off-side at the scrum.


Noonan, Cassie and McClymont continued to press forward and from a clearance kick by Cassie, Noonan was able to regain the initiative and kicked deep into the Stirling half. Stirling won possession at the lineout and a good handling move between Edwards and Archibald, allowed the latter to run in for a well deserved try some 15 metres in from the far touchline. The conversion was missed and the score remained at 0-5. This score seemed to spur the home side on to greater effort and from a scrum 10 metres from the Stirling line, GHA were awarded a penalty and Noonan made no mistake with the kick at goal, to cut the deficit to 2 points.


Stirling mounted a series of attacking moves until a timely interception by Cassie, almost allowed the centre to score in the corner at the stand side, but he was tackled short. However, following a line-out and scrum, the home forwards mounted a series of rucks, until Ian Smith with Glen King in tow was forced over for a well deserved try. Noonan was unsuccessful with the conversion, to leave the score at 8-5. From the kick off, Smith brought off an excellent tackle and the referee blew for the half-time interval.


HALF-TIME score 8 – 5


During the interval which was extended to 10 minutes, with the agreement of the visitors, the GHA Primary 5 players entertained the crowd with a display of mini rugby.


As the second half got under way, the sun, which had been troublesome to the visitors in the first half, disappeared, but the cross field wind hadn’t lessened. Noonan kicked off and from a subsequent cross field kick, Ruairi O’ Keefe almost gathered possession for what would have been a clear run-in for a try. From a penalty for a scrum infringement, Noonan kicked deep into the corner and from a series of rucks, Dominic Kellock appeared to touch down, but the referee adjudged he had been held up. Stirling defended their goal line well and eventually were able to kick clear to take play up to their 22 metre line.


From a poor throw in at a line out, the home side were awarded a scrum and Stirling were penalised for off-side. Noonan took the resultant kick from 30 metres out and appeared to have missed but the ball just made it over the cross-bar, to bring the score to 11 – 5.


Both sides continued to press, as the play went from end to end and eventually, Stirling were awarded a penalty some 30 metres out, but Archibald kicked wide of the posts. Andrew Gillman was proving to be as evasive as ever and he had some clever breaks from the base of the scrums and rucks. Jamie Pinder was also having an excellent part in the home attack and defence, but with just 15 minutes left, he had to leave the field injured. Soon after Ian Smith was yellow-carded and it looked as if the home side were to be denied a first league victory of the season. However, the 14 remaining on the field, seemed to gather new strengths and continued to contest at every opportunity. Most of the play was now concentrated in the home half of the field, as the crowd tried to influence the referee’s decision on Smith’s return to the game. However, with only 5 minutes remaining, Smith returned to the fray in time to see Archibald complete the scoring with a well taken penalty.


Final Score GHA 11 – Stirling County 8


P.S. A very welcome visitor to Braidholm, with the Stirling County players and officials was Mr W.A (Sandy)Bryce)a noted referee from the past and an old friend of the constituent clubs that make up GHA.


Next Saturday, GHA make a return visit to the Scottish borders to take on Hawick, hoping to maintain the form that defeated Stirling County.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/04/too-much-currie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/04/too-much-currie Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:16:00 +0000 Jim McCormick http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/04/too-much-currie Currie 2nd XV 20 GHA 2nd XV 15

Another Saturday, another big game for the 2nd XV. This week a true test of the team’s progress as they faced a Currie team that had made an impressive start to the season. With 4 call-offs between Thursday night and Saturday afternoon, the coaches were once again left pulling their hair out and [...]]]> Currie 2nd XV 20 GHA 2nd XV 15

Another Saturday, another big game for the 2nd XV. This week a true test of the team’s progress as they faced a Currie team that had made an impressive start to the season. With 4 call-offs between Thursday night and Saturday afternoon, the coaches were once again left pulling their hair out and phoning players on a Saturday morning. Thanks must go to Iain Nelson, Fraser Stewart and Kerr McEwan for stepping up to the mark.

In the first half, the team were battling against not only a hefty opposition pack but also a hurricane force gale. After some stout defence in the face of an expected Currie onslaught, GHA broke out of their own half. A penalty was awarded to GHA just outside the Currie 22. Unfortunately a poor strike, allied with the headwind, meant that Murray Houston’s effort slid wide. Fortunately, he didn’t have long to wait for another crack and on the 10 minute mark put GHA 3 nil up. Currie came right back and applied pressure on the GHA line. The GHA forwards were finding it hard to generate first phase ball but battled very well at the breakdown. Due to the strong wind the backs were forced into handling and this lead to a break out of the 22 by Ben Wright. Unfortunately a misplaced pass lead to a turnover and a period of pressure from Currie and GHA being penalised. Currie chose to go for goal and were successful. Again on 33 minutes a break from GHA’s own half by Ben Wright nearly lead to a try against the run of play. However GHA were penalised for not rolling away from the ruck and Currie cleared their lines. From the line-out the ball was moved along line and Currie scored their first try. The attempted conversion was missed. Considering the pressure being asserted by the Currie pack and some misfiring at line-out time, to turn around just 8-3 down at half-time was actually quite encouraging, especially since Currie’s scores came from GHA errors rather than the Currie dominance.

So with the wind behind GHA in the second half, the game plan to kick to corners and play the game in Currie’s half seemed to be perfect. However, within 10 minutes of the re-start GHA found themselves another 2 scores behind, the first of which was a controversial affair. With the ball won then lost, won again and lost again on the GHA 22, Currie eventually emerged with possession and moved the ball down the blind-side where their outspoken no.8 made a charge for the line. It seemed that Brandon Wamberg had performed heroics by bundling the burly forward into touch. However, after consultation with the touch judge, the score was awarded. The other Currie score was a bit more straightforward with a lapse in the GHA defence allowing Currie to go over in the same corner as the last score. No problems for the referee or touch judge in awarding this one. This was successfully converted.

With the team the team 20-3 down changes were made with Fraser Stewart and Kerr McEwan replacing Stephen Spowat and Ben Farrell, both of whom had put in sterling performances in the pack. With the Currie pack now tiring and with a man sent to the sin-bin, GHA started to show what they could do when they strung some phase play together. On 72 minutes a break by Paddy Hilley with Murray Longton in close support led to a much needed quick recycled ball. Stand-off Gordon Adams made another break and fed winger Ben Wright who scorched past the Currie defence. Unfortunately the conversation was missed but the comeback was on!

5 minutes later an early contender for try of the season. A turnover at a scrum on the halfway line resulted in Iain Nelson drawing a couple of defenders and feeding scrum-half Murray Houston. He squeezed along the touchline and was then faced by 2 covering defenders. Without any hesitation and much to the consternation of the coaches, he chipped the first defender and ran around to collect. The ball bounced between the two defenders and straight into the scrum-half’s hands. As the two defenders barged into each other, he dived over the line. Just to round it off he then converted his own try . Game on.

With 2 minutes left the belief that had deserted the GHA team earlier suddenly returned. Unfortunately it was not to be. From the re-start GHA were penalised twice when trying to regain posession and Currie closed out the game.

With Hawick away next week there is no chance to ease up and training on Tuesday and Thursday is essential.


M.O.M – Patrick Hilley

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/gazelles-injuries-prove-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/gazelles-injuries-prove-costly Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:16:00 +0000 John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/gazelles-injuries-prove-costly GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The Gazelles could be forgiven for succumbing to that sinking feeling, but it was not to be so. The forward machine kicked into gear, and put a stranglehold on proceedings for the remainder of the half.

From a 5 metre lineout, the pack surged forward, and though the maul was pulled down, the forwards picked up from the ruck, Burns crashing over for an unconverted try.

A pinpoint penalty kick from Tracey took GHA back to the same spot. This time Burns took clean ball at the front of the lineout, Harkness tidied and grounded as the pack drove over with Hamilton unable to resist.

Continued forward pressure then led to the Gazelles third score, with Carpenter being next to capitalise on the forward power. His score under the posts was converted by Tracey.

Carpenter again was on hand for the fourth try. A good handling move down the left wing was initially halted by the Hamilton defence. However they could not scramble sufficient cover to prevent the Gazelles pick up, and the flanker squeezed in at the corner.

With a lead of 22 -7, and half time just seconds away, it appeared that the Gazelles were on course for a similar victory to the previous week.

At this stage, things began to unravel. Just on half time, Harkness was sin-binned for an unnecessary reaction ( though only dignity suffered in the incident ).

Immediately after half time, first Tracey, then MacGregor, departed the field injured. With only one available sub, GHA were down to 13 men, and as Harkness returned, 14 for the remainder of the game.

At half time, Hamilton had clearly worked out what was going wrong, and changed their tactics completely. Cleverly utilizing both their youth and their playing pool to maximum advantage, they set about running the tiring Gazelles ragged.

Two converted tries were scored in quick succession, both the product of their backs scything through the GHA defence, which was looking quite shaky by this stage.

At four tries to three, the Gazelles looked to have stopped the rot as the alert Carpenter grabbed his third, and the Gazelles fifth try, racing in to score after scooping up an overthrown lineout.

But Hamilton hit back, adding another to bring the score to 27 – 26 for the Gazelles.

A veil should really be drawn over the final quarter. With 14 on the park ( 10 of whom were forwards ) age, fatigue and numerical advantage had the better of GHA, and another 4 tries were conceded in the last period of the game.

The final score of 54 – 27 did not reflect plenty of endeavour from the Gazelles, but Hamilton should be congratulated for being smart enough to change their game plan so successfully at half time.


GHA Gazelles
MacGregor

MacGillivray

Keenan

Lawson

Summers

Tracey ( Burns 45 minutes )

Burns ( Marshall 30 minutes )

McKee

Wallace

Clarke

Harkness

Gowan

Carpenter

McIlwham

Cairns

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/rory-hughes-selected-for-scotland-u17 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/rory-hughes-selected-for-scotland-u17 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:12:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/rory-hughes-selected-for-scotland-u17
Congratulations to GHA Under 18 Full back Rory Hughes who has been selected in the Scotland Under 17 Squad.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/gha-unchanged-for-stirlings-braidholm-visit http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/gha-unchanged-for-stirlings-braidholm-visit Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:07:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/10/02/gha-unchanged-for-stirlings-braidholm-visit
15 Chris Binnie

14 Ruairi O'Keefe

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Gregor Jones

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman [...]]]>
15 Chris Binnie

14 Ruairi O'Keefe

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Gregor Jones

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Glen King

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Ian Smith

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Dominic Kellock

7 Tom Peyton

8 Jamie Pinder

Substitutes:

Ian Nelson

David McKay

Jamie Auld

Rory Watson

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/30/braidholm-make-it-three-in-a-row http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/30/braidholm-make-it-three-in-a-row Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:16:00 +0000 Rod Jenkins http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/30/braidholm-make-it-three-in-a-row Renfrew 12 Braidholm 33

On an ideal day to play rugby, Braidholm, although sorely pressed, where the forwards stood up and performed a great shift, ran out comfortable winner on Saturday 33-12.

Yet again the forwards were outweighed and were small compared to the Renfrew pack. The game plan from the start was to run the [...]]]> Renfrew 12 Braidholm 33

On an ideal day to play rugby, Braidholm, although sorely pressed, where the forwards stood up and performed a great shift, ran out comfortable winner on Saturday 33-12.

Yet again the forwards were outweighed and were small compared to the Renfrew pack. The game plan from the start was to run the ball at them, and run wide as often as possible. I have to say this plan sort of worked, although upfront if was tough.

Probably, against the run of play, Braidholm scored in the first 15 minutes, with Scott Mathieson breaking down the blindside of the scrum from inside his own half to score, adjacent to the posts and Scott Carson to convert, 7-0. A further flurry down the left wing with Carson & Mathieson competing to get the ball on the Renfrew try line, ended with Mathieson scoring in the corner, and Carson failing with the conversion, 12-0. Renfrew rallies and after some pressure came close only to give away an unnecessary penalty. Braidholm captain Carson signalled that he was going to kick right but with a surprise move kicked left, which was too far for the Braidholm winger but perfect for the Renfrew winger, when the ball landed at his feet all he had to do was kick the ball forward and score comfortably/easily in the corner, fortunately the error was not compounded as the conversion was missed, 12-5. This seemed to vitalise Braidholm and they went on the rampage scoring a further two tries, one by Callum Morrison after Scott Carson took a quick penalty, close to the Renfrew line and sent Morrison over the line. Carson converting, 19-5 and a great backs move, finished off again by Scott Mathieson, under the posts, to give Carson a simple effort which he happily complied, 26-5.

This wasn’t job done and as expected Renfrew came at Braidholm, with a level of skill & endeavour that had been missing from their play in the first half, and forced Braidholm to take a backward step and camped themselves in the Braidholm 22. Great defensive work, predominantly by the forwards, with some help from the backs, repulsed the Renfrew foray for 25 plus minutes, until finally Renfrew Scores close to the posts and was converted, 26-12. Braidholm eventually conceded a score to and immediately got into the opponents half so they could show their strength of playing open and exiting rugby, which they did, culminating in a try for Massimo Pieri, who was following up as any good hooker should do, ably converted by Robin Smythe, who by this time, had replaced Scott Mathieson at Scrum Half, due to an ankle injury at half time, and Scott Carson as kicker, as the Braidholm captain had been taken off with a shoulder injury. Braidholm ran down the clock and took their third league victory.

This was the toughest game of the season so far and this particular match showed how well the forwards have responded to the pressures, full credit to them. Again the backs have partially shown their colours although it is fair to say that without the forward effort this game could have drifted away.

Braidholm Roving Reporter

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/this-saturday http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/this-saturday Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/this-saturday


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/u17s-and-u18s-have-unbeaten-start-to-season http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/u17s-and-u18s-have-unbeaten-start-to-season Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:57:00 +0000 Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/u17s-and-u18s-have-unbeaten-start-to-season
Thanks to a combination of the younger players from last year’s very successful U18 team and the new blood from last year’s equally successful U16 team, we have entered teams in West League Div 1 at both U17 and U18 [...]]]>
Thanks to a combination of the younger players from last year’s very successful U18 team and the new blood from last year’s equally successful U16 team, we have entered teams in West League Div 1 at both U17 and U18 level. Unfortunately, both the U17 and the U18 West Div 1 have only 5 teams in each league and consequently, the league season will be a short one. Nevertheless, we hope to compete to the best of our ability at each age group and strive to at least match last year’s U18 squad who reached the semi final of the U18 National Cup.

To date there have been very few competitive matches to write reports on but here’s a flavour of what we hope will be regular reports and updates on our progress throughout the 2009-10 season..

Photos of the Season so far

Sat 12th Sept 2009

GHA U18 - 45 Greenock U18 - 5

On a gloriously warm and sunny day our U18’s had their first 15-a-side competitive outing of the season at Auldhouse. We ran out comfortable winners scoring 6 converted tries and a penalty against a solitary unconverted try in the dying minutes by Greenock. It was a pleasure to watch the free running of our backs and the hard work of the forwards in this game. Indeed the only downside was the injury sustained by Euan McCallum, who will now be out for a number of weeks with a badly sprained ankle. However, this was countered by the impressive debuts of new boys Gordon Belch, Mark Carnan, Tim McCarthy and Amir Najafian who will all been an asset to us this season.

Squad: Hughes,Stirling,Currie,Black,Carnan,Belch,Scott,Mather,Ritchie,McGinty,McCallum,Barnett, McCaw, Shields & Haughney. Replacements McCarthy, Renucci, Conner, Brown & Najafian

Sun 13th Sept 2009

Clydebank U17 - 0 GHA U17 - 66

Although we only had 13 players against Clydebank’s 15, we ran riot over a spirited Clydebank scoring 10 tries in the process. Although not the strongest opposition we will face this year, Clydebank did their best to thwart our powerful forwards and pacy backs but to no avail. However, this did not dampen their enthusiasm and the match was played in excellent spirit throughout and credit must go the Clydebank coaches who with limited resources have put together a great bunch of lads.

Squad: Hughes, Gilchrist, Najafian, Haughney, Dunn, Scott , Hamilton, Mather, Renucci, Barrett, Carty, Barnett & McCaw



Sat 19th Sept 2009

Greenock U18 - 19 GHA U18 - 42

In the reverse of the previous Saturday’s fixture, GHA did just enough to overcome a much improved Greenock team winning the try count 6 to 3. However, some sloppy play will have to be removed if we are to compete successfully against the stronger teams in our league.

Squad: Hughes, Hamilton, Di Cosmo, Currie, Stirling, Scott, Rutnagur, Mather, Brown, Ritchie, McGinty, Barnett, McCaw, Conner & Haughney. Replacements: Renucci, Dunn, Najafian, Barrett, McMenemy & Campbell

Sun 27th Sept 2009

GHA U17 - 26 Cambuslang/EK – 0
Photos

The U17’s had their first 15-a-side match at Braidholm and ran out worthy winners 26-0 with Man of the Match, David Scott, scoring 3 superb tries and 3 conversions and Rory Hughes the other try. This was a good solid all round performance from GHA and the link play between forwards and backs was a joy to watch. Indeed, it now seems that the sprint fitness work being done at the training sessions with Alex is beginning to pay off for the squad as we are definitely finishing the stronger of the teams. Another GHA debutant today was Scott Wright who had a terrific match and slotted easily into the pack along with James Hendry who looks to have found his true position as a wing forward. A pleasing feature of today’s game was the number of dominant tackles being put in across the pitch by both forwards and backs. However, we will have to work on recycling the ball quicker from the rucks so that we can exert even more pressure on the opposition. Unfortunately both teams sustained injuries throughout the game, chief of which (for GHA) was the loss or Rory Hughes with a broken nose after he put a “big hit” on their right winger. Indeed, as the game drew to a close we had 18 players on the park; our 15 and the 3 we had lent to Cambuslang/EK to ensure it was a 15-a-side contest. Again this match was played in great spirit from both sides and was a credit to all the players involved.

Squad: Hamilton, McMenemy, Dunn, Thomson, Gilchrist, Scott, Rutnagur, Mather, Brown, Conner, Campbell, Barnett, Hendry, McCaw and Wright. Replacements Najafian, Hughes, Ritchie & Di Cosmo

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/noonan-snatches-draw-for-gha-with-late-goal http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/noonan-snatches-draw-for-gha-with-late-goal Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:53:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/28/noonan-snatches-draw-for-gha-with-late-goal Haddington 29 GHA 29

Rugby can be fickle game, as GHA and Haddington were reminded in their high-scoring draw at Neilson Park on Saturday.

GHA were on song in the first half. With the advantage of a stiff westerly breeze, they were 20-3 up at the interval. The forwards worked well in tight and loose, the backs showed a [...]]]> Haddington 29 GHA 29

Rugby can be fickle game, as GHA and Haddington were reminded in their high-scoring draw at Neilson Park on Saturday.

GHA were on song in the first half. With the advantage of a stiff westerly breeze, they were 20-3 up at the interval. The forwards worked well in tight and loose, the backs showed a willingness to use the ball at pace, a first league win of the season was on the cards, and they were one try away from a bonus. But that bonus proved beyond their reach as Haddington rack up four tries of their own in the second half, and it was left to a last-gasp penalty goal by Jim Noonan to snatch the draw.

Even though GHA have failed to win any of their five league match so far, they have moved off the foot of the Scottish Hydro Premier Two table. Their two draws (the other at Jed two weeks ago) and a bonus at Poynder Park have taken them above Kelso, albeit only on points difference.

It looked like being so different when Niall Cassie led the way for GHA with a try after less than three minutes’ play. Andrew Gillman put the visitors in to the scoring position with a long break from a tapped penalty inside his own half, and after GHA had hammered the home goal-line the captain found the way over.

Noonan missed the conversion from far out on the left as well as a subsequent penalty shot. But midway in the first half GHA struck again from Noonan’s cross kick to the right for Jamie Pinder to score.

Ross King soon replied with a penalty goal for Haddington, but on the half-hour Ross McClymont sprinted through for GHA’s third try from Ruairi O’Keefe’s inside pass. Noonan converted from well out after he had had to wait while the referee spoke to both front-row triumvirates, and the stand-off also kicked a penalty goal.

GHA lost Gregor Jones to the sin-bin late in the first half, and before he returned Haddington had started their comeback with a Derek O’Riordan try from a close-range tap penalty. Thereafter it was defensive strength that GHA needed rather than attacking acumen.

Further tries followed for Haddington from Neil Watt, Quinton Caulfield, and O’Riordan again. That was not only Haddington’s bonus-point try, but it took them into the lead for the first time in the match with only three minutes of normal time left. King converted all of those three.

Over the second half GHA were within range only three times, and Noonan kicked a penalty goal on each occasion, all from 25-30 metres. The first took GHA to 23-8 in 44 minutes, the second eased the margin out to 26-22 after 69, and the third earned his team two points four minutes into added time.

Haddington – Neil Watt; Mike Legget, Callum Mark, Euan Herkes, Graham Crawford; Ross King, Willy Haenga; Dougie Orr, Craig Harrison, Gary Glass, Ross Martin, Quinton Caulfield, Mark Morrison, Alex Spence, Derek O’Riordan. Substitutes – Alan Laidlaw, Graeme Wright, Andy Scott, Ian Watt.

GHA – Chris Binnie; Ruairi O'Keefe, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Gregor Jones; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Glen King, Andrew Kelly, Ian Smith, Ryan Jenkins, Dominic Kellock, Tom Peyton, Jamie Pinder. Substitutes – Joe Coffey, David McKay, Paul Macleod, Rory Watson.

Referee – David Crudge (Hawick).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/25/p6s-half-time-game-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/25/p6s-half-time-game-video-highlights Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:19:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/25/p6s-half-time-game-video-highlights GHA tv [...]]]>
For more GHA Video Highlights please visit GHA tv

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/24/gha-unchanged-for-visit-to-haddington http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/24/gha-unchanged-for-visit-to-haddington Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:44:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/24/gha-unchanged-for-visit-to-haddington
For that match GHA field an unchanged XV despite the defeat by Peebles at Braidholm last week. [...]]]>
For that match GHA field an unchanged XV despite the defeat by Peebles at Braidholm last week. GHA team:

15 Chris Binnie

14 Ruairi O'Keefe

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Gregor Jones

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Glen King

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Ian Smith

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Dominic Kellock

7 Tom Peyton

8 Jamie Pinder

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/21/horrid-finale-for-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/21/horrid-finale-for-gha Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:49:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/21/horrid-finale-for-gha GHA 16 Peebles 32

GHA suffered yet another home defeat on Saturday. But the final scoreline, with Peebles winning by 16 points, was no reflection on how close the contest was until the final five minutes. In that time Peebles not only denied GHA a bonus point but they gratefully accepted 15 gifted points.

Until then, [...]]]> GHA 16 Peebles 32

GHA suffered yet another home defeat on Saturday. But the final scoreline, with Peebles winning by 16 points, was no reflection on how close the contest was until the final five minutes. In that time Peebles not only denied GHA a bonus point but they gratefully accepted 15 gifted points.

Until then, neither team had been more than six points head. That was the lead that GHA held midway in the second half, and even as game approached its close Peebles were ahead by only 17-16.

GHA could well have been better placed at that stage if they had capitalised on their two tries. But each time they immediately allowed Peebles to respond, the visiting team going to 10-5 after 38 minutes and then 17-16 on the hour.

A Neil Hogarth try midway in the first half was the first score of the game, but GHA responded 14 minutes later, prompted by a Jim Noonan break just inside the Peebles half. Jamie Pinder powered on to continue the thrust, and Ross McClymont provided the link for Niall Cassie to score in the left corner.

Noonan missed the conversion, but after a Craig Hunter try for Peebles the home stand-off cut the visitors’ lead to 10-8 with a penalty goal just before half-time. His second such score, 12 minutes into the second half, took GHA ahead for the first time at 11-10, and a Noonan kick into the right corner gave his pack the position to drive over from a lineout for a Pinder try.

Peebles again quickly responded, this time with a David Paton try. Neil Warnock converted, but two drop kicks by Noonan went agonisingly close. The first was wide, and the second – from 40 metres – sneaked under the crossbar.

It was then that the game went horribly wrong for GHA. Warnock kicked a 40-metre penalty goal, Alan Smellie finished off with the bonus-point try after an interception deep inside the home 22, and a chargedown gifted Warnock an added-time try which he converted.

GHA are now the only club without a win in the Scottish Hydro Premier Two table. But all is not doom and gloom at Braidholm. The second XV racked up more than 80 points in their Reserve League Division 2 match at Musselburgh on Saturday, and the Braidholm team kept up their winning ways in the West League Division 3 with a home win against Hyndland.

As a footnote, the Peebles team bus arrived late because of motorway traffic problems, but GHA readily agreed to delay the kick-off by half an hour. Perhaps the Jed-Forest coach should note that following his ill-informed, unwarranted, and totally unacceptable comments regarding GHA’s similarly unavoidable late arrival at Riverside Park the previous Saturday.

GHA – Chris Binnie; Ruairi O’Keefe, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Greg Jones; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Glen King, Andrew Kelly, Ian Smith, Ryan Jenkins, Dominic Kellock, Tim Peyton, Jamie Pinder. Substitutes – Iain Nelson, Joe Coffey, David McKay, Ben Farrell.

Peebles – Donald Anderson; Alan Smellie, Steve Gee, Craig Borthwick, Neil Hogarth; Neil Warnock, Fraser Strachan; Willie Aitken, Ryan McConnell, Adam Clark, David Harvey, Matt Thomson, James Oakes, Donald Sangster, David Paton. Substitutes – Mattie Carryer, Neil Clark, Sandy Smellie, Craig Hunter.
Referee – Colin Brett (Edinburgh Referee Society).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/21/braidholm-hold-on http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/21/braidholm-hold-on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:46:00 +0000 Rod Jenkins http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/21/braidholm-hold-on Braidholm 27 - 22 Hyndland

In a match that eventually could have gone either way, Braidholm hung on to win their second league game 27-22, and take maximum points against a spirited Hyndland side that had also won their previous game.

This was a game that Braidholm could and should have won comfortably, but kept letting [...]]]> Braidholm 27 - 22 Hyndland

In a match that eventually could have gone either way, Braidholm hung on to win their second league game 27-22, and take maximum points against a spirited Hyndland side that had also won their previous game.

This was a game that Braidholm could and should have won comfortably, but kept letting Hyndland back into the game and they took every advantage, and nearly clinched a draw/win on the final whistle.

This was a contest between Braidholm’s backs, when they could get the ball and Hyndland’s forwards who were bigger and more street-wise than the Braidholm pack. The game started well for Braidholm and after making several incisions into the Hyndland half, Callum Morrison outsprinted his winger to score close to the posts and Scott Carson converted, 7 – 0. After a pretty even contest Braidholm cleverly moved the ball wide for Callum to score again, unfortunately Carson was unable to convert, 12 - 0. At this point, just before halftime, Braidholm went to sleep, and allowed Hyndland’s forward to trundle over the line for a try which was converted, 12 -7. A half-time score which did not equate to the good play or territory gained by Braidholm in the first 40 minutes.

The second half started in the same vein, as the first half, with Braidholm attacking and after 5 minutes Braidholm was awarded a penalty in front of the posts, ably kicked by Carson, 15 – 7. Hyndland upped the tempo and were rewarded with a penalty of their own which was converted 15 – 10. Braidholm then applied some pressure and from a loose kick from Hyndland’s full back, Euan Greer picked up the ball and ran through the Hyndland defence to score under the posts. Carson converted, 22-10. It was now clear to Hyndland that if they used their bigger forwards they would create some opportunities and from a lineout close to the Braidholm line, one of the props crashed over, and the try was converted, 22 – 17. Braidholm attacked again and debutant Vincent Reilly scored on the right wing, which was not converted, 27 – 17. Back came Hyndland and again one of the big forwards managed to score although it was unclear exactly who had the ball when the referee blew his whistle. This score was unconverted 27 -22. In the last seconds Hyndland forwards again were pressurising Braidholm’s line and were held up by sterling defence. The whistle could not come soon enough, and this spectator was left with virtually no fingernails during the final two minutes and there was a huge sigh of relief when the whistle did come.

Report sent by Braidholm’s Roving Reporter

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/18/family-fun-day http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/18/family-fun-day Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:29:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/18/family-fun-day
Things get underway at 2:30pm [...]]]>
Things get underway at 2:30pm

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/18/gazelles-defeat-cumnock http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/18/gazelles-defeat-cumnock Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:24:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/18/gazelles-defeat-cumnock GHA Gazelles 22 Cumnock 2XV 5


Since these two sides last met, one has become a little older, the other considerably younger. That last meeting saw Cumnock on the wrong end of a heavy points differential. This time, it was clear from the very outset that their game plan was to play expansively, stretching the [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 22 Cumnock 2XV 5


Since these two sides last met, one has become a little older, the other considerably younger. That last meeting saw Cumnock on the wrong end of a heavy points differential. This time, it was clear from the very outset that their game plan was to play expansively, stretching the Gazelles for the full 80 minutes.

The Gazelles approach was to stick to a tight and controlled game, exploiting the perceived advantage in weight and experience. It was this latter strategy which was to dominate, ultimately determining the outcome of the contest.

Early Gazelle pressure led to a lineout on the Cumnock 5 metre line. From a deflection, Wheeler tidied and set, and the pack drove over, with the referee ideally placed to confirm the grounding.

Minutes later, a series of pick and drives took the Gazelles to the same spot. This time, McIlwham was in possession as the forwards bulldozed over for the second score. Again, the referee was on hand to give the OK.

Midway through the half, Burns picked up from the base of a scrum 10 metres out. His initial open side drive was stopped, but from the ensuing ruck, the ball was moved quickly out the line. Fast hands allowed Miller to race in outside the Cumnock defence, dotting down in the corner.

With Tracey adding a conversion along the way, the score stood at 17 – 0 when a moment of controversy produced Cumnock’s only score. As they made ground into the GHA half, the ball was cleared into touch. Cumnock’s quick throw-in was unfortunately initiated by a spectator. The Gazelles stopped, awaiting the whistle. It didn’t sound, Cumock kept playing and moved the ball to the opposite wing where their three on one overlap was too much for the sole second row defender.

As half time approached, The Gazelles pounded the Cumnock line, the centres bringing the ball back time after time. Burns crossed the whitewash, but this time the referee judged that a Cumnock hand had prevented grounding.

At the interval, the team talk asserted that the game was in control, it was now GHA’s to win or lose. Not surprisingly, Cumock re-started with the clear intention of leveraging their youthful advantage, running the ball at every opportunity. But resolute defending from 1 to 15, together with astute positional kicking from Tracey kept the scoreline unchanged until the last moments of the game. A thundering charge from Wheeler carried GHA into the Cumnock half. Good work from Anderson put Miller away on the left. As he drew in the defence, he fed prop Marshall, inexplicably lurking on the wing. With a clear run to the line, he cantered in to secure the bonus point try on the stroke of full time.

Sweet!

GHA Gazelles Team:

McLean

MacGillivray

Anderson

Shields

Miller

Tracey

MacGregor

McIlwham

McKee

Gowan

Harkness ( Marshall 50 minutes )

Wheeler

Carpenter ( Harkness 60 – 65 minutes, blood )

Burns

Cairns

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/17/two-forwards-return-for-peebles-match http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/17/two-forwards-return-for-peebles-match Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/17/two-forwards-return-for-peebles-match
View Match Programme

GHA team:

15 Chris [...]]]>
View Match Programme

GHA team:

15 Chris Binnie

14 Ruairi O’Keefe

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Greg Jones

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Glen King

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Ian Smith

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Dominic Kellock

7 Tim Peyton

8 Jamie Pinder

Substitutes:

Ian Nelson

Joe Coffey

David McKay

Ben Farrell

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/16/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/16/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:29:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/16/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights GHAtv [...]]]>
For more GHA videos please visit GHAtv

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/15/gha-boys-at-home-in-national-youth-cup http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/15/gha-boys-at-home-in-national-youth-cup Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:16:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/15/gha-boys-at-home-in-national-youth-cup
The under-15 team area first up with a preliminary-round match against Cumbernauld at Braidholm on Sunday (20 September). That match will kick off at 2pm, and if they win it they will away to Hamilton on 4 October.

A bye for [...]]]>
The under-15 team area first up with a preliminary-round match against Cumbernauld at Braidholm on Sunday (20 September). That match will kick off at 2pm, and if they win it they will away to Hamilton on 4 October.

A bye for the under-16 team takes them into a first-round match against Dalziel on 4 October, also at Braidholm.

But the under-18 team have an away draw when they enter their national competition with a first-round game against either Greenock Wanderers or Waysiders/Drumpellier on 19 December.
Last season GHA reached the semi-final of the under-18 Cup whereas the club’s under-16 and under-15 teams went as far as the final of their age groups’ Bowl Competitions. This time round, of course, the GHA teams will be targeting the Cup finals – under-15 and under-16 on 21 February, and under-18 on 26 April.

Link to the full draws for all three competitions - http://www.scottishrugby.org/content/view/514/2/

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/14/not-much-fun-in-the-sun http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/14/not-much-fun-in-the-sun Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:31:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/14/not-much-fun-in-the-sun Jed-Forest 17 GHA 17

Despite their pre-match preparations being disrupted by traffic problems, resulting in their late arrival in the Borders, GHA dominated for long spells and were desperately unlucky not to claim a vital away victory with Jim Noonan being denied by the woodwork on no fewer than three occasions. [...]]]> Jed-Forest 17 GHA 17

Despite their pre-match preparations being disrupted by traffic problems, resulting in their late arrival in the Borders, GHA dominated for long spells and were desperately unlucky not to claim a vital away victory with Jim Noonan being denied by the woodwork on no fewer than three occasions.

Straight from the delayed kick-off, Jed had the early pressure and although home stand-off Ewan Scott missed an early penalty attempt, he made no mistake in the sixth minute with a simple kick when GHA forwards were penalised for killing a ruck.
Jim Noonan’s first penalty attempt crashed off the post moments later before Niall Cassie scythed through the Jed defence, leaving Ruairi O’Keefe to finish off in the right hand corner. Noonan’s conversion attempt slid past but GHA were 5-3 ahead.

Scott slotted penalty number two for Jed when Noonan was judged to have committed a high tackle but he soon made amends with a penalty reply from 45 metres when the Jed scrum half picked the ball out the GHA scrum. Scott converted another penalty to give Jed a one point lead but a Noonan drop goal on the stroke of half-time put GHA 11-9 ahead.

With Scott missing with a drop goal attempt and a penalty effort, there was no further scoring until Noonan kicked another long range effort after Jed were penalised for not releasing on the ground.

With the game now punctuated with numerous infringements and handling mistakes despite the glorious conditions, play degenerated although Jed replacement Scott Raeburn touched down wide out on the right after scrum half James Hogg’s lively break. Scott failed to add the extra points but made no mistake with another penalty when, on the hour, GHA were penalised for not rolling away at the tackle and GHA were trailing 17-14.

As GHA turned the screw, Noonan kicked another penalty goal from 40 metres to make it 17-17 and with 10 minutes to go Jamie Pinder stormed upfield from a lineout but ran out of support in the home 22. A Noonan drop kick hit the bar and a last gasp penalty attempt from half way hit the same spot as GHA failed to secure victory despite again dominating the scrums and with a massive improvement in lineout play.

Jed-Forest - Lewis Young; Greg Walker, Gregor Young, Martie Hastie, Jamie McGaw; Ewan Scott, James Hogg; Robert Ferguson, Mike Graham, Gary Holburn (captain), Paul Hill, Steven Scott, Donald Grieve, Scott Laidlaw, Jonathon Cunningham. Substitutes – Scott Raeburn, Niki Bates, Paul Pringle, Darren Gillespie.
GHA - Chris Binnie; Greg Jones, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Ruairi O’Keefe; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman: David McKay, Glen King, Andy Kelly, Geoff Warnock, Ryan Jenkins, Sam Bingham, Jamie Pinder, Dominic Kellock. Substitutes – Joe Coffey, Ben Farrell, Murray Longton, Andrew Rushforth.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/14/a-perfect-weekend-for-gha-almost http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/14/a-perfect-weekend-for-gha-almost Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:34:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/14/a-perfect-weekend-for-gha-almost match report.

The 2nds ran out 46 - 7 victors over RHC in their league match.

Braidholm got a 78 - 0 victory in a friendly against Uddingston 2nds and the Gazelles also won in what was almost a [...]]]> match report.

The 2nds ran out 46 - 7 victors over RHC in their league match.

Braidholm got a 78 - 0 victory in a friendly against Uddingston 2nds and the Gazelles also won in what was almost a perfect weekend for the senior teams at GHA.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/08/gha-v-biggar-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/08/gha-v-biggar-video-highlights Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:46:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/08/gha-v-biggar-video-highlights GHA tv [...]]]>
For archive video footage of GHA in action please visit GHA tv

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/08/braidholm-win-league-opener http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/08/braidholm-win-league-opener Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/08/braidholm-win-league-opener
Braidholm got off to a good start, in the first 5 minutes, with a [...]]]>
Braidholm got off to a good start, in the first 5 minutes, with a long clearance kick from inside Braidholm’s 22 by Euan Greer, Danny Clafferty chased up the kick and pounced on a defensive mistake to score under the posts, converted by Gordon Adams, 7-0. Due to the poor weather conditions there was a lot of scrappy play with lots of handling errors, although a cross kick from Gordon Adams allowed Danny Clafferty to jump above his opposite number and flick the ball to Euan Greer who scored in the corner, Adams failed with the conversion, 12-0. After some good phases of play Braidholm scored again with George Sweeney breaking through the line and scoring adjacent to the posts leaving an easy conversion for Adams who obliged comfortably, 19-0. To complete the scoring in the first half, from a tight position on the left wing Danny Clafferty jinked past several defenders to score under the posts, Adams duly converted, 26-0.

Playing uphill at Auldhouse didn’t seem to faze the boys for the first part of the second half when three tries were scored. Euan Greer scored the next ably converted by Adams, 33-0. From a short penalty close to the line the ball was given to Boris Boum, who scored taking several Mid-Argyll bodies with him, Adams failed with the conversion from wide out, 38-0. Finally Gordon Adams broke through the line and scored, converting his own try, 45-0. Credit to Mid-Argyll they kept going, and with the referee making some strange decisions, awarded a penalty try for an offside infringement. This was several metres from the goal line and it wasn’t obvious to this spectator that Mid Argyll, would have scored then or at any other time during the game.

The game was marred at the end with the sending off of one of the Mid-Argyll forwards for stamping on one of the Braidholm players head. The Braidholm player will remain nameless in case anyone thinks this improved his looks!!!!

Report sent by Braidholm’s Roving Reporter

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/05/two-gems-in-a-drab-day-at-braidholm http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/05/two-gems-in-a-drab-day-at-braidholm Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:15:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/05/two-gems-in-a-drab-day-at-braidholm
GHA fell today for the second successive league match. Defeat at Kelso a week ago, with a bonus point, was followed by an even more substantial loss as they went down against Biggar at Braidholm, conceding six tries and scoring just two.

However, GHA’s brace of tries were the best of the match. They were [...]]]>
GHA fell today for the second successive league match. Defeat at Kelso a week ago, with a bonus point, was followed by an even more substantial loss as they went down against Biggar at Braidholm, conceding six tries and scoring just two.

However, GHA’s brace of tries were the best of the match. They were gems in an otherwise drab day, not just in weather terms.

When Andrew Gillman scored the first of them it cut the Biggar lead to 15-11 after half an hour. GHA were back in the game then, but the second, scored by Rory Watson, was too late to affect contest. It was the last score of the match.

Gillman’s try was, pure and simple, an individual effort after the forwards had won turnover ball deep inside their own half. The scrum half kicked ahead, chased with the pace that marks his game, and hacked ahead to outrun Biggar’s two defenders. He still had much to do, pouncing to score only centimetres before the ball bounced over the dead-ball line.

It was only immediately after Biggar’s sixth try that GHA scored again. A hefty hit from the restart forced a turnover, and Ross McClymont found the way to cut through for Watson to finish off in the right corner.

Jim Noonan could not convert either try. But he kicked a penalty goal and drop goal, one after each of Biggar’s first two tries, for 6-12 after 16 minutes.

For much of the game, GHA were on the back foot, forced to call on all their defensive nous. But no one can answer against the driving maul, at least when in deficit in avoirdupois. Three times Biggar had penalty lineouts close to the GHA goal-line, and they scored on each occasion with driving mauls.

Collapsing the maul was a positive element in the Experimental Law Variations: converting that tactic into illegality, as we have now, effectively legalised obstruction. But the driving maul has to be better policed than it was today. The maul that produced the second Biggar try stopped twice and trundled sideways once – that was contrary to the laws. The next drive-over try, the one that gave Biggar the bonus point, originated in a lineout where the visitors inserted a blocker between the jumper and the opposition – for blocking read obstructing.

Biggar, however, scored three other tries. All were good ones. The visitors would have won even under the ELVs. For the record their try-scorers were Simeon James (2), Grant Owens (2), Bob Aitken, and Scott Cameron. Douglas Notman kicked a penalty and (fortunately for GHA) only one conversion.

Jim Noonan scored GHA’s goal points with a penalty and a drop.

GHA – Greg Taylor; Rory Watson, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Chris Binnie; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Glen King, Joe Coffey, Ryan Jenkins, Dominic Kellock, Tim Peyton, Andy Boag, Jamie Pinder. Substitutes – Iain Nelson, David McKay, Murray Longton, Ben Wright.

Biggar – Chris McKeand; Bob Aitken, Simeon James, Douglas Notman, Scott Watson; Sam Muir (captain), David Reive; Kevin Anderson, Mike Rutherford, Scott Cameron, Fraley Hopa, Andrew Cairns, Grant Owens, Alan Warnock, Jason Kelly. Substitutes – Colin Arthur, James Green, High Green, Aaron Reid.

Referee – Rab McHenry (Dumfries).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/03/gha-looking-for-home-win-against-biggar http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/03/gha-looking-for-home-win-against-biggar Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:52:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/09/03/gha-looking-for-home-win-against-biggar
GHA’s team:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie [...]]]>
GHA’s team:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Chris Binnie

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Glen King

3 Joe Coffey

4 Ryan Jenkins

5 Dominic Kellock

6 Tim Peyton

7 Andy Boag

8 Jamie Pinder

Subs:

16 Iain Nelson

17 David McKay

18 Murray Longton

19 Ben Wright

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/30/ghas-missed-chances-at-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/30/ghas-missed-chances-at-kelso Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:46:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/30/ghas-missed-chances-at-kelso Kelso 13 GHA 8

A losing bonus point and memories of missed chances were all that GHA could bring home from Poynder Park yesterday. Kelso turned a 3-5 half-time deficit into a five point victory in the clubs’ opening match of Scottish Hydro Premier Two.

A strong wind, blowing downfield from the main-gate end, might [...]]]> Kelso 13 GHA 8

A losing bonus point and memories of missed chances were all that GHA could bring home from Poynder Park yesterday. Kelso turned a 3-5 half-time deficit into a five point victory in the clubs’ opening match of Scottish Hydro Premier Two.

A strong wind, blowing downfield from the main-gate end, might well have influenced the contest. Ironically, however, all three tries were scored by the team playing into the wind.

Even playing into the wind, GHA had the better of the territorial game for at least the first half-hour, and it was almost inevitable when Ross McClymont opened the scoring with a try in 25 minutes. Chris Binnie made the running up the left touchline to open the door, but McClymont still had much to do, beating three tackles on his way to the line. Jim Noonan’s conversion attempt from well out was blown wide.

GHA opened up other good opportunities to score. Twice in the first half Gregg Taylor had long runs out of his own half, and after the interval Rory Watson and Binnie each threatened wide out. But none came to fulfilment.

The most agonising of all was when McClymont was over the Kelso line 10 minutes into the second half but was held up. A GHA try then could have been crucial as the home team had gone into an 8-5 lead five minutes earlier with the forwards trundling over for the first of two tries by hooker Adam Morris.

Another irony was that Kelso scored those eight points when they were a man short, with Stuart Lowrie in the sin-bin. GHA lost their way then, seeming determined to run to their way out of a spell of Kelso pressure. In doing so, the visitors conceded a penalty goal to Kevin Utterson as the first half stretched for more than seven minutes beyond 40.

Denying GHA a second try seemed to lift Kelso, and they had by far the better of the last half-hour, though they scored only once more, again with a drive-over maul. A Noonan penalty goal in 74 minutes gave GHA a glimmer of hope of snatching a late win, as they had done in the corresponding Poynder Park match last season. But almost immediately Jamie Pinder was sin-binned, and the odds against them were too much.

Kelso – Kevin Utterson (captain); Gary Mulroy, Sean Common, Ewan Ford, Gregg Minto; Craig Renton, Andy Tait; Stuart Lowrie, Adam Morris, Alan Frame, Iain Wallace, Stuart Laing, Stephen Carnegie, Gareth Liddell, Iain Moody. Replacements – Chris Liddell, Chris Keen, Michael Murphy, Tony Wichary.

GHA – Gregg Taylor; Rory Watson, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Chris Binnie; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Joe Coffey, Tim Peyton, Andrew Kelly, Geoff Warnock, Ryan Jenkins, Paul Harkin, Jamie Pinder, Dominic Kellock. Replacements – David McKay, Sam Bingham, Andy Boag, Dominic Dunn.

Referee – David Crudge (Borders Referee Society).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/28/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/28/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:06:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/28/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s [...]]]> Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s pre-championship warm-up programme, as did Tim, a flanker-cum-hooker who was formerly with Glasgow Caledonian University.

In addition, Rory Watson, GHA’s former captain, and David McKay return after a season out of action.

GHA’s team for tomorrow’s trip to Kelso:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Ben Wright

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 David McKay

2 Tim Peyton

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Geoff Warnock

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Paul Harkin

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes to be named later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/28/here-we-go http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/28/here-we-go Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:39:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/28/here-we-go
The [...]]]>
The following Saturday, GHA will welcome another Borders side, Biggar, to Braidholm for the home league opener.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/23/warm-up-win-at-irvine http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/23/warm-up-win-at-irvine Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:53:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/23/warm-up-win-at-irvine
Despite [...]]]>
Despite struggling to secure a set-piece platform GHA came from behind three times before the interval – from 5-0 after only two minutes, from 7-12 midway in the first half, and 14-18 as the game ran over the first 40 minutes. Jamie Pinder scored the first of the GHA tries from a pick-up from an unsteady close-range scrum, Andrew Gillman sprinted through for the second, and Rangi Jericevich snatched a 19-18 lead just before half-time.

Pinder, however, contributed much more than his try. His efforts did a lot to keep the mainly young pack going so that the team could make their superior fitness tell in the second half.

Martin Dunn ghosted through for GHA’s fourth try nine minutes into the second half. He also kicked that conversion and four others, and when Ben Wright sprinted over on the hour GHA had a comfortable scoreline at 33-18. Dominic Dunn then finished off an attack from deep inside the GHA 22, and Ross McClymont notched the seventh try after he had picked up a loose ball outside the home 22.

It was a creditable performance, especially when only half a dozen of last season’s first-team squad made the short tip to the Ayrshire coast. Several of the other regulars were resting after knocks in the heavy 10-62 defeat at Currie a week ago.

GHA’s league programme starts a week today with a visit to Kelso. The first home game at Braidholm the following Saturday against Biggar.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/19/international-tickets http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/19/international-tickets Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:05:00 +0000 Rod Jenkins http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/19/international-tickets
Please Click Here for full details. Information on purchasing International Tickets will remain within the Supporters section of this website.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/12/taylor-double-v-hilljills http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/12/taylor-double-v-hilljills Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:32:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/12/taylor-double-v-hilljills
Further tries followed from Andrew Gillman, Ben Wright, Gregor Jones, and Jamie Pinder. Jim Noonan converted two, and Jones, a speedy newcomer from Cambuslang, added the goal [...]]]>
Further tries followed from Andrew Gillman, Ben Wright, Gregor Jones, and Jamie Pinder. Jim Noonan converted two, and Jones, a speedy newcomer from Cambuslang, added the goal points to his own try.

GHA led by 36-10 little more than midway through the third of the 20-minute quarters. But the visitors finished the stronger, and GHA edged the try-count by only 6-5.

GHA’s pre-league warm-up programme continues with a visit to Currie on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/11/grogs-jim-stevenson-to-speak-on-9th-september http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/11/grogs-jim-stevenson-to-speak-on-9th-september Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:58:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/11/grogs-jim-stevenson-to-speak-on-9th-september
For full GROGS schedule please visit the GROGS page within the Supporters Section of the GHA website. [...]]]>
For full GROGS schedule please visit the GROGS page within the Supporters Section of the GHA website.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/09/2nd-xv-gha-defeat-lenzie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/09/2nd-xv-gha-defeat-lenzie Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:03:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/09/2nd-xv-gha-defeat-lenzie GHA 8 - 0 Lenzie

A GHA second string made up predominantly of last seasons successful under 18 squad ground out a confidence boosting preseason win against Lenzie. An early try for Hooker Glen King from a line out catch and drive followed by a late penalty for full back Euan Greer was enough to seal it for the home side. [...]]]> GHA 8 - 0 Lenzie

A GHA second string made up predominantly of last seasons successful under 18 squad ground out a confidence boosting preseason win against Lenzie. An early try for Hooker Glen King from a line out catch and drive followed by a late penalty for full back Euan Greer was enough to seal it for the home side.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/09/rorys-try-scoring-return http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/09/rorys-try-scoring-return Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:00:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/08/09/rorys-try-scoring-return
Other tries followed from Niall Cassie and Ben Wright, brother of GHA’s [...]]]>
Other tries followed from Niall Cassie and Ben Wright, brother of GHA’s former scrum half, Jono. It made a scoring debut for the younger Wright. Jim Noonan kicked all three conversions.

On the downside, however, those were GHA’s only scores of the evening. The game against Accies was the Braidholm club’s third match, a play-off for fifth place after they had lost 0-7 to Ayr, the Premier One champions, and by a penalty goal to nil against GHK.

Hawks won the tournament, beating Ayr by 5-0 in the final.

GHA’s preparation for the new league season continues on Tuesday evening with a home match against Hillhead/Jordanhill. That match will kick off at 6.30.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/30/gha-take-on-champions http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/30/gha-take-on-champions Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:08:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/30/gha-take-on-champions

GHA and Ayr are joined in pool 2 by GHK. Pool 1 is made up with Hawks, Glasgow Academicals, and West of Scotland.


The [...]]]>

GHA and Ayr are joined in pool 2 by GHK. Pool 1 is made up with Hawks, Glasgow Academicals, and West of Scotland.


The tournament opens at 6.30 with Hawks v Accies and Ayr v GHK. The GHA v Ayr match will be at 7pm. A game against GHK follows for GHA half an hour later. Play-off matches will be at 8.00, with the final between the two pool winners at 8.30.


GHA’s pre-season programme continues with a Braidholm match against Hillhead/Jordanhill on Tuesday 11 August. Then follow away games on the two subsequent Saturdays – Currie on the 15th, and Irvine on the 22nd. Kick-off times have yet to be defined for all three matches.


GHA’s Premier Two fixture list starts with an away match against Kelso on 29 August. The first home league match will be against Biggar a week later (5 September). Both games will kick off at 3pm, as will all league matches up to the end of October.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/13/gha-visit-to-old-anniesland http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/13/gha-visit-to-old-anniesland Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:52:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/13/gha-visit-to-old-anniesland
Then follows a Braidholm match against Hillhead/Jordanhill on Tuesday 11 August. GHA will have away games on the two subsequent Saturdays – Currie on the 15th, and Irvine on the 22nd. Kick-off [...]]]>
Then follows a Braidholm match against Hillhead/Jordanhill on Tuesday 11 August. GHA will have away games on the two subsequent Saturdays – Currie on the 15th, and Irvine on the 22nd. Kick-off times have yet to be defined for all three matches.

GHA's Premier Two fixture list starts with an away match against Kelso on 29 August. The first home league match will be against Biggar a week later (5 September). Both games will kick off at 3pm, as will all league matches up to the end of October.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/13/gha-u18-awards-night-the-end-or-the-beginning-more-photos-from-the-night http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/13/gha-u18-awards-night-the-end-or-the-beginning-more-photos-from-the-night Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:01:00 +0000 Peter Mathieson http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/13/gha-u18-awards-night-the-end-or-the-beginning-more-photos-from-the-night
For the first time in a fair number of years the senior section of the club will have significant rise in its playing number as the U18s graduate, with honours, from junior rugby. The squad came together 11 years ago and still contains 5 of its original members Gordon Adams, Daniel Clafferty, David Stoddart, Scott Mathieson & Jamie Auld along with the one of the original coaches Disco Boab Auld.

Throughout its term this squad has had numerous successes, both district & national, including

U15 - Glasgow Cup winners,

U16 & U18 - Semi finalists Scottish Cup

U18 - Glasgow League winners

The recent awards night was hosted by Alex Millar, a long term supporter of the Junior section and recently retired Club President. In the first of the post dinner speeches the squad was formally handed on to the senior section by team manager Peter Mathieson and they were accepted by first team coach Paul Tyler who recognised their potential and benefit they will bring throughout the senior teams.

Team captain, Euan Greer, then reviewed the recent season including consoling David Stoddart who had been feeling baa’d recently. Chief coach Iain Biggin responded in his own inimitable manner by highlighting not only the step up required but the benefits gained from being part of the senior section.

In addition the following players were recognised

Most Improved Player- Matt Kidd (Horse)

Squad Player & “Poser of the year award”- Boris Boum(Poser)

Player’s Player- David Stoddart (Baa Baa)

Coaches Player- Gordon Adams(Birthday Boy)

Outstanding Achievement- Euan Greer(Captain Courageous)


The evening and the life of this squad was rounded off in suitable fashion with the presentation of the U18 Glasgow League Trophy to the squad by Alex Millar who also welcomed the squad to the senior section.


Click on Trophy Image for Image Gallery of the night.



]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/04/ghas-league-matches-in-new-season http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/04/ghas-league-matches-in-new-season Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:20:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/07/04/ghas-league-matches-in-new-season
However, GHA’s league season will start the previous month with a visit to Kelso on 29 August.

GHA’s full [...]]]>
However, GHA’s league season will start the previous month with a visit to Kelso on 29 August.

GHA’s full championship fixture list:

August

29 Kelso (a)

September

5 Biggar (h)

12 Jed-Forest (a)

19 Peebles (h)

26 Haddington (a)

October

3 Stirling County (h)

10 Hawick (a)

17 Kirkcaldy (h)

24 Aberdeen Grammar (a)

31 Gala (h)

November

7 Dunfermline (a)

14 Jed-Forest (h)

28 Biggar (a)

December

5 Kelso (h)

12 Peebles (a)

19 Haddington (h)

January

9 Stirling County (a)

16 Hawick (h)

23 Kirkcaldy (a)

30 Aberdeen Grammar (h)

February

20 Gala (a)

March

6 Dunfermline (h)

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/06/16/gha-family-day-a-huge-success http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/06/16/gha-family-day-a-huge-success Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:37:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/06/16/gha-family-day-a-huge-success
Meanwhile please visit the Photo Gallery. [...]]]>
Meanwhile please visit the Photo Gallery.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/06/15/forrester-to-make-scotland-a-debut http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/06/15/forrester-to-make-scotland-a-debut Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:07:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/06/15/forrester-to-make-scotland-a-debut
Calum will be starting alongside another product of GHA, James Eddie, who has been selected in the second row.

The [...]]]>
Calum will be starting alongside another product of GHA, James Eddie, who has been selected in the second row.

The match can be seen live on Setanta One. The kick-off is at 2pm British time.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/26/forrester-joins-up-with-a-team http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/26/forrester-joins-up-with-a-team Tue, 26 May 2009 17:32:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/26/forrester-joins-up-with-a-team Story and image courtesy of Glasgowwarriors.org:

Scotland ‘A’ head coach Andy Robinson has added Glasgow Warriors back row forward Calum Forrester to his squad for the 2009 IRB Nations Cup in Bucharest, Romania (Friday 12-Sunday 21 June) after the [...]]]>
Story and image courtesy of Glasgowwarriors.org:

Scotland ‘A’ head coach Andy Robinson has added Glasgow Warriors back row forward Calum Forrester to his squad for the 2009 IRB Nations Cup in Bucharest, Romania (Friday 12-Sunday 21 June) after the withdrawal of Scott Newlands.
Edinburgh flanker Newlands has been ruled out with a bicep injury and as a result, Forrester replaces him for the matches against Russia (Friday 12 June, kick off 6pm local time), Uruguay (Tuesday 16 June, kick off 4pm local time) and France ‘A’ (Sunday 21 June, kick off 8pm local time).

A product of GHA and the National Academy, the 22-year-old has previously represented Scotland 7s and made a handful of starts for the Warriors last season; earning him his place on the trip to eastern Europe.

Robinson welcomed the new recruit and believes he will make a contribution during the three matches.

Robinson said: “Scotty Newlands will be very disappointed to be out, but it is important we manage his injury properly. He made a great deal of progress last season with Edinburgh and it is important he returns next year injury-free.

“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen of Calum so far and Sean Lineen has also recommended him. He is a useful young back row player with plenty of potential and this trip will be a useful experience for him as part of his development.”

Scotland ‘A’ squad for the IRB Nations Cup 2009: Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints), David Blair (Edinburgh), Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Ben Cairns (Edinburgh), Stuart Corsar (Doncaster Knights), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (captain, Perpignan), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Rob Dewey (Ulster), James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors), Calum Forrester (Glasgow Warriors), Roddy Grant (Edinburgh), Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors), Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Al Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh), Jim Thompson (Edinburgh), Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh), Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors) and Simon Webster (Edinburgh).

Scotland ‘A’ management team for IRB Nations Cup
Head Coach: Andy Robinson
Assistant Coaches: Graham Steadman and Gregor Townsend
Support team: Gavin Scott (Video Analyst), Neill Potts (Fitness Coach) Lynsey Dingwall (Team Manager), Dr Alistair Nicol (Team Doctor), Lisa Casey and Louise Wright (Physiotherapists), John Pennycuick (Kit Manager), Andrew Sleight (Media Manager)

IRB Nations Cup 2009 (all games to be played in Bucharest)
Friday, 12 June, Scotland ‘A’ v Russia
Tuesday, 16 June, Scotland ‘A’ v Uruguay
Sunday, 21 June, France ‘A’ v Scotland ‘A’

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/20/players-kit-meeting http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/20/players-kit-meeting Wed, 20 May 2009 20:44:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/20/players-kit-meeting IMPORTANT PLAYERS KIT MEETING - THURSDAY 28th MAY 7:30 – 8:30

We are in the process of doing an exciting kit deal with a major kit supplier (for a top brand) and we need to get things moving as quickly as possible so we can get everything in place for the start of the season.

As discussed at the players meeting we [...]]]> IMPORTANT PLAYERS KIT MEETING - THURSDAY 28th MAY 7:30 – 8:30

We are in the process of doing an exciting kit deal with a major kit supplier (for a top brand) and we need to get things moving as quickly as possible so we can get everything in place for the start of the season.

As discussed at the players meeting we are going to offer a kit package to all players in the club. For £50 you’ll get the following:

Polo Shirt
Tracksuit pants
Waterproof top
Club shorts
Club Socks
Kit Bag

The total value of the kit is in excess of £130; there will also be an option to get your initials on the waterproof top and kit bag. This offer is only available to players in the senior and U18 squads and will cost considerably more if ordered later in the season.

We are also looking to get an online shop set up where you will be able to order club branded kit at very reasonable prices throughout the season.

We are going to have a player’s session on Thursday 28th May from 7:30 – 8:30 at Braidholm for you to come and order your kit (and hopefully try on sizes).

We need ALL players to attend and bring a cheque (payable to GHA RFC) or cash (£50) on the night.

If you absolutely cannot make this date you must let Paul Tyler, Niall Cassie or Scott Weir know ASAP so we can make alternative arrangements to order your kit.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/19/gha-family-dayupdated http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/19/gha-family-dayupdated Tue, 19 May 2009 22:51:00 +0000 Euan Baillie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/19/gha-family-dayupdated GHA FAMILY DAY/AWARDS NIGHT
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2009
1.30-6.30PM

***WESTERN PROVINCE V BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS...3PM KICK OFF***


1. BOUNCY CASTLE...ARRANGED (EUAN)

2. MUSIC...NEEDS SOMEONE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THIS

3. MARQUEE...20 X 30 FEET...ARRANGED WITH THE SCOUTS [...]]]> GHA FAMILY DAY/AWARDS NIGHT
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2009
1.30-6.30PM

***WESTERN PROVINCE V BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS...3PM KICK OFF***


1. BOUNCY CASTLE...ARRANGED (EUAN)

2. MUSIC...NEEDS SOMEONE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THIS

3. MARQUEE...20 X 30 FEET...ARRANGED WITH THE SCOUTS (EUAN/HELEN)

4. "SOAK THE COACH"...ARRANGED (P6 PARENTS)

5. "BEAT THE GOALIE"...ARRANGED (EUAN AND P5 PARENTS)

6. TOMBOLA...ARRANGED (JENNY MCMASTER AND P4 PARENTS)

7. TUCK SHOP...TO BE ARRANGED...(HELEN AND P3 PARENTS)

8. COFFEE...ARRANGED (EUAN)

9. BBQ...STILL TO BE ARRANGED...CLUB CHEF? (EUAN FOR BBQ.)
FOOD...HELEN/CHEF/EUAN

10. CLUB SHOP...ARRANGED (NEIL/ZANDER)

11. SOUND...TO BE ARRANGED...(LARRY MARSHALL)

12. FIRE BRIGADE...TO BE ARRANGED (EUAN)

13. GLASGOW WARRIORS...TO BE ARRANGED...(BRIAN MCBRIDE)

14. LOCAL SPONSORS...TO BE ARRANGED...SAINSBURY'S/GREENS ETC...(KEVIN SCOTT)

15. COCONUT SHY...ARRANGED (GRAHAM CAMPBELL AND P2 PARENTS)

16. DARTS...ARRANGED...(S1 PARENTS)

17. FACE PAINTING...TO BE ARRANGED (PADDY AND P1 PARENTS)

18. FIRST AIDERS...TO BE ARRANGED...(HELEN/EUAN/BRIAN)

19. ASSAULT COURSE...ARRANGED...(DAVE/RORY AND P7 PARENTS)

20. GOLF...TO BE ARRANGED...(MARK PLUMRIDGE AND S2 PARENTS)

21. ICE CREAM...TO BE ARRANGED...(PETER MATHESON)

22. MOBILE/OUTSIDE BAR...IN HAND (CHRIS AND GRAHAM BAIRD)


***AWARDS***

TROPHIES TO BE ARRANGED BY BRIAN MCBRIDE PAID FOR BY THE COACHES OF EACH AGE GROUP

4.45PM...P1-P6

5.30PM...P7-S2(AND/OR ABOVE....U15/U16/U18 COACHES...PLEASE ADVISE)

AWARDS FOR:-

1. COACHES PLAYER OF THE YEAR

2. PLAYERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

3. MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR

4. SQUAD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

***COACHES GET YOUR THINKING CAPS ON***


CLEARLY THERE WILL BE OTHER TASKS TO BE ORGANISED AND WE CAN USE ANYONE WHO WISHES TO HELP BUT IN THE MEANTIME CAN WE ALL TRY AND GET OUR BIT DONE ASAP.


CHEERS

EUAN
07990581762

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/08/jons-first-start-for-warriors http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/08/jons-first-start-for-warriors Fri, 08 May 2009 22:55:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/05/08/jons-first-start-for-warriors

Jon Welsh, the former GHA prop, will make his professional debut for Glasgow Warriors in Swansea on Sunday. He is at loose head in the team for the Magners League game against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.


Jon, who joined Warriors last summer, said: "I'm immensely proud to get [...]]]>

Jon Welsh, the former GHA prop, will make his professional debut for Glasgow Warriors in Swansea on Sunday. He is at loose head in the team for the Magners League game against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.


Jon, who joined Warriors last summer, said: "I'm immensely proud to get my first start for Glasgow. I'm a Glasgow boy, so it's a dream come true to be starting this weekend's game for my professional team."

Sunday's game can be seen live on S4C. The kick-off is at 2.35pm.

Another former GHA player, Peter Jericevich, is in Scotland's under-20 squad for the IRB World Junior Championship in Japan next month.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/25/gha-win-hillhead-7s http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/25/gha-win-hillhead-7s Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:16:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/25/gha-win-hillhead-7s
Hard fought group wins over West of Scotland, Glasgow Hawks and Garnock set-up the derby match with Cartha who had won their group ahead of GHK, Greenock and the home side, Hillhead Jordanhill. The [...]]]>
Hard fought group wins over West of Scotland, Glasgow Hawks and Garnock set-up the derby match with Cartha who had won their group ahead of GHK, Greenock and the home side, Hillhead Jordanhill. The final had added spice with GHA's Andy Williamson up against younger brother Graham.

GHA took the game to Cartha from the first whistle playing a high tempo, high pressure game which forced several turn overs and mistakes from which GHA were able to profit. GHA were also more composed in possession and were clinical with the opportunities they created.

Final Score: 46 - 7

GHA Squad - Andy Williamson, Niall Cassie(c), Dameon Chaney, Andrew Gillman, Ross McClymont, Gregg Taylor, Ruaridh O'Keefe, Rangi Jericevich, Scott Weir, James Noonan.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/24/braidholms-lion http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/24/braidholms-lion Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:07:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/24/braidholms-lion

Euan was a pupil at Williamwood High School when he was playing through the age grades for [...]]]>

Euan was a pupil at Williamwood High School when he was playing through the age grades for Clarkston and latterly Glasgow Southern. In that time he played for Glasgow Schools as well as Scotland's under-18, under-19, and under-21 teams. For the under-21 team he appeared in all but of the 14 internationals in the two seasons from 1999 to 2001.


From Southern he went on to Glasgow Hawks, Glasgow Warriors, and now Northampton Saints as well as Scotland. Before signing full time for Warriors he made sure he had a career after rugby... studying assiduously to become a fully qualified veterinary surgeon.


His Scotland debut was as a replacement against Romania in 2005. His first start was against the same opponents a year later at Murrayfield, starting a run in which he established himself solidly and unchallenged as Scotland's tight-head. He has now played 28 times for Scotland, missing only three of his country's past 30 internationals.


Throughout Euan's career since he left Southern he has remained a Braidholm boy in our minds. One of his Scotland jerseys hangs proudly in our clubhouse, as does a photograph of his first Scotland try (against France in Paris in 2007).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/gha-season-ends-with-defeat http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/gha-season-ends-with-defeat Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:21:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/gha-season-ends-with-defeat GHA 15 Stewart's Melville FP 36


GHA's season ended with the disappointment of defeat in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier Division 2 match against Stewart's Melville at Braidholm on Saturday. Afterwards they could only watch as the visitors celebrated promotion to Premier One.


But it need not have ended that [...]]]> GHA 15 Stewart's Melville FP 36


GHA's season ended with the disappointment of defeat in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier Division 2 match against Stewart's Melville at Braidholm on Saturday. Afterwards they could only watch as the visitors celebrated promotion to Premier One.


But it need not have ended that way if GHA had taken all the chances they created in the first half-hour. To take a lead of only 8-0 in that time with a Jim Noonan penalty goal and a Jamie Pinder try was far from enough. Stew-Mel responded with three successive tries by No.8 Stuart Clark in less than 10 minutes bridging half-time.


Noonan's goal after only two minutes was a promising start, and almost immediately Niall Cassie broke clear from his own half. But his inside pass was knocked on.


Each stand-off missed a long-range penalty. But GHA kept up the momentum, though without reward. Even when they got to within inches of the visitors' goal-line, after Dameon Channey's break off a scrum on the Stew-Mel 22-metre line, they could not follow through. The supporting Pinder was penalised for holding on in the tackle in front of the visitors' posts.


Play had gone past the midway point of the first half before GHA capitalised on their territorial advantage. Andy Williamson made the try with a storming run up the left touchline, and Joe Coffey provided the link for Pinder to score. Noonan missed the conversion from wide out, and he also failed with another long penalty attempt.


Ironically, the first time Stew-Mel crossed into the home 22 they scored a try, though they were made to work for it, pounding the goal-line before Clark dived in. Ker failed with the conversion, but he added to the points to all four of the Stew-Mel tries in the second half as the visitors found an appetite for promotion.


Two errors let Clark in for his two other tries in the eight minutes after the interval. First, Noonan's attempted chip-kick was blocked for the No.8 to gallop in, and then the referee failed to spot Stew-Mel offside well inside the visitors' half. It was so blatant it was impossible for it not to have been obvious.


A penalty goal then would have brought the GHA deficit back to a single point. Instead, Stew-Mel grabbed the chance to sweep down field for Clark to score again, and in 55 minutes the visitors were out of sight when Lewis Calder scored from a loose GHA lineout.


A Ker penalty goal (after he had missed another one) stretched the margin to 21 points before GHA scored again in 69 minutes after Andy Boag had pilfered possession from a Stew-Mel lineout close to the visitors' goal-line. Pinder drove to the line for Williamson to score.


Noonan converted, but his loose pass then let his opposite number in for the fifth Stew-Mel try.


GHA - Andrew Rushforth; Rangi Jericevich, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Patrick Hilley; Jim Noonan, Jamie Smyth; Adam McCormick, Joe Coffey, Andrew Kelly, Geoff Warnock, Andy Williamson, Paul Harkin, Andy Boag, Jamie Pinder. Replacements - Dominic Kellock, Dameon Channey, Ruairi O'Keefe.


Stewart's Melville FP - Hayden Lingard; Adam Broach, Richard Borthwick (captain), Craig Marshall, Alex Cox; Stuart Ker, Rob Patterson; Alex Edmondstone, Callum Mackintosh, Christian Pera, Ben Leathes, Scott Brewster, Stephen Dalgleish, Blair Tweedie, Stuart Clark. Replacements - Pete McLean, Ruairi McLeod, Lewis Calder, Cedric Unholz.


Referee - Robert McHenry (Dumfries).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/summer-training-at-gha http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/summer-training-at-gha Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:50:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/summer-training-at-gha
Summer Training Programmes are also available - please email Paul Tyler pauldtyler2000@yahoo.co.uk if you want information about summer training.

Paul will also be holding a series of Speed and Agility Workshops. Please [...]]]>
Summer Training Programmes are also available - please email Paul Tyler pauldtyler2000@yahoo.co.uk if you want information about summer training.

Paul will also be holding a series of Speed and Agility Workshops. Please see poster adjacent for details.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/leavers-training http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/leavers-training Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:39:00 +0000 Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/13/leavers-training Tuesday 21st April 7pm -“ 8:30 at Braidholm.

This is an opportunity for all players joining the senior section of GHA RFC to come along for a training session with the senior coaches and some of the 1st XV [...]]]> Tuesday 21st April 7pm -“ 8:30 at Braidholm.

This is an opportunity for all players joining the senior section of GHA RFC to come along for a training session with the senior coaches and some of the 1st XV players.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/08/2nd-xv-gha-let-chance-slip-at-hills http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/08/2nd-xv-gha-let-chance-slip-at-hills Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:29:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/08/2nd-xv-gha-let-chance-slip-at-hills Hillhead Jordanhill 25 - 8 GHA

An excellent end to the season has seen the 2nd XV successfully retain their position in the Scottish 2ndXV League Division 2 and Tuesday night's match under the lights at Hughenden against a promoted Hillhead side provided a stern test of progress. A physical first half display was capped with a [...]]]> Hillhead Jordanhill 25 - 8 GHA

An excellent end to the season has seen the 2nd XV successfully retain their position in the Scottish 2ndXV League Division 2 and Tuesday night's match under the lights at Hughenden against a promoted Hillhead side provided a stern test of progress. A physical first half display was capped with a fine opportunistic try for inside centre Scott Carson who took a quick tap on the Hillhead 5 metre line and rounded the disorganised defence to score in the corner. An earlier penalty from Scott and a soft try for the home side meant GHA went in 8 - 5 up at the half.

The second period saw sustained early pressure from Hillhead. A lapse in discipline led to left wing Paddy Hilley spending 10 mins in the bin for talking back to the referee in what was certainly a more than harsh decision. At this point the game opened up and Hillhead made the most their numerical advantage to score a try and penalty. Back to full strength, the game continued in a disjointed manner and GHA struggled to regain the structure to their game that they had shown in the first half. An injury time try for Hillhead capped off a disappointing night for the 2nds having shown so much promise early on.

The league season is concluded at home this Saturday against league champions Stewart's Melville FP.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/05/gha-denied-cup-tie-upset http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/05/gha-denied-cup-tie-upset Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:53:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/04/05/gha-denied-cup-tie-upset GHA 29 Boroughmuir 34


GHA were little more than five minutes from an upset against Boroughmuir at Braidholm. They were leading 29-22, and a place was beckoning in the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup quarter-finals. But two late tries by Boroughmuir shattered the GHA dreams.


The home team could well have been more [...]]]> GHA 29 Boroughmuir 34


GHA were little more than five minutes from an upset against Boroughmuir at Braidholm. They were leading 29-22, and a place was beckoning in the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup quarter-finals. But two late tries by Boroughmuir shattered the GHA dreams.


The home team could well have been more than those sevens points ahead going into the finale. Their forwards were battering the visitors goal-line, and the referee had signalled what appeared to be a penalty advantage. But when the point of attack was switched into the backs the referee incredibly called the advantage over after only two passes. A few minutes later he allowed much longer advantage from a GHA infringement.


Another penalty for GHA then could have taken them 10 points ahead. The way Jim Noonan was kicking he could not miss. Already he had slotted seven goals in as many attempts' five penalties and two conversions for a tally of 19 points.


Instead, Boroughmuir broke downfield, and Apenai Kororua raced away to score between the posts. Matt Cannon converted to level the scores, and extra time was looming when Malcolm Clapperton escaped to score the winning try in the right corner.


At half-time it did not seem that the contest would end as close. By then Boroughmuir had scored four tries and led 22-9. It would have been an even wider margin if the visitors had had a reliable goal-kicker. Cannon had only two successes from eight kicks.


Conversely, Noonan kept GHA in the contest with three first-half penalty goals. The first opened the scoring in seven minutes, which was reward for GHA's early pressure, with Dameon Channey, Jamie Pinder, and Andy Williamson eager to make statements of intent. Noonan'™s second goal restored the lead at 6-5, and the third held the margin to 9-10 after half an hour.


Yellow cards, too, punctuated the first half. Pinder was first to the sin-bin, though that was one of the occasions when Cannon failed to capitalise. Then Clapperton was shown a yellow, and later Channey and Olly Brown went off together.


Almost throughout the match the scrums were uncontested because after only 11 minutes Boroughmuir had lost their starting hooker and his replacement. That seemed not to affect Boroughmuir as it was from the first of those static scrums that Freddie Lait scored their first try. Angus Martyn had the second in 26 minutes, and Ed Mills and Ben Fisher scored in quick succession as the first half drew to a close. Cannon converted only the last of those.


GHA were unfazed as they started the second half. Noonan kicked another goal after a high tackle. Then Ian Smith not only blocked an opposition clearance, but he caught ball cleanly to allow Pinder to send Ross McClymont in for a try in 54 minutes. Noonan's conversion cut the margin to 19-22, and six minutes later Pinder's run up the left touchline let Andy Gillman in. Noonan, of course, converted, and he added his fifth penalty goal after 67 minutes.


Mark Hare was the fifth player to see the referee's yellow card, the victim of repeated team infringements, and GHA might well have profited from the consequent numerical advantage if the referee had allowed the advantage that they ought to have had from their forwards' percussion play in the right corner.


GHA -“ Gregg Taylor; Rangi Jericevich, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Patrick Hilley; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Joe Coffey, Andrew Kelly, Ian Smith, Andy Williamson, Paul Harkin, Jamie Pinder, Dameon Channey. Substitutes - Adam McCormick, Andy Boag, Ryan Jenkins, Brandon Wamberg.


Boroughmuir - Stephen Ruddick; Ed Mills, Malcolm Clapperton, Apenai Kororua, Kelechi Eseonu; Matt Cannon, Calum Cusiter; Connor Costigan, Bronson Ross, Freddie Lait, Greig Scott, Fergus Pringle, Olly Brown, Angus Martyn, Ben Fisher. Substitutes -“ Roddy MacKenzie, Neale Patrick, Joni Hare, Mark Hare.


Referee - Graham Knox (Greenock Wanderers).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/22/gha-hold-out-against-jed http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/22/gha-hold-out-against-jed Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:19:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/22/gha-hold-out-against-jed GHA 17 - 11 Jed Forest

GHA held out for a hard fought win against a stuffy Jed Forest side who fought right to the death. An early try to scrum half Andrew Gillman and two scores to openside Jamie Pinder meant GHA were always in control although never comfortable.

An excellent opening including some ferocious defense led [...]]]> GHA 17 - 11 Jed Forest

GHA held out for a hard fought win against a stuffy Jed Forest side who fought right to the death. An early try to scrum half Andrew Gillman and two scores to openside Jamie Pinder meant GHA were always in control although never comfortable.

An excellent opening including some ferocious defense led by captain and stand in goal kicker Niall Cassie might have preluded a more clinical performance by the home team however unforced errors led to a fractured overall display. Jed were on top at the set piece and put the GHA scrum under considerable pressure. GHA failed to control the ball and gave away needless penalties allowing Jed to maintain a foothold in the game. A late score from the visitors made for a nervous last 5 minutes but GHA maintained their composure on defense to hold on for the win.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/15/s1-tough-win-over-west-for-gha-youngsters http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/15/s1-tough-win-over-west-for-gha-youngsters Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:14:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/15/s1-tough-win-over-west-for-gha-youngsters GHA 16 - 12 West of Scotland

The midweek rain may have been bad in downtown Giffnock, but it was obviously nothing compared to the precipitation north of the Clyde. This fixture, originally scheduled for Milngavie, was flooded-out and hastily re-arranged for the balmier south side. This saw West of Scotland travelling to Braidholm [...]]]> GHA 16 - 12 West of Scotland

The midweek rain may have been bad in downtown Giffnock, but it was obviously nothing compared to the precipitation north of the Clyde. This fixture, originally scheduled for Milngavie, was flooded-out and hastily re-arranged for the balmier south side. This saw West of Scotland travelling to Braidholm for the second time this season. The previous match, back in November, had seen the homesters prevail but only by the margin of a mere two points. And special mention must go to visitor Michael Gilliland, now a Wests player, but for so long a sterling servant to the Giffnock cause.

A keen rivalry between both sets of boys has developed over the past few seasons, and matches between the two have tended to be meaty and intense. So there was trepidation when it emerged that some of the green-and-red regulars were posted missing, and the call had to go out to the P7's to make up the numbers. Any concerns about their ability to perform at the higher-age level would evaporate, and how!

The match started with the anticipated arm wrestle in the middle of the park, but GHA managed to grind ahead and good work by the forwards at the breakdown saw Wests penalised for illegal handling. With GHA in possession, quick hands saw the ball played from left to right to Michael Risi who was suddenly in the clear. He looked set to score until he was met by a thumping tackle. He did enough to get the ball out to junior guest debutant, Zach Mercer, and he bashed past three would-be tacklers to touch down in the corner for a superb score. Max McFarlane then stepped up and added an extra point with aplomb.

Wests re-started but GHA took the game back to them. Max McFarlane saw a gap down the left wing and made for it, releasing Cole Clark on the overlap just as he was tackled. Cole pinned his ears back and it looked like he might go all the way until last gasp Wests tackles nudged him over the bye-line. Wests took the line-out in their own 22 and, from a set play, there was quick feed. The recipient ran like a deer down the right touchline all the way to the line. More than one green-and-red jersey may have missed a tackle but it was a superlative score, more than deserving of the applause from the parental posse. The conversion tied the scores at 4-4 and, with the game a mere few minutes old, it appeared that a sporting treat was in store!

Wests were next to threaten but, just as a scoring pass looked set to be released, Zach Mercer put in a crunching tackle to avert the danger. Sean Smith then made a trademark break for the Braidholmers, but a knock-on at the breakdown halted momentum. GHA regained the ball soon after. Max McFarlane kicked ahead, Michael Risi won the chase and nudged it further ahead with his boot before a Milngavie mitt could touch it. Cole Clark plucked it from the turf and, looking up, saw Michael Risi cutting inside. He played the pass but the ball went forward and the visitors sighs of relief were so audible they might have heard them back at Canniesburn Toll. The respite was brief however and Max McFarlane charged down an attempted clearance. GHA were on to the loose ball but it was knocked forward at the breakdwon once again.

The GHA front row was proving to be more than a match for its hooped-jerseyed counterpart. Wests were competitive, but sometimes the tactics were more akin to Jesse James than Butch James, and the tighthead prop was warned for shoulder-charging Douglas Canning. Meanwhile, out in the loose, Lucas Schmulian was tackling superbly, putting in some big hits on the Bearsden bears.

Scott Plumridge was next to set up a break and he sent Sean Smith away after a scrum. Sean made his customary rampage and got within 10 metres of the line. It was recycled to Marc Waters who made an impromptu tribute to recently-deceased Ali Bongo by 'magically' juggling the ball behind his back before being brought to ground.. GHA retained possession and a push by the forwards on the Wests line saw the ball pop out and Scott Mathers touch it down for a well-worked three pointer. Metronomic Master MacFarlane proceeded to add the extra point.

Half-time: GHA 8, Wests 4

GHA started the second half in the ascendant with Sean Smith making a break but his pass to Ally MacGregor was knocked-on. Ally was in the thick of it again soon after, being tackled close to the line after being fed by Sean Smith once again. The move has been started by a Max McFarlane grubber kick that was prised from terra firma by Michael Risi.

A further GHA score looked imminent and superb work by Marc Waters through the middle created an overlap on the right. His pass found P7 Thomas and he unselfishly shipped it out to Zach Mercer who raced past the last defender for his second try of the afternoon. Max McFarlane added the conversion, that kick, his 19th point of the season, taking him to the top of the scorers chart.

Wests were determined to make a game of it, and if GHA thought they'd shrugged them off, it was time to think again. A Scott Plumridge tackle stopped a certain score, but GHA were penalised close to their own line soon after. Wests decided to go for the power play and a big forward's momentum couldn't be halted. Their own kicker was following in Max's footsteps and he flawlessly added an extra point to reduce the arrears to a margin of four.

GHA had the put-in at a scrum soon after. Scott Plumridge took the ball from its base and then charged up the blindside on the right hand touchline. His pass found Zach Mercer and he would have had his hat-trick but for a foot in touch. A tap-penalty close to the Wests line was then played to Sean Smith, but he was held up on the line as he attempted to force his way over. A move from a further GHA scrum yielded another try however. Scott Plumridge passed to Max McFarlane and his kick through was picked up by Zach Mercer who out-paced the covering defence to claim that hat-trick. No mean achievement in a season where tries have been less common, his contribution takes him to joint-second in the try scorers chart! Max followed-up to end the day with a 100% record with the boot.

Wests scored again soon after, but the match ended with GHA in attack, Lucas Schmulian passing to Michael Risi whose foot in touch was the last act.

Full-time: GHA 16, Wests 12 - try-scorers: Zach Mercer 3; Scott Mathers

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/15/u16-gha-edge-out-west-in-city-derby http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/15/u16-gha-edge-out-west-in-city-derby Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:11:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/15/u16-gha-edge-out-west-in-city-derby GHA - 16 , West of Scotland - 13
West Division 1

On probably the narrowest pitch ever seen by the author of this report, GHA continued their impressive run of victories with a hard fought triumph over West of Scotland at Boclair Academy”™s ground.

The tight pitch made it exceptionally difficult for any [...]]]> GHA - 16 , West of Scotland - 13
West Division 1

On probably the narrowest pitch ever seen by the author of this report, GHA continued their impressive run of victories with a hard fought triumph over West of Scotland at Boclair Academy”™s ground.

The tight pitch made it exceptionally difficult for any running rugby as there was no room for either team”™s backs to run round the opposition as there always seemed to be more players to beat in order to reach the try line. Nevertheless, this was an entertaining match with both sides keen to gain the upper hand in the early exchanges. West had the advantage of the wind in the first half but were guilty of going over the top at rucks and killing the ball on the ground giving GHA a number of opportunities to score early points. The first time we were awarded a penalty captain, David Scott, chose to kick for touch at the corner rather than take the 3 points for the penalty and though the coaches applauded his choice the resulting lineout was lost and the chance was gone. Having learned his lesson, David chose to kick for goal when given a second chance and promptly put GHA 3 points up. 10 minutes later a further penalty resulted in another 3 points for GHA. West started to use the elements to their advantage and pinned us back in our own 22 with smart kicks over the backs to gain good field position. It was no surprise when they got a penalty in front of the posts and narrowed the gap to just 3 points.

5 minutes before half time a clever kick up the line from Ben Thomson, followed by a lucky bounce gave Gareth Hall the try our play deserved and with David putting the conversion between the posts we stormed 13-3 ahead and were looking good to stretch it even further, when slack play at the back gave away not only another penalty in front of the posts but a try as well. The West kicker duly converted on the stroke of half time to put the scores level at 13-13.

With the wind advantage in our favour in the second half, the backs were encouraged to kick for position and we did that to great effect but the combination of poor finishing and stout defending from West kept the scores level . There was a great cheer from the supporters and players when Calum Hunter appeared to score a try after a quick tap penalty close to the West line but the referee correctly spotted that Calum had knocked on as he attempted to ground the ball for the try and so the scores remained level.

For various reasons we only had 3 replacements on the bench, 2 of them being new to rugby this year, Alan Campbell and Ryan McMenemy and the other being Adam Barnett who was recovering from injury so the coaches did not have a lot to choose from to try and change things round and score the elusive points that would take us back to 2nd position in the league. However, GHA were not to be thwarted and a kick from the West Full Back put all those West players in front of him offside and the ref had no option but to award GHA a penalty in kicking distance. With barely minutes of the match remaining David did the needful and kicked us in front. We managed to survive a few scary moments before the final whistle sounded and all the boys who played should feel delighted with their performance in a tough physical game.

GHA Squad

Backs: Ben Thomson, Gareth Hall, Johnnie Haughney, Josh Rutnagur, James Hendry, David Scott and Fraser Hamilton

Forwards: Mark Stringer, Kelso Brown, Matt Conner, Calum Hunter, Ross Carty, Paul Renucci, Johnny Macintyre and Nick McCaw/ Replacements: Alan Campbell, Ryan McMenemy and Adam Barnett

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/11/ghas-last-gasp-win-at-haddington http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/11/ghas-last-gasp-win-at-haddington Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/11/ghas-last-gasp-win-at-haddington Haddington 13 GHA 17

A last-play try by Niall Cassie snatched victory for GHA on Saturday in a Neilson Park game which they seemed to have let slip just three minutes earlier as Haddington took a 13-12 lead. But GHA persevered, and Andrew Gillman broke down the right wing for his captain to finish off.

Victory edged GHA [...]]]> Haddington 13 GHA 17

A last-play try by Niall Cassie snatched victory for GHA on Saturday in a Neilson Park game which they seemed to have let slip just three minutes earlier as Haddington took a 13-12 lead. But GHA persevered, and Andrew Gillman broke down the right wing for his captain to finish off.

Victory edged GHA above Haddington into fifth place in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier Two table. For that the visitors owed much to their dogged, determined rearguard action against the stiff breeze into the first half.

Graham Dykes game Haddington an early lead with a try after only two minutes. But GHA stuck in so well that the home team still led by just 5-0 as the first half went into added time. It was only then that Jamie Peters added to the home lead with a 40-metre penalty goal.

GHA used the wind in the second half as well as Haddington had done before the interval, and immediately after Paul Harkin's entrance as impact substitute in 52 minutes he made his presence felt with a try. Gillman and Jamie Pinder did much to create that score.

Gregg Taylor, deputising at stand-off for the absent Jim Noonan, seemed to have scored when he followed up his own chipped kick over the goal-line. He was judged to have knocked on, but in 64 minutes GHA deservedly took the lead for the first time when Pinder picked up loose ball for Andy Williamson to charge over. Cassie converted for 12-8.

As regular time was approaching its end GHA's composure was upset. Rangi Jericevich was knocked out in a collision, Taylor had briefly to leave the field, Ross McClymont was sin-binned, and before the visitors could settle again Neil Watt went over in the right corner.

That was Haddington ahead again, albeit by only one point. But back came GHA with Gillman's vital break and the captain's finishing touch. No one in the visitors' camp worried that the conversion missed it was the last kick of the game.

Haddington's James Warren; Neil Watt, Donald Snodgrass (captain), Callum Mark, Graham Dykes; Jamie Peters, Nick Bell; Craig Adam, Craig Harrison, Gary Glass, Ross Martin, Bib Snodgrass, Paddy Brown, Mark Morrison, Derek O'Riordan. Substitutes - Craig Samuel, Graeme Waugh, Neil Rodger, Callum Cockburn.

GHA Andrew Rushforth; Rangi Jericevich, Niall Cassie (captain), Ross McClymont, Brandon Wamberg; Gregg Taylor, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Joe Coffey, Andrew Kelly, Ryan Jenkins, Andy Williamson, Dameon Channey, Andy Boag, Jamie Pinder. Substitutes - Mark Coffey, Paul Harkin, Craig Davidson.

Referee Colin Brett (Edinburgh Referees Society).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/07/u18-gha-0-0-garnock http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/07/u18-gha-0-0-garnock Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:09:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/07/u18-gha-0-0-garnock
On a typical Lochshore afternoon (ie wind and rain) the two teams took to the park with a win on their mind. GHA being the more confident having won 37 - 5 three weeks earlier in the same fixture at [...]]]>
On a typical Lochshore afternoon (ie wind and rain) the two teams took to the park with a win on their mind. GHA being the more confident having won 37 - 5 three weeks earlier in the same fixture at Braidholm, whilst Garnock wanted to atone for the heavy defeat last month.

This was certainly a game of two halves. All GHA in the first half, and all Garnock in the second. Neither particularly interesting......

GHA scorned the chance of a kickable penalty after 5 minutes, and instead went for a quick tap which was well defended. It was all downhill from there. Garnock's only visits into GHA half came about through the visitors mistakes, of which there were many.

Half time 0 - 0

After the turnaround GHA had to do all the defensive work. Most of the game was played between the 22's, and although Garnock had three penalty attempts in the second period, their normally reliable kicker was off target with two and fell short with the third.

It was a day of poor decision making from GHA, forcing unnecessary passes, holding the ball when they should have passed and passing when the should have held on to it.

With neither side really looking like scoring a draw seemed a fair result

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/02/andrew-davidson http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/02/andrew-davidson Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:32:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/02/andrew-davidson
Andrew was former secretary of Glasgow Southern before the club amalgamated with Hutchesons' Aloysians, but it was in the unsung role of house convener that he will be best remembered, [...]]]>
Andrew was former secretary of Glasgow Southern before the club amalgamated with Hutchesons' Aloysians, but it was in the unsung role of house convener that he will be best remembered, serving the club (Southern and then GHA) for more years than many can recall.

He played his first game of rugby at the age of 52 during a club tour to the Isle of Man.

Andrew was also an enthusiastic member of the Alba Whisky Society, which meets in the GHA clubhouse at Braidholm, and he enjoyed ventures to the farther airts of the world. Only a few months ago he toured South America.

His funeral will be on Wednesday 4 March at 11am in the Linn Crematorium.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/02/gha-u15-u16-reach-national-youth-bowl-finals http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/02/gha-u15-u16-reach-national-youth-bowl-finals Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:29:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/03/02/gha-u15-u16-reach-national-youth-bowl-finals
The future [...]]]>
The future of the club, on the pitch, following the results this season is looking extremely healthy and results this weekend reflect the effort of all the Junior Section coaches and supporters and serve as both evidence of what can be achieved as well as giving inspiration to the boys following along in the younger age grades.

National Under 15 Youth Bowl Results - Semi-Finals

Saturday, 21 February 2009 13:30 Perthshire 3 : 46 Howe of Fife
Sunday, 01 March 2009 12:00 GHA 21 : 17 Haddington

National Under 16 Youth Bowl Results - Semi-Finals

Sunday, 22 February 2009 12:00 Dunfermline 57 : 5 Livingston
Sunday, 01 March 2009 14:00 Hawick Albion 3: 24 GHA

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/02/23/gha-39-6-lasswade http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/02/23/gha-39-6-lasswade Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:36:00 +0000 Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/02/23/gha-39-6-lasswade
Lasswade, though four divisions lower in the national championship, were in the game for more than an hour. The visitors scored first after less than a minute with the [...]]]>
Lasswade, though four divisions lower in the national championship, were in the game for more than an hour. The visitors scored first after less than a minute with the first of Andy Reid's two penalty goals, GHA led only 7-6 at half-time, and it was only in the final quarter of an hour that the home stretched away from an 11-point lead by doubling their tally of tries.

Patrick Hilley scored his first try for GHA, as did Ruairi O'Keefe. Hilley went on to notch a second. Andy Williamson, Jim Noonan, and Jamie Pinder had the others, and Noonan also kicked three conversions and a penalty goal.

Williamson's was GHA's only first-half try, the lock sprinting away from more than 20 metres out off Noonan's popped pass after 12 minutes. Noonan converted.

It was the only reward for GHA's domination of the first quarter of the game. But they really ought to have made more that pressure. Not only did they squander chances, but also they came up against highly determined opposition. At times in the second quarter Lasswade took their turn to test the home defence, and in doing so they gave more than just a hint of how they had removed Jed-Forest from the Cup competition in the previous round.

Early in the second half GHA lost Geoff Warnock to the sin-bin, but still GHA failed to capitalise on pressure. Brandon Wamberg was only a fraction late in pouncing on a kick ahead before the ball crossed the dead-ball line, and Jamie Pinder was just inches away from scoring between the posts.

Eventually, Hilley's kick and chase up the right touchline allowed GHA to stretch their lead to 14-6 in 55 minutes. Pinder, exploiting the wing's good work, scored the try, and Noonan converted.

It was then Lasswade's turn to suffer the sin-bin, twice in six minutes, and GHA scored immediately after each yellow card. First Noonan kicked a penalty goal, and from a later penalty the stand-off's flat cross-kick to the right let Hilley in.

GHA lost Andy Boag to a yellow card with only a couple minutes left in normal time. That, however, unleashed a spate of tries in the five minutes left. Gregg Taylor's perfect pass out of tackle allowed Noonan to score and convert, O'Keefe was on the field only a couple of minutes when he and Taylor cased up the left, the bounce favouring the substitute wing, and Hilley finished the entertainment by intercepting from the restart and sprinting 65 metres for his second try.

GHA - Gregg Taylor; Patrick Hilley, Niall Cassie (captain), Andrew Rushforth, Brandon Wamberg; Jim Noonan, Andrew Gillman; Geoff Warnock, Joe Coffey, Andy Kelly, Ian Smith, Andy Williamson, Paul Harkin, Jamie Pinder, Dameon Channey. Substitutes - Adam McCormick, Ryan Jenkins, Andy Boag, Ruairi O'Keefe.

Lasswade - Neil Murray; Neil Durie, Bernie Hennessey, Murray Soutar, Jamie Carmichael; Andy Reid, James Elliott; Dale Robertson, Dylan Turnbull, Mark Bellingham (captain), Colin Pow, Sean Montgomery, Craig Quigley, Gavin Brown, Donald Hearn. Substitutes - Robbie Noble, Richard Borthwick, Paul Robinson, Alistar Elliott.

Referee - Robert McHenry (Dumfries).

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/02/17/gha-players-selected-for-glasgow-district http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/02/17/gha-players-selected-for-glasgow-district Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:34:00 +0000 http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/2009/02/17/gha-players-selected-for-glasgow-district
U16 - David Scott, Rory Hughes and Adam Barnett have all been selected for the Glasgow District squad and will take part in the forthcoming U16 Inter District Championship and matches v the Scottish Exiles, Lancashire & Yorkshire.

U17 [...]]]>
U16 - David Scott, Rory Hughes and Adam Barnett have all been selected for the Glasgow District squad and will take part in the forthcoming U16 Inter District Championship and matches v the Scottish Exiles, Lancashire & Yorkshire.

U17 - Finn Campbell-Young and Jamie Auld, who both play for the U18 squad have been selected for the Glasgow District U17 team.

U18 - David Coupar has been selected for the Glasgow U18 squad.

Well done to all!


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s [...]]]> Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s pre-championship warm-up programme, as did Tim, a flanker-cum-hooker who was formerly with Glasgow Caledonian University.

In addition, Rory Watson, GHA’s former captain, and David McKay return after a season out of action.

GHA’s team for tomorrow’s trip to Kelso:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Ben Wright

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 David McKay

2 Tim Peyton

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Geoff Warnock

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Paul Harkin

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes to be named later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s [...]]]> Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s pre-championship warm-up programme, as did Tim, a flanker-cum-hooker who was formerly with Glasgow Caledonian University.

In addition, Rory Watson, GHA’s former captain, and David McKay return after a season out of action.

GHA’s team for tomorrow’s trip to Kelso:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Ben Wright

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 David McKay

2 Tim Peyton

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Geoff Warnock

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Paul Harkin

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes to be named later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s [...]]]> Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s pre-championship warm-up programme, as did Tim, a flanker-cum-hooker who was formerly with Glasgow Caledonian University.

In addition, Rory Watson, GHA’s former captain, and David McKay return after a season out of action.

GHA’s team for tomorrow’s trip to Kelso:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Ben Wright

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 David McKay

2 Tim Peyton

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Geoff Warnock

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Paul Harkin

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes to be named later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s [...]]]> Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s pre-championship warm-up programme, as did Tim, a flanker-cum-hooker who was formerly with Glasgow Caledonian University.

In addition, Rory Watson, GHA’s former captain, and David McKay return after a season out of action.
GHA’s team for tomorrow’s trip to Kelso:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Ben Wright

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 David McKay

2 Tim Peyton

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Geoff Warnock

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Paul Harkin

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes to be named later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/two-newcomers-in-gha-team-to-visit-kelso Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s [...]]]> Ben follows in the footsteps of his brother, Jono, who joined GHA from Greenock Wanderers two seasons ago before moving on. The wing impressed in GHA’s pre-championship warm-up programme, as did Tim, a flanker-cum-hooker who was formerly with Glasgow Caledonian University.

In addition, Rory Watson, GHA’s former captain, and David McKay return after a season out of action.
GHA’s team for tomorrow’s trip to Kelso:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Rory Watson

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Ben Wright

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 David McKay

2 Tim Peyton

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Geoff Warnock

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Paul Harkin

7 Jamie Pinder

8 Dominic Kellock

Substitutes to be named later.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/international-tickets http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/international-tickets Rod Jenkins http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/international-tickets
Scottish Rugby are actively encouraging Rugby Clubs to sell & promote International tickets for Rugby matches at Murrayfield. There are opportunities for all club member to complete forms for all Scotland matches both at home, Autumn Internationals v Fiji, Australia & Argentina and 6 Nation matches v France and England. There is also a form for Away Internationals in Dublin, Cardiff and I believe Rome.

Please Click Here for full details. Information on purchasing tickets to Internationals will remain within the Supporters section of this website.

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/important-players-notice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/important-players-notice Paul Tyler http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/important-players-notice [...]]]>

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-draw-at-haddington http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-draw-at-haddington http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-draw-at-haddington
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights GHA tv [...]]]>
For archive GHA rugby highlights please visit GHA tv

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-draw-at-haddington http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-draw-at-haddington http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-draw-at-haddington
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-video-highlights GHAtv [...]]]> GHAtv

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi
GHA’s team for the Aberdeen match:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Patrick Hilley

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Chris Binnie

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Josh Low

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Mike Gurran

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Jamie Auld

7 Andy Boag

8 Dominic Kellock

Replacements:

Chris Landsburgh

David Stoddart

Martin Dunn

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-v-jed-forest-video-highlights GHAtv [...]]]>
For more GHA videos please visit GHAtv

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-gha%e2%80%99s-new-kiwi http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-gha%e2%80%99s-new-kiwi Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-gha%e2%80%99s-new-kiwi
GHA’s team for the Aberdeen match:

15 Gregg Taylor

14 Patrick Hilley

13 Niall Cassie (captain)

12 Ross McClymont

11 Chris Binnie

10 Jim Noonan

9 Andrew Gillman

1 Geoff Warnock

2 Josh Low

3 Andrew Kelly

4 Mike Gurran

5 Ryan Jenkins

6 Jamie Auld

7 Andy Boag

8 Dominic Kellock

Replacements:

Chris Landsburgh

David Stoddart

Martin Dunn

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi Bill McMurtrie http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/first-start-for-ghas-new-kiwi http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/test http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/test http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/test http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The Gazelles could be forgiven for succumbing to that sinking feeling, but it was not to be so. The forward machine kicked into gear, and put a stranglehold on proceedings for the remainder of the half.

From a 5 metre lineout, the pack surged forward, and though the maul was pulled down, the forwards picked up from the ruck, Burns crashing over for an unconverted try.

A pinpoint penalty kick from Tracey took GHA back to the same spot. This time Burns took clean ball at the front of the lineout, Harkness tidied and grounded as the pack drove over with Hamilton unable to resist.

Continued forward pressure then led to the Gazelles third score, with Carpenter being next to capitalise on the forward power. His score under the posts was converted by Tracey.

Carpenter again was on hand for the fourth try. A good handling move down the left wing was initially halted by the Hamilton defence. However they could not scramble sufficient cover to prevent the Gazelles pick up, and the flanker squeezed in at the corner.

With a lead of 22 -7, and half time just seconds away, it appeared that the Gazelles were on course for a similar victory to the previous week.

At this stage, things began to unravel. Just on half time, Harkness was sin-binned for an unnecessary reaction ( though only dignity suffered in the incident ).

Immediately after half time, first Tracey, then MacGregor, departed the field injured. With only one available sub, GHA were down to 13 men, and as Harkness returned, 14 for the remainder of the game.

At half time, Hamilton had clearly worked out what was going wrong, and changed their tactics completely. Cleverly utilizing both their youth and their playing pool to maximum advantage, they set about running the tiring Gazelles ragged.

Two converted tries were scored in quick succession, both the product of their backs scything through the GHA defence, which was looking quite shaky by this stage.

At four tries to three, the Gazelles looked to have stopped the rot as the alert Carpenter grabbed his third, and the Gazelles fifth try, racing in to score after scooping up an overthrown lineout.

But Hamilton hit back, adding another to bring the score to 27 – 26 for the Gazelles.

A veil should really be drawn over the final quarter. With 14 on the park ( 10 of whom were forwards ) age, fatigue and numerical advantage had the better of GHA, and another 4 tries were conceded in the last period of the game.

The final score of 54 – 27 did not reflect plenty of endeavour from the Gazelles, but Hamilton should be congratulated for being smart enough to change their game plan so successfully at half time.


GHA Gazelles
MacGregor

MacGillivray

Keenan

Lawson

Summers

Tracey ( Burns 45 minutes )

Burns ( Marshall 30 minutes )

McKee

Wallace

Clarke

Harkness

Gowan

Carpenter

McIlwham

Cairns

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The Gazelles could be forgiven for succumbing to that sinking feeling, but it was not to be so. The forward machine kicked into gear, and put a stranglehold on proceedings for the remainder of the half.

From a 5 metre lineout, the pack surged forward, and though the maul was pulled down, the forwards picked up from the ruck, Burns crashing over for an unconverted try.

A pinpoint penalty kick from Tracey took GHA back to the same spot. This time Burns took clean ball at the front of the lineout, Harkness tidied and grounded as the pack drove over with Hamilton unable to resist.

Continued forward pressure then led to the Gazelles third score, with Carpenter being next to capitalise on the forward power. His score under the posts was converted by Tracey.

Carpenter again was on hand for the fourth try. A good handling move down the left wing was initially halted by the Hamilton defence. However they could not scramble sufficient cover to prevent the Gazelles pick up, and the flanker squeezed in at the corner.

With a lead of 22 -7, and half time just seconds away, it appeared that the Gazelles were on course for a similar victory to the previous week.

At this stage, things began to unravel. Just on half time, Harkness was sin-binned for an unnecessary reaction ( though only dignity suffered in the incident ).

Immediately after half time, first Tracey, then MacGregor, departed the field injured. With only one available sub, GHA were down to 13 men, and as Harkness returned, 14 for the remainder of the game.

At half time, Hamilton had clearly worked out what was going wrong, and changed their tactics completely. Cleverly utilizing both their youth and their playing pool to maximum advantage, they set about running the tiring Gazelles ragged.

Two converted tries were scored in quick succession, both the product of their backs scything through the GHA defence, which was looking quite shaky by this stage.

At four tries to three, the Gazelles looked to have stopped the rot as the alert Carpenter grabbed his third, and the Gazelles fifth try, racing in to score after scooping up an overthrown lineout.

But Hamilton hit back, adding another to bring the score to 27 – 26 for the Gazelles.

A veil should really be drawn over the final quarter. With 14 on the park ( 10 of whom were forwards ) age, fatigue and numerical advantage had the better of GHA, and another 4 tries were conceded in the last period of the game.

The final score of 54 – 27 did not reflect plenty of endeavour from the Gazelles, but Hamilton should be congratulated for being smart enough to change their game plan so successfully at half time.


GHA Gazelles
MacGregor

MacGillivray

Keenan

Lawson

Summers

Tracey ( Burns 45 minutes )

Burns ( Marshall 30 minutes )

McKee

Wallace

Clarke

Harkness

Gowan

Carpenter

McIlwham

Cairns

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly
]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly John Harkness http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gazelles-indiscipline-proves-costly GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The [...]]]> GHA Gazelles 27 Hamilton 3XV 54


There are occasions where only a cliché will do. This fixture was one such, the proverbial game of two halves.

Within a few minutes of the kick off, Hamilton were seven points ahead, courtesy of a speculative kick downfield, and a rapid follow up by the speedy stand off. The Gazelles could be forgiven for succumbing to that sinking feeling, but it was not to be so. The forward machine kicked into gear, and put a stranglehold on proceedings for the remainder of the half.

From a 5 metre lineout, the pack surged forward, and though the maul was pulled down, the forwards picked up from the ruck, Burns crashing over for an unconverted try.

A pinpoint penalty kick from Tracey took GHA back to the same spot. This time Burns took clean ball at the front of the lineout, Harkness tidied and grounded as the pack drove over with Hamilton unable to resist.

Continued forward pressure then led to the Gazelles third score, with Carpenter being next to capitalise on the forward power. His score under the posts was converted by Tracey.

Carpenter again was on hand for the fourth try. A good handling move down the left wing was initially halted by the Hamilton defence. However they could not scramble sufficient cover to prevent the Gazelles pick up, and the flanker squeezed in at the corner.

With a lead of 22 -7, and half time just seconds away, it appeared that the Gazelles were on course for a similar victory to the previous week.

At this stage, things began to unravel. Just on half time, Harkness was sin-binned for an unnecessary reaction ( though only dignity suffered in the incident ).

Immediately after half time, first Tracey, then MacGregor, departed the field injured. With only one available sub, GHA were down to 13 men, and as Harkness returned, 14 for the remainder of the game.

At half time, Hamilton had clearly worked out what was going wrong, and changed their tactics completely. Cleverly utilizing both their youth and their playing pool to maximum advantage, they set about running the tiring Gazelles ragged.

Two converted tries were scored in quick succession, both the product of their backs scything through the GHA defence, which was looking quite shaky by this stage.

At four tries to three, the Gazelles looked to have stopped the rot as the alert Carpenter grabbed his third, and the Gazelles fifth try, racing in to score after scooping up an overthrown lineout.

But Hamilton hit back, adding another to bring the score to 27 – 26 for the Gazelles.

A veil should really be drawn over the final quarter. With 14 on the park ( 10 of whom were forwards ) age, fatigue and numerical advantage had the better of GHA, and another 4 tries were conceded in the last period of the game.

The final score of 54 – 27 did not reflect plenty of endeavour from the Gazelles, but Hamilton should be congratulated for being smart enough to change their game plan so successfully at half time.


GHA Gazelles
MacGregor

MacGillivray

Keenan

Lawson

Summers

Tracey ( Burns 45 minutes )

Burns ( Marshall 30 minutes )

McKee

Wallace

Clarke

Harkness

Gowan

Carpenter

McIlwham

Cairns

]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/a-tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/a-tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/a-tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high Sat 3rd October

Ayr 12 GHA 3

Our first league match of the season was a fairly evenly contested affair with the wind blowing fiercely from one end of the pitch to the other making it the clichéd “game of 2 halves”.

David Scott opened the scoring for GHA with a well struck penalty and we [...]]]> Sat 3rd October

Ayr 12 GHA 3

Our first league match of the season was a fairly evenly contested affair with the wind blowing fiercely from one end of the pitch to the other making it the clichéd “game of 2 halves”.

David Scott opened the scoring for GHA with a well struck penalty and we thought with the wind in our favour we could go on to put some points on the board before the elements turned to Ayr’s advantage. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case as Ayr spent most of the first 20 minutes camped deep in our half as their older and wiser forwards used their strength to maintain us. Indeed, it was only a matter of time before they bundled over for an unconverted try to make the score 5-3 to Ayr We still had once last chance to go in front before the half ended but David narrowly missed a penalty.

In the second half we began brightly and started to take the ball towards Ayr as we tried to use our backs and superior fitness but all Ayr had to do was get the ball back and kick to the corners which they did to great effect. After another line out close to our line, we were awarded a penalty but inexplicably we decided to run it, Ayr sensed our folly and promptly stole the ball and scored under the posts given their kicker an easy conversion. Although we competed more in the opposition half after this point, we could not make the necessary breakthrough and so Ayr ran out 12-3 victors.

As a first competitive outing for the U18’s this was not a bad start against one of the strongest teams in the league. With around 40 players to choose from to form 1 team and being able to virtually have the pick of the best Ayrshire can offer, Ayr will be a force this year. We are already looking forward to the return match later in the season when we should be more street wise at this level.

GHA

Forwards: McGinty, Ritchie, Mather, Shields, Barnett, McCaw, Carty and Renucci

Backs: Rutnagur, Scott, Carnan, Di Cosmo, Belch, Hamilton and Thomson

Replacements – D Barrett, Brown, Gilchrist, Stirling, McMenemy, Campbell and B Barrett


Sat 10th October

GHA 0 Dumfries 27

In excellent playing conditions, GHA played against their old nemesis Dumfries at Braidholm and were given a valuable lesson in playing as a team. Dumfries were not that much better than us but they combined between forwards and backs beautifully and looked like a squad who were at the top of their game whereas we were somewhat disjointed at times.


We were not helped by the most unfortunate of charge down kicks in the first minute leaving Calum Templeton the easy job of scoring to put the visitors 5-0 up. Whether this contributed to the confidence of Dumfries or the nerves of our boys, it’s hard to know but suffice to say Dumfries went on to score a further 3 tries, 2 of which were converted, and 1 penalty to make the final score 0-27.

Their coach remarked after the match that he had a full fit squad to pick from and that most of them had played together for years and that they played at their best whereas we were missing a number of key players through injury and yet again did not have a settled squad.

One of the features of the 2 league matches so far is that we have a very young squad with only 6 or 7 of last year’s U18’s and the rest coming from last year’s U16’s. This puts us at a disadvantage as both Ayr and Dumfries had the majority of their squad playing their second season at this age level. Nevertheless, as we get more competitive games under our belt, there will be definite improvement when we meet these teams again in the return matches.

GHA

Forwards: McGinty, Ritchie, Mather, Hunter, Barnett, McCaw, Haughney and Shields

Backs: Rutnagur, Scott, Stirling, Belch, Carnan, Hendry and Thomson

Replacements: Wright, Brown, Conner, Di Cosmo, Renucci and Campbell


Sat 24th October

GHA 34 West Of Scotland 14

Our first U18 victory of the season was greeted by enthusiastic applause by the watching parents and other spectators and hopefully this will be the start of a good run for this young team.

Within the first 10 minutes we had breached the West line with 2 great tries from the backs. First Mark Carnan went over in the far corner after a great line of passes through the backs leaving David Scott to score an excellent conversion from the far touchline some 25m from the posts and then Rory Hughes made one of his lung bursting explosive runs to score in the same corner. This 12-0 cushion clearly lifted the confidence of the squad and they started to enjoy their play.

A lapse of concentration midway through the first half allowed the pacy West centre to burst through and score against the run of play and their kicker made the extra 2 points. At this point GHA realised there was still a game to be won and raised the tempo again. A neat and well rehearsed No 8 pickup move between Ross Carty and Josh Rutnagur resulted in a fine score for Josh to which David Scott added the conversion making the half time score 19-7 for GHA.

The second half went in the same vein as the first with GHA forcing the opposition back through some clever kicking from David and fine forward play. The forwards clearly started to believe in their own ability and took the ball to the opposition at every opportunity giving good clean ball to Josh at scrum half. This in turn meant our backs had plenty of time to do their stuff and thus it was no surprise when both Mark and Rory doubled their try score count early in the 2nd half. Both conversions were agonisingly short into the wind and left us 29-7 up having safely secured the bonus point.

Not to be outdone, the forwards again turned the screw on their opposite numbers and after a series of rucks and mauls in the bottom corner Paul Renucci forced his way through for a well deserved try which unfortunately was unconverted. As the coaches used all the replacements to ensure everybody got some quality game time, West roared up the pitch and with the last passage of play scored under the posts leaving their kicker with an easy conversion. The referee then blew his whistle to make the final score 34-14 for GHA.

A great performance by all the squad today and a real boost to their confidence and the coaches hope this will carry on for the rest of the season. One aspect needing worked on is the securing of the ball after it has been won in a ruck or maul as too often today this was lost as the referee deemed the ball out at the back and the opposition stole it before we could react. Nevertheless, well done to all as we started to look and play as a team.

GHA

Forwards: Mather, Ritchie, McGinty, Hunter, Shields, McCaw, Carty and Wright

Backs: Hamilton, Scott, Carnan, Rutnagur, Di Cosmo, Belch and Hughes

Replacements: (from) D Barrett, Brown, Conner, Hendry, Dunn, B Barrett, Renucci, McCallum and Campbell


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high
Ayr 12 GHA 3

Our first league match of the season was a fairly evenly contested affair with the wind blowing fiercely from one end of the pitch to the other making it the clichéd “game of 2 halves”.

David Scott opened the scoring for GHA with a well struck penalty and we thought with the [...]]]>
Ayr 12 GHA 3

Our first league match of the season was a fairly evenly contested affair with the wind blowing fiercely from one end of the pitch to the other making it the clichéd “game of 2 halves”.

David Scott opened the scoring for GHA with a well struck penalty and we thought with the wind in our favour we could go on to put some points on the board before the elements turned to Ayr’s advantage. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case as Ayr spent most of the first 20 minutes camped deep in our half as their older and wiser forwards used their strength to maintain us. Indeed, it was only a matter of time before they bundled over for an unconverted try to make the score 5-3 to Ayr We still had once last chance to go in front before the half ended but David narrowly missed a penalty.

In the second half we began brightly and started to take the ball towards Ayr as we tried to use our backs and superior fitness but all Ayr had to do was get the ball back and kick to the corners which they did to great effect. After another line out close to our line, we were awarded a penalty but inexplicably we decided to run it, Ayr sensed our folly and promptly stole the ball and scored under the posts given their kicker an easy conversion. Although we competed more in the opposition half after this point, we could not make the necessary breakthrough and so Ayr ran out 12-3 victors.

As a first competitive outing for the U18’s this was not a bad start against one of the strongest teams in the league. With around 40 players to choose from to form 1 team and being able to virtually have the pick of the best Ayrshire can offer, Ayr will be a force this year. We are already looking forward to the return match later in the season when we should be more street wise at this level.

GHA

Forwards: McGinty, Ritchie, Mather, Shields, Barnett, McCaw, Carty and Renucci

Backs: Rutnagur, Scott, Carnan, Di Cosmo, Belch, Hamilton and Thomson

Replacements – D Barrett, Brown, Gilchrist, Stirling, McMenemy, Campbell and B Barrett

Sat 10th October

GHA 0 Dumfries 27

In excellent playing conditions, GHA played against their old nemesis Dumfries at Braidholm and were given a valuable lesson in playing as a team. Dumfries were not that much better than us but they combined between forwards and backs beautifully and looked like a squad who were at the top of their game whereas we were somewhat disjointed at times.


We were not helped by the most unfortunate of charge down kicks in the first minute leaving Calum Templeton the easy job of scoring to put the visitors 5-0 up. Whether this contributed to the confidence of Dumfries or the nerves of our boys, it’s hard to know but suffice to say Dumfries went on to score a further 3 tries, 2 of which were converted, and 1 penalty to make the final score 0-27.

Their coach remarked after the match that he had a full fit squad to pick from and that most of them had played together for years and that they played at their best whereas we were missing a number of key players through injury and yet again did not have a settled squad.

One of the features of the 2 league matches so far is that we have a very young squad with only 6 or 7 of last year’s U18’s and the rest coming from last year’s U16’s. This puts us at a disadvantage as both Ayr and Dumfries had the majority of their squad playing their second season at this age level. Nevertheless, as we get more competitive games under our belt, there will be definite improvement when we meet these teams again in the return matches.

GHA

Forwards: McGinty, Ritchie, Mather, Hunter, Barnett, McCaw, Haughney and Shields

Backs: Rutnagur, Scott, Stirling, Belch, Carnan, Hendry and Thomson

Replacements: Wright, Brown, Conner, Di Cosmo, Renucci and Campbell

Sat 24th October

GHA 34 West Of Scotland 14

Our first U18 victory of the season was greeted by enthusiastic applause by the watching parents and other spectators and hopefully this will be the start of a good run for this young team.

Within the first 10 minutes we had breached the West line with 2 great tries from the backs. First Mark Carnan went over in the far corner after a great line of passes through the backs leaving David Scott to score an excellent conversion from the far touchline some 25m from the posts and then Rory Hughes made one of his lung bursting explosive runs to score in the same corner. This 12-0 cushion clearly lifted the confidence of the squad and they started to enjoy their play.

A lapse of concentration midway through the first half allowed the pacy West centre to burst through and score against the run of play and their kicker made the extra 2 points. At this point GHA realised there was still a game to be won and raised the tempo again. A neat and well rehearsed No 8 pickup move between Ross Carty and Josh Rutnagur resulted in a fine score for Josh to which David Scott added the conversion making the half time score 19-7 for GHA.

The second half went in the same vein as the first with GHA forcing the opposition back through some clever kicking from David and fine forward play. The forwards clearly started to believe in their own ability and took the ball to the opposition at every opportunity giving good clean ball to Josh at scrum half. This in turn meant our backs had plenty of time to do their stuff and thus it was no surprise when both Mark and Rory doubled their try score count early in the 2nd half. Both conversions were agonisingly short into the wind and left us 29-7 up having safely secured the bonus point.

Not to be outdone, the forwards again turned the screw on their opposite numbers and after a series of rucks and mauls in the bottom corner Paul Renucci forced his way through for a well deserved try which unfortunately was unconverted. As the coaches used all the replacements to ensure everybody got some quality game time, West roared up the pitch and with the last passage of play scored under the posts leaving their kicker with an easy conversion. The referee then blew his whistle to make the final score 34-14 for GHA.

A great performance by all the squad today and a real boost to their confidence and the coaches hope this will carry on for the rest of the season. One aspect needing worked on is the securing of the ball after it has been won in a ruck or maul as too often today this was lost as the referee deemed the ball out at the back and the opposition stole it before we could react. Nevertheless, well done to all as we started to look and play as a team.

GHA

Forwards: Mather, Ritchie, McGinty, Hunter, Shields, McCaw, Carty and Wright

Backs: Hamilton, Scott, Carnan, Rutnagur, Di Cosmo, Belch and Hughes

Replacements: (from) D Barrett, Brown, Conner, Hendry, Dunn, B Barrett, Renucci, McCallum and Campbell


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-singing-in-the-rain http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-singing-in-the-rain Tom Morrice http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/gha-singing-in-the-rain Aberdeen 10 GHA 17

On a day more suited to water polo than Rugby football, Aberdeen Grammar and GHA took the field at Rubislaw in front of a good crowd who had braved the elements to support their respective teams.


With the gale force wind swirling around the pitch, and with heavy driving rain, Aberdeen kicked off, [...]]]> Aberdeen 10 GHA 17

On a day more suited to water polo than Rugby football, Aberdeen Grammar and GHA took the field at Rubislaw in front of a good crowd who had braved the elements to support their respective teams.


With the gale force wind swirling around the pitch, and with heavy driving rain, Aberdeen kicked off, straight to James Noonan who managed to kick clear back up to near the half way line. From the resulting line out, Grammar retained possession but were penalised for holding the ball in a ruck and a Noonan kick took play back up field. Aberdeen continued to attack strongly and from a line out, only a good tackle from Andy Boag saved the day.


Noonan continued to clean up much of the Grammar attacking kicks, ably assisted by Greg Taylor who had one huge kick ahead to the Aberdeen 22 metre line. After 20 minutes play, GHA were awarded a penalty kick for “handling in the ruck” and James Noonan made no mistake with a kick at goal from the Grammar 22 to open the scoring (0-3)


From the restart, Grammar took play to the GHA 22 metre line where the visitors were penalised for a high tackle on an attacker. The Grammar scrum half Rob Lawson made no mistake with the kick, to level the scores. (3-3)


Soon after, Greg Taylor had to leave the field with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Greg Jones.


In 30 minutes, a well judged kick by Noonan, to the stand side of the field, bounced awkwardly for the defending winger and Patrick Hilley cleverly and deftly chipped the ball ahead and beat both winger and full back to the touch down. (3-8). James Noonan was successful with a difficult conversion to put his side further ahead (3-10). At this point Jamie Auld was replaced by David Stoddart.


Ross McClymont and Niall Cassie were making some telling tackles in midfield and an attempted clearance by Grammar was charged down by new boy Mike Gurran who repeated his try scoring prowess from the previous week by touching down for his second club try. (3-15). James Noonan brought out full points with a good conversion.


(Half time score 3-17).


James Noonan kicked off the second half and GHA took play up to the Aberdeen 22 metre line where the home side were penalised for a handling offence. Noonan’s kick at goal was blown just wide of the near side upright. Aberdeen Grammar then took play well into the GHA half and from a resulting line out, the referee awarded the home side a free kick for “closing the gap” at the line out. Grammar were quick to exploit the disarray in the visitors’ defence and it was no surprise when Billy Russell ran in for a well taken try. (8-17). Scrum half Rob Lawson then added to the score-line with a conversion. (10-17).


With 20 minutes of the half remaining, both sides continued to press forward in the attack, but good tackling and the disadvantages of incessant freezing rain and a swirling wind negated much of the good play. Ross McClymont had one excellent clearing kick to deep into the Grammar half but was impeded and gratefully accepted the “double” penalty, taking play to the home 22. Grammar successfully defended their line and took play back into the visitors’ half where they were awarded a penalty which was kicked wide of the posts by Rob Lawson.


Play continued to swing from end to end and as tiredness took its toll, Grammar managed to bring the ball up field and set up a succession of rucks on the GHA line. It was apparent that with 5 minutes over time played, the match was all but over, as Grammar camped on the goal line. Eventually from a surge ahead, the referee raised his arm aloft, not to award a try as the home support had anticipated but, cruelly, to penalise the attempted scorer for making a “double move.” The penalty kick to touch was gratefully taken by James Noonan and the visitors had won an extremely hard victory.


(Full-time 10-17)


Back in the club-house, the concensus of opinion was that the match probably should not have been played in such conditions but credit must be given to both sides for the spirited way they played in what was a very sporting encounter. Tribute should also be paid to the match officials for their contribution to the match and of course to the Aberdeen Grammar Rugby committee for allowing the game to go ahead and for their hospitality.


This result, despite the BBC TV text service getting it totally wrong, means that GHA have beaten the sides currently first and second in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier League Division 2, and next Saturday sees Gala coming to Braidholm for a 2 p.m. kick off.


]]> http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high Dave Barnett http://gharugby.co.uk/blog/0000/00/00/tough-month-for-u18s-ends-on-a-high Sat 3rd October

Ayr 12 GHA 3

Our first league match of the season was a fairly evenly contested affair with the wind blowing fiercely from one