Haddington Rugby Football Club

Smiles Better

After a tough few weeks, the Club at last had something to smile about with good wins for the 1st XV, 2nd XV and the Colts at the weekend. 

Richard Scott also found the funny side to his hair transplant going a bit awry, John Stewart dreams of scoring at Mansfield Park remain a distant-dream, whilst Euan Chalmers found slicing his hand open had a silver lining! Sadly though, Big Malc's Irish mate remains toothless!

Bow Ties

Is anyone interested in club bow ties? These would be the same as the normal neck ties but in in bow tie design - ready to wear.

Cost would be the same as neck ties - £13.00 each.

If you would like a bow tie please let me know. I will only order if there is sufficient interest

David MacKay - tel. 07974 927467 or email d.mackay123@btinternet.com 

New Youth DO Announced

Haddington Rugby Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Derek O'Riordan as Youth Development Officer. Derek takes over the role from Greig Munro who is off on his travels Down Under. Greig took on the role two years ago and has worked tirelessly within the cluster schools in and around Haddington to grow the playing base for the Rugby Club. He has built up a strong link between the schools and the Club to ensure children are given the opportunity not only to play rugby but to enjoy a more active lifestyle. We wish to thank Greig for his hard work and hope that he returns in the not too distant future to assist in the Club's long-term development. The building blocks are now in place for Derek to enhance the role and ensure the Club continue to compete at the top table of Scottish Rugby for many years to come.

Derek O'Riordan:- After joining the Club at the beginning of last season from Italian side Lazio, Derek quickly established himself at No.8 within the 1st XV. He went on to assist in coaching the Haddington U15 side that had a very successful season and is vice-captain of the Club for season 2009-10.

Congratulations

Congratulations to newly weds, Rhodri & Evie Thomas, who tied the knot on Saturday 11th July at Winton House, Pencaitland. As well as many of his rugby colleague's, Rhodri's family and friends travelled up from the Welsh valleys to celebrate the wedding along with the happy couple. 

 

Good and Bad News

The good news is Gary Glass has been spotted in Haddington and will be back down training this week. The bad news is that he is still a letch and women (of all ages) are still in danger of the predator! See photo below!

 

Photos from the Midsummer Ball

 

Fundraising Midsummer Ball - Reminder To Pay Monies

PAYMENT IS DUE IN THIS FRIDAY, 12TH JUNE.

PLEASE CONTACT LYNN LUND TO ARRANGE PAYMENT AND ENSURE YOU DONT MISS OUT ON A GREAT NIGHT. THERE'S STILL TIME TO BOOK. DONT DELAY! 

* OVER 20 TABLES BOOKED ALREADY*

With the Annual Sportsman's dinner having been cancelled this year, the Club are delighted to announce the introduction of the Midsummers Ball to be held in a marquee outside the Rugby Club on Friday 19th June. The event is hoped to raise much-needed funds towards the upkeep of the Club as well as being a great night out for everyone as long as the members fully support it.

Funding is obviously an integral part of Haddington Rugby Club but we are also aware of the current economic climate, therefore, with that in mind the Club have endeavoured to keep costs to a minimum by providing a 3 course meal followed by an excellent band to finish off the evening, all at the princely sum of £25 per head.   

Book a full table of 10 or just order 2 tickets, either way we want to see you along to have a fantastic evening during the well-earned off season.

Players, Coaches, Parents - All welcome.     Don't leave it too late! BOOK NOW

Friday 19th June 2009

Marquee outside HRFC Clubhouse

Arrival 7pm - 3 course meal to be served from 7.30pm

Followed by Dancing to the band Xpression till 12am

Tickets £25

Orders for tickets can be any number, tables hold 10.

To book a place or for further information please call Lynn Lund on 01620825717 or email lynn.lund@tesco.net

Tickets will be issued on receipt of payment and will be required on the night.

PLEASE NOTE: - All monies for tickets must be paid no later than 12th June 2009, ticket money cannot be paid at the ball.

KEITH WALLACE - REPRENSENTATIVE RUGBY - AT LAST!!!

All

It is with great pleasure that I announce my first appearance on the hallowed turf of Twickenham. 

I shall be playing for the Penguins Golden Oldies v The Lords and Commons Rugby Club as part of the 50^th Anniversary of the Penguins, on Sunday 31^st May.

The Penguins are an invitation team with the principal objective:  “To foster- by coaching and playing the development, goodwill and camaraderie of Rugby Union worldwide”, to date they have visited 57 countries to do so.

A number of ex-internationals are expected to take part, together who two former HRFC stalwarts John Kerr and Gordon Dickson.

I shall be using the occasion to raise funds for the Penguins Coaching Charity and for our in-house Charity, The Millennium Project (which helps underprivileged children around the world).

If you wish to make a donation, please let me know,  if you want to gift aid then please confirm and there will be tax advantages.

If you wish further interest then you may wish to sponsor me on the basis of “ball minutes” ie the product of the number of times that I touch the ball and the number of minutes I get on the field.  (The maximum minutes are 40 since I do not qualify for the first period which is over 55).

A prize will go to the winner who is closest. 

I will of course keep you posted,  and rest assured ask my opponents about their expenses during the scrums.

Yours in Rugby

Keith Wallace

1st XV Player Stats Season 2008/09

Player	Played	Tries	Pens	Conv	D/G	Points
Jamie Peters	28	3	31	33		174
Gary Glass	27	0				0
Paddy Brown	26	1				5
Neil Watt	25	7			1	38
Callum Cockburn	24	5				25
Neil Rodger	23	2				10
Craig Samuel	22	2				10
Mark Morrison	22	0				0
Graeme Waugh	22	0				0
Derek O'Riordan	21	2				10
Bob Snodgrass	21	3				15
Callum Mark	20	3				15
Craig Adam	20	1				5
Craig Harrison	20	0				0
Donald Snodgrass	19	6				30
Quinton Caulfield	19	2				10
Sam Johnson	18	6				30
Dougie Orr	18	1				5
Nick Bell	16	1				5
Ross Martin	16	0				0
James Warren	14	3				15
Ewan Herkes	14	1				5
Sam Hughes	12	3				15
Rhodri Thomas	11	3				15
Graham Dykes	8	2				10
Greig Taylor	8	0	8	5		34
Paul Pritchard	7	1				5
Graeme Crawford	6	2				10
Dale Gordon	4	1				5
Andy Scott	4	0				0
Callum Elliot	4	0				0
Greig Munro	4	0				0
Ben Inglis	3	0				0
James Weddell	2	0				0
Paddy McQuiston	2	0				0
Willie Thomson	1	0				0
Alex Spence	1	0				0
Sam Atkin	1	0				0

Captain's Dinner

The player's from all the senior teams were well represented at Donald Snodgrass's farewell dinner as captain. The evening began with Keith Wallace's slant on Rabbie Burns 'grace' before the players got tucked in to their meal. Ross 'The Gimp' Martin engaged in his now customary 'troosers doon and tap aff' stint at the start of the meal also. Some reckon its to increase the number of waitresses on the evening, however, the truth being he hasn't been able to buy a try over the previous three seasons and deserves all the humiliation that is bestowed on him, although he looked a bit too comfortable in his role as The Gimp.

Eddie Pollock was the first speaker up and went on to tell many stories from his three year stint as coach, spitting his false teeth out during an after match rant at the players, as well as his altercation with an Aberdeen supporter during a match, being but a few. Donald Snodgrass was next up to try and embarrass most of his fellow athletes, and deservedly so, for their usual acts of indecency throughout the season, before Eddie remembered yet another story to tell as daylight beckoned. Guest speaker from Dundee HSFP, Ken Andrew, finished of the evening with some wonderul stories and one-liners. Any concerned parties will be relieved to know that Burnsey did make it home, on Monday!!

Awards on the Evening 

1st XV Players Player of the Year: Craig Adam

1st XV Most Improved Player: Callum Cockburn

Top Try Scorer: Neil Watt

2nd XV Players Player of the Year: Andy Scott

3rd XV Players Player of the Year: Glenn Miller

Congratulations to all the winners, however, the most poignant moment was made by 2nd XV captain, Willie Thomson who paid a glowing tribute in memory of Niall Fairgrieve who sadly passed away earlier in the season and who was, and will be, sorely missed by everyone at the Club for many years to come. The Club are still planning a lasting memorial in tribute to Niall's contribution to the Club.

New Captain and Vice Captain voted in for next season

Following a players meeting, the Club are delighted to announce that Neil Watt will Captain the 1st XV for season 2009/10 with Derek O'Riordan voted in as Vice-Captain.

The Club and players would like to thank Donald Snodgrass and Gary Glass for their hard work and effort in the respective roles over the previous two seasons.

After the meeting the players were also introduced to the new coaching team of Stewart Bennet and Rory Couper who laid out their plans for the forthcoming league and cup campaign.

Pre season training will get underway on Tuesday 30th June. Enjoy your break. 

New Coaching Team for Next Season

Haddington Rugby Club would like to announce the departures of senior coaches, Eddie Pollock and Graeme Burns at the end of this season.

Both Coaches have been with the Club for the past three seasons and took over at a time when the Club had just been relegated to Premier Three. In their first season in charge Haddington were crowned Premier Three champions after the team went on a run of 13 league matches up until the end of the season. The second season also proved fruitful with a fourth placed finish in Premier Two, which was Haddington’s highest league placing for decades, whilst they also took the Club to the quarter-final of the SHE National Cup competition for the first time.

This season has seen the Club endure an inconsistent league campaign and losing the remaining 5 league matches meant finishing fourth bottom of the league, however, the disappointment was soon countered by the Club reaching the semi final of the SHE National Cup competition, another first in the Club’s history.

There is no doubt the Club has made great strides over the past 3 seasons with these coaches being at the helm and the Club will always be grateful for the major influence and contribution both coaches have made. We wish them every success in the future.

 

 

2009/10 Coaching Team

 

In response to the above, the Club are now in a position and delighted to announce the new coaching team for next season to be Stewart Bennet as Head Coach and Rory Couper as back's coach. 

Stewart hails from Kelso and played over 200 games for the Borders Club whilst also representing Border Reivers. He moved on to Melrose as player-coach before finishing his playing career at Stewarts Melville where he also coached for three seasons.

Rory is the ex-Boroughmuir captain who has represented Scotland at 7s, U21, U19, U18 and Student levels as well as playing for the Scotland International Club team on four occasions. Rory now works at Knox Academy as the sports and physical activity co-ordinator.

Both Coaches bring a wealth of playing and coaching ability and I’m sure everyone linked to Haddington Rugby Club will be delighted to have them onboard and would wish them every success over the coming season.

Another significant part of the coaching team is the retention of John Stewart as Head Coach of the 2nd XV. John has played a major part in the success of the 2nd XV in the Border Championship and has brought a significant number of his players through into the 1st XV this season.

Message from Melrose Rugby Football Club

Melrose RFC woud like to acknowledge the efforts of Haddington RFC  both on and off the pitch.The players represented your club with honour and dignity as did your supporters and officials . We wish you well in the future and would be honoured if your supporters chose to support us in the final.

 

All the best in rugby

 

Mike Dalgetty

Director of Rugby

V.President

Melrose RFC

Pictures From Melrose Match by the multi-talented Alan Waugh esq

 

Follow this link for highlights of the match:

http://www.scottishrugbytv.com/

BEER OLYMPICS CHALLENGE - SAT 18TH APRIL

As part of “The Three Grand Challenge” to raise funds for the Club through player events,  Wally’s “Caped Crusaders” from the 3^rds  hereby issue a challenge to the 1^sts, 2^nds and Maidstone 5^ths (Touring Team) to take them on in the HRFC Beer Olympics to be held on 18^th April in the Clubhouse at 1830hrs.    This to form part of the 3^rds day out.

All other teams welcome.

This will take us back to our roots of record setting feats in some of the great traditional beer room sports.

By all accounts the 1950s and 1960s were dominated by one Ronald J(ohnny Weismuller) C(harles Atlas) Glasgow who set records for: bottle walking;  lifting marble statues; and climbing farmhouse roofs.  All whilst scaring the s$%t out of world class 10s such as Mike Gibson,  Earle Kirton and Dai Watkins.

The 1970s were the setting for the practical jokes of Ronald Skea Esq,  where few records were set,  but we had some “hugely embarrassed members”.

The 1980’s were however our zenith in terms of records,  who can forget:

1.      The late Ian Willox’s world mark in bar diving,  when he reached the seats on the other side of the small bar (He was the ex Scottish U16 swim champ but it was the stuff of Peter Pan)

2.      Dobs Redpath’s 3 second pint,  and three in 12secs,  who was unbeaten until losing a “University Challenge” whereupon he retired from all competition.

3.      Gavin Tully Jackson’s win in the freestyle: 20 one handed press-ups then staying in the one handed press up position whilst picking up a pint with his teeth and drinking it down in one.

4.      Norman Morrison breaking the world record for human skittles whilst failing miserably at the broom race.

5.      Davy “Popeye” George unbeaten against all comers at arm wrestling.

6.      Neil (Mc)Butcher’s triple somersault and double back flip with pike, barefoot in his boxers down in the Neilson Park mud.

7.      Keith Wallace’s speed and volume soup eating record at the 86 Captain’s dinner: six plates from the left before the guys on the right realised he was not passing it up.

The 1990s and Noughties have, frankly been our nadir, other than the odd outbreak of Pub Golf (not an Olympic Sport),  so it is hoped some new champion will emerge.

·         Is Davy George still unbeatable?

·         Who is the new Dobs Redpath?

·         Will all the tall dudes be strong enough to stretch further than RJC at bottle walking?

·         Will John Mitchell win the belly dancing?

·         Will Mo emulate his Dad at human skittles?

·         Will anyone understand Harry at the end of the evening?

·         Will anyone understand Harry at the start of the evening?

·         Will there be enough beer to silence Clifford?

All this and more will be revealed on the night.

Pies, Pampers and Paramedics provided.

Bring your own rainwear.

Keith Wallace

Replica Kit

Further replica kit has been recieved and will be added to the stock already available at Leisure Time, Haddington.

These include 1/4 zip rain jackets, small size t-shirts and xxl polo shirts. 

      Adult XL Size Only Available @ £40

STADIUM JACKET                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

      Adult Sizes S - XXL @ £18

 T-SHIRT                    

     Adult Sizes XS - XXL @ £39 

 STRIP(standard fit) Children Sizes 7/8 - 9/10 - 11/12 - 13years @ £29

       Adult Sizes XS - XXL @ £28 

1/4 ZIP RAIN JACKET Children Sizes 9/10 - 11/12 - 13years @ £20

(picture not available) 

POLO T SHIRTS:         Adult Sizes S - XXL @ £20

Rugbytots has landed in Scotland!

The UK's first rugby specific play programme.

Youngsters between the age of 2 and 5 are now able to follow in the their rugby heroes footsteps by attending Rugbytots. The kids are shown the ropes by Carl McWilliam, who was formerly part of the New Zealand 7s team and more recently played for Watsonians. Carl finally hung up his boots last year and now wants to pass on his knowledge at grass roots level but in a fun and educational way.

He comments, "It is a great way to get kids learning the very basic motor skills which will give them a head start in any sport they choose to follow. The aim is to create a positive play environment which will help to develop confidence and social skills."

Several classes are already successfully underway in Edinburgh and Rugbytots is looking to move to the Haddington area soon. Contact kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk, call 0845 313 3252 or visit www.rugbytots.co.uk

Amsterdam 7s Tour - 1985

Here's another piece of Club nostalgia from one of the first overseas tours Haddington RFC ever went on. There are still a few faces from the tour brochure still seen down at the Club, although a lot less recognisable than from their 80's picture!

Captain's Dinner - Friday 15th May

This year's dinner will take place in the club on the above date, KO at 19.00. To book your place get in touch with Donald on 07810 372 422.

Dress code is formal, although those who have recently struggled on the try-scoring front may want to think carefully about their underwear options.

David Birrell

Haddington Rugby Football Club is today mourning the loss of Honorary Life Member, David Birrell.  David played in the scarlet jersey back in the 1950's, and remained a loyal supporter of the club.  

David will be sadly missed by his friends at the club, and all our thoughts and condolences are with his family.

Funeral Arrangements: - A funeral service will be held in Warriston Crematorium Lorimer Chapel, on February 27, at 11 am. Family flowers only please, donations to St Columba's Hospice.

Jack Peat

Haddington Rugby Club are today mourning the loss of Jack Peat not only one of their oldest club members, but also a past Captain and President.

Jack was a stalwart of Haddington Rugby Club, and one of the members who helped build the current clubhouse.  Haddington Rugby Club was in his blood, and he supported all levels of the club from the grass roots to the senior level.

Jack will be sadly missed by his friends at the club, and all our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Jean at this sad time.

The lasting memory for many will be Jack wandering up and down the touchline, walking stick in hand shouting words of encouragement to the players.

Funeral Arrangements: -

Service to be held at Mortonhall Crematorium Main Chapel on Thursday 19th February at 2pm, to which all are invited.  Family flowers only, but a retiring collection will be taken for Cancer Research UK and the MacMillan Nurses.

International Honours

Haddington are again well represented with International honours this weekend in France. Dougie Orr is with the Scotland U20 squad to play France U20s whilst Callum Mark, Paddy McQuiston and Craig Samuel are all selected to play for Scottish Universities against their French counterparts in Toulouse. Good luck to all.

Congratulations

Players, coaches and management would like to pass on their congratulations to both Alex and Sam for their inclusion in the Edinburgh U18 team to play Newcastle Falcons at Dunbar this coming Sunday (kick off 12:00). Do yourselves proud lads and show everyone what you are capable of.

 

Congratulations

Congratulations to Dougie Orr who is in the Scotland U20 squad to face Wales U20 at Mcdiarmid Park, Perth on Friday at 7.10pm (Live on BBC2 Wales)

Neil Rogers turns out for the Edinburgh back-up squad v Crawshay's Welsh on Saturday evening at Lasswade (7pm KO)

Finally, Sam Atkin and Alex Spence are included in the Edinburgh U18 team to play Newcastle Falcons on Sunday at Hallhill, Dunbar (12 Noon KO).

Well done to all four players, try and get along and support them if you can. You might even get a pint from Bobby Peters on Sunday at Dunbar if his numbers come up on the Saturday!

Christmas Raffle - Winners

Many thanks to all who sold and bought raffle tickets this year, and I am delighted to say that £2938.25 was raised for club funds. 

The lucky winners were: -

Weekend at Slaley Hall - Hugh Elder

Digital Camera - G Lunn

£50 Note - Jane McLuskie c/o Gordon Bathgate

Sweets - Alex Crookston

Lounge Light - Andy Townsend

Vodka - Bill Axon c/o Dougie Orr

Whisky - Craig Harrison

Raki - Brian Monty c/o John Wood

Port - Derek Johnstone c/o Sam Johnstone

Footspa - Gordon & Viv Hastie

Waterproof Top - Struan Stuart

Voucher for Gothenburg - Eddie Pollock

Voucher for Looks Hairdressing - Brodie Harrison                       

Singstar Night Report

The inaugural HRFC Singstar night finished with a flourish last night as Rhodri Thomas was crowned champion after a roaring rendition of 'Poison' by Alice Cooper, beaten finalist was Bob Snodgrass. This capped a fine evening for Singing Noodle Miner who sneaked past Dograt controversially in the 1/4 final.

Highlight of the night was surprisingly the 3/4th playoff. This Bathgate Domestic was won by Shona much to the delight of all attendees, particularly Shona! Thanks to all who atteded, a great night at the club and a useful addition to the social calendar. Roll on next year.

New Guinness Book of Records

On Saturday the young Scarlets 'Smashed' the previous record of 124, 'successful conversions in one hour' - Guinness Book of Record. They have set an impressive new record of 374.

The squad of 14 boys consisted of: Euan Bowen, Rory Dyer, Fraser Taig, Rory McKay, Euan Smith, Cal Davies, Dan Swallow, Ben Laing, Kris Patterson, Kyle Adams, Ronnie Spinks, Jamie Meikle, James Ferguson and Bruce Halloran.

The club would like to thank everyone who sponsored each boy along with the many local businesses who donated money towards the fundraising event.

Archive Photo

Another photo has been sent in from bygone years. This time from 1984 when Knox Academy were still regular visitors to St.Clare's School, Carmarthen for the Wales v Scotland internationals. Youthful Duncan Scott, Malcolm Anderson, Andrew Cunningham, Davie Mitchell, John Kerr, Alan Buglass, Martin Cunningham, Derek Ramage and Fogo's wee brother(who was seemingly the better player!) are all seen here before father time caught up with them!

One From The Archives

Always keen to embarrass ex-players for disappearing from the scene. We've sourced an old Knox Academy photo from about 1977/78. Keith Wallace obviously didn't make the 7s team that year! or any other year come to think of it!! Oh and how good were Mullets back then!

Back Row:Drew Morris, Scott Moncrieff, Malcolm Thomson, Craig Lemon

Front Row:Derek Buglass, Grant Hamilton, Finlay Duncan

 

TRIBUTE TO NIALL FAIRGRIEVE

 

Haddington Rugby Club are today mourning the loss of 22-year-old prop forward, Niall Fairgrieve.

 

'Chippy', as he was best known, had recently torn ligaments in his knee and, although serious, was always positive about his chances of playing again. He was a big part of the rugby club and came up through the youth ranks before moving into the senior sides. Chippy always had a smile on his face and you could be rest assured he’d be a willing helper whenever asked, be it refereeing or coaching youngsters, and will be sorely missed by his close friends and team-mates at the Club. Recently married to Debbie, Chippy was a well-known character in the local community where he grew up, and as well as rugby, his other passion was playing the drums in the Haddington Pipe Band and I’m sure they’ll be paying their own tributes to Chippy over the coming weeks.

 

The Clubs 2^nd XV match was called off yesterday with the 1st XV and 3^rd XV paying their own tributes with a minutes’ silence prior to their matches going ahead in memory of Niall. The U14 match versus Kirkby Lonsdale also held a minutes’ silence prior to their game today.

 

The Club would like to send their condolences to wife, Debbie and his family during this very difficult period. The lasting memory of Niall was his big smile and I hope that lives with everyone that was lucky enough to have known the big man.

 

'Aye Wi Us’