I’ve been involved with Accies rugby for a few years now, as a player, a coach, and now as the secretary – a responsibility I treat with respect as one that follows in the footsteps of the best secretary in Scottish rugby, Jimmy ‘the pie’ Smith.
I, therefore, feel I am in a very privileged position and I genuinely believe that your rugby club is witnessing a whole new generation of Accies rugby.
I was at a training session last week when I witnessed 41 players training with an attitude I could only have imagined in my wildest dreams. The coaches have developed a squad of players over the summer that has an attitude and belief that they can achieve anything if they work hard enough as a squad and not as individuals. Whoever takes to the pitch is representing both Accies and the rest of the players in the squad, so they will do their utmost to bring success to the Club.
I cannot remember watching such a tight group of players, they train hard together and play for each other. Their skill levels have increased with the help of Ruaridh Jackson and Duncan Weir, both Scottish International 10’s and the commitment is there for all to see.
The 1st XV squad, recently travelled to Bristol to play Dings RFC, a National 2 English league team (our Premier 1 equivalent) and they performed superbly.
After going 26–0 down at half time, possibly taken aback by the sheer size of the opposition, they rallied and won the second half 17-12, a great result in my book. Final result 38–17 and a very happy but tired group of players. They gave it everything, both on and off the field.
We also had a 2nd XV squad at New Anniesland who defeated a team from St Mary’s College, Ireland, another great result. However, the best result from both these fixtures is that our players did themselves and the club proud, with both opposition teams requesting return fixtures next season.
What’s next?
The players, coaches, and committee are working hard to make Glasgow Accies RFC one of the best rugby clubs in Scotland, and to get back up where we belong. As I have said on many occasions, the players feed off your presence and vocal support at New Anniesland, they value what you as supporters bring to the team and the Club. You are an intrinsic and vital part of Glasgow Accies RFC.
We are, I believe, at the start of a very exciting journey for this old club, and I hope you can all be part of it.
Donald Reid,
Club Secretary