It is great to welcome the men from Stoneyhill to Mansfield Park this afternoon President Brian Jardine, Vice President Blair Stewart, and all other friends from the Honest Toun. Our Clubs have a special relationship. Musselburgh Rugby Club was founded in 1921 and the Greens have been honoured to be their opponents in matches which marked their fiftieth – which coincided with the opening of the Stoneyhill clubhouse, their seventy-fifth and last season their hundredth anniversaries and we were delighted when they avoided relegation from the top flight last season. Their players will bring the same defiant spirit they showed when accomplishing their great escape to the game today and I am sure we are in for a full-blooded encounter.
Our 150th anniversary commemoration continues. Our impressive mural is being much admired. The period costume re-enactment of Hawick’s first ever match was greatly enjoyed by players and spectators alike and already the Bill McLaren exhibition is proving to be a great attraction at Hawick Museum. Wednesday 8 November will see the launch of the “Voices of Hawick Rugby” book in which over 170 folk associated with the Club down the years share what Hawick RFC means to them. The book will retail at £25 and will be a “must have” for every Robbie Dye. Several opponents have contributed including Musselburgh’s immediate Past-President Drew Johnston who wrote.
“Over the years the bonds of friendship between our two clubs have remained as strong as they were back in the early days and I am confident that this will continue for many more years to come. For my part I can recall playing against Hawick back in 1988. Hawick were a mighty side packed full of Scottish Internationalists and British and Irish Lions. Whilst we were well beaten the efforts made by all the Hawick members to make us feel respected ensured it was an experience that I will never forget. The fact we were given a police escort to the town boundary at the end of the night maybe tells you how much fun we had in the town. We at Musselburgh wish Hawick a very happy 150th Birthday and hope to share in creating many more happy memories in the years ahead.” Thank you, Drew.
Alas, the World Cup dream is over but congratulations again to Darcy and Rory for doing themselves, the Club and the town proud.
New arrival Dan Booker is playing today. Another front row man from New Zealand’s great Canterbury rugby heartland following in the footsteps of Tim Stokes and Craig Dunlea. He also plays in the back row. All at the Club extend a warm welcome to him.
David Hill’s poem “Robbie Dye” was a favourite recitation of the late Bert Armstrong. The poet’s son, David asked Hawick’s talented cartoonist, Jim Coltman to illustrate the poem and he has presented a framed copy for the clubrooms to mark Hawick RFC’s 150th anniversary. The Club are very grateful to David for this kind gesture. Come in to the clubrooms after the match to see it in pride of place on the Trophy Room wall.
The next session of the Rugby Memories Group is on TUESDAY 17th October 2.00 to 3.30pm. The topic is Celebrating the Life of Bill McLaren who would have turned 100 the day before. All welcome.
Members are reminded that applications for Away 6 Nations games this season must be made to David Wright by Wednesday 18th October.
Before our next home game against Selkirk on Saturday, 28 October our next hospitality lunch will be held. The Duchess of Philiphaugh, Mary Inglis will be doing a Q and A and Drew Gibb will be providing the musical entertainment. As usual phone Eileen on 07703575825 to book a place.
Why not visit the shop in the clubrooms before our home games. It will be open from 1.30 to 2.45pm. See what can be ordered for Christmas.
Back to this afternoon. Enjoy the game.
