The Rebrobates Biggest Asset

The 'Big Man' Colin Gordon has been a member of Boroughmuir Rugby Club since 1973 and during his time has occupied many position within the club: Team Manager, Financial Director, Board Member, Member of the Selection Committee, and conducting player assessments. The position Colin now holds is firmly planted on the social side of the club "I became Chief Rebrobate really by default, in that I drank a lot of alcohol. The Reprobates are the social cement of the club although it can be difficult to arrange fixtures. We are necessarily  restricted by what the 1st, 2nd and Meggetlands are doing so tend to have early and late season fixtures and also games on the morning of International matches".

Colin Gordon in his favourite pose

The Reprobates hold many fond memories for Colin who has been there since the begining in the late '70s. "We've been on tour to the Isle of Man, Gateshead, Durham and Dublin but the most memorable was in 1990 when we took 47 drunkards to Texas for 3 1/2 weeks". The Reprobates can also boast a prestigious past with several former British Lions having played in its colours. "Although skill is no barrier for the Reprobates," says Colin "We have had Bruce Hay, Iain Paxton and Peter Wright turn out for us". And the team have some unusual customs to celebrate their uniqueness. Whilst the initiation ceremony is a well kept secret which cannot be divulged, the Port and Cheese before the game have become a precursor enjoyed by both teams. Although attendance at this ceremony is voluntary, anyone not turning up is likley to be fined. Port is still offered in the players' gum shields at the start of the game but the custom of taking Port on to the pitch to revive injured players has been discontinued. Nowadays the Chief Reprobate himself undertakes to selflessly drink the injury cup. Colin always was one to offer his services willingly.

The more serious side of the Reprobates is evident in the friendly rivalry with the Lismore Lepers. The two teams are set to play annual charity matches home and away as Colin explains, "The matches will be played in memory of the Boroughmuir player Colin Gillespie and the former Lismore seconds captain who both died on the field of play". A creditable ambition by any standard and proving that there is still a tremendous community amongst the social rugby sides.

On a wider club scale, Colin is encouraged by what he has seen over the last year. "When we were relegated we made a decision to play 1st Division rugby and stick to it. Thankfully it worked and we only lost once in around 30 games. Iain Paxton did a tremendous job in keeping a strong squad together and picking them up after the disappointment of relegation. Although it took us a little while to adjust back to the first division we've now had some good results. This is especially true of the recent win at Netherdale as it was only the second or third time we've ever won down there".

Colin is very optimistic about the future "This year we can be Championship contenders and we've also got the players who may be capable of retaining the Cup. Looking further into the future, if we can hold on to the crop of players we have, we can be a force for good in Scottish Rugby". Colin went on to say "I would like to see less emphasis on the Districts and more on the clubs. The top clubs need help so that we can take on the best in Europe".

Finally, Colin intends to organise a 25th aniversary for the Reprobates in 2002. If there are any Reprobates out there Colin would like them to e-mail the club at admin@boroughmuirrfc.co.uk with details where they can be contacted. Who knows what may happen when the Reprobates decide to celebrate seriously.

Stalwarts such as Colin Gordon are as important to the club as anybody. They provide the stability for platforms to be built on and Boroughmuir are fortunate to have such a Big Man, in more ways than one.

Simon Furnivall