Everyone at Boroughmuir was saddened to hear of the untimely death of Les Harris on Wednesday 24th October 2007. Les had been associated with Boroughmuir for many years having carried out many roles including coaching and video recording amongst others. The Board and Members of Boroughmuir extend their deepest sympathy to Les's family and friends.

 

Les's daughter Sarah has sent the following message:

 

"I would be grateful if you could pass on the following to all that knew my Dad at the club.
 
I want to thank Boroughmuir rugby club for giving my Dad another reason to fight the cancer that took him from us on Wednesday. Dad made it to the 'Muir v. Hawick game last weekend and was delighted to come away with a win. He was extremely pleased to have the honour of being asked to be 'Director of Rugby' a few months ago and was extremely disappointed that he had to turn it down due to his illness. Dad was dedicated to the club for many years from coaching in the early 80's to latterly doing the 1st XV video both home and away. He got immense enjoyment out of watching the games and the camaraderie of the 'Muir supporters.
 
It will be a private family funeral at his request however, if desired, donations to the Edinburgh Marie Curie Hospice will be gratefully received.
 
http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/supportus/waystodonate/agiftinmemory/
 
Sarah, Mark, Lisa and Jacky Harris"
 

Bruce’s Corner

Juliet and I were away on a planned holiday at the time of Bruce’s funeral and sadly therefore we were unable to pay our respects and share in the tributes. However, such is the greatness of the man, it is never too late.

I first met Bruce thirty-five years ago when, as a relatively unknown rugby player from Liberton Rugby Club, he walked into the home dressing room at Murrayfield as a late replacement for Andy Irvine – an awesome task by any standards. This, however, was a final play-off for the District Championships; Edinburgh vs. Glasgow. Incidentally, also making their debut that day were Colin McLean, Julian Vaughan and Duncan Wilson.

Against all the odds Edinburgh won a pulsating match and at the end of the game the crowd rose to applaud not only an Edinburgh victory but a star in the making, a future Lion King – Bruce Hay. His overall play was that of a seasoned international and his forte was his running up-an-unders, crash, bang, wallop! One could only close one’s eyes and pray that the pole-axed recipient of the ball moved, let alone stood up.

Bruce loved to talk rugby and he and I had many happy hours over the bar in the dear old clubhouse debating the merits of school vs. youth, club vs. districts, school masters vs. club coaches, Aussie vs New Zealand style, etc. Neither of us conceded a point, we agreed to differ and parted late in the night always as friends, with mutual respect.

Bruce played with and against the best in the world and rightly deserves the many tributes paid to him. In addition, I’d like to draw attention to his modesty. One could be in his company for hours and pay him due respect but if you didn’t know him personally one would never be aware of his many achievements in the game.

I remember John Dawes, captain of the Lions in New Zealand on Bruce’s first tour, then as coach four years later in South Africa, coming to Meggetland to get a personal update on Bruce’s performance. I asked John what more could he wish from Bruce that he didn’t see in New Zealand. His reply was immediate, “Nothing, his place is assured on the field, and off it he was the model tourist and perfect ambassador for the Lions.”

Small boy to Grandpa, “Where is Bruce’s Corner?” The reply? “In the north-west of the main pitch between the twenty-two and the goal line and the goal post to the touchline. It was in this area, going down the slope, where Bruce enjoyed scoring many of his tries – either on the overlap or cutting through the centre. Then trotting back to kick the conversion, trying hard to hide his cheeky grin at doing what he liked best – scoring in front of his home crowd. My try, my kick, my ball. He just loved running with the ball – I’m sure he has taken one with him!

After his playing days, as a coach, selector or merely spectator, it was in this area that Bruce could be found with his father, brother Allan and close friend Ronnie Haggarty, enjoying watching his beloved Boroughmuir. It was in this area of the ground that seventy players, coaches and managers stood and paid homage to Bruce on the first training night after his passing. Many didn’t know him but I’m sure the magnitude of the occasion touched their hearts.

You may have left your small corner, Bruce, but you have left us scores of memories and taught us how to play and enjoy the game in the true sporting fashion that you have always upheld as player, coach and manager.

Personally I will think of you every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, as I go to support the new club Meggetland Bears and hear your voice cry out, “Hit and stay big – get him oot o’ there”, plus a few kind words to the referee!

Small boy, “Grandpa, who was Bruce?” Grandpa, “”Bruce Hay was the most loved man and greatest player ever to wear the Boroughmuir jersey.”

Arthur T. Ross

 

Boroughmuir Colts - coached by George Watson and Ron Carr - have started their season successfully with 5 wins out of 5. So far they have defeated  Currie, Musselburgh, Haddington, Biggar and Murrayfield Wanderers.

They now have a few weeks rest from games before the part 2 of the league begins, although training will continue.

The Half-Time Bucketeers

 

 

Ailsa MacMaster presents the Hugh MacMaster Trophy to winning captain, Rory Couper, alongside President Stan Watt

It is with the deepest regret that all at Boroughmuir Rugby Football Club learned of the passing of Bruce Hay on Monday 1st October. Bruce will be sadly missed by old and young alike and everyone at the club sends their condolences to Linda, Lyndsey and all of the Hay family. Messages of condolence can be left in the Boroughmuir Guestbook. Current 1st XV Manager Grant Wilson paid this tribute.

Now that the new season is underway there will be regular opportunities to enjoy the facilities at Meggetland. Upcoming events and social occasions will be posted on the Social Events page starting straight away. Follow the link to see the latest attractions

The Board are delighted to announce the appointment of Iain Paxton to the role of General Manager. 

Iain will need no introduction to members having been part of the very successful coaching team along with Sean Lineen a few years ago.

In addition to several years business experience Iain brings a real dedication to Boroughmuir Rugby Club, and a first hand awareness of what members are seeking from their club.

The General Manager role has been developed to combine many of the responsibilities that were previously part of the Bar Steward remit but importantly goes further and  reflects the fact that the rugby club is an evolving organisation which must look to maximise income generation, whilst retaining the values we all expect in a rugby club.

I am sure everyone will join in wishing Iain success in this role and as ever the offers of assistance from volunteers will be gratefully received.

I would also like to mention the assistance given to the club by Andy Knight in recent months in keeping the bar going. Andy will continue to have role to play and on behalf of the club I would like to say a big thank you to Andy who demonstrates in a very tangible way what being a member at Boroughmuir is all about.

David Brown

I am sorry to announce that Danny Rutterford has resigned from his post as Commercial Manager with the club.

Danny has worked tirelessly to establish the Club’s new business, The Meeting Place, and has laid solid foundations for the future growth of this operation aimed at generating much needed revenue to underpin the playing budget for the club.

During a period where the Club has been without a bar steward for some months Danny has been instrumental in picking many tasks left needing to be done outwith his job remit. He has played a significant role in the successful Club International held at Meggetland and also in the Sevens Tournament in April.

I wish Danny success in his future plans and am delighted that he will turn our regularly for the Club on Saturdays.

If any club member is interested in the vacancy we now have please contact me on ddjbrown@talk21.com for an informal discussion. 

David Brown

 

ddjbrown@talk21.com

Instead of the 3 Rs - Boroughmuir go for the 3 Cs with new signings for next season  -  Cusiter /  Crombie / Cannon. The intention through these signings is to add strength to the current squad.

 

Calum Cusiter returns to Meggetland after a year with the Borders. Sean Crombie (Hooker) is an apprentice with Edinburgh Rugby and Matt Cannon (Centre) travels North from London Welsh.
Also Boroughmuir announce today the signing of Fergus Pringle - South African - 2nd row from Edinburgh Rugby.

 

Peter Blackhall

The Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division 1 Fixtures for the 2007/2008 season have been announced and are now available on the site.

'Muir start the season with a home game against Melrose on Saturday 1st September then travel to Old Anniesland for the first away game a week later. Fixtures

11 August -v- Ireland

25 August –v- South Africa

Scotland are playing two pre-world cup fixtures at Murrayfield in August.

The first game is against Ireland on Saturday 11th August with a 2.30pm kick off.

The second is on Saturday 25th August against South Africa with a 5pm kick off.

Tickets are available at £10, £20 and £30 with half price concessions for OAPs, students and under 18s.   There is a handling charge of £1.50 per ticket to be added too. 

The best seats are available by ordering through the Club as soon as possible but by the beginning of July at the latest.  Buying through the Club will let us benefit from a commission on each ticket sold.

In order to ensure that you get these good seats you need to send your order saying how many tickets you want in for each game and in which price bracket, together with a cheque for the total amount, including the handling charge per ticket, to Jackie Dodd at:

J M Dodd,

c/o Boroughmuir RFC

Meggetland

Colinton Road

Edinburgh

EH14 1AS

 

At the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 31st May the structure of the Board was changed and new Directors were voted into office.

The number of Directors has been changed so that the the Board will now consist of:

 

 

Brief profiles of the new officials are provided below:

David Brown

David is 54 years old and was a pupil of Boroughmuir School before qualifying as a PE teacher at St Luke's College in Exeter.

After a few years teaching in Edinburgh he moved into business specialising in Sales & Marketing and eventually moved into Director positions with several different organisations. David has been MD of a tour operating company and is currently Operations Director for a fitness equipment supplier.

In 1996 David completed a Masters Degree in Business at Edinburgh University Management School.

Charles Martin

Charles is a chartered surveyor with 30 years experience of working in the construction, property and leisure industries. During the last 20 years he has operated as a director of a number of commercial organisations and has an appreciation of the role and responsibilities of a director.

Over a period of 9 years Charles worked with Celtic plc as both a consultant and divisional head with overall responsibility for both the stadium redevelopment and operation. In addition to his facilities experience, he has a good appreciation of all aspects of running a professional sports organisation, outwith the 'playing function'.

Alex Thopson

Alex has more than 30 years experience of providing professional secretariat services in public sector organisations. He is currently a Committee Manager and Senior Depute Returning Officer with the City of Edinburgh Council.

Alex is responsible for developing policy for and planning and managing delivery of all elections held in the city, including responsibility for managing allocated budget up to £1.5M

At the club dinner on 25th May the following awards were made:

• Young Player of the Year - Greg Cottrell

• MeggetlandPlayer of the Year - Ross Scott

• 2nd XV Player of the Year - James Fish

• 1st XV Player of the Year - Angus Martyn

• Clubman of the Year - Stuart Rutherford

• Try of the Season - Malcolm Clapperton

Boroughmuir RFC are proud to announce we have entered into a partnership with The Store: a shop in Stockbridge which offers a fantastic range of high quality Scottish foods, including game, poultry, beef, fish, vegetables, cheese, home baking, wines and chocolates. The Store has kindly agreed to provide a prize of a selection of their excellent produce to the overall Player of the Month winner, which the lucky recipient will be presented with at Boroughmuir. The Store has also offered a prize for the Player of the Year, which was announced and presented at the club dinner. The prize consists of a luxury BBQ pack, containing prime Aberdeen Angus beef and all the trimmings, fruit, veg and even home baked rolls and was won by Angus Martyn.

Ist XV Manager, Grant Wilson said, "I have been buying food from The Store since it opened and have never tasted better quality. I am sure the winners of the monthly competitions will thoroughly enjoy sampling the various delights on offer too. I think promoting great Scottish produce is vital and the players will benefit from eating healthy, high quality food. It's enough to make me look my boots out.... Seriously, I would encourage our members to pop along to Raeburn Place and visit The Store; it really is worth it."

Why not have a virtual visit and see what's on offer at www.thestorecompany.co.uk
 

The annual Boroughmuir Season Review DVD is now available. This year the 75 minute DVD reflects the ups and downs of the 1st XV league season.

Highlights of all 18 league games are included complete with soundtrack to match the mood.

If you would like to obtain a copy please contact admin@boroughmuirrfc.co.uk for further details.

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

My son Alasdair, a Primary 6 player at Stirling County, suffered a neck injury at the above tournament. It was sufficiently worrying for medical aid to be called.

Alasdair was immobilised for 20 minutes. It was a cold and damp and windy day.

Alasdair was in shock and shivering.

Your P6 coach came over to check on Alasdair and noticed his distress. Your team were then summoned and standing with their backs to Alasdair, sheltered him from the elements as he was tended to.

Alasdair is now OK and back playing rugby!!

However, on behalf of Alasdair, (his mother!) and I, we would like to offer the most heartfelt thanks and highest praise for this most magnificent gesture. It was truly touching and chivalrous and of the highest order of sporting behaviour which is a credit to mini rugby in Scotland, and a great credit to your coaches and your club.

Please pass on our thanks and wish your P6 coaches, team members and your entire club every best wish for the future!!!!

Many thanks

David Hyland