Good wishes to you all! I hope this update finds you well and enjoying the festive period. I have just come home from the golf range having tried to burn off some of the calories, I suspect some more energetic action will be needed!
I am pleased to report that this year has been a much more normal year than last, and we have all been able to enjoy having regular rugby back at Braidholm. The cancellation of the Glasgow Warriors matches with Edinburgh Rugby this weekend and the recent government announcements see us again facing a period of uncertainty and difficult weeks ahead. The latest SRU updates, however, remain positive and suggest a return to rugby in January.
On the field, the 1st XV has had a difficult ‘covid effected’ season and the results have often not reflected the performances and they continue to work hard to finish the season strongly. The Senior 2nd XV are having an excellent season and remain undefeated in the league campaign winning all ten of their fixtures with a 392 points differential. We were delighted to have three GHA boys- Gregor Hiddleston, Jamie McEntegart, and Andy Stirrat, selected for the Glasgow Under 20 XV, in what was an exceptionally good victory against Edinburgh.
In the Mini and Midi sections the numbers involved at all ages and levels, boys, and girls, have been excellent and a testament to the health of the club and to all those involved in the coaching structure. All the squads have enjoyed being able to play fixtures weekly and the results have been terrific.
Discussions regarding SRU Governance has been prominent in recent months, and I would suggest for those wishing to follow the progress, a read the ‘Offside Line’ would offer an excellent overview, it clarifies some of the complex issues. There is a proposed Special AGM early in 2022.
The return of the annual Fireworks Display was a great night and thoroughly enjoyed by all those at Braidholm and the surrounding neighbourhood! Our Christmas Foodbank organised by the senior players for ‘East Renfrewshire Larder’produced an incredible response from our members and associate clubs. The Scott Room was packed with every inch of space being used for much needed supplies. It was a heart-warming spectacle and a true measure of the generosity of the GHA community.
The planning of several future developments at the club are well under way and I am sure they will be appreciated by all members. I expect the most significant will be our intention to fully floodlight our main pitch, this will provide us with much more space for training and enable us to play midweek and Friday evening fixtures. Another project is the soon to be launched new website. This should help communications considerably and offer us a platform for us to be up kept up to speed with all that happens at GHA. I will provide further updates as we progress.
I hope you all stay safe and look forward to rugby in 2022.
Have a Happy New Year,
Stuart
President
#GHARugby #TogetherStronger.
