Hamilton rugby players get in shape for another campaign

Jul 31 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Rugby Club’s preparation for the new season was stepped up last week when the 1st and 2nd XV squads played a full-scale trial match.

New club president Donald Woodrow watched the game and was pleased with the effort shown by all participants.

He said: “Things have gone well during pre-season training, with good turnouts at all of the sessions.

“All the players have commented on the organisation and very positive approach from the coaching squad, and everyone is working towards being in the best shape possible when the league campaign gets under way at the end of August.

“The trial has been very worthwhile, with several of the younger players who are hoping to break through this coming season making a good showing.

“The front row looked solid on both sides, and the existing back division moved the ball well.”

Head coach Ian Morrison has added an experienced forwards coach to his backroom staff, with Tyrone Sterry joining from Italian Serie A side Colorno.

Tyrone has several years’ coaching experience and his fresh approach is being well received by the players.

Also, as a result of coach Ian Morrison’s recent trip Down Under, scrum-half Nick Risdon and prop Russell Coutts will shortly join the Hamilton squad from New Zealand.

Mr Woodrow welcomed the new coach and players, and said several other changes will take place.

He said: “In addition to the players who left Hamilton Rugby Club at the end of last season a number of other personnel changes are on the cards.

“Alistair Smith, a 1st XV regular for the last nine years, is off to Australia at the end of the month, and Andy Thomson, a newcomer last season, has left to join West of Scotland.

“While we have a number of players from last year’s 2nd XV pushing for places, we are still short in a few positions, and Ian Morrison has been working hard to fill the gaps.

“We had a Scottish Age-Group international trialist at stand-off during the trial, and he put in a very positive performance, especially his kicking from hand.

“Discussions are still ongoing but we see him as a very positive addition and are hoping to convince him that a spell at Hamilton would be beneficial to both him and ourselves.”

Hamilton travel to GHA on August 30 for the first game in what will be another tough Scottish Hydro Electric Premier Two campaign.

With GHA and Dundee HSFP dropping down from Premier 1, and Gala and Peebles promoted from Premier 3, the two promotion slots will be hotly contested.

Hamilton’s build-up continues on Saturday with 1st and 2nd XV fixtures against Cartha Queen’s Park at Laigh Bent, followed by a trip to Stirling on August 9.

Cambuslang visit Laigh Bent on August 16, with a trip to Darlington on August 23 rounding off pre-season.

A squad will also compete in the Kelso 7s tournament taking place on August 16, and Selkirk’s 7s on August 24.

Supporters are reminded that they can now get their season tickets at a price of £40 from the clubhouse, and membership renewals are also due.