| My first memory of Hawick goes
back to 1959 when I first played for Glynneath at Volunteer Park.
It was a hard fought game but with the long journey and the
welcome we received, it was made that much harder. It is the
genuine warmth of the welcome that has paved our downfall over the
“Rum and Milk” laden years. Many of our threequarter movements
started from deep positions in the Tower Hotel and the Mansfield
Bar. The game between the
Trades and Glynneath is always eagerly awaited and is undoubtedly
one of the highlights of our rugby year. It is from these
encounters that many long standing friendships have been made.
One of my dearest friends was Tom Reid who is sadly missed by all
his friends in Glynneath. His immense influnece on the
Trades however will live on. No one in Glynneath will ever forget
that day on the way back from the International at Cardiff when
the bus stopped at the “Golden Post” near Aberdare. Tom gave a few
words to thank the company and then everyone began to sing his
name, Tom Reid, Tom Reid, Tom Reid, Tom Reid to the tune of
Amazing Grace. It was an emotional tribute to a wonderful servant
of Hawick Trades. Tom and other stalwarts like Alec Mitchell and
Jake Martin “who would have given his right arm to have played for
Hawick” epitomise the spirit of the Trades and their contribution
to Rugby Football is immense.
Fabric of
Scottish rugby
Rugby clubs like the Trades are the very fabric of Scottish rugby.
It is these nurseries that nurture and develop young talent that
hopefully one day will play for Scotland. The relationship between
Glynneath and the Trades was the subject of a television
documentary titled “The Thistle and The Dragon”. This was a
fitting tribute to the longest and most enduring associations in
Rugby Football. With the new changes that are sweeping Rugby Union
and the subsequent financial burdens, increasing pressures will
undoubtedly occur. I have no doubt that the affinity that exists
between our two towns will resist any change. It is the bond of
friendship forged by the common love of rugby football that will
sustain our association.
It would be nothing short of
tragic should we allow our association to fail. What we share is a
value above all else. In the Borders of Scotland, rugby is a way
of life, a part of social fabric of each Border town. For fifty
years the “Trades” have played no mean part in maintaining that
proud tradition. We in Glynneath are proud to be associated with
you for you command our every respect.
Llongyfarchiad ar eich Hanner Canmlwyddiant.
Many
Congratulations on Your 50th year
P.S. Has anyone found my coat? I
think I left it in the Monkeys… or was it the Con Club…! |
