As the nights are drawing in, I have taken some time to reflect on the season to date, which kicked off in August with the FOSROC Super6 Championship. Despite finishing 6th in this championship, we had some hugely encouraging and entertaining displays and with the fine margins of victories seen in Super6 we are left wondering what could have been.
Recruitment is well underway for the next part of the season with some great new talent onboard already. We continue to focus on home grown talent and players who have come through the Blues and the Scottish club scene. We can’t wait to get started again in the spring! (Further details will follow on this as soon as we have it)
Our Blues 1st XV, after an indifferent start, have found their form and are now seven games undefeated, currently top of National League 1, playing some outstanding rugby along the way.
The Blues 2nd XV remain undefeated and watching them it is hard to picture them as our 3rd men’s team, such has been the quality of their play.
In their first year in the Women’s Premiership our Blues Women have played some superb rugby while finding the step up from National 1 a challenge. But such is their team spirit I fully expect them to consolidate their position in the Premiership. I encourage you to come along and support them on Sundays.
Word has clearly spread of the success of Heriots Rugby with a phenomenal turnout to training sessions and such that we have sufficient numbers to field a 3rd Blues men’s team, Blues Men 2As, with their first fixture versus Musselburgh RFC on 27th November at Goldenacre (2pm kick off). If this is a success, and numbers last, we hope to run an additional two fixtures for them before Christmas. At which point we can assess if we have the numbers to sustain the Blues Men 2As going into season 2022/23.
I would like to thank all our fantastic support team of coaches, medical staff, team managers and administrators for their magnificent work week in week out.
As you can imagine running this size of operation brings it’s challenges and we are looking for volunteers to help manage our Blues Men 2As. Our women are also looking for additional staff to bolster their efforts. If you think you may be able to help out with any of our teams, please get in touch.
Since lockdown ended, I have been making the 10 hour round trip from Ardnamurchan to watch games on Friday/Saturday and Sunday.
I have found supporting our teams, while at times an emotional rollercoaster, hugely fulfilling and I’m sure any support you can give financial or in person will be more than returned to you with a real sense of fulfilment and belonging.
Iain Duckworth, President