We were deeply saddened to hear that Heriots’ Rugby and Cricket Club member Chris Binnie passed away just short of his 77th birthday. Chris played for the rugby club in the 1960s and 70s and was opening bowler for the Cricket Club in the 1970s sequence of 7 straight league wins. Later serving as President of the Cricket Club.
A loving family man, younger brother to David, our thoughts are with his wife Krysia, daughters Nichola and Jennifer and all family members.
Some memorable highlights from his 1XV rugby career being the New Year’s Day games v Hawick at Mansfield Park in 1965 and scoring the winning try in 1966. The first Heriot’s win for many years.
In the 1967 match v Gala at Netherdale the press cutting reads ” The ball went quickly out along the Heriot’s backs, and Hogarth slipped through Gill’s tackle before giving an inside pass to Binnie who went over at the corner for a try in the eighth minute ” Chris remains one of a small band of Herioters who have crossed the try line at Netherdale.
He played centre in the 1967 game v Edinburgh University at Goldenacre which was then a significant fixture, as the high-flying University XV were challenging for the unofficial championship. A university team including later caps John Frame at centre and Ian S G Smith at full back a Herioter and team-mate of Chris. A close fought encounter took place with the University winning 12pts to 11pts.
Chris was a member of the winning Heriot’s under-20 seven-a-side team at the Goldenacre Tournament in April 1963. And a losing finalist in the 1966 Jed 7s to the all -conquering Hawick 7.
In season 1975/76 Chris played in the ‘veteran’ 6th XV. This side was made up of ‘stars’ from past years. Playing record; played 21, won 21, points for 698, against 105. The General Committee of the Club did not allow a second season as the ‘6th’XV were generating more publicity than the 1st XV.
Chris was a great Club man over the past 60 years – whether playing, spectating or enjoying the social scene. A character in every sense, Goldenacre will miss him.
He was self effacing and modest with it too .
Being part of many conversations about rugby and cricket with Chris over many years I never heard him puff at his own trumpet . He was great company and a great tourist .
In his later years Chris started playing bowls and was a member of Brunstane BC. He enjoyed playing for the team and had a good eye for delivery this as a result of being a fairly good golfer.
I enjoyed playing with Chris in both of these sports and to me he was a good guy.
A very moving service on Friday, we will miss his chat at the Jed V11S.
Jim Mitchell- Border Herriot Club
Unable to add anything about CHRIS other than to say he was a great lad in every way and a very good friend of mine in rugby, cricket and in life itself. HAMISH K MORE