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Edinburgh Rugby Club - Edinburgh Academicals

Welcome to Edinburgh Academical Football Club's website. Here on the home page you will find all the latest news about Accies Rugby Club. Older EAFC news can be found in the News Archive. We look forward to seeing you at Raeburn Place, the home of international rugby and Scotland's oldest rugby club.

The Edinburgh Academical Football Club has teamed up with 3 of our sponsors to offer you some fantastic deals on Club Kit, 150th Anniversary Luxury Bags and Fine Wine. To find out more, click here to go to the new Merchandise page, or click on the link in the left hand bar.

CLUB NEWS

Wednesday August 13th: BATs Open Day - Sunday,17 August
Edinburgh BATs Rugby will hold an open day on Sunday 17 August - from 1.00pm to 4.00pm - at Raeburn Place.

Those who attend don't have to have played rugby before - EVERYONE is welcome - parents as well.

The main point of the day is for all new young people, all last year's players and all mini players to come and meet the BATs development team plus the team managers and coaches for their age group teams. AND have lots of fun.

There will be games, raffles, lucky draws, fundraising games, a BBQ and much much more.

If your friends and families have children between 9 and 18, please let them know - they are all welcome - it should be a great day - and a good start to the new BATs season.

RUGBY FOR ALL ............in the north Edinburgh community.

Sunday 10th August: Pre-season games, Battle of the BATs and AGM
With less than three weeks to the first league game (Boroughmuir away, 30 August) Accies start a series of pre -season matches this week, during which all the 1XV and 2XV squads will get much needed game time as part of the run up to start of the leagues.

On Wednesday 13 August we will be at Haddington where we will play four 20 minute sessions, start time 7.15. Then on Friday 15 August the 1XV squad and an U20 team set off to play our long standing fixture with Bradford on the 16th. Also on the 16th we have a seven at the Kelso Sevens.

The following weekend, 23 August we are taking the 1XV squad to Jedforest and there will be an Accies team plus a BATs team playing in the annual 'Battle of the BATs' at Broughton's ground Wardie - first game 2.00. Who will be King BAT III? Finally on the Sunday 24th we are at the Selkirk Sevens.

The Monday after the Bradford game - Monday 18 August the EAFC AGM takes place at the club house, 7.00 for 7.30. To see agenda click here.

Monday 4th August: Wooden Spoon Society/Murrayfield Centenary Fund
There are two very worthwhile rugby based charitable organisations - the Wooden Spoon Society and the Murrayfield Centenary Fund. - who are currently looking for support from the rugby community. If you can help in any way please do.

The Wooden Spoon is marking its 25th anniversary with a sponsored Munro climb on Sunday 14 September - if you are interested in supporting them click here for more details.

Through its trustees The Murrayfield Centenary Fund assists injured rugby players - last year it helped 15 players- and over the last two years there has been a net deficit in funds. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, or assist in other ways, please click here for details.

Thursday 31st July Annual General Meeting, 18 August
Accies AGM will take place in the Temporary clubhouse at Raeburn Place, on Monday 18 August - 7pm for 7.30pm. To see the agenda click here.

Monday 18 August is also the day that Carillion take possession of the old clubhouse etc to begin the long awaited development work - it is also the day of Scotland v England at the Grange. Where will the biggest 'demolition' take place?

Accies will have been in Bradford the Saturday before the AGM, so it will be an ideal time for updates on the previous year, the season ahead and the development work both 'building' and 'rugby' wise. The bar will be open!!

Please make an effort to attend and support your Club.

Tuesday 22nd July: Training, pre-season matches and Sevens
First sorry for the break in updating the site - a combination of over lapping holidays has caused this - normal service should be resumed now. Below is a catch-up of the last three or four weeks.

From now on --- Tuesday and Thursday sessions will start at 7.00pm prompt. Tom Philip, Andrew Walker and Ian Barnes will be taking mandatory Saturday sessions for the high intensity squad --- 11.00am prompt at Raeburn. Finlay Macpherson will be taking sessions for the lower intensity group --- same time.

Accies will enter two sides in the Trinity Touch Tournament on Saturday 26 July --- after training.

There is a squad game away to Haddington on Wednesday 13 August and the 1XV and U20s are at Bradford on Saturday 16 August . We will also have a team at the Kelso Sevens on the 16 August and we are at the Selkirk Sevens on Sunday 24 August.

The 1st XV will be at Jedforest on Saturday 23 August when the 2nd XV and a BATs XV will be at the Broughton Tournament.

Both 1st and 2nd XVs have league games away at Boroughmuir on 30 August.

Tuesday 22nd July: Jake Kirkwood and Charlie Bouloux
We were saddened to hear of the sudden deaths of Jake Kirkwood and Charlie Bouloux. Jake died on Saturday, 5 July, and will be sadly missed by all of us at the Club. He was always around with a word here and a word there - loved the game and the social life and supported the Club as well as any. Jake's funeral service was taken by Howard Haslett at Warriston and was packed to the gunnels with family and rugby people of all ages from all over the place. Appropriately the Wake was held at Raeburn Place in surroundings Jake was familiar and in which he was appreciated.

Charlie Bouloux died suddenly in Dubai on 26 June aged 58. Charlie was Accies first ever non-FP captain in season 1975/6, just 2 years after the Club went fully open - he was a great character, of whom many will have fond memories. Charlie's funeral was in Newbury, Berkshire.

Tuesday 22nd July: Experimental Law Variations for 2008/9
From August 2008 all rugby games will be playing the IRB Experimental Law Variations (ELVs). The The IRB have produced a PDF document highlighting all you need to know in relation to the ELVs. Click here to download the IRB Guide

Tuesday 3rd June: Congratulations!
There are a three Scotland teams 'on the road' at the moment and Accies past and present are well represented in all three teams.

Going to Argentina with the Scotland squad are Mike Blair (as captain), Nick De Luca, Phil Godman and Dave Callum. An ex Accie - and brother to Tom and Ed, both who played for us in the season that's just finished - Jamie Stuart, has been named in the Argentina squad to face Scotland. Jamie played for Accies around seven years ago.

Mike's brother David Blair and Greg Laidlaw, who has been played for us during the last season when not required by Edinburgh and the Scotland 7, are both in the Scotland A squad going to Canada to play in the Churchill Cup.

Four current players, Lewis Niven, Chris Kinloch, Paul Loudon and Jamie Murray are in the Scotland U20 squad that is in Wales for the IRB Junior World Championship starting on Friday. Scotland U20 will face Samoa (Friday, 6 June, kick off 7pm), South Africa (Tuesday, 10 June, kick off 7pm) and USA (Saturday, 14 June, kick off 3pm).

We send our congratulations to them all and hope they have successful tours.

And finally............Accies head coach, Ian Barnes, has been elected to the Scottish Rugby Council as the representative of clubs in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division 1. Barney, who won the election by nine votes to three against George Clark (Boroughmuir), the existing council member, will take up his post with effect from Scottish Rugby's AGM at the end of June.

Well done Barney - interesting times ahead!!

Monday 2nd June: Fitness/training June, July and August.
Andrew Walker will start his summer speed/endurance sessions at Raeburn Place on Tuesday 3 June at 6.30. They will run each Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30, with Saturdays (time to be advised) optional. This will be heavy duty aerobic work and for serious players only.

Accies pre-season work starts at Raeburn Place with Neil Mackenzie on Tuesday 8 July at 6.30. We expect Broughton, Trinity and BATs players all to be involved in this and there will be two groups - one for high intensity work and one with a gradual build up.

The temporary weights facility should be available at Bangholm from June, keys and programmes from Neil Mackenzie.

If you need more information please e-mail or

Wednesday 28th May: Alexander Morgan (Sandy) Macrae.
It is with great sadness that we hear of the death last Friday of Sandy Macrae. Sandy attended the Academy from 1969 to 78 and played full back for Accies for a number of years, captaining the Club for the 1987/88 season.

Sandy was a devoted and beloved husband of Cath, a wonderful and inspiring father to Ross, Sarah and Jamie and a treasured friend to all he knew. All our thoughts are with his family.

The funeral will be at Wardie Parish Church, Primrose Bank Lane, Monday 2 June at 10am, to be followed by a private cremation. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, shall be received on retiring from church for Diabetes UK.

Saturday 10th May: Barbarians photos available online.
The photos taken on the 9th of April have finally been assembled from various sources, and uploaded to the Accies Photo site. Also available are pictures of the 150th Anniversary game the Club played against Edinburgh University on Dec 31st, celebrating the 1st ever club match in Scotland in 1857. Go to The Accies Fickr site to view them.

Look out in the near future for details of copies of the game, available on DVD for a small price.

Friday 25th April: Order Book for Polo Shirts now closed.
No more orders for the Baa Baas commemorative Polo shirts are being taken as of today.

Tuesday 22nd April: LAST ORDERS FOR THE EAFC - BAA BAAS COMMEMORATIVE POLO SHIRT***
Please ensure you get your orders in by the end of this week – the order book closes at 5pm this Friday 26th April.

Wednesday 15th April: Accies 150th on TV, 23 April
The IRB have spent some time recently filming at Raeburn Place, interviewing some Accies and recording information about the Club - including when we played the Barbarians.

The out-put from this work will be shown on the IRB rugby programme Total Rugby. The first broadcast will be on Sky Sports on the evening of Wednesday 23 April and then at various times during the next few days.

Wednesday 15th April: Donald Sloan
Edinburgh Accies is saddened to learn of the death last month of former Accies and Scotland centre Donald Sloan. He was 81.

He was educated at the Academy, won seven caps between 1950 and 1953, scoring a brace of tries in the 13-11 Murrayfield victory against England in 1950 and crossing for Scotland's lone try when Ireland visited Edinburgh the following year.

On 3 February 1951 he received the news in the morning that he had qualified as a CA, then, that afternoon, he played in a young Scottish side that triumphed 19-0 against a Welsh team containing 11 British Lions.

He was also a gifted sevens player, and with fellow internationalist the late Doug Elliot alongside, helped Accies to a memorable success at the 1949 Melrose 7s.

Sloan entered the Scottish rugby history books as he followed his father Allen into the national team. Allen, a stand-off, won nine caps between 1914 and 1921. It was the first instance of a father and son from Edinburgh Accies both winning Scotland caps.

In addition to representing Accies, Donald Sloan also played for London Scottish and was their captain in 1956. He played for the Barbarians in 1949/50 as did his father in 1920/21.

EAFC extends its sincere sympathies to Donald Sloan's wife Daphne, sons, Andrew, Kim and Richard, other family members and friends.

Sunday 13th April: Annual Club Dinner - May 10th
The annual Club dinner will be on Saturday May 10th at the Roxburghe Hotel.

There is an impressive line-up of speakers - all four are British and Irish Lions - Rodger Arneil, David Sole, Iain Milne and John Beattie - so it should be an outstanding night to end our 150th Anniversary season.

There is a minimum requirement of 150 guests so we need bookings as soon as possible - so please book your table or place NOW.

COST - £40 (social members/guests), £30 (playing members) and £25 (students).

BOOKING/PAYMENT

Players e-mail reservation of place or table to Jason , cheques to Jason Parrott, Franklin Templeton Investments, 5 Morrison Street, EDINBURGH, EH3 8BH.
Social Members e-mail reservation of place or table to David Parker , cheques to David Parker, 35/1 Dean Street, EDINBURGH, EH4 1LN

WHERE/WHEN - Roxburghe Hotel, Charlotte Square, Saturday 10 May, 7.00 for 7.30

DRESS - black tie or kilts

It's been a hard hard season playing wise with some tremendous events for our 150th scattered throughout the season. Lets make this final event of our 150th year as memorable as all the others - it has the speakers to do that. All that is now needed is YOU to book your place and organise your own table if possible.

For further information click here.

Don't miss out, reply NOW.

Sunday 13th April: BATs U18 v Merchiston - 6.30, Wednesday 16 April
RUGBY FOR ALL – in the North Edinburgh Community

On Wednesday, 16 April at Raeburn Place, BATs U18 will play Merchiston Castle School – who are the outstanding school side in Scotland this season, winning the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Cup. This game marks the end of BATs' third season and we would like to see as many Accie players and supporters there as possible to help us celebrate and see our future senior players.

The BATs team will be made up from the wide North Edinburgh community and will be the best side we can get on the night from young people from Broughton High School, Trinity Academy, Drummond and Craigroyston Community High School, Fettes, Edinburgh Academy and from the regular BATs Under 18s. We hope to include those U18s and U17s who are part of this season’s Scotland age group squads/teams.

Last year around 14 players who had been involved with BATs in one way or another entered senior rugby, this year we have a very young U18 side, so only expect a hand full to enter senior rugby – it is our aim to get around 14 each year in the future.

We are using the game against Merchiston to raise funds for BATs and will have an admission charge of £5 for adult (over 18). Please put come down to Raeburn Place and help us to secure our future by attending the game with your friends. Remember last year’s game against Bell Baxter was a cracker!!

We look forward to seeing you at Raeburn Place on Wednesday - the bar opens at 5.30 – the kick off at 6.30.

The future's good …….. with your support!

Friday 11th April: Glorious day at Raeburn Place
The long awaited meeting with the Barbarians and the accompanying events has been and gone - and it exceeded all our expectations. Even the inclement weather held good - though it was cool.

The sell-out crowd of 3,000 were treated to some sparkling rugby by both sides. That the Accies failed to register a try was a disappointment, especially as we were in no way overawed by our illustrious visitors. Nothing illustrates the point better than the fact that, far from running out of steam, Accies kept the line intact in the final 20 minutes and, indeed, the closing stages were played mainly in the Baa-Baas' 22 as we mounted attack after attack.

The match and the day were something to savour. On the world's first international ground in 1871 there were Minis, BATs and Academy teams playing in the late afternoon and a gala dinner for 600 guests late into the evening. Present at the main game was Accies', Scotland's and the Barbarians' oldest surviving player, 'Mac' Henderson, who as a back row forward had won three caps for Scotland in 1933 and in the same year played for the Barbarians against Cardiff. He will be 101 on 1 May 2008.

*** Accies and Barbarian Teams ****

The Barbarians started well when, after six minuets and from the first scrum, Nick Macleod cut through midfield for a try at the posts to which Rob Miller added the extra points. But it soon became obvious that the Accies defence had no intention of buckling in the face of Barbarian attacks. It was not until the half-hour mark that Genaro Fessia touched down near the corner and only after there had been several phases of play. He immediately added another which, with Miller's conversion established a flattering interval lead of 19-0.

It had not all been one-way traffic. Lewis Niven, the Scotland Under-20 prop, was held up over the line after a good Accies forward drive; and a Ruairidh Bonner break-out from inside his own 22 could have yielded more had the support runners been a little closer to his shoulder when forced to kick ahead.

The second half started like the first with a swift Barbarian try that featured a mazy run by Tyrone Howe before Stuart Moffat (on loan from Accies?) scored. The goalkicking duties passed to Macleod who converted that and the next try by Craig Hammond after good work by Ledua Jope. Then Ross Samson crossed for the sixth try before, in the 62nd minute the Accies were cruelly punished for turnover ball as Lee Best sprinted 70 metres for the final try at the other end of the pitch.

Accies plugged away, right to the very end, and it looked as if we might get our reward when David Rattray got the ball in his own half, skipped and danced his way past three Barbarian tacklers and found himself with a clear run at the line. But he could not shake off Moffat and when he kicked ahead the move petered out.

It was a shame because the Accies team gave so much to this game. In the end, we had to be satisfied with our captain Dan Teague being named man of the match.

The evening's over subscribed dinner was also a great success. The sixty tables were littered with rugby men of all eras and all levels - from the Accies successful teams of the 1950s to today's 4XV - and from Lions' captains and players, Scotland past and current captains and players (including Grand Slam captains), other internationals and numerous Club level players. The speeches were first class led by an excellent toast to EAFC by Finlay Calder followed by a toast to our guests by our President Willie Liston and a response by David Purdy.

A great day for club rugby, indeed, a day to remember!

Monday April 7th: Accies and Barbarians Squads
With only a few days to go before what will be a memorable day for everyone involved with the Club, here are the squads for Wednesday's big game.

E.A.F.C			Barbarian F.C
Sponsor	Name		Name
The Friar's Lodge Elephant	Matt Coupar	15	Stuart Moffat (Viadana & Scotland)
Gallowglass	Chris Dickie	14	Tyrone Howe (Banbridge & Ireland)
Turcan Connell	Paul Loudon	13	Matt Allen (Bedford Blues)
Mr Jake Kirkwood	Iain Berthinussen	12	Nick MacLeod (Cardiff Blues)
Brodies (1867)	David Rattray	11	Craig Morgan (Bristol Rugby & Wales)
Mr Euan McFie	Ruaridh Bonner	10	Rob Miller (Newcastle Falcons)*
www.edinburghprimeproperty.com	Mike Campbell	9	Nick Runciman (Worcester Warriors)*
Mr John Cochrane	Lewis Niven	1	Dorian Williams (London Welsh)
Ross Country Homes Ltd	Mark Price	2	Gordon Bulloch (West of Scotland & Scotland)* (Capt.)
Mr Willie Liston	Alistair Marsh	3	Ngalu Tau (Doncaster Knights & Tonga)
Mr Jeremy Richardson	Nathan Pike	4	Jon Phillips (Bedford Blues)
Bar Napoli	Edward Stuart	5	Peter Sidoli (Newport Gwent Dragons)*
Mr Jake Kirkwood	John Berthinussen	6	Tam McVie (Heriot's)*
Whighams Wine Cellars	Dan Teague (Capt.)	8	Gavin Quinnell (Worcester Warriors)
Mr Vic Murphy	Tom Drennan	7	Genaro Fessia (Sale Sharks & Argentina)*
-
Mr Ken Gray	Gavin Edwards	16	Andrea Moretti (Viadana & Italy)
Gallowglass	Jamie Henderson	17	Ben Evans (Sale Sharks & Wales)
Ben Tod Honey Badgers	Greg Campbell	18	Craig Hammond (Nottingham)
Mr Walker Forsyth	Robert Lovett	19	Ledua Jope (Army & Fiji)
Mr Ralph Lutton	Stewart Walker	20	Ross Samson (Newcastle Falcons)*
www.edinburghdentalstudio.com	Paul Arnold	21	Ross Blake (Cambridge University)*
Mr Vincent O'Donoghue	Ross Browne	22	Dan Norton (Gloucester Rugby)
Chandler & Terri LLP	Vilimoni Satala	23
HOOD Graham Ltd	Simon Willet	24	[* - denotes new Barbarian]
Mr Douglas Moffat	Greig Laidlaw	25

Sunday March 30th: VICTORY!
Morning has just broken 12,000 miles away - not a cloud in the sky. Woken by the now customary text at 5.30am, this time bringing just the news that had been wanted - Accies win, GHA lose.

*** Not a cloud in the sky, 8.30am Sunday ****

The memories of 10 years ago - Accies at Nailacre to stay in P1 - that had been forced to the back of the mind for the last few weeks, came flooding back quickly - only to be replaced with thoughts of victory and remaining in P1 for our 151st season.

It has been a long difficult season - many injuries - many games lost by 1 or 2 points and around 21 league points squandered in the last minute or two of games. The squad have worked hard under the guidance of the coaching and fitness team and the physio team have performed miracles at times to get players on the field. Dan Teague and his players have worked hard at the organised sessions and their personal fitness regimes all season - well done to all of them.

Early reports from the internet say it was a pulsating match in which the lead changed hands six times. Accies supremacy was underlined by scoring three tries from centres Paul Loudon and Iain Berthinussen as well as sub David Rattray - the latter two crossing late on to add a bit of gloss to what was, truly, a nerve-jangling encounter. With David Blair bringing his kicking boots along to claim 19 points.

Accies clawed their way back from 3-12 to lead 13-12 on the stroke of half time - the try coming after Blair broke 40 yards on a diagonal run then pivoted to send Loudon over close to the posts. Then a penalty was reversed and Graham Wilson claim a further three points to put Heriot's ahead. Half time, 13-15. The only sour note from the first half was seeing promising full back Chris Kinloch stretchered from the pitch.

The second half opened with a penalty exchanges between Blair (2) and Wilson. Heriot's were then blown away in a furious finish which saw Iain Berthinussen charge through for Blair to covert then David Rattray bring the house down by squeezing in at the corner. (What a sight to see the house being brought down by Accies at Goldenacre!!)

With word filtered through that drop rivals GHA had gone down at Stirling County, Accies celebrated wildly - as we should in the 150th anniversary season.

It's 9.00am on Sunday here - 8.00pm Saturday evening in Edinburgh. The party will only just beginning - how different to 10 years ago when we crawled back to Raeburn Place and drowned our sorrows and went home. That now can be consigned to the dustbin - and be replaced with the memories of our 150th season and being in P1 next season.

Finally, we can now really begin to fully look forward to our BIG game against the Barbarians on the 9 April. The AFC v BFC - what a celebration - and I will not need a text for the result!!

Wednesday March 26th: BATs U15s, Last minute again!, U15s, Saturday
From afar the text said it all - lost 14-18 in the last minute AGAIN - all to add to the pain of broken wrist and cracked ribs from falling off a bike a couple of days earlier!

From reports on the internet the Edinburgh papers it was a close run thing - with a try by 'Muir's Number 8, Ben Fisher, in the final minute sealing things. Accies scored a try through Iain Berthinussen and two penalties and a drop goal through David Blair.

With GHA winning and getting a bonus point Accies are now one point behing GHA in the league. This leaves everything on this Saturday's game for Accies at Heriots - five points is the target.

The 2XV had a good win at 'Muir 36-31 to ease their position in their league.

Congratulations to the BATs U15s who won the Shield final at Medowmill a week last Sunday beating 'Muir U15s 19-15. To see a report click here.

This week the first three teams play Heriots - the 1XV and 2XV at Nailacre and the 3XV at home. The 4XV are playing in a 10 a side competition at Watsonians and the BATs Development Team play Edinburgh Northern in Inverleith Park. All games are at 3.00 except the 2XV which has not been confirmed yet.

Wednesday March 19th: A view from a distance!
A disappointing result 21-26 in this important game - at least a bonus point. A text at 5.00am ish gave the bad news - that was ok -but the phone call from Radio Borders at 5.30 am - was not welcome!

As I did not see the game and there is little on the internet I can give no summary of the game other than say that, for Accies, Alistair Marsh and Matt Coupar scored tries and Greg Laidlaw kicked a conversion and three penalties.

'A distance' - Lake Wanaka

Having had time to reflect on some long flights it seems very unfair that a club - who in conjunction with Broughton and Trinity, have invested so much time and money in developing young players - should be punished when big games come along. Big games show who is up for it, big games teach young players invaluable lessons and good players show whether they are good in big games. So, over the last two games to be without the best of those who the Club has invested so much in - does not seem right. I do not know how Stirling were affected. Stirling and some other clubs have a good records of growing their future players - and may be the 'cycle' of good U20s was to Accies disadvantage this time - but, to be without them for such a crucial game for the Club?

As for the Cup and to be told you cannot play certain players is piece of nonsense. Cup round 5 games against the 'best' team in Scotland is a great testing ground. Sitting in the stand watching - beggars belief. Does that mean that for the benefit of the Club we trawl the world for players who can play all games all season, or do we spend our money and time developing our own?

So - league positions unchanged at the bottom - Accies third from the bottom three points ahead of GHA and now five points behind Stirling. This weekend Accies go to Boroughmuir (ko 3.00) - for the second time in a short time - knowing what is needed. GHA play 'relegated' Dundee at home.

The 2XV also are at Meggatland, the 3XV play Ross High 2 away and the BATs Development Team play Dalkeith in Inverlieth Park - all ko at 3.00. The BATs U18s have a friendly against North Berwick away.

Thursday March 13th: Only One Game!
Other than a Club trip to Biella there is only one game this weekend - Accies v Stirling at Raeburn Place on Saturday, kick off 3.00.

This is the one - as the league stands we are well ahead of Dundee, two points ahead of GHA (with a game in hand) and one point behind Stirling (who have a game in hand on us).

Forget the international - you can see it in the Club (or video it) before the BIG game at Raeburn Place.

Forget the weather (wrap up well).

Just be at Raeburn Place for 2.50. We need all the support we can get this weekend - noisy support as well.

Every one can help - PLEASE BE THERE - PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CLUB.

Tuesday March 11th: Last Weekend / BIG Game Approaches.
The 3/4 XV lost to a Gordonstoun Old Boys XV 7-12 on Saturday on a some what muddy and very wet Raeburn Place pitch. Accies 2 then beat Gala 2 in a friendly.

The weekend improved, for some of us, when the result of Sunday's Boroughmuir GHA game drifted through - 'Muir winning 26-19 - though GHA get a losing bonus point and now having played one more game than us are two points behind. Stirling's game with Nails seems to have been cancelled, though still not clear on that.

So, now to next week when Accies play Stirling who are one point above still with a game in hand. A win is a MUST for Accies. YOU can help your Club by turning out to support Ian Barnes, Dan Teague and the team.

Forget the international - you can watch it at the Club before the BIG game or Video it (ko 1.00) - forget the weather (wrap up well) - JUST BE THERE. Kick off 3.00

Friday March 6th: Calcutta Cup Weekend.
The Calcutta Cup weekend in Edinburgh is always some what of a hectic few days. It starts for us with our Calcutta Cup Dinner at the Academy, for which we have three fine speakers - Jason Leonard OBE (Harlequins, England, Barbarians and Lions), Ian Barnes (Hawick and Scotland) and Kenny Harris.

To follow that there are two games at Raeburn Place on Saturday morning - first the 3/4XV playing Gordonstoun Old Boys with a 12.00 ko then Accies 2 playing Gala 2 with a 1.30 ko. Whilst some of that is going on the televisions in the club will be showing Ireland v Wales at 1.15.

Then, to wrap Saturday up - the Big One - Scotland v England - LIVE in the club house at 3.15.

On Sunday there are no Accies teams playing but plenty of Accie's thoughts will be on the two P1 games being played - Boroughmuir v GHA and Stirling v Heriots - both at 3.00 . Of course when we win all our games the results will not matter to us.

Finally, we send congratulations to four Accies who are involved with the Scotland U20 squad against England this weekend - Lewis Niven and Chris Kinloch (who was the only U20 NOT allowed to play last weekend by the 'powers that be' in Murrayfield) are in the starting XV and Jamie Murray and Paul Loudon are on the bench - Paul having being called up after his U19 performance against Italy. Well done to all of them.

Tuesday March 4th: Cup Round 5 & Rearranged Stirling Game.
Last Saturday was never going to be an easy day for the 1XV at Boroughmuir and losing Ed Stewart early in the game with a nasty cut on the end of his nose from a stud and then Tom Drennan with a ham string strain did not help.

After 10 minutes 'Muir opened the scoring with a breakaway from their own 22 and Graeme McCallum cantered in the last 20 metres. Elgan O'Donnell landed the conversion .Almost immediately Accies struck back when 'Muir were caught offside at the breakdown the and Dan Teague saw his chance, took a quick tap and dived over in the corner. Bonner missed the conversion attempt - 5-7 after 15 minutes.

Over the next 25 minutes the only scoring was an exchange of penalties between O'Donnell and Ruairidh Bonner and as the half drew to a close it looked like 8-10 would be the half time score. 'Muir stole the ball from Accies and Rory Couper chipped ahead and the foot race to the line saw him knock-on over the line.

Then on half time John Berthinussen (who had replaced Drennan)was given a 10 minute rest - 'Muir took a scrum and with the man advantage Ben Fisher went over form close range. O'Donnell converted - half time 8-17.

In the second half 'Muir's man advantage enabled them to take another scrum and Couper sprinted through to score under the posts. O'Donnell converted - 8-22. In the last four minutes 'Muir scored two tries through Greg Cottrell and Couper - O'Donnell landed both conversions the last one from the touch line. Result 8-38 and 'Muir make round six of the cup.

The 2XV played way below their capability and lost to Watsonians 2XV by 27-33 - to see a report click here - and the 3XV beat Edinburgh University 3XV by 42-0 - to go top of their 2XV league.

The BATs Development Team lost to Inverleith 10-12, finishing up with 13 men!!

With both Stirling and Accies losing in the cup we will now play our postponed league fixture on Saturday 15 March, ko at 3.00. You will be able to watch the Scotland Italy game on television in the club then straight on to our most important of games in the league. Make sure you are there to support the team.

Thursday February 28th: Cup Round 5 - Boroughmuir v Accies
It does not seem that long ago that Accies played Boroughmuir in the Semi final of last season's cup - Accies winning 38-14 - and a day when we had to get the fire brigade to water the pitch to make it fit to play!

As the luck of the draw has it, we meet three rounds earlier and this time we are away - with a 2.30 ko. In our league fixture earlier this season, we lost 12-14 to Boroughmuir - who kicked a penalty in the last minute of injury time.

The 2XV have a league game against Watsonians at Raeburn Place and the 3XV play associate club Edinburgh University 3XV at Peffermill - both these games ko at 3.00. The BATs Development Team plays Inverleith at Arboretum ko at 3.00.

Sunday February 24th: A game of two whistles but no spare boot!
There were no games at Raeburn Place on Saturday but the 3XV and BATs Development Team both had fixtures the other side of town.

The 3XV's game against Watsons 3XV was played on the narrowest of narrow pitches, that sloped diagonally and with a gale blowing down the pitch. Accies played with the wind in the first half and though mostly camped in the Watsons 22, only managed to score with a penalty. Time after time Accies found themselves running out of space on the touch line having run down the slope and not straightened up the line. The referee dropped his whistle during play and an Accies forward 'accidentally' stood on it in the mud - luckily the referee had a spare whistle - game continued. Half time 3-0 Accies.

The second half of course saw Watsons in the Accies half and dominating the scrums until the Accies battered prop withdrew with a bent nose and crooked leg - unopposed scrums then helped the cause. Watsons kicked a penalty 3-3, then in a rare visit to the Watsons half the ball got to Accies winger PC Plod who ran to the 22, pushed the ball forward with his foot and won the race to touch down. The conversion was missed - the referee's boot split in chasing the play - luckily the referee had no spare boot - whistle went, game ended - Accies won 8-3.

The BATs Development team played a good Meggetland side and though performed well for three-quarters of the game gave away three tries late in the game. BATs lost 17-34.

Thursday February 21st: Cup/This weekend/Barbarians
Last weekend Stewart Walker scored his first try for the 1XV in the Cup game against Howe of Fife - and I gave it to Iain Berthinussen in my report !!! So to put the records right, Stewart scored a try and Iain only got one try. Well done Stewart.

The draw has been made for the fifth round of the Cup - we are to play Boroughmuir away on Saturday 1 March. This is a repeat of last years semi final that Accies won easily. In this year's league match we lost to Boroughmuir when they kicked a penalty in the last minute of injury time - should be some game!

On Saturday the club house will be open - for those who are not travelling to Dublin - to watch the three internationals that are on that day. Turn up and join Willie Henderson, Ian Davey, Johnnie Alexander and Jim McLaren - Wales/Italy 3.00, Ireland/Scotland 5.00 and France/England 8.00 - should be some session!

The Accies 3XV are playing Watsonians 3XV on Saturday at Myerside, ko 1.30 - also the BATs Development Team will play Meggatland away, with a 1.00 ko.

The Barbarians issued a press release on Wednesday - the following is an extract from it:

'Then on Wednesday 9 April the Barbarians return north of the border to help the Edinburgh Academicals, the oldest club in Scotland, celebrate their 150th season with a match at Raeburn Place. Scottish rugby icon and Barbarian committeeman John Jeffrey will take charge of the Baa-Baas' team for what will be another landmark occasion.

Micky Steele-Bodger said, “This is a very busy season for everyone involved with the Barbarians. We had another great welcome in Plymouth when we played the Combined Services last November and our victory over South Africa in December was a magnificent event in every respect. Now we are looking forward to two more historic matches in Bedford and Edinburgh before making new friends in Belgium and renewing old acquaintances among the cream of Irish and English international rugby.'

Monday February 18th: A winning start.
The 1XV beat a gutsy Howe of Fife 30-12 in round four of the Cup. This was the first game Howe had lost this season and the side was a great example of what can be done through developing your own players - seven of the team were in the last seasons Howe youth team/Bell Baxters all conquering team. In total Howe run three U18 teams.

Accies won comfortably in the end though did not have it all their own way - two tries by Iain Berthinussen (playing his first 1XV game since September after his knee operation), and tries by Jerry Tsang, Alistair Marsh and David Rattray along with one conversion and a penalty by Ruairidh Bonner made up Accies score. Howe - who were gifted an interception try in each half, one which was converted - never gave up right to the final whistle.

In a match which both teams supply the touch judges we were lucky there was another referee around as the main referee had to leave the field at half time - without the replacement we would have been back at Howe next weekend!!!

The 2XV lost to unbeaten Stirling 2XV and the 3XV beat top of the table Forresters 2XV 48-12. The 3XV needed to make a point as the first game was cancelled when a phone call came in saying the 3XV game is off - this turned out to be Currie's 3XV cancelling our 4XV game - and we had to concede the Forresters game. So, a victory by so many over Forresters was very sweet!

Thursday February 14th: Accies enter the Cup.
On Saturday Accies make their entrance into this seasons Scottish Cup - with a trip to Howe of Fife (it could have been Caithness!) - which is sure to be a tough game. Howe of Fife are the driving force of the very successful Bell Baxter School team and along with the school and their own U18s they just about cleaned up U18 rugby last season. There is sure to be a sprinkling from those teams turning out for in the HoF team on Saturday. The ko will be at 2.30.

The 2XV play a rearranged game against Stirling at Raeburn Place, the 3XV play top of the table Forresters at New Field - the earlier game of the season having been forfeited through some confused 'phone conversations. Both these games ko at 3.00.

The BATs Development Team play Moray House away, ko 3.00 and the BATs U18s play Haddington U18s away with a 1.00 ko.

Tuesday February 12th: The Barbarians are coming!

We play our much awaited fixture against the Barbarian FC on 9 April at Raeburn Place. Full details on how to apply for tickets for the game and the functions will be sent to Club members and sponsors soon. If you are interested please sign up to our mailing list (See the top right hand corner of the home page) and you will automatically receive all details.

A summary of the afternoon and evening follows - book it in your diary now!

From 1630 hours there will be two exhibition games that will bring together a range of our young players. There will be a match between The Edinburgh Academy U15 team and the BATs U15 team and exhibition matches featuring players from Edinburgh Accies mini section. The Edinburgh Academy Pipe Band will also provide pre match entertainment.

The main game, Edinburgh Academicals FC against the Barbarians FC - (AFC v BFC!) - will kick off at 18.00. This will be followed at 20.30 by a dinner, with two speakers - this dinner will be held in a marquee at Raeburn Place.

Please note this will be an all ticket match. Full details including how to apply for tickets will be posted shortly.

EAFC 1st XV 2005-6 Team Photo : Click on the photo above to view an enlarged version.

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