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Saturday February 9th: Cup Update
There will be no 'length of Scotland' trip for the Accies next Saturday after Howe of Fife beat Caithness 41-6 in the third round of the Cup on Saturday. Accies will now play the Howe of Fife away, next Saturday - 16 February - the ko will be 2.30.

BATs Development Team's interest in the Cup came to an end on Saturday when they lost 10-45 away to Dunbar.

Friday February 8th: Last week/ This week/Cup update
Last weekend was a blank one for the Club - all games but the 1XV being cancelled on the Friday and the 1XV pitch inspection at 9.30 on Saturday morning - with Stirling present - called the game of as the pitch was frozen and rutted.

As happens, at 2.30 the two French teams - one from Paris, the other from Montpelier - and eight of the 3XV managed to play 30 minutes each way before watching the internationals.

The Stirling game will not now be played until some time mid March - depending on both our Cup runs.

Talking of the Cup, Accies have been drawn away for the next round of the Cup on 16 February and will play the winner of the Caithness and Howe of Fife, who play on Saturday.

This weekend we have no 1XV game - both the 1XV and 2XV were due to play friendlies at Selkirk, but the Selkirk 1XV have to play a rearranged game. The 2XV are still going to Selkirk and the 3XV play Lasswade 2XV at Raeburn Place.

the BATs Development Team play Dunbar away in a rearranged Plate game and the BATs U18 play Boroughmuir U18 at Trinity. All games kick off at 2 p.m.

Lastly, Jimmy Tyrrell has advised that unfortunately, due to lack of support, the Biella fundraising dinner has had to be cancelled.

Thursday January 31st: Rugby this weekend
Whatever else is on this weekend all club members are needed at Raeburn Place to support the 1XV when they play the most important game so far this season against Stirling County. Accies are third from the bottom of the league with three games to go - well ahead of Dundee, three points ahead of GHA and one point behind Stirling who have a game in hand.

So forget the internationals (set the video recorder) - forget the weather -and get down to Raeburn Place and shout your team on! Our game kicks off at 2.00 so lots of time to get home to see the second international, or stay and watch it in the club house.

There is lots more on beside the 1XV game - the 2XV also play Stirling at New Field and the 3XV play StewMel at Inverleith both at 2.00. The BATs Development Team have a Scottish Plate game away at Dunbar ko will be 2.30.

To add to the French weekend there are a number of touring teams at Raeburn Place on Saturday. A round robin (15 minutes each way) will be played between Matra from Paris, a Montpelier team and Accies 4XV. Also the Scottish Lawyers will play their French counterparts at 3.00. Both these will take place in Inverleith Park.

A busy rugby weekend, lots of choice of games - but there is no doubt which game takes priority for you - 2.00, Raeburn Place - YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU!

Tuesday January 29th
Only the 1XV game survived the weather on Saturday. Accies were not good enough - and lost to Watsonians 6-31.

To see a report of last weekend's Mini tournament at Watsons click here.

Thursday January 24th: Fixtures this Weekend, Biella Dinner
Four games to go to the end of Premier 1 league fixtures - and it does not get easier as this week we play Watsonians at Raeburn Place. This is the third game running we have played the second in the league, Ayr were second when we drew with them, Currie were second when we beat them and now Watsonians!!

So yet again it is a big big game for us. You can help by making your way to the Club on Saturday and adding your support for the team. Kick off is 2.00 - be there.

The 2XV and 3XV also play Watsonians, the 2XV at New Field and the 3XV at Myerside. There is no 4XV game but the BATs Development Team start the top six play offs in their league with a fixture against Inverleith at Arboretum. All these games ko at 2.00.

Please note the cancelled game against Stirling will now be played on 2 February at Raeburn Place, the day before the Scotland France international at Murrayfield.

On Saturday 23 February there will be a final fundraising dinner for the Biella Tour. That day there are three Six Nations games on television the Club - pre dinner drinks during the Wales v. Italy game, dinner after the Ireland v. Scotland game then the France v. England game. For full information and details of how to get tickets click here.

Tuesday January 22nd
Accies first two teams were playing at Currie last Saturday - we won one and lost one - with the 1XV coming away with a win, 23-16. As with the cup game last year, we allowed Currie to go into a lead - but this time by only 13 points - before the fight back started, towards the end of the first half - when unfortunately Accies dropped the ball going over the Currie line. Then, Accies totally dominated the whole second half.

It was good to see Mark Price playing again - having broken his ankle training the Tuesday after his debut against Hawick in September, only six days after arriving in Scotland. Mark scored in that game and got the first try against Currie on Saturday - two games - four months recovery time - two tries - some record! It was also good to see Lewis Niven - who came on as a replacement at half time - score his first try for the club, when he got the second touch down. Saturday was also the Premiership D1 debut of Jerry Tsang, who has not played above National division 1 before - Jerry had a good game and did not look out of place at all.

Each Saturday it gets harder and harder to watch - some sort of weekly masochistic event, which drives up the stress levels and drains the energy. As we progressed through the game the President - who was rapidly running out of 'smoke sticks' - prowled the far touch line - creating a muddy path - just like a frustrated tiger in captivity. As the game progressed he grew greyer and greyer! One could understand why - as early on Currie ran the ball at all times - frequently loading all their backs one side of the maul or ruck. They scored two tries through their left winger within 30 minutes, which added to an early penalty, took them to a 13 point lead. In the last five minutes of the first half Accies pinned Currie back in their 10 meter line and actually crossing the line but dropped the ball in the process of touching down. Half time 0-13.

The second half started with Accies playing into the strong wind and looking like a different team - the pick and drives started to work - the pack bossed Currie about - and within no time had scored two tries through Price and Niven, Paul Arnold converting one (12-13). The total domination continued. Currie were making more and more errors, through the pressure Accies were applying in all phases of the game and gave away more and more penalties - one which led to the yellow carding of the Currie captain. All this was rewarded with a try by Luke McCann, which along with a couple of penalties by Arnold made the score 23-13. Currie came back and kicked a penalty (23-16) but never looked as if they would score any more. But, with the recent 'luck' at the end of games, Accies sensibly ran time down maintaining possession in mid field. Whistle went - President elated - but no 'smoke sticks' left to celebrate - result a win, 23-16.

With GHA drawing, Stirling losing (but getting a bonus point), Hawick winning and Hawks losing this leaves Accies 15 points ahead of Dundee, three ahead of GHA, one behind Stirling and two behind Hawick and Hawks. Willie - stock up on those 'smoke sticks' - you're going to need them!!!

As for the other results the 2XV lost to Currie, the 3XV got back to winning ways beating Lismore 2XV 27-0 and the 4XV made their 2008 debut beating Linlithgow 3XV 22-10. The BATs Development Team played Gala YM - at the fourth attempt - winning 19-18 - so they finished up 5th in the league. The league now splits so the top six play each other again to decide the champions.

Thursday January 17th: Weekend Fixtures / Burns Supper
After last Saturday's blank day we hope to return to a full fixture list this weekend. The 1XV and 2XV are both at Currie - with 3.00 and 12.30 kick of times respectively. Both are important games for the club - for the 1XV to maintain their movement further away from the bottom two in the league and for the 2XV to keep in front of Currie in their league.

The 3XV play Lismore 2XV at the Inch, the 4XV play Linlithgow 3XV at Raeburn Place and BATs Development Team has their fourth attempt at completing their remaining league fixture with Gala YM in Gala. All these games ko at 2.00.

On Saturday 26 January the Club will hold a Burns Supper in the clubhouse at Raeburn Place - for full details and how to book/reserve tickets click here.

Congratulations to Matt Coupar and Ed Stuart who have been selected for the initial Scotland Club International squad from which the side to play Wales on 8 February and Ireland on 22 February will be selected. Well done both of you.

Sunday January 13th: Blank Weekend!!
For the first time for a while there was no rugby for Accie or BATs teams because of the weather - indeed, only one game went ahead in the three Premier Leagues and that was in far away Ardrossen.

Although a programme was produced of course it was not used. After last weeks performance by the 1XV at Ayr, Ian Barnes said in his Coach's Comments 'A great performance in absolutely horrendous weather conditions through at Ayr last Saturday. A gut wrenching try off the last play of the game --- again! Seventeen league points lost in injury time this season, including ....................' - to see the full article, with Barney's musings on the Club, BATs, our associate clubs, strategic plans, our 'friends in the fortress' and life in general - click here.

Wednesday January 9th: Your Support Needed
Saturday brings Stirling - who are four points ahead of us in the league - to Raeburn Place. This is a BIG BIG game and we need all your support for Accies in a game we must win.

As we have been saying for some time this is a 'dog eat dog' league and there is not much between the majority of the teams - and, as the results have shown in the last few rounds bottom sides are beating or holding top sides to a point or two.

Saturday is a time to stand up and be counted - for players and supporters alike - so be there and add your support.

The 2XV play Stirling 2XV at Newfield, the 3XV play Lasswade 2XV at New Field and the 4XV play Watsons at Myerside.

The BATs Development Team play a re-arranged game against Gala YM at Gala.

All games kick off at 2.00pm

Monday January 7th: Weekend Results
It was always going to be a difficult trip to Ayr - and so it turned out - but the main difficulty in the end proved to be the weather - where for five minutes in the second half the strong wind and horizontal hail tested all 30 players on the field to the limit. But, despite the appalling weather the two teams did their best to entertain the hardy souls who braved the elements.

Accies played with the elements in the first half and put pressure on the Ayr line for the first twenty minutes. Ayr escaped with minimal damage from a Greg Laidlaw penalty, though the damage could have been much more serious if two other attempts had gone over - one which looked to be well in till the post, which was moving a couple of feet in the wind, met the ball and knocked it back into play. Ayr muscled their way into the game, and when Accies prop Alistair Marsh was sin-binned the home team took immediate advantage, Cameron Taylor nipping over the line (3-5). Whilst still a man short good running from Tom Philip and Chris Dickie made a Greg Campbell try in the 34th minute, and Laidlaw's conversion made it 10-5 for Accies at the break.

The most notable event of the second half, until deep in injury time, was the viciously horizontal hail shower which must have had the players feeling like a flock of grouse amidst a burst of buckshot but this was only a variation on the constant horrendous conditions and the fact that some tasty rugby continued to be served up is a huge credit to both teams.Accies held on bravely into the elements and yet again when into injury time - with Accies again a man short - it all went wrong, when Ayr's Glen Tippett squeeze out a pass to Ryan Holland for the wing to touch down in the corner. At least the conversion was missed this time - game drawn 10-10.

The pressure is still on - Dundee lost, GHA and Stirling won - Accies still third from the bottom 11 and 1 point ahead of Dundee and GHA respectively and 2 and 4 points behind Hawick and Stirling respectively. Stirling at Raeburn Place on Saturday - BIG BIG game.

The 2XV kicked off against Ayr 2XV an hour before the 1XV game - and if we had not travelled to Ayr the game should probably have been off as the pitch resembled Aberlady mud flats plus it was raining cats and dogs. Anyhow, play they did and two young sides tried hard though the bigger Ayr pack took the day - Accies losing 0-18.

Thursday January 3rd: Back to Business and Scottish Rugby Radio
After the Christmas/New Year break and the 150th anniversary games it is back to league business on Saturday with the 1XV and 2XV both away at Ayr - where the 1XV game ko is 3.00 and the 2XV 2.00. The 3XV play Linlithgow 2XV at Raeburn Place, ko 2.00.

There are a number of programmes about the Club on Scottish Rugby Radio at the moment - an interview with Mac Henderson (channel 6), an interview with David Sole (channel 23) and a report on the Co-optimist game (channel 11). If you would like to hear one of them go to the Scottish Rugby Radiowebsite, then go to Extra Radio Channels and click on Channel 6, 23 or 11.

Wednesday January 2nd: HAPPY NEW YEAR!! & 150th Celebrations
There were two well attended games at Raeburn Place both to mark the 150th anniversary of the first club game in Scotland against Edinburgh University on 26 December 1857.

Saturday's game - against the Co-optimists - produced 12 tries and some entertaining rugby from both teams. The Co-ops featured several professionals and a clutch of players looking to clinch selection for the forthcoming club internationals, while Accies fielded a youthful side included seven young players that had come through the BATs system.

Josh Pecquer (Trinity) opened the scoring for Accies. Before half time he was joined by Luke McCann and Matt Coupar for Accies and Charlie Keenan plus pros Steve Lawrie and Colin Shaw for the Co-ops, The score was 19-19 at half time.

Edinburgh winger Andrew Maxwell edged the visitors into the lead early in the second half but a smart try by Greg Laidlaw - after a quick throw in by Ruairidh Bonner - restored a two-point lead for Accies after 52 minutes. A long-range effort by Keenan followed by a second for Maxwell finally sent the Co-optimists clear and, although Jamie Miller (BATs) scored a fifth try for Accies, Craig Wilson claimed the final score of the day for the Co-ops. Final score 31-45.

On Monday, in front of over 500 spectators, Accies and Edinburgh Uni played a 25 a-side game under the Academical Rules of 1858 - with some slight modifications for 2007. It was a far more fluid game than the scant reports from 150 years ago hinted at, though it did take the first of the three 25 minute spells for both sides to adapt to the game of football that was. The off side rule (similar to the current Soccer law), not picking up/handling a ball in contact with the ground, what happens when the ball went in to touch and passing forward took time to get used to. To aid the game a method of re-starting the game if anyone transgressed the Rules was introduced - as there was no Rule for this in 1857.

In the end the Uni won by 4 goals to 2 - having adapted better to the game and in particular always seemed to have three or four men 'hanging around' the Accies goal line ready for when the ball was kicked through.

With the experience of Ronnie Sloan, Ralph Lutton and many of the Accies 'Golden Oldies' team, we expected Accies to control the ball in the massive rucks - but the keen students team managed to negate that area by kicking the ball away or diving in - and on - the rucks. It was on after 20 minutes that we began to see some control at the rucks when Accies twice managed to move the Uni back towards their line, but neither time did Accies get a touch down from them.

Reports of the first games hint there were long spells where rucks went backwards and forwards during the game and there would be all but four of the 50 men on the pitch in the rucks. That never seemed to happen in our game and the longer it went on the shorter the rucks and the players were more spread out around the field with lots of running with the ball being passed in any direction.

Both teams played hard, put on a good show and tried to play in the spirit of the 1857 game. The sympathetic control of Malcolm Duck (there was no referee in 1857) both helped the game to flow and added to the enjoyment of all the players and spectators. The efforts of the teams to look the part of an 1857 player - especially the Uni team - was much appreciated by all.

Trying to control 50 men on the field for off side and all the other bits and pieces was difficult - there was of course lots of fly kicking and kicking from the hand - and we saw more marks than we would in a full 1XV season. One can understand why the game changed quickly in the 1860s onwards - especially around the number of players on the field and the number of backs. The number of Rules grew from the 23 in the Academical Rules of 1857 to the massive tome of Laws we see today - partly because of the need to write down what would happen if the Laws were broken.

It was a good day which ran well - for which thanks are due to all (both Accies and Uni people) who helped to organise the day, the referee, the players, the large number of spectators and the weather forecasters who got it wrong again, as the rain held off till all was over!

A good New Year to you all.

Monday 24th December: 150th Anniversary
The 26 December is 150 years to the day when the then Academical Football Club played the first club game in Scotland. To quote Scotland on Sunday 'If ever there was a milestone in Scottish sport worth celebrating it is this one, because no other club in the world has had a more significant impact on rugby than the Raeburn Place outfit. It has become so commonplace to think of Scottish rugby as the poor relation of the world game that it is sometimes difficult to comprehend the unparalleled list of firsts that Scotland's oldest club boasts.'

To see the full S.o.S article click here.

To see the BBC web article click here.

If you would like to hear an interview with Mac Henderson go to the Scottish Rugby Radio website, then go to Extra Radio Channels and click on Channel 6

Don't forget Accies v Co-optimists - 29 December ko 2.00
Accies v Edinburgh uni - 150 rules - 25 a side - 31 December ko 1.00

Thursday December 20th: Christmas/New Year - Biella Tour
After the high of last Saturday the leagues take a break until the New Year and there is no rugby for any Accies teams this coming Saturday - that's probably a well planned break, considering the state of the pitches - rock hard!

In between Christmas and New Year - as part of our 150th celebrations - there will be two games at Raeburn Place. On Saturday 29 December Accies play the Co-optimists - this should be a great game to see away from the pressures of League rugby - kick off is 2.00.

The Academical Football Club played their first game of football at Raeburn Place against Edinburgh University - a side made up of 'visitors' to Edinburgh. That first game was to be decided on the best of seven goals - in the days to touch the ball down over the line gave you a 'try at goal'. And it lasted for four Saturdays - starting on 26 December 1857 and finishing on 16 January 1858! On the first day the students scored one goal; there followed two scoreless days but on the fourth Saturday - with the teams increased to 30 a side - the Academicals kicked four goals to win between 2.00 and 3.30.

On 31 December Accies and Edinburgh University will repeat that very first game – 1857 laws – 25 a side – original kit. The game will NOT last four days, though the celebrations may well go into 2008! This is a historical event - see how it was - at the very same ground - on the very same pitch - 150 years 5 days before. Bring your family down - join in the fun - kick off is at 1.00.

Two years have passed and the Biella tour is fast approaching once again. For those of you that have been before you know what to expect. For those that haven’t, you're in for a treat. Everyone is welcome from players to ex-players to WAG’s. We will be leaving on Thursday 13th March 2008 and returning on Sunday 16th March 2008. It’s a good idea to book Monday and possibly Tuesday off work as well to recover if past tours are anything to go by. Flights and accommodation are a bargain and will only cost £220 in total.

To book a place, send an initial cheque for £100 to James Tyrell, 8/16 East Pilton Farm Avenue, Edinburgh, EH5 2GB. All cheques should be made payable to James Tyrrell and must be received no later than January 12th. If your cheque isn't received by then, you won’t have a place booked on the flight. A further £70 will be collected on February 5th and the final £50 on March 5th. There’s huge interest in the tour so book early to ensure you don’t miss out.

Should you have any queries please contact Jimmy Tyrrell (07838 370 365), Matthew Tyrrell (07852 251 293) or Troy Maclachlan (07795 313 624)

Finally we at Accies wish you the compliments of the season and hope that we will see you at Raeburn Place to support the games on the 29 and/or 31 December - put them in your diary NOW.

Tuesday December 18th: Weekend Results - Christmas/New Year Training/Games
It was a mixed ending to league rugby in 2007 for the Accies teams. The 1XV ended on a high note - beating bottom of the table Dundee 30-6 - and getting a try bonus point as well. The young 2XV were well beaten at Dundee 13-47 in a game - that according to Dundee's web - Accies kept the pressure on all game.

At Raeburn Place, Accies grabbed a top-flight survival lifeline – while sending Dundee closer to relegation. Dundee took the lead after 10 minutes with a drop-goal by Barry Jones - only for Accies to draw level a few minutes later with a Greg Laidlaw penalty (3-3). Soon after, Mike Kerr dropped another goal for Dundee (3-6) and then, after a yellow card for Dundee, Chris Kinloch made a good break, stood up well in the tackle and slipped the ball to Luke McCann who scored. The try was unconverted and shortly after it was half time, 8-6.

After half time Laidlaw kicked another penalty (11-6) then Dundee picked up their second yellow card of the game. Accies took advantage of that and after a break from Accies line by captain Dan Teague, on to Kinloch and finally to Ruairidh Bonner who sprinted 30 meters to score under the posts - Laidlaw converted - 18-6. Ten minutes later Greg Campbell drove over the line for another converted try making the score 26-6. Dundee kept trying to attack Accies, but with a couple of minutes left Nathan Pike intercepted in his own 22, kicked well into Dundee territory where Tom Drennan turned the Dundee player, the ball came to Laidlaw who cross kicked to McCann and on to Chris Dickie who finished off well to score in the corner - final score 30-6.

Other results at the bottom of the league went Accies way - even though GHA and Stirling both drew, Stirling getting a try bonus as well. So - as we take our New year break - Accies are nine and three points ahead of Dundee and GHA respectively, and two and three points behind Stirling and Hawick respectively. There are six league games left.

Over the Christmas/New year period the following training and games will take place at the club:

Normal training Tuesday 18, Thursday 20 and Thursday 27 December and Thursday 3 January
Weights at Telford College, Monday 17 December - break for Christmas / New Year - then restart Monday 7 January.
There will be a 1XV game against the Co-optimists on Saturday 29 December - 2.00pm KO.
Social game against Edinburgh University on Monday 31 December - 1.00pm KO - 1857 rules (per Jake Young) and kit (per Peveril) - 25 a-side - squads of 50 - commemorative photograph - food and drink afterwards - players names to Finlay MacPherson.

Weekend Fixtures and 150th Celebrations

Instead of being six points clear of GHA, seven clear of Dundee and one behind Stirling, the final league game of 2007 sees us level with GHA, four ahead of Dundee and four behind Stirling! How much Saturday's 1XV game against Dundee means to Accies is summed up in that - especially as we play Stirling the week after the leagues start next year.

As has been written before - it's a dogfight at the bottom of P1 - and the fight just got more intense after last weeks result. We need your support for the 1XV and Club on Saturday - so put aside your shopping for three hours and get down to Raeburn Place and add your support - the kick off is at 2.00.

The 2XV travel to Dundee to play their 2XV, the 3XV - who are now second in the 2XV League Division 4E - play Grangemouth 2XV away and the 4XV start their Christmas/New Year break.

The BATs Development Team play a rearranged fixture against Gala YM - who cancelled their game for the second week running last week, because they could not raise a team - at Gala and the U18s play Murrayfield Wanderers in Inverleith Park.

All these games except the U18 (ko 12.00) kick off at 2.00.

On Saturday 29 December Accies play the Cooptimists at Raeburn Place.The game will act as a trial for the Scotland Clubs XV who will play Ireland and Wales in the New Year, as the Cooptimists have kindly agree to will be made up of players who are being looked at for the Scotland Clubs XV.

On Hogmanay, a re enactment of the first game played by the Academicals Football Club (on 26 December 1857) will take place at Raeburn Place against Edinburgh University (the same opposition). The game will not last four weeks - like that very first game - but will play to the laws as was then and be 25 a side! The ko will be 1.00 so you can se 'history repeated' and then go your own ways to celebrate the New Year.

Mark these dates in your diary - more about both these games later.

Tuesday December 8th: Season of Goodwill?
Less than two minutes to go - Accies successfully repel a lengthy GHA forward drive on the 5 meter line after GHA penalised for a 'truck and trailer' - Accies penalty - wind behind them - kick to touch - Accies line out - win the ball and drive - kick ball over stand - game over - Accies win 15- 10 - NO!.......

......Accies miss touch - GHA winger runs ball back to Accies 22 - eight more minutes of drives and around 20 recycles - GHA score under posts - convert - whistle goes - Accies lose 15 -17!!!

With a Saturday evening phone call asking if I would join the caller on a trip to the Forth Bridge - and Sunday evening wondering if Accies would be awarded the 'Sports most Generous Christmas Gift' award on Sports Review of the Year - it was not a good weekend.

In atrocious conditions - it rained, sleeted, snowed and blew throughout the game - both sides did well to play as much rugby as they did. In addition, with the kick off delayed because one of the touch judges arrived at 2.00 - the ko time - the game also finished in the gloom with training lights on.

GHA scored first when Dan Sutherland snapped up a touchdown for with Jim Noonan adding the convertion then a penalty. Greg Campbell and Pete Burns scored trys for Accies with Greg Laidlaw converting one of them - half time 12- 10. In the second half Laidlaw kicked a penalty then Jon Welsh's winner, goaled by Noonan - 15-17.

The 2XV lost to Biggar 9-10 on the cold, windswept, snowy showground pitch and BATs Development Team beat Dick Vets 29-6.

Friday December 7th: Weekend's Rugby
On Saturday the 1XV have an important game against GHA at Braidholm - GHA are next to the bottom of the league three points behind Accies and one ahead of Dundee who we play next week. Last week GHA comprehensively beat Hawick whilst of course we beat Hawks.

The 2XV play Biggar away, the 3XV play Preston Lodge 2XV at New Field and the 4XV play Panmuir 1XV at Raeburn Place - this game tends to bring out all the 'rusty' Accie 'golden oldies' and should be worth watching if not going to Braidholm.

The BATs development team play the rearranged league game against Dick Vets - this will be at Broughton or New Field.

All kick offs are at 2.00.

Monday December 3rd: A better weekend!
A much better weekend with three victories and a draw for the Accies teams. The 1XV put in a stirring performance to consign Glasgow Hawks to their ninth league defeat this season. Accies started strongly and after less than five minutes a blistering run from Matt Coupar had points on the board. Greg Laidlaw converted before adding a penalty two minutes later, 10-0. Stewart Smith gave Hawks hope when he broke the line to go over on the half hour mark, but Laidlaw punished the Hawks indiscipline, knocking over a penalty moments before half time 13-5.

Hawks started the second half with a renewed sense of urgency, Ian Noble slotting a penalty after two minutes and five minutes later converted a Mark Davids try to give Hawks the lead for the first time 13-15. 12 minutes later, after a sustained period of pressure on the Hawks line, Matt Coupar used his strength to score a short range try from a Laidlaw break - to give Accies the advantage again 18-15. Accies held on for a crucial win, though Hawks were in the Accies 22 for the last couple of minutes and tapped and ran a penalty infront of the posts, rather than taking the three points to draw!

This win leaves Accies third from the bottom of the league, three points ahead of GHA - who smashed Hawick - and four points ahead of Dundee, who lost to Melrose. Our next two games are against GHA (away) and Dundee (home)!!! If ever the 1st XV needed your support, it is for these vital games.

The 2XV drew with Hawks 2XV at New Field 24-24 - a good turn round for this very young side after losing by over 50 points to Hawks in Glasgow earlier in the season. The 3XV continued their winning run beating Falkirk 2XV 16-5 and the 4XV beat Currie 3XV in an exciting game 34-33 - the many 'senior' players in the 4XV thought they were at the wrong place when majority of the Currie team that turned up were colts - it took Accies a while to wear Currie down to the Accies pace.

The BATs Development Team's game against Gala YM was cancelled, because Gala could not raise a team - instead they played a friendly against Linlithgow and lost 0-13, the BATs U18 played Murrayfield Wanderers and lost 7-8.

Thursday 29th November: Weekends Fixtures, 2XV report
On Saturday the 1XV play Glasgow Hawks at Raeburn Place the first of three key games in December. The 2XV also play Hawks at New Field, the 3XV play Falkirk 2XV away and the 4XV play Currie 3XV also at New Field. The BATs Development Team play Gala YM away and the BATs U18 play Murrayfield Wanderers also away. All kick offs are at 2.00

Last weekend a very young 2XV played near rivals StewMel at Inverleith and did well to grind out a narrow but thoroughly deserved victory. Despite the youthful make-up of the squad (eight of the starting fifteen were 18-year-olds) the boys showed great determination and commitment to come back (twice) from behind to win 14-17.

With captain Phil Jenkinson leading the way, Accies adapted well to the difficult conditions in the first half, by playing a sensible tight game. However, after going behind early in the second half, Adam Broatch – a.k.a. Bambi – timed his run well to break between the home centres for a fine try. Jamie Sole converted from the touch-line.

With Robin Snape putting in a massive shift at the pit face, and Colin Jarvis embarking on several rampaging runs, it seemed as if it was only going to be a matter of time before the visitors scored again. However, StewMel scored a long range try which seemed to galvanize them.

Phil Trodden then came off the bench to play outside centre, and after a clearance kick bounced into his arms all he had to do was side step his way round three players and sprint in from the halfway line - which he did! Jamie Sole, who had an excellent game, converted from the touchline (again).

With 10 minutes left Stuart MacKintosh – coolness personified – stepped up to knock over the drop-goal which secured the win. Overall, a scrappy win for the 2XV – but they all count. And it is particularly pleasing to get a result against our local rivals.

Tuesday 27th November: The Academy cup game, Accies weekends results
On Thursday (29th) Edinburgh Academy play Merchiston in the fourth round of the Scottish Schools Cup at New Field ko 2.15. The Academy 1XV have had a good run of results this term, led by the youngest of the Blair brothers, Alex. They lost narrowly to Merchi earlier, but there is every chance they can reverse the result in this fourth round Cup match. All support will be welcomed.

Last Saturday's 1XV loss was a disappointment. A game of two halves - and we lost them both! Playing into a strong wind in the first half Accies restricted Hawick to two penalties but could not convert being camped on the Hawick line for a lengthy time into points - though a number of collapsed driving mauls and a deliberate dive over the top and knock the ball out of the scrum half's hand went unpunished, other than a penalty . Half time 0-6.

Turning to play with the wind Accies seemed to freeze - and were not helped when after eight minutes Tom Stuart was yellow carded for entering from the side of a ruck that Hawick won. Within nine minutes Accies were losing 0-20 as Hawick's open side wing forward, Wilson, scored two converted tries.

Back with 15 men Accies began the fight back and Marsh scored an unconverted try with 10 minutes to go. With the final play of the game - after another collapsed maul and finally a yellow card for Hawick - from the tapped penalty Laidlaw dummied and went over under the posts and converted his own try. Final score 12-20. It was not a good game for Accies, a game we could have won - but didn't.

The 2XV beat StewMel 17-14, the 3XV beat Edinburgh Uni 30-5, the BATs Development Team lost to Inverleith 0-24 and the BATs U18s lost to the league leaders Lasswade 6-15.

Thursday 22nd November: Congratulations and games this weekend
Lets start with some congratulations to various players of the Club who have been selected for Scottish representative squads recently. First to Chris Kinloch who has been picked in the Scotland Sevens squad to play in the IRB Sevens in Dubai and George, South Africa - he will miss the next three Accies games - well done Chris. Secondly, we are pleased to hear Lewis Niven, Ruairidh Bonner, Chris Kinloch and James Murray (who is currently at uni in Leeds) are all in the Scotland U20 squad for this season.

Finally, the strangest of all, but we hear Jamie Boyd has changed his sport to Elephant Polo, where he has been 'capped' by Australia in the tournament currently going on in Nepal. Well, I suppose its one up on doing a Barney's training sessions. His reward is sugar cane and/or rice balls packed with vitamins (molasses and rock salt) and water, as needed, at the end of each match - that's one up on oranges! We look forward to seeing Jamie back at RP in his Aussie Cap - wonder if it really has corks hanging from it?

This week the 1XV make the journey to Hawick - where there will be a 3.00 kick off because they have lights. In the fixture at Raeburn Place we were so close - missing a penalty in the last few minutes - but lost by two points. We need to continue with the improvements we have seen over the last few weeks as Mansfield Park is not an easy place to win - but we can do it.

The 2XV play StewMel at Inverleith, the 3XV play Edinburgh Uni 3XV at Raeburn Place, the BATs Development Team play Inverleith in Inverleith Park and the BATs U18 play Lasswade in Inverleith Park - lots of Inverleiths there, don't get confused. All these games ko at 2.00

Wednesday 21st November: BATs Charity Christmas Lunch and Carols & Biella Fundraising Dinner
On Sunday 16th December the annual BATS Charity Christmas Lunch and Carols will again be held at Broughton RFC's Wardie Club Rooms - meeting 12.30pm for a 1pm kick off. Format for the afternoon will be: pre lunch cocktails - the 'full monty' 3-course turkey lunch with all the trimmings, coffee & mince pies (fine wines supplied by Cockburns of Leith to accompany lunch) - Christmas Carols and postprandial cocktails! The cost is a mere £22 per head (for lunch + wine) - a bargain - for what will surely be one of the best social events of the year. All proceeds go towards BATS and the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). Dress will be jacket & tie, strictly over 18's. For reservations and tickets please e-mail Jason Parrott at or call 07799 484 863. Don't hang around – seats will be allocated on a first come basis!!!

On Saturday 8th December the fundraising dinner for our tour to Biella is taking place in the clubhouse at Raeburn Place - meeting 7.30 for 8.00. The dinner, drinks, superb raffle prizes (including signed Scotland and Edinburgh rugby jerseys) and adult entertainment are booked. All we need now is your support! Tickets are excellent value at just £35 per person and we require a £10 deposit to guarantee your seat. Jimmy (The Piglet) Tyrrell - 0783 837 0365 - Troy and Matt Tyrrell will answer any questions you have and collect your deposits. We need to know numbers in advance so you must have your deposit paid on Saturday 1st December at the absolute latest. Make sure you support the club and bring down your £10 deposit – SCREW THE NUT!!

Monday 19th November: Accies win - Tom Philip makes comeback
There were two notable events on Saturday. After a number of close loses (five by two points or less) and taking Boroughmuir (the run away undefeated P1 leaders) right to the line the previous week - Accies deservedly beat Melrose (the second in the league) 16-8. It was also the game in which Tom Philip made a return to playing rugby, after his self imposed 'retirement' to recover from injuries to his back, groin and knee. Tom's determination and dedication to make a full recovery is an example to all - we at Accies are all so pleased for him. Lets hope he is given time to readjust him self fully to the pressures and needs of the game before the 'professional' scouts come calling - he needs that time!

Accies played with the strong wind behind them in the first half and for the first 20 minutes had difficulty in gaining - and when they did - keeping possession. Philip, in his first game for the best part of three years, put in some of his trade mark strong tackles in that time and after 25 minutes Douglas converted a penalty for Accies 3-0. Five minutes later from a good break from his own half, Philip gave a scoring pass to Douglas, which was unconverted 8-0. Accies by now were more in control of the game and spurned a good opportunity, after a Rattray break, by going 'over the top' of a ruck whilst directly under the Melrose posts. After 11 minutes of injury time, half time came 8-0.

For the restart Accies had replaced Bonner (dead leg) and Greg Campbell (various knocks!) and with four minutes gone Tom Stewart took the ball in his own half and brushed of half a dozen weak attempts at tackling him, to score in the corner 13-0. The lead was reduced to 13-3 after another five minutes by a Wight penalty but Douglas restored the Accies advantage with another penalty 16-3. On the half hour Ed Stuart, who was having a good game for Accies, was yellow carded and shortly afterwards Dalziel scored an unconverted try for Melrose 16-8. The injury jinx continued for Accies with Kinloch leaving the field with a leg injury, but Accies came back only to waste a three on one, on the Melrose 22. With another long injury period - this time 10 minutes (to make 21 for the whole game, an extra quarter on normal time!) Accies held on to gain a most deserved and welcome victory. A number of the 1XV left straight after the game to go to the captain's stag night in Bristol - it should have been an interesting flight!

The very young 2XV lost their game with Aberdeen, the 3XV beat Kinross 2XV 68-7, the 4XV beat Boroughmuir 4XV 22-5 and BATs Development Team beat Liberton 1XV 46-7.

Thursday 14th November: This weekend and Biella trip
After last Saturday's disappointment - of the last seconds loss to pace setters Boroughmuir - we have another home Premier 1 league game this week against second placed Melrose. We had a rude welcome to P1 rugby when we played at the Greenyards in September - lets hope we have learnt from that experience and continue from where we were last week, when we were in control for much of the game.

Including the 1XV, Accies and BATs have six teams out again on Saturday. The 2XV play Aberdeen 2XV at Newfield and the 3XV play Kinross 2XV in Inverleith Park. The 4XV have a change of fixture and now play Boroughmuir 4XV at Newfield.

The BATs Development Team play Liberton 1XV at Kirkbrae and the BATs U18s play Preston Lodge at Pennypit.

All kick offs are at 2.00.

On the 15 of March the Club will make it's bi-annual trip to Biella in Italy. As part of the fundraising for the trip there will be a 3 course meal, wine and adult entertainment dinner held at the temporary club house on Saturday, December 8th, 7:30pm for 8pm. All members and players are welcome, dress kilts or trousers! Tickets cost £35 with a £10 deposit needed upfront. To book places please contact Jimmy Tyrrell on 0783 837 0365.

Tuesday 13th November: So near but so far!
Well into a long injury time Accies took the lead in a hard fought Premier One League game against high flying - undefeated - Boroughmuir, one minute later Accies were losing, one minute later the whistle went!!

So, for the fifth time this season Accies lost by two or less points - this time 12-14.

The performance was much better - the chances were there to win - we did not take them - to quote the Scotsman 'The frustration Accies felt at the final whistle was generated as much by their own shortcomings as by pedantic or overly liberal interpretation of the laws. Accies played well, at times very well. Their lineout was imperious, their scrum was solid, their work in the loose was creative, but it still wasn't enough to turn Boroughmuir over'.

So, whilst Boroughmuir are now virtually out of sight at the top of the league - with their near rivals both losing - Accies are now joint bottom with GHA - with two of Accies near rivals (GHA and Stirling) both winning. Accies are now one point below Dundee, six below Stirling and nine below Hawks.

Boroughmuir opened the scoring after 17 minutes after Accies were stripped of the ball on the Boroughmuir 22 and Accies defence was stretched and Couper scored in the corner (0-5). Ten minutes later Laidlaw converted a penalty for Accies only for that to be matched by a Boroughmuir penalty on half time (3-8).

The second half started with some long periods of Accies pressure on Boroughmuir's line - a number of collapsed driving mauls didn't seem to worry the officials - and the only return was another Laidlaw penalty (6-8), just after each side had picked up a yellow card. Within four minutes Boroughmuir went five points ahead again after another penalty for Accies to pull back six minutes later (9-11). Kinloch then came very close after a powerful 40 meter run, beating a number of players. Then well into injury time Accies took the lead - two minutes to go - and it was not to be!!

The long list of injuries (around 20 for the 1/2XV squads) is also taking its toll, especially on the 2XV, who well beaten by Boroughmuir 5-59. The 3XV beat Ross High 2XV 27-19 and the 4XV comfortably beat RHC 3XV.

Thursday 8th November: Fixtures this weekend.
We reach the half way stage of the first and second fifteen leagues this weekend - after what can be described as a 'difficult time'. How things change over twelve months! Last year we had a steady team - this year we have been running with 18 to 22 injuries each week to the 1/2 XV squad - and it has tested us to the full. A year ago we would have struggled more. This year the depth of the players has helped, but the stronger opposition has taken its tole on our results. The 1XV lie second bottom and the 2XV lie seventh (an improvement on this time last year) in their respective leagues. The 1XV have been so close to a better record having won two, drawn one, lost three games by one point and one game by two points - so near but so far!

This week the top two teams both play Boroughmuir at Raeburn Place - the 1XV ko at 2.00 against an unbeaten opposition and the 2XV ko at 12.00. The 3XV play Ross High 2XV away and the 4XV play RHC in Inverleith Park - both 2.00 ko.

The BATs Development Team who have postponed their game against Dick Vets - as the students have exams this weekend - play a friendly against Heriots 4XV at Nailacre, ko 2.00 and the BATs U18s play Forresters in Inverleith Park, ko 12.30.

Wednesday 7th November: Not a good weekend
It was not the sort of weekend we would want to go through too often - the first three teams losing to Watsons and the 4XV losing to Melrose 3XV. It's a long time since all four teams lost the same weekend!

The 1XV lost 22-38, three tries to six - having gone 12 points behind , through some poor kicking including a missed penalty kick to touch and some slack tackling - Accies recovered to 12-17 at half time, through tries from Rattray and Coupar. After half time Accies applied pressure keeping play for the first 15 minutes in the Watsons half - though other than a penalty converted by Arnold (15-17), did not look like scoring. Watsons then scored two more quick tries to be followed some minutes later by their sixth and last try 15-38. In the last five minutes Kinloch scored a good try for Accies converted by Arnold. At this level we cannot give teams too much space or lay of tackling - or we will be punished.

The 2XV went down to Watsons 2XV 6-29 at Myerside and the 3XV, after leading 17-0 after 15 minutes, lost 22-28. A mixture of 4XV players and youngsters went down to Melrose and lost heavily to Melrose 3XV 7-75.

The BATs Development Team beat St Boswells 48-5, to record their third league win this season.

Thursday 1st November: Early kick offs this weekend
We heard earlier this week about an unfortunate accident to BATs U16 player Calum Reid whilst taking part in a SRU lead Pathway development session. During the session Calum was involved in a clash of heads and initially thought to be ok. A little later Owen Downes, the ex Accies Physio, spotted he was not looking right and got him to hospital where Calum underwent an emergency operation for a blood clot on the brain. Surprisingly, Calum is now at home recovering.

We wish Calum well as he makes his lengthy recovery. We also thank Owen for his skill in spotting the problem and prompt action in getting Calum treated. Well done Owen.

Winter approaches as kick offs change this weekend to 2.00 - no 2.30 this year - except for the 1XV who play Watsonians at Myerside under lights with a 3.00 ko. It's a Watsonian weekend for the 2XV, also at Myerside and the 3XV at Raeburn Place. The 4XV make the trip to the Greenyards to play Melrose 3XV.

The BATs Development team share a bus with the 4XV for their fixture at St Boswells and the BATs U18s have a blank week through a team dropping out of the league.

Tuesday 30th October: Yet another one point loss!
For the third time this season the 1XV lost by one point - this time 26-27 to Currie. This leaves Accies second bottom of the league five points above GHA and two points behind Stirling and Dundee. There is though a nine point gap between Accies and fifth placed Heriots. This is a tight league where 25 of the 54 games have been won by less than seven points.

Accies took advantage of strong elements to post a try by Arnold with Laidlaw converting and adding two penalties by the 16th minute for a 13-0 lead. Five minutes before the interval that a Smith penalty roused Currie and for an encore the former resident of Pukekohe then sent over fellow kiwi Fitzgerald to add the conversion as the Accies defence stood off. Accies recovered for Laidlaw to land a third penalty and to lead 16-10 at the interval.

After half time Currie were soon stunned when another Bonner break lead to Laidlaw nipping through to convert his own touchdown (23-10). Straight away Currie came back Smith converting his own try under the posts though Accies couldn't be shaken off Laidlaw dropping a goal (26-17). This was followed by Hutt scoring an unconverted try to be followed by Caldwell scoring in the corner with ten minutes to go (26-27). Accies one last chance, a 40 meter penalty, was blown a couple of feet wide with two minutes to go. For Accies Greg Laidlaw and teenager Ruairidh Bonner starred at stand off and inside centre (replacing Blair away with Edinburgh and Kinloch away with Rugby Ecosse) respectively.

It was better news for the other teams with the 2XV beat Currie 2XV 24-0, the 3XV beating Lismore 2XV 49-0 and the 4XV beating RHC 3XV 38-19. The BATs Development Team lost in a friendly to Wanderers 17-25 but the BATs U18s won for the second week running 29-3.

Thursday 25th October: October Fixtures, Halloween Party and International Tickets
On Saturday we again have a full house of fixtures to be followed by a Halloween Party. The 1XV and 2XV both play Currie at Raeburn Place ko 3.00 and 12.30 respectively. The 3XV play Lismore 2XV in Inverleith Park and the 4XV play RHC 3XV away - both ko at 3.00

The BATs Development Team play a friendly against Edinburgh Wanderers 3XV at Murrayfield, ko 3.00 and the U18s play Livingston in Inverlieth Park, ko 12.30.

This is the last week of 3.00 kick offs till next February - we move to 2.00 from 3 November.

After, the games, don't miss the legendary ‘28 Peronis Barking at the Moon Halloween Disco & Karaoke Night’ to which all players & guests are invited at San Marco on Saturday, 27th October at 7pm. Format for the evening will be as follows: after the games meet in the clubhouse, then over to San Marco @ 7pm for some bruschetta, pasta, muchos Peronis & general shenanigans, then up to The Standard pub in Howe Street for some disco & karaoke followed by a night club of your choice .... No points for guessing that Halloween fancy dress is COMPULSORY, dealers choice so long as you make an effort of some kind. This is the premier social event of the season thus far - miss it at your peril!A £10 non-refundable deposit is required for the meal on a first come basis – to book a place please contact Nathan ‘Leatherface’ Pike on 07931 136 801 or e-mail

The deadline for away International tickets is 26 October - see entry for 9 October below for details and forms - players, remember some of the away weekends are scheduled National Cup weekends!

Wednesday 24th October: Last Weekend's results
Last Saturday was a mixed bag for the Club. The 1XV threw away a 16-6 lead after 55 minutes to lose 21-23 - it was a game for the taking and would have opened a gap between Accies and the bottom two, but instead Accies now go second bottom of the league after eight games. For Accies Blair kicked three penalties and converted Tom Stuart's try to put Accies into a 10 point lead - Stirling responded with three tries and two penalties to make the score 16-23 - Blair scored a late try to make the final score 21-23.

A very young 2XV lost to high flying league leaders Stirling 10-39 but the 3XV beat Lasswade 2XV 26-5. BATs Development team lost to Meggatland (Boroughmuir 3XV) 21-27 throwing away a 14 point lead in the process, but played well for the second week running.

The BATs U18 had a close run game at Ross High winning 21-20. It was an open entertaining game where the lead changed hands at regular intervals. BATs opened the scoring mid way through the first half when Neil McFarlane sliced through the defence to score. Ross High levelled with a try out wide and then took the lead just before half time with a converted try. HT 5-12. In the second half Euan Bonner kicked well keeping Ross High pinned back in their 22 and dropping a goal from far out. This was followed by a fine try by Fijian No 8 Joe Bulumakau who barged through several defenders to score, converted by Bonner. Ross High went back into the lead. but with time running out Bonner again came to the BATs rescue with a neat chip and race to beat the defence to score, which he converted.

Thursday 18th October: Games this weekend
On Saturday the 1XV are 2XV are both at Stirling - for the 1XV a real bottom three scrap with Stirling who are one point below us in the league - three points above GHA. Stirling 2XV are top of the 2XV league. Both 3.00 kick offs.

The 3XV play Lasswade 2XV, and the 4XV play Musselburgh 3rd XV. Both games are away and kick off at 3.00.

The BATs Development Team play Meggatland (Boroughmuir 3XV) at home and the U18s play Ross High away - again 3.00 ko.

Monday 15th October: Weekend Results
The 1XV for the second week running (and incidentally the third time this season) were within one point of the opposition at the end of the game - but this time one point behind! Accies went 10 points behind within 10 minutes - a penalty, try and conversion and pulled three points back with a Blair drop goal after 26 minutes. The half time score was 3-10 to Ayr.

In the second half Accies scored first after 10 minutes - a Blair penalty - only for Ayr to reply with a drop goal straight from the kick off, 6-13. Shortly after Ayr pulled further ahead with an unconverted try, followed by a penalty to make the score 6-21 with 15 minutes left. With two minutes to go Kinloch made a good break to score in the corner , which Blair quickly converted. From a deep restart Accies moved the ball to Blair, on to Kinloch who made good ground from his own 22 to give a superb inside pass to Mat Coupar, 40 meters out, who outpaced the defence to score near the posts, Blair converted - whistle went - 20-21.

The 2XV returned to winning ways beating Ayr at New Field 33-15. The 3XV lost their first game of the season to Linlithgow 2XV 13-17 having given their replacements to the 4XV - and finished up a man short due to an injury!! The 4XV lost.

The BATs Development Team won at Walkerburn 34-12 to record their second league win this season.

Oh - and by-the-way - England won!

Thursday 11th October: This Weekend
On Saturday the 1XV and 2XV both play Ayr. The 1XV ko at 3.00 at Raeburn Place and 2XV play at New Field at 2.30.

The 1XV have won the last two games and will be looking for the third against Ayr - who lie five points ahead of Accies in the table - both having won two games, but Ayr have drawn one more than Accies and have three more bonus points.

Accies 2XV and Ayr 2XV both have 10 points in their league - as do three other sides - though, of the five teams, Accies have the best points difference and Ayr the worst.

The 3XV and 4XV play Linlithgow 2XV and 3XV respectively, away, ko at 3.00. Linlithgow 2XV and Accies 3XV both have 16 points - though Accies have a better points difference. Except for the 'loss' 0-20 - because of the confusion over the Forrester fixture - the 3XV have not conceded a point this season in their five games. After three blank Saturdays the 4XV are keen to get a game this week.

The BATs Development Team return to league fixtures with an away game at Walkerburn - ko 3.00. This is a fine opportunity for BATs to move up the league -Walkerburn not having won a game this season.

Tuesday 9th October: International Tickets
We have now been informed by the SRU what our ticket allocation for this seasons Six Nations home internationals will be - and as suspected they have cut our allocation right back - as they have to every club in Scotland. The effect will be that we will not have enough to meet our normal requirements. We do not yet know any allocation for the away internationals.

The SRU have also revised its guidelines on how tickets are sold by the clubs. Clubs can only sell tickets to bona-fide club members. Should that member no longer require his tickets once he has bought them, they must be returned to Accies. The member is not allowed to sell them on. Should any tickets sold through Accies appear on the black market/e-bay etc Accies will be punished by having its next ticket allocation restricted even further. When you buy tickets it is understood you will abide by these conditions.

The deadline for applying for AWAY tickets is 26th October (number required only) - click here for the form and instructions.

The deadline for HOME internationals is 7th December (number and remittance required) - click here for form and instructions.

Monday 8th October: Weekend's Roundup
Another week, more ups and downs for the Club, with one win by one point, one loss by four points, one win by 13 tries and another cancelled game - more on that later.

The 1XV won (for the second week running) at Dundee by 20-19, coming back from 3-19 down and producing a dramatic finale with a last-gasp Tom Stewart try. The other Accies touchdowns were supplied by Luke McCann and Dan Teague, with David Blair's conversion and penalty ultimately proving key. Allan Hay broke through twice for the Taysiders, both goaled by Barry Jones. But he couldn't add the extras to Euan Grewar's effort. Premier Division 1 is becoming a 'dog-eat-dog' league this year - of the seven teams at the bottom of the league (separated by six points), one has won three games, five have won two games and the other won one game - bonus points are going to be as important as ever this season!

The 2XV lost to Dundee 2XV in another close game at Raeburn Place, 19-23. According to the coach the 2XV shot them selves in the foot. This was the third time the 2XV had scored 19 points this season and lost. On the positive side Murray Smith - who played U18s last year - was outstanding for the team.

The 3XV at least got a game with StewMel 3XV, who had the wit to turn up even though short, so at least 30 players got a run out. StewMel borrowed two men from Accies and lost by 13 tries! As far as the result goes not sure whether Accies get a 'walk over' 20-0 win, or a win by 13 tries (at least 65 points) - we will leave that to the league to resolve. But at least they played!

The 4XV game was cancelled late Friday evening by Musselburgh - too late to sort another fixture. The SRU tell us the numbers playing the game is going up - if that's the case why have our 3XV and 4XV, between them, had 45% of their games where the opposition has cancelled or turned up short? It's an issue that needs addressing by the game - or more will walk as there is no regular rugby - and that would be a disaster for the Union's strategies and the game in general.

The BATs Development Team played Gala YM in round one of the Scottish National Cup. They put up a gutsy show, coming back from 0-15 down to lose by 24-28. The game was played in a good spirit and the BATs boys did well after giving Gala YM the twenty minutes to get going. If both teams had played from the start - maybe BATs would be in round two, where they could have come up against Broughton who beat Inverleith 31-13.

Friday 5th October: BATs Rugby AGM
The AGM of Edinburgh BATs Rugby will be held at Edinburgh Accies temporary clubhouse, Raeburn Place at 7.30 Monday 22 October. It is open to all full members of Broughton Rugby Club, Trinity Accies Rugby Club and Edinburgh Accies Football Club, BATs playing members and parents/guardians of BATs playing members. The business of the AGM will be:

Minutes of last AGM
Report of activities of Club
Consideration of annual accounts of Club
Ammendments to constitution
Election of management committee

To see full information click here.

The future's bright.........The future's BATs

Thursday 4th October: This Weekend
On Saturday we have a full house of fixtures. The 1XV play Dundee away - the first time they have met for a couple of seasons. Both teams are in the bottom three of the league, Dundee one point above Accies and we will be looking to continue our winning sequence against Dundee having won both games the last time we were in the same division two years ago. The 2XV play Dundee 2XV at Raeburn Place. Both ko at 3.00.

The 3XV play StewMel 3XV at Raeburn Place with a 1.00 ko - this will be the 3XV's first game for three weeks . After a cancellation and then last weeks unfortunate misunderstanding lets hope both teams get on the field! The 4XV play Musselburgh in Inverleith Park, ko 3.00.

Also on Saturday BATs Development Team play their first ever game in the Scottish National Cup - playing Gala YM away - in Round 1, ko 3.00. We wish them well in this major step for the Club. The team is Chris Watson; Angus Swan, PJ Solomon, Craig Hawthorne, Andrew Hutchison; Scott Kemp, Urs Lamb; Chris Baddock, Keith Bobby, Murray Clouston; Kieron Gilhooly, Kevin Mackenzie: Adam Beasley, Billy Katani, Robin Snape. Replacements Roddy Gilles, Colin Jarvis, Fergus Abernethy, Jonathon Gladwin.

Wednesday 3rd October: Blair 16 - Noonan 12
No, not two new teams but the score in the Accies v GHA game last Saturday when Accies won 16-12 with David Blair scoring all Accies points and Jim Noonan all GHAs. Accies went into a 13 point lead after 27 minutes, with Blair kicking a penalty then scoring a well made try and converting it. There were another couple of scoring opportunities for Accies in the first half hour but they were squandered. GHA responded with two penalties before half time to make the score 13-6. Quarter of an hour into the second half Blair kicked another penalty only for Noonan to reply within a minute. Quarter of an hour later GHA scored their fourth penalty to make the score 16-12. The second half was disappointing - not a pretty game, but a wins a win!

Accies 2XV beat Biggar 48-15 and the 3XV and 4XVs did not get games through a misunderstanding. Early Saturday morning a call came in to say the 3XV game was off because the caller said they could not get a team. The 3XV met at Raeburn Place at the appointed time to be told their game had been cancelled - and players left to try and get games else where. The 4XV were changed and waiting for their opposition.

Then Forresters 2XV phoned, where is your team? The games off - you called this morning - no we didn't!! A few phone calls later to Dunfermline (Dunfermline 3XV playing BATs) and Currie (Currie 3XV playing 4XV) we found that it was Currie who had called saying the 3XV game was off!! Confused?

So an annoyed Forresters and an annoyed Accies 3XV management - Forresters get the points - and an annoyed 4XV. Not a good way for the unbeaten 3XV to 'lose' their first game this season. A good job George was in France!!! The 4XV got the points - played touch for half an hour - and then adjourned to the bar.

The BATs Development Team played their friendly against Dunfermline 3XV away - as BATs league opposition had withdrawn from the league - and won 12-0.

Thursday 27th September: September Catch up!
First let me start with apologies for the delay in updating this site over the last few weeks or so. Some mindless person pinched or webmaster's laptop, which contained all needed to do his job, and it has taken a while to sort all that out! Sorry for that.

Last weekend was not a good one for the club - we were already carrying 19 injuries to the 1XV squad - and not only did we lose at Hawks, we picked up more injuries with Sinclair Patience breaking his wrist and Dan Teague's leg, below the knee, looking like it's tattooed all over in a shades of blues and yellows - in fact is some size of a 'bruise' (if that's the word they use now) that I have not seen for many a year!

The hard times continued with the 2XV losing at Hawks, the 3XV game being cancelled as Grangemouth could nor raise a team and for the first time for two and a half years the 4XV lost!!!! There were better things for the BATs Development Team - who now play in the Regional Leagues East Division 2 - they won their first game, well done. Lets hope the improvement can be kept going as they play in the first round of the National Cup next week at Gala YM.

The Minis have started in style, to see an early season report click here.

Unluckiest man of the season so far has been hooker Mark Price. Mark arrived from New Zealand (recommended by Joe Edwards) on Tuesday 11 September, played and scored a try against Hawick on the Saturday and then on the Tuesday 18th - one week from arriving - broke his ankle at training in a non-contact accident!! Mark, who well looked the part, then went to the Royal Infirmary on Friday at 6.30 am for an operation to pin the ankle, waited for 12 hours only to be told there would now be no operation that day. He was kept in overnight to be operated on the Saturday.

We all wish you a quick recovery Mark, I am not sure the Scotland v New Zealand game on Sunday will have helped that recovery.

This Saturday there are four Accie sides playing and two BATs sides. Accies 1XV have an important game against fellow promotees GHA at RP , the 2XV play Biggar at Newfield, the 3XV play Forresters 2XV away and the 4XV play Currie 3XV over the wall in the park - all these ko at 3.00

The BATs Development Team's league game is off, as Eyemouth have withdrawn from the league, so they have a friendly against Dunfermline away and the BATs U18s - who are having a tough season so far - play Preston Lodge also away.

Saturday's 1XV game is an important one for us, please turn up at Raeburn Place and support the team, they are lifted by your support. I look forward to seeing you there on Saturday.

Friday 14th September: Games This Weekend
On Saturday Accies 1XV play Hawick at Raeburn Place ko 3.00. After the cup game at the end of last season and the change in players on both sides this is sure to be an exciting game. Accies need to win to get this seasons campaign fully on the road.

The 2XV play StewMel 2XV at home - the ko time is yet to be confirmed by StewMel, if it is 12.30 they will play on the 1XV pitch before the Hawick game, if 3.00 they will be in Inverleith Park. The 3XV play Preston Lodge 2XV away ko 3.00.

The BATs Development Team play Dalkeith away, ko 12.00 and the U18s have a friendly against Hawick PSA in Inverleith Park ko 1.00.

Monday 10th September: Last Weekend
It was not a good day for Accies with the top two teams both losing, but the junior teams winning.

The 1XV were well beaten by Melrose 6-40 at the Greenyards. It was a reality check for the Accies who now know what is required in Premier One. There are lots of reasons - but those who played know where we let ourselves down and that they have to step up to the mark ready for the coming weekends match against Hawick - as Hawick will be ready after their loss at Raeburn Place in the cup last season.

The 2XV lost to Aberdeen 19-27, in another close game as the previous week. The 3XV and 4XV continued where they left off last season beating Falkirk 2 68-0 and RHC 50-7 respectively.

The BATs Development Team playing their first game in the Regional League East Division 2, lost to our very near neighbours Edinburgh Northern 1XV 10-51 and the U18s lost to Livingston 8-10.

To see reports of the 3XV and U18 games click here.

On Saturday before the Hawick game there will be a lunch to be held for the first time at The Grange - if you would like to book a place please contact Willie Liston by phone on H 0131 312 8811 or M 0771 045 2499, or by e-mail at - meet at 12.45 for a 1.30 sit down. The cost will be £17 including programme.

Friday 7th September: Fixtures this week.
On Saturday we have a full house of fixtures - four for Accie teams and BATs Development Team and U18s. This season the Accies 3XV and the BATs Development Team will play in new leagues, so they get more regular fixtures and improve the standard of rugby. The 3XV will play in the Scottish 2XV League Division 4E and the BATs team in the Scottish Hydro Electric Regional League East 2. The BATs team will play in the Scottish Cup and have their first round match in a couple of weeks.

On Saturday the 1XV play Melrose at the Greenyards, the 2XV have a long trip to Aberdeen, the 3XV play Falkirk at Raeburn Place and the 4XV (making their seasonal debuts - including training) play RHC at Union Park. All games ko at 3.00

For BATs the Development Team play our near neighbours Edinburgh Northern at New Field and the U18s play Livingston away - both these games ko at 3.00 as well.

Sunday 2nd September : Weekend results.
After a busy three or four days Raeburn Place was ready for the first games of Accies 150th season - two derby games against Heriots. The programme was still warm from the press, the 'Ronnie Sloan' stand just had its steps completed and the temporary clubhouse was just about ready and stocked. But never the less - ready for action.

Returning to Premier One after a number of years Accies had to be content with a 10-10 draw which was a reasonable reflection of the game. It was a game for number 14's with Matt Coupar, Accies (and perhaps the) man of the match, scoring two and Marc Teague also getting two.

Heriots opened the scoring after 12 minutes when Marc Teague had handed off the attempted tackle to score in the right hand pond corner. Four minutes later Matt Coupar picked a beautiful line on the blindside of the scrum to grab Accies first try in the right-hand corner. Both were unconverted. Two minutes before half time Matt Coupar was put into space and made a good break to be tackled 10 yards short of the line but the tackler failed to hold on - Coupar got to his feet and showed great determination and strength to make the try, which again was unconverted. Half time 10-5.

Matt Coupar scoring his second try.

With injuries to Greg Campbell after 15 minutes of the first half and Sinclair Patience early in the second half Accies were struggling to at times in the lineouts and scrum. With 15 minutes to go Marc Teague squeezed in to score in the corner for Heriots - again unconverted to make the score 10-10. In the final minutes Matt Coupar fly hacked the ball twice going 60 yards only to be pulled back as he was about to catch the ball 30 yards from the line. That was just about the final action from the game leaving the result at 10-10.

After the Game Douglas Livingston, Heriots President, presented Willie Liston, Accies President, an engraved salver to commemorate Accies 150th season.

Douglas Livingston (left) and Willie Liston.

Earlier Accies 2XV lost to Heriots 2XV 19-26 in an entertaining game. Accies 3XV gained a walk over in their league game against Heriots 3XV as Heriots could not raise a team. Instead an Accies 3XV played a BATs team at Wardie, click here to see report.

Congratulations are due to all those who got the temporary clubhouse up and working, Euan MacFie and others for Accies, Dan, Elaine and other bar staff from Festival Inns and Carillion as the contractor - it was a great effort in little time and was well used after the various games. I wonder if Barney extracted him self from the extra comfy sofas that were in the new place yet?

Thursday 30th August : Time to deliver.....
So, after what has been an extremely busy six months, since we knew we had gained promotion, the time has now come to deliver on the field.

Off the field there has been an enormous amount of activity, the comings and goings of players, a big drive for sponsorship and membership, a new main sponsor - The Standard, a new kit supplier - O'Bs Sport from Dublin, a new 1XV jersey - back to blue and white hoops, the appearance of temporary accommodation and new programme and fixture card etc etc. And in this final week, before the league starts, the distraction of a large number of phone calls and e-mails between Accies, the SRU and Nails, to resolve the situation caused by Jamie Parker jumping ship to the Nails! Great timing!!

What counts most is what happens on the park - and we shall see that at 3pm on Saturday when Accies meet Heriots at Raeburn Place. Before the 1XV game the Accies and Heriots 2XVs meet at Raeburn ko12.30 and there will be the usual pre match lunch this week at San Marcos 1.00 for 1.15. The 3XV play a league game against Heriots 3XV at Nailacre - but we await Heriots confirmation that they can get a team - pity if they cannot as the 3XV have worked hard to be ready for this week and they miss a game of rugby.

There will be a BBQ at Raeburn Place - starting around ko time and continuing 'till demand ceases or we run out. No tickets - pay at Barbie - come and get an Ed Stuart Argentinean special burger, served by the man.

Wednesday 29th August: In the beginning......
1857, a year Britain was obsessed with sex, drugs, a nasty foreign war and football - what has changed?

It was a good year for explorers, generals, Crimean War nurses and football players. It saw the birth of two great Victorian icons, Sir Edward Elgar and the Victoria and Albert Museum - and Florence Nightingale was second in fame to the Queen herself.

It was exactly like present day Britain and yet utterably different - fighting dubious wars - a society riddled with drug problems (opium being the choice in the drug dens). The Prime Minister, Lord Palmeston, was under attack for getting embroiled in a distant and expensive foreign conflict (in Chinese territorial waters), but insisted it was Britain's duty to act against 'a set of kidnapping, murdering, poisoning barbarians'. The spring saw the start of the Indian Mutiny (or First War of Indian Independence) which was put down with ferocity and massive loss of life.

The best seller of 1857 was Tom Brown's School Days - fiction about Thomas Arnold's Rugby School, the school that became the model for dozens of new private schools and of course where our game got its name - and Charles Darwin was secretly working on his theory of the Origins of Species that would be published two years later.

Australia was still first choice place to send villains and medical diagnosis was a matter of guess work. Lack of sanitation, dinginess and overcrowding resulted in TB, rickets, widespread alcoholism and recurrent outbreaks of various fevers, including typhoid.

It was in this world, that in December 1857, the Academical Football Club played their first game of football at Raeburn Place against Edinburgh University, a side made up of 'visitors' to Edinburgh.

That first game was be decided on the best of seven goals - in the days to touch the ball down over the line gave you a 'try at goal'- with 25 players on each side. And it lasted for four Saturdays - starting on 26 December 1857 and finishing on 16 January 1858! On the first day the students scored one goal; there followed two scoreless days but on the fourth Saturday - with the teams increased to 30 a side - the Academicals kicked the four goals to win between 2.00 and 3.30. Although outweighed, Accies 'owed much to three or four of their number who had learned to drop kick and played the game in England' - the first reference to that rugby curiosity, the drop kick.

150 years later we still find Edinburgh Academical FC playing at Raeburn Place. We also find Accies back at the top of Scottish club rugby after 10 years and starting the 150th season in the Premiership Division 1 playing a home game against one of our nearest rivals, Heriots - who first came on our fixture list in the 1905/6 season, Accies winning 9-0.

Make sure you are at Raeburn Place on Saturday for 3pm.....support your Club..... be part of the start of the next 150 years...... ....it's a long time before you will get another chance to do just that!

Monday 27th August: Final preparations!
Final preparations for the new season are taking place over the coming week and the last round of pre season practice games took place last weekend. The 1XV and 2XV were both at JedForest where the 1XV won and the 2XV lost in the two full games played. Injuries to players in both teams caused the 2XV to play two men short for the final part of their game. Whilst it is always good to win down at Jed, it was the game time that was most valuable - though injuries to Rob Patterson (broken jaw), Stuart Walker (pulled hamstring) and Adam Booker (dislocated shoulder) will keep all three out for a while.

The BATs development team beat Highland at Wardie and the BATs U18 team lost to Highland at Raeburn Place.

So busy week beckons in the run up to the start of the most important season in 150 years. Hard training, a move into the temporary accommodation and finalising registration of ALL players, the programmes, the fixture cards and the organisation before the teams take to the field next Saturday 'means all hands to the deck' for our volunteers this week .

We will have four games; the 1XV, 2XV and 3XV all play Heriots at Raeburn Place, New Field and Nailacre respectively and the BATs U18s play Ross High at Raeburn Place before the 1XV game.

Friday 24th August: This weekend.
The build up for the first league game against Heriots - at Raeburn Place on 1 September 3pm - continues at a pace with both the 1XV and 2XV squads visiting JedForest for pre season games - ko 3pm.

In addition the BATS Development XV and the BATS U18s will be playing Highland, at Wardie and Raeburn Place respectively - both kick off at 1pm.

If you would like to book a place at the lunch at San Marcos before the Heriots game on 1 September - please contact Willie Liston by phone on H 0131 312 8811 or M 0771 045 2499, or by e-mail at .

Friday 24th August: Lunches before League games.
This year we will be in temporary accommodation, which unfortunately means we will not have the facilities to provide lunches in the club house. So, for this season, for eight of our home league games we will be offering lunches at a new venue - the Grange Club - and for the remaining three games we will be at San Marco's, which we used last year.

These lunches are the perfect way to begin the afternoon - good company and good food - before watching the best of Scottish club rugby at Raeburn Place. This year we will be charging £25 per head - which is great value - as it includes the lunch, entrance to the game (£8) and a programme(£2).

The following lunches are planned for the following games:
1 Sept v Heriots - at San Marco's
15 Sept v Hawick - at Grange Club
29 Sept v GHA - at Grange Club
13 Oct v Ayr - at Grange Club
27 Oct v Currie - at San Marco's
10 Nov v Boroughmuir - at Grange Club
17 Nov v Melrose - at Grange Club
1 Dec v Hawks - at Grange Club
15 Dec v Dundee - at Grange Club
12 Jan v Stirling - at Grange Club
26 Jan v Watsons - at San Marco's

If you would like to book a place at one of these lunches please contact Willie Liston by phone on H 0131 312 8811 or M 0771 045 2499, or by e-mail at . The first lunch is on 1 September, our first league game of our 150th year - book now!

Wednesday 22nd August: Pre Season Games
Sorry for the little break in the updates - it's been a busy few weeks.

Bradford and Bingley have been and gone - in a game played over four periods of 20 minutes, with the squad moved about every break, Accies won 13-0 . There was plenty of spirit but with some regulars unavailable and quiet a few new faces about, the team was not at its best. The following Thursday StewMel came to Raeburn Place in another pre season game played over two 30 and two 20 minute sessions. StewMel won the first session and Accies won the other three. Barney used the game to try many new faces and the team for the first session had had little time together before the game. One of the sessions was used to play each teams strongest side, which Accies won.

Last Saturday Accies played at the tournament at Goldenacre and also had two teams at the Battle of the BATS at Broughton. At Goldenacre Accies again rotated the players and won their mini league beating both Boroughmuir and Ardrossen easily and drawing nil all with Aberdeen. The final was a repeat of the National Cup Final in May - both the result and the opposition, Glasgow Hawks. In the final, Accies quickly fell 0-13 behind to a try from the outstanding Ally McLay, coupled with two penalties and a conversion from Jackson. Ironically Ally Marsh's try for Accies came a Cup Final too late, considering how he had to be airlifted by helicopter from his wedding for the Murrayfield showdown between the teams last May. It was no more than a consolation anyway, with Blair adding the conversion. Just before the interval Stuart Dunk extended Hawks lead and victory was confirmed by a Kenny Sinclair touchdown which was converted by Jackson - result 7-25. Accies, who were without captain Dan Teague, the rest of the back five of the pack and new man and recently appointed BATS development officer Iain Berthinussen who has just returned from two years from Australia. It was good to see David Blair - recently returned from Sale - and Chris Kinloch looking in fine form.

Monday 6th August: Bradford back at Raeburn Place
This weekend (11 August) Bradford - now as Bradford and Bingley - are back at Raeburn Place, 122 years on from their first visit in 1885. This is the first game at Raeburn Place in our 150th season - and those who come down to the game will see at last work on the temporary accommodation is well under way. We will use the old pavilion for the B&B game and hope to be fully decamped into the temporary one for the first league game.

The Academicals first played Bradford - who were then described as being 'in many ways the premier club of England' - at the end of the 1884/5 season, and lost by a try to nil - a last-minute try scored from their own line by the Bradford full back. It was only a few months later in November 1885 that the Clubs met again when Bradford made their first trip to Raeburn Place.

This match was undoubtedly a memorable occasion, an historic encounter, a tremendous battle - but it was also just too vigorous. Who were responsible for starting the 'rough stuff' is not clear - one report says Academicals were responsible for doing so but adds they were incensed at the unfair tactics of Bradford! But once it started each side gave as good as they received. On one occasion 'during a specially stiff and prolonged maul the ball was suddenly hooked out and sent far down the field, upon which the maulers quickly broke up, leaving, however, to the amusement of the spectators, the centre forward on each side hammering his opponent's shins, oblivious of the fact that they were alone and in full view of the field'.

Half a dozen of the Bradford team had played or were to play for England and their skilful backs were always dangerous. Fortunately Accies defence was in good form bringing down attacks from Bonsor, Robertshaw and Ritchie. Midway through the second half, following a throw-in near the Bradford line, Moir gained possession, made a dash for the line to move the ball to Orr who touched down for the only score of the game. Accies won by a try to nil - reversing the result a few months earlier.

Some years later one spectator still remembered the game vividly - 'a very rough game' - a memorable occasion in that, for probably the first and only time, 'bookies' appeared in the Field at Raeburn Place, standing on stools and shouting the odds - with Bradford as favourites.

We have met Bradford many times over the decades and all games have been competitive and enjoyable, always one of the games of the season - with a night in Bradford or Edinburgh as a 'reward'. Keep the tradition going, come down to Raeburn Place - ko 3.00 - be there, be part of the start of the next 150 years!

Wednesday 1st August: Start of 150th celebrations
On Saturday (4 August) the Edinburgh Accies 150th Touch Tournament- the first event of Accies 150th celebrations - takes place at the Academy Junior School pitches, access via the Junior School (Arboretum Road) where the pitches are behind the sports centre complex.

The format is teams of six in a round robin tournament that starts at 12.00. The day intends to be a fun and family oriented day with a barbeque and beers. Bring down the family and enjoy a picnic while watching some entertaining rugby.

The following Saturday (11 August) we welcome Bradford back to Raeburn Place. The Academicals first played Bradford - who were then described as being 'in many ways the premier club of England' - at Bradford, at the end of the 1884/5 season. It was only a few months later in November 1885 (122 years ago) that the Club's met again when Bradford made their first trip to Raeburn Place - incidentally a game in which this writer's father's uncle, played for Bradford!

Bradford and Accies have met many times since then and many friendships have lasted down the years. Bradford and Bingley, as they are now (and who are celebrating their 25th anniversary this season) - are an important part of Accies 150 years of history - be there, see it and be part of the start of the next 150 years.

On the social side bookings for the 150th Ball - to be held at the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms on Friday 14 September - are already flooding in. It's been a while since we have had a 'ball', this is your opportunity to bring your wife, girlfriend or partner and thank them for their support ...... and in some cases understanding over the years! Proceedings are from 7.30pm to 1.00am and the cost is £95 per person.

If you would like go to the Accies 150th Ball or to commit to or organise a table of 8 or 10 - either contact Rob Steadman by e-mail at or phone 0786 780 2730 or click here for a booking form, complete it and send to the address on the form.

Thursday 26th July: Training over next couple of weeks
After Thursday 26 July (when training is at Wardie 7.00) training moves to Raeburn Place.

Saturday 28 July 10.30 - Rugby training
Tuesday 31 July and Thursday 2 August 7.00 - Fitness/contact
Saturday 4 August 10.00 - Unit skills, to be followed by 150th Touch Tournament at New Field 12.00
Monday 6 August 7.00 - Walk through for Selkirk game
Tuesday 7 August, practice game at Selkirk, squad of 25 - rolling subs - those not in squad training at 7.00
Thursday 9 August 7.00 - Fitness/contact

Monday 9th July: That time of year...
Pre season training starts tomorrow evening (10 July) ready to go at 7.00pm. For July training will be with Trinity and Broughton on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Wardie, Broughton's ground - Saturdays at Raeburn Place.

Friday 29th June: Edinburgh BATs Rugby - Development Officer
Edinburgh BATS Rugby, in conjunction with its associate clubs Trinity Academicals, Broughton and Edinburgh Academicals and its partner Scottish Rugby, are looking to appoint a full time rugby development officer to work with young people in the 8-18 age group in its North Edinburgh Community.

To see the full advert click here, and to get the full job profile, including job description, competences and person specification click here.

Applications should be returned by Friday 13 July and interviews will be held week commencing 23 July. We are looking for this post to be filled by the beginning of the new school year if possible.

RUGBY FOR ALL - in the north Edinburgh Community.

Tuesday 26th June: Dates for your Diary
After the excitement of promotion back to Premier 1 and our first National Cup Final, we now begin to look forward to the 2007/8 season, our 150th. Throughout the season there will be a variety of events to celebrate this mile stone in world rugby. On the playing front there will be a touch tournament on 4 August to be followed a week later (11 August) by our traditional game with our old adversaries Bradford - both these events are at Raeburn Place.

On the social side we are now ready to start taking bookings for the 150th Ball, to be held at the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms on Friday 14 September. It has been a while since we have had a 'ball', this is the opportunity to bring wives, girlfriends or partners and thank them for their support ...... and in some cases understanding over the years! Historically the Assembly Rooms hosted the Accies ball for many years, this year it will be spread across the Music Hall and the Ballroom, allowing for up to 450 people to sit down for dinner and dancing in the Ballroom. Proceedings are from 7.30pm to 1am and the cost is £95 per person.

If you would like go to the Accies 150th Ball or to commit to or organise a table of 8 or 10 - either contact Rob Steadman by e-mail at or phone 0786 780 2730 or click here for a booking form, complete it and send to the address on the form.

Monday 25th June: Pre Season training and all that....
Saturday 1st September at home to Heriots --- that is when we find out how good we really are --- and we must be ready for the challenge.............

Andrew Walker's speed sessions continue at Newfield on Tuesday and Thursdays (6.45pm) and Saturdays (10am). And hopefully a temporary weights facility will be set up at Henderson Row this week.

Neil Mackenzie's pre season fitness sessions will start on Tuesday 10 July at Broughton's ground (Wardie) in Granton Road ready to start at 7.00pm --- and will continue at Wardie every Tuesday and Thursday until 2 August --- when Neil is planning to test everybody with the assurance that there will be nowhere to hide. In addition there will be rugby sessions at Raeburn Place on Saturdays 14, 21 and 28 July ready to start at 11.00am.

An open touch tournament is being organised for Saturday 4 August as part of the sequi-centenary celebrations. Bradford are here on Saturday 11 August --- and we are at Kelso Sevens the same day.

We have a squad game against Stew/Mel on Thursday 16 August --- we will be at both the Heriots' fifteen-a-side tournament and the Broughton tournament on Saturday 18 August --- and we are at Selkirk Sevens on Sunday 19 August.

We have hopefully a squad game against Biggar on Tuesday 21 August --- a 2nd XV game against Trinity on Thursday 23 August --- and on Saturday 25 August we are taking two teams down to Jed, where we have not won in the past five years.

..............We will be ready.

Wednesday 13th June: Mac Henderson Interview - Duncan MacRae
On 1 May Mac Henderson was 100. As part of the celebrations Mac agreed to be interviewed by Stuart Cameron of Scottish Rugby Radio - if you would like to hear an eight minute preview of the interview click here and listen to channel 9 - otherwise, the full interview (25 minutes) will be on Scottish Rugby Radio and Sky channel 0195 on Monday 25 June. Its fascinating to listen to Mac's memories of rugby in the 1930's and to find out what really happened to his international jersey. And it is not on Whighams wall!!

We were saddened to hear recently of the death of Duncan MacRae MC at 93. He was educated at the Academy and played for Accies (just after Mac Henderson had retired) - playing in GPS Macpherson's last game for Accies in 1933/4 and was in the Accies team that won the Hawick Sevens in 1935/6 (a team that incidentally included Ben Tod). After the Academy he went on to study at St Andrews University where he gained nine caps for Scotland - winning on his debut away in Wales in February 1937 and playing in the victory over England at Twickenham in 1938 - and was a British Lion, going on the tour to South Africa in 1938. Edinburgh Accies send their sympathies to Duncan MacRae's family and friends.

Saturday 2nd June: BATs Summer Rugby Camp
Following BATs successful rugby camp at Easter we will be running a BATs summer rugby camp from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 August at Raeburn Place. The camp will start at 9.00 and end at 4.00 each day.

Through this summer camp young players will have an opportunity to develop their rugby skills, learn more about the game, and above all have fun and make new friends.

The camp is open to all young people who will be in P6 - S3 after the summer holidays. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played rugby before and you don’t have to be a member of BATs. The camp will cost £10 - if 2 or more players come from the same family, the price is £15 in total. This price includes a free t-shirt.

For further information and an application form click here.

**********Partnership with O'B Sport**********
Edinburgh Accies are pleased to announce a partnership agreement with O'B Sport who become the Club's new official kit partner and supplier.

O’B Sport will be the exclusive supplier of all Accies first team kit requirements for three years and will develop a range of club dedicated leisure wear, made to mutually agreed designs. With this agreement Accies will be reverting to the traditional blue and white-hooped jersey, blue shorts and standard socks for the new season - our 150th anniversary - that starts on 1st September with a home league fixture against near neighbours Heriots.

Amongst others, O’B Sport are suppliers to various International teams and over 20 of the AIL clubs, including Dublin University Football Club (Trinity College) – which means O’B Sport now partner the two oldest rugby clubs in the world - Dublin University Football Club (1854) and The Edinburgh Academical Football Club (1857). Is it now time we looked to play each other?

We look forward to a fruitful partnership between O'B Sports and Edinburgh Accies. To see more about O’B Sport and the partnership, click on the O’B Sport logo in the right hand column.
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