Season 2006-7 Archived News Articles

Tuesday 28th May: Accies awarded Scottish Hydro Club of the Month
Yesterday (Monday) it was announced that Accies had been chosen to be the Scottish Hydro Club of the Month for April. We are very pleased to see the efforts that have been made by the players, coaches and helpers through out the Club - and the commitment along with Broughton and Trinity Accies to start and now drive forward the successful initiatives in the north Edinburgh community, through Edinburgh BATs Rugby - being rewarded this way.

The SRU press announcement said:-

'In a month which saw Edinburgh Accies claim two Premier One scalps on their run to the National Cup Final and continue their industrious youth development work through the BATs initiative, they are named today as Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month for April.

Accies, who had already secured promotion to Premier 1, posted cup victories over Hawick and Boroughmuir during April to sit handsomely alongside their earlier cup success against Premier Division 1 champions Currie.

The club supplied a number of players to the Scotland age-grade squads, including national under-18 captain, Paul Loudon and Tom Drennan; and national under-19 players, Chris Kinloch, Tom Bury, Ruairidh Bonner, Lewis Niven and James Murray.

Club captain Dan Teague was also named Premier Division 2 Player of the Season at the Scottish Rugby Awards Dinner.

Working in partnership with Broughton and Trinity Accies rugby clubs, Edinburgh Accies are also integral to the BATs youth development initiative which sees rugby encouraged throughout schools in the north of the city.

Accies are regularly running four senior XVs and their discipline during April was good with only one yellow card.

Anna Crampin, sponsorship manager for Scottish Hydro Electric, said: "Edinburgh Accies are worthy winners of April's award. Their cup run captured the imagination and their commitment to taking the sport to young people in the north of Edinburgh through the BATs project is a tremendous example of why Scottish Hydro Electric wants to support community rugby."

Accies will receive a plaque and a cheque for £500 from Scottish Hydro Electric.

Monday 21st May: Premier 2 Player of the Year, New President.
We are very pleased to report that our captain Dan Teague has been chosen as Premier 2 Player of the Year. Dan is a very deserving winner of this award having had an outstanding season on - where many opponents will remember his crunching tackles - and off the field. Dan would have been presented his award at the Scottish Rugby Awards Dinner next Friday, but will have to miss it as he will be away on holiday. This is the second year running an Accie has been nominated for this award - congratulations Dan, from all at the Club.

At the AGM last Wednesday Willie Liston was elected President for the next two years. Willie said how honoured he was to take over the role and thanked Olly Miller, who had done such a good job over the last two years in what was a difficult time for the Club, for his dedication and hard work in supporting the Club and team as they gained promotion to Premier 1 for our 150th season.

Tuesday 15th May: EAFC Annual General Meeting
The AGM of Edinburgh Academical Football Club will take place at the club house, Raeburn Place on Wednesday 16 May - 6.45 for 7.00. Sorry for late notice - slight, oversight in sending information so it could be added to this site!

Wednesday 9th May: Club Dinner, Thanks from Players, Nathan Pike
The Club dinner is on Friday and there is a late change of speaker as unfortunately Bob Burrell has had to call off. We are though pleased to say Roy Laidlaw - the ex British Lions and Scotland scrum half - has agreed to take his place.

After all their efforts this season we have had a message from the captain and his team who send a big thankyou to all the supporters who have lined the pitch at Raeburn and beyond throughout the season - and look forward to their continued support next season.

And finally, after going to hospital on Sunday, it was confirmed that Nathan Pike had broken his Collar Bone during the cup final on Saturday - which caused him to leave the field with around 10 minutes to go. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Monday 7th May: What a great season!
We may have lost the 'day' on Saturday but we certainly won the 'season' ............ promoted to Premier 1, three Premier 1 scalps during the cup run, introduction of eight of last year's U18s in 1XV (there were five in the Cup final squad of 22), winning against all Premier 2 teams except one in the second half of league season , five Accie players in Scotland U19 World Cup side that beat Fiji, an Accie as captain of Scotland U18, two of the young players playing for Scotland in the IRB Sevens, BATs continuing development and so on. Yes we certainly won the season!

Great efforts had been made by all parts of the Club to ensure the playing side and the supporter side would both be ready for the final - a helicopter from Hawick, a well attended brunch at the Academy before the game, a shuttle service to/from Murrayfield, part of the Academy Pipe and Drums at the game, mascots from Accies, Broughton and Trinity Mini sections and tickets sold throughout the membership and the whole north Edinburgh community - ensured a good support at the game.

The opening exchanges were a nervy affair for both sides but it was Accies who were first to have an opportunity to get points on the board only for Gavin Douglas to slice the tenth minute penalty attempt wide. Hawks replied moments later with a break in midfield which saw them enter the Accies 22 metre area. Winger Stevie Gordon found himself on the end of the move, but he was brought to a grinding halt by David Rattray who put in a big hit. As the game approached the 20 minute mark, Accies advanced into the Hawks danger zone after a sublime chip over the top from Douglas. Hawks cleared the threat momentarily only for an Accies to win a line out and drive towards the line where Ed Stuart appeared from underneath with the ball on the ground. Douglas failed to slot the conversion, 5-0.

Hawks rallied straight away and put the pressure right back on Accies as Mike Adamson showed his pace and agility to burn up the left flank. A kick-to-touch from fullback Murray Strang saw Hawks look like crossing as they mounted a big drive from the lineout, but Accies held out. The 32nd minute brought points Hawks way when Adamson kicked a penalty from 25 metres out to narrow the gap (5-3). Accies pulled away two minutes later as Douglas quickly fired a drop goal over the heads of the Hawks defenders bringing the game to 8-3.

Hawks enjoyed a period of possession before the break, continually threatening to cross the Accies line with good passing out of the tackle. At the final breakdown Ed Stuart was found lying on the ball, slowing play deliberately, and was duly sent to the sin bin. The points eventually came, and once Adamson had cleared his line, flanker John Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass and beat the trailing defenders to the line from half-way. Adamson missed the conversion. Half time 8-11.

Hawks started the second half in fine form, crossing Accies line after only five minutes. A burst from fullback Murray Strang, and a neat offload to Ally Maclay, saw him cross under the posts. Adamson added the conversion (8- 18). Accies fought back when captain Dan Teague carried the ball over the line in a driving maul. Douglas couldn’t find the target with his conversion attempt from out wide (13-18). Adamson kicked the next two penalties for Hawks on 62 and 66 minutes to leave Accies down 13-24. Accies didn't give up and scrum-half Mike Campbell looked like he might run the length of the pitch before Adamson made the vital tackle by just grabbing the tail of Campbell's jersey. Another promising run by replacement Chris Kinloch threatened, but again Hawks were able to scramble back in defence for one last time before celebrating their fully deserved victory 13-24 - though Accies were left wondering why Kenny Sinclair got off with a caution for the same offence as Ed Stuart in the same part of the field after the break.

It was a day to remember, even though the result did not go our way. On returning to Raeburn Place at 8ish Saturday evening, the club house was full and gave the squad - now minus Marsh, who was back in Hawick - a great reception, and the party began. It had been good to see many faces we had not seen for some time either at the brunch, at Murrayfield or in the clubhouse afterwards - lets hope that we can build on all our achievements this season as we enter our 150th season and return to Premier 1. Also lets hope the faces we had not seen for a while and many more return to Raeburn on a regular basis as we become one of the first clubs to celebrate 150 years of football - that's rugby football!

Wednesday 2nd May: Scottish Cup Final Update - Accies Team

TICKETS: Have you got YOURS yet? Please buy your tickets from Accies as all sales through us go to club funds - tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for U18s, students and 60+. You can still order/get your tickets from the following sources:
a) Jason Parrot by e-mail at
b) Going to Raeburn Place daily between 10am and 6pm or Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
c) Saturday at the Academy Brunch from 12noon.

Tickets will be sent by First Class Post up until Thursday, otherwise pick them up at the Academy from 12noon Saturday.

PRE MATCH BRUNCH: We have finalised arrangements for Saturday's Brunch with Barney's Army. The Brunch party - which is being organised and run by the Pikes - will take place on the lawns in front of Donaldsons House at the Academy. Just turn up from 12noon and support the Pikes and the Club - tickets (£5 adults, £2.50 Juniors) include food from the BBQ (bacon, burgers and sausages with accompaniments). Because of licensing issues please bring your own drinks (alcoholic and soft). Coaches will be laid on to and from Murrayfield at £2 each way. There is free parking at the Academy as well.

POST MATCH FUNCTION: After the game we will be providing a post match function at Raeburn Place 6pm to late. This will be reception for the team returning from Murrayfield. There will be a free drink voucher (courtesy of Festival Inns) on presentation of your match ticket and food at Raeburn Place a la San Marcos - see menu and prices at Clubhouse. Get back to Raeburn after the match and celebrate whatever happens a very successful season with the 1XV squad.

We look forward to seeing as many as possible at the Academy, Murrayfield and then the Club for what will be a most enjoyable day.

ACCIES TEAM: The Accies team for Saturday's Scottish Cup Final will be:- Ross Browne; John-Michael Howison, Paul Lowdon, Luke McCann, David Rattray; Gavin Douglas, Mike Campbell; Peter Burns, Joe Edwards, Alistair Marsh; Edward Stuart, Nathan Pike; Dan Teague (Capt), Jamie Parker, Greg Campbell. Replacements:- Ed Stott, Duncan McLeod, Lewis Niven, Stuart Paterson, Ruairidh Bonner, Stewart Walker, Chris Kinloch

Tuesday 1st May: Mac Henderson 100 Years Old
All connected with Edinburgh Accies would like to send their very best wishes to Mac Henderson on his 100th birthday. Mac was educated at Edinburgh Academy and played his club rugby for Accies and a club in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand back in the 1920s and 30s. He is certainly the oldest living Scottish international and maybe the oldest living international in the world, being first capped for Scotland in 1933 - he got three caps and won all the games. Accies is its self 150 later this year - Mac has remarkably lived through 2/3rds of that time - first playing for the club 80 years ago in 1927 and incidentally first playing on New Field in 1917! We look forward to your continued support of your club on Saturday, as we play in the Scottish Cup Final. Congratulations on your achievement.

Saturday 28th April: Scottish Cup Final Update

TICKETS: If you buy your tickets direct from Accies the money goes into Accies club funds. This is happening as there is no prize money for this years participants in the final. You can order/get your tickets from the following sources: (a) online using PayPal (sorry, now closed due to postage timescales), (b) emailing Jason Parrott at , (c) by going to Raeburn Place between 10am and 6pm or (d) calling 0131 315 3298 between 10am and 6pm. Tickets will be sent by First Class Post up until 4pm on Thursday 3rd May. We are making arrangements for picking up tickets on Saturday morning at the Edinburgh Academy Hall (Henderson Row), where there will be a pre match brunch with buses to Murrayfield. We are also trying to sort out a meeting place/pick up spot at Murrayfield - but more of that later when confirmed by the SRU. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for U18s, students and OAPs.

PRE MATCH BRUNCH: Arrangements have been made to use the Academy Hall and the garden in front of Donaldsons for a pre match brunch where Accies supporters can meet before the game, have some food and refreshment, then head off for Murrayfield by coach. The cost for the food and bus to Murrayfield will be only £5 for adults and £2.50 for juniors - drinks £1.50 alchoholic and £1 soft. There is free parking at the Academy as well.

POST MATCH FUNCTION: After the game we will be providing a post match function at Raeburn Place. This will be a disco come reception for the team returning from Murrayfield. There will be a free drink vouchers (courtesy of Festival Inns) on presentation of your match ticket and food at Raeburn Place a la San Marcos - see menu and prices at Clubhouse. Get back to Raeburn after the match and celebrate a very successful season with the 1XV squad - whatever happens at Murrayfield!

The logistics of getting Alistair Marsh from his wedding to Raeburn Place - so he can go to Murrayfield in the team bus - is still being worked on, otherwise all plans for the team and the game are moving ahead well. Accies will be providing ball boys and mascots will go onto the pitch with the match squad of 22.

Further information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Tuesday 24th April: Club Dinner Reminder
The Accies annual dinner will take place on Friday 11th May at the Menzies Belford Hotel, 7.00pm. The speakers are Bill Dunlop, Peter Clark, Bob Burrell and Dan Teague - the vocalist will be Dougie McQuillan and the piper Peter Hall. Dress code is black-tie and the cost is £40 per head (£25 for matriculated students).

There is much to celebrate this year - book your place by e-mailing David Parker or Jason Parrott Book and pay now - limited to 90 on a first come basis.

Tuesday 24th April: BATS Games Tomorrow
This Wednesday (25th) Edinburgh BATs Rugby - the Accies, Broughton and Trinity youth rugby club - will play an U18 fixture against Bell Baxter at Raeburn Place ko 6.30. The BATs side will be made up of the best of north Edinburgh youth and selected from the BATs U18 team, the four local high schools, Fettes and the Academy. All BATs five age group teams will be playing that evening, starting from 5.30. Last years U18 game was great entertainment - so if you have time, pop down to Raeburn Place Wednesday evening to see if BATs can avenge the Academy's defeat at Bell Baxter's hand!

You will also be able to get an early chance to buy your tickets to see and support Accies in their first ever Scottish Cup Final, which is at Murrayfield on 5 May ko 4.00. ALL SALES OF TICKETS MADE BY ACCIES GO TO ACCIES CLUB FUNDS - so buy from us now. Prices £10 and £5 for U18, students, and over 60s. Buy now before we sell out!!!

Monday 23rd April: Great win for Accies
'The power and the glory', 'Barnes braves cut down Boroughmuir' and 'Accies forward power too much for Boroughmuir' were just three of the headlines we woke up to on Sunday to remind us of what we had seen at Raeburn Place the day before.

Accies produced a great performance on Saturday to leave their opposition bemused at what was going on - when they comprehensively beat Premier 1 Boroughmuir 38-14. The game was always going to be a clash of styles and Accies pack dominated, the tackling was fierce and the back row was everywhere, which forced Boroughmuir into numerous errors leading to Accies scores. It was a well attended game with around 1000 watching - if one takes into account those in Inverleith Park - many who were taking part in Edinburgh Northern's annual sevens.

With Accies playing towards the pond and a strong wind at their backs, play was mainly in the Boroughmuir half but no score came until on 10 minutes Douglas kicked a penalty for Accies (3-0), this was followed up nine minutes later by a Douglas drop goal (6-0). The first try came on 25 minutes when McCann made the most of pass that bounced on the ground to put Loudon (fresh from his successes as captain of Scotland U18s) over (11-0). Ten minutes later a turnover by the outstanding back-row player on show, Parker, and quick hands put full-back Browne over, Douglas - who controlled the game magnificently - converted (18-0). This was followed by Accies Edwards being yellow carded - only for Accies to immediately respond just before half time with a try by Mike Campbell after indecision amongst the Boroughmuir defenders. Half time and an 'unbelievable' 23-0 lead for Accies.

At the beginning of the second half Boroughmuir came back with a try by Martyn after four minutes, converted by Hadden (23-7). Accies began to pick up the pace again and began to dominate as their better pack grew in strength, putting pressure on the Boroughmuir line for a long period. From a scrum Mike Campbell forced Haddon to avoid him only for Greg Campbell to charge down the clearance kick and Douglas to fall on the ball for a try which he converted (30-7). Douglas followed this up 13 minutes later with a penalty (33-7). Five minutes later Malloy showed how dangerous Boroughmuir could be if they could get the ball and retain it scoring a great solo try, which was converted to make the score 33-14. Just before full time the Accies pack launched their last driving lineout and Pike scored near the corner to make the final score 38-14.

Accies overall outplayed Boroughmuir (the favourites - in the non Accies camp) to get a place at the final. Having beaten three P1 teams on the way it gives us a well deserved and a fitting end to our 149th season - a Scottish Cup final on the current international pitch - and no better way to set the platform for our 150th anniversary starting in August.

Sunday 22nd April: The Barney Army marches on...
A fantastic performance in front of about 1000 vocal supporters saw Accies make another little piece of history becoming the first side to have made it to the Final of the Bowl ('96), the Shield ('01) and the Cup competitions. Boroughmuir were sent back to the South of Edinburgh, beaten 38-14, and comprehensively outplayed in the process. The Match report and photos will appear here soon.

With three Premier 1 scalps to their name, Accies will now face Glasgow Hawks in the final on May the 5th at Murrayfield, with little to fear from anyone. Stay tuned to this site for updates.

Friday 20th April: Accies v. Boroughmuir Parking!!
As we are expecting a large crowd and there has been a new outbreak of 'double-yellow-lineitus' around Raeburn Place - you will be able to park inside the ground for this game. The entrance will be through the gates on the corner of Comely Bank Road and North Park Terrace. Cost £2 per car plus standard admission per driver/passenger.

Wednesday 18th April Cup Semi-Final...... & Sevens
Uncharted territory for Edinburgh Accies as we deservedly step into a home cup Semi-Final fixture against Boroughmuir at Raeburn Place on Saturday. Accies have had a good run of results since early November, winning against all the Premier 2 clubs except JedForest in the league, and winning four cup games including Currie (where we came back from 3-20 down and three serious injuries against the full strength Premier 1 champions) and Hawick.

There has been a lot of media interest in the game - already many players from both sides have sold their stories to the men with the biggest cheque books, from the key papers - its spellbinding reading - so I am told!!! No doubt this will continue over the weekend - lets hope this media interest lasts in club rugby over future seasons!

It is a game not to miss - a local derby, winner goes to play on the current international pitch, end of season for the losers - the winner takes all. We enter the game with confidence - your support can help us be the winners. BE THERE ........ ko 3.00 ......... BE EARLY, avoid the rush.

The Accies team is:- Browne; Howison, McCann, Loudon, Rattray; Douglas, M Campbell; Burns, Edwards, Marsh; Stewart, Pike; Teague, Parker, G Campbell. Replacements;- Stott, McLeod, Paterson, Walker.

Whilst most people's thoughts are on the cup game there are various sevens teams appearing over the weekend. On Saturday we take a reserve seven to Hawick, George will take a seven to defend the title at North Berwick and a seven will play at Edinburgh Northern 'over the wall' - no free viewing, we will get Ronnie with the bucket to patrol the wall!! On Sunday we have a seven at Peebles.

Tuesday 17th April: Last Weekend
It was back to the Melrose Sports for Accies last Saturday after a ten year break - and back in blue and white hoops after a couple of years. Unfortunately our re-appearance at Melrose only lasted 15 minutes and we were beaten by Ayr 19-14 in the first game of the first round proper. Ayr had already run the rust out beating Boroughmuir and Accies looked as though they could have used an earlier tie to 'get together'. It was a game we should have won - when leading with two minutes to go a couple of chances went begging, whilst in the Ayr 22 - one was a three on two, 15 meters out! All was in vain as Ayr recovered the ball and scored a final goal. Browne and Rattray scored tries for Accies and Gardiner converted both.

Accies were involved in three other tournaments over the weekend -on Saturday the seven at our associate club Broughton won, beating Portobello in the final 48-0. On Sunday at Berwick our seven beat a strong JedForest seven in the first round then lost to a very good University of Northumbria side in the quarter final. Also on Sunday the seven at Preston Lodge went out in the early rounds.

Tuesday 10th April: Scottish Cup Semi-Final Draw
The Draw for the Scottish Cup Semi-Final has taken place, with Accies being handed a second consecutive Home tie, this time against Boroughmuir. The tie is to be played on April 21st, with kick off likely to be at 15.00. This will be confirmed in due course. Get the date in your diary now to come down and support Dan Teague and the boys.

The other Semi-Final sees Premiership 3's West of Scotland take on Glasgow Hawks at Burnbrae on the same day.

Saturday 7th April: Accies into the Semi Finals!!
Accies progressed to the Semi-Finals of the Scottish Cup this afternoon, beating Premiership 1 Hawick 18-11 in front of one of the biggest crowds Raeburn Place has seen for a club game for many years. Match Report to follow...

Monday 9th April: Head Coach Barnes' busy day!
A full day has gone by and the success of Saturday has sunk in - it was a good victory - watched by a reasonable sized crowd, made up of a large travelling support from Hawick, the Maidenhead U18 and University if South Wales touring parties (who had played BATs and Accies teams earlier), a large number of reporters and photographers and of a good turnout of Accie supporters.

It was to be an eventful and long day for Ian Barnes - playing fireman, refereeing, masterminding his charges (Accies) beating his beloved home town's team, being a media star and then relaxing in the bar. The day started with the local fire brigade - under the watchful eye of Firemaster Barnes - giving the pitch a good watering for the second day running, as it was bone dry and rock hard. And there was no way this game was going to be postponed! After this Referee Barnes filled in to referee the 3XV - who were playing the University of South Wales - after the assigned referee cancelled late on. Recovering from his exertions it was time for Head Coach Barnes to see Accies through the quarter final of the Scottish Cup, then to take on the role of Media Star Barnes with many press interviews and finally time to wind down and rest his weary bones. What did happen on that radiator Barney?

The game started badly for Accies when after three minutes Hawick disrupted an Accie scrum and a poor pass missed Douglas only to roll to Browne whose clearance kick was charged down for McTaggart to score 0-5. Accies began to put pressure on Hawick and two Douglas penalties on six and 14 minutes made the score 6-5. Now the Accies pack started to dominate the Hawick pack in the lose and at times driving them back in 10s of meters. It was after a number of drives in the Hawick 22 that Parker was driven over to score after 19 minutes, Douglas converted 13-5. This was the score at half time and was no more than Accies overall domination merited.

Hawick reduced the lead with a Sutherland penalty, two minutes after half time (13-8) but the Accies forwards continued to be more of a match for the Hawick eight. There were a number of occasions Accies should perhaps have scored when camped on the Hawick line, but there was to be no score until 20 minutes had gone when Howison dispossessed Goodfellow near the half way for Mike Campbell to gallop in for a try, which was not converted, to make the score 18-8. Shortly after Sutherland kicked another penalty (18-11) to put Hawick within one score of a draw. Hawick never gave up for the rest of the game but Accies defence was up to all threats and there was no more scoring - Accies win 18-11 - to give Accies their first ever appearance in the Scottish Cup semi finals. Overall this was a tough bruising game where Accies pack's dominance of their opponents in most areas - especially in the driving mauls - set the platform for the victory.

If you would like to hear Ian Barnes' and Jim Renwick's after match interviews or a report on the game click on www.ScottishRugbyRadio.com and select channel 9 or channel 5 respectively.

The other games on Saturday saw the BATs U18 (over half of the team were U16) well well beaten by a strong U18 touring team from Maidenhead, the Accies 3XV beat the University of South Wales 45-12 and our 2nd sevens team at Haddington lost in the first round. finally the 2XV lost their last league game of the season at Hillhead/Jordanhill last Thursday evening, 12-22.

Thursday 5th April: Cup Quarter Final (ko 3.00) & Other Games
At last a home game in the Scottish Cup - and a prime fixture too! It seems an age since we last played a home game in the cup and to draw Hawick of all sides - well we could not have wanted for better.

Over the last few years the connections with Hawick have been close with Barney, Jim Renwick, Ken McCartney and Terence Froud arriving at Accies to begin the long process of dragging the club back from the depths of the third division. That has taken five years during which Terence went back to Hawick to become their current president. There are other connections, Jim Hay our ex-coach is now Hawick's coach and we have at least four players with a Hawick pedigree - Alistair Marsh, Gavin Douglas, Joe Edwards and Jamie Parker.

We have had a good run since mid November- losing only one game in the second half of the league season plus three cup wins - including coming back from 3-20 against Currie on that memorable Friday evening in February.

This is a BIG game for us in every respect - to put the gloss on this season and to set a marker for next season - and our first ever main Scottish Cup quarter final. Please get down to Raeburn Place and lend your support for Dan Teague and his team, and Barney, Jim and Tom Philip our coaches. After all the confusion the ko is at 3.00

Before the 1XV game the BATs U18s will play Maidenhead ko 12.00 - so come along early, enjoy the sunshine and see our future playing - then support Accies big game. Also at 12.00 a 3XV will play the University of South Wales in Inverleith Park. In addition there will be a sevens team playing on Saturday at Haddington.

Tuesday 3rd April : Cup Quarter Final, Age Group Internationalists, Difficult Times and Club Dinner
Now we know - we will play Hawick in the quarter final of the Scottish Cup on Saturday 7 April, ko 3pm. This should be an interesting game with the number of Hawick folk involved with Accies and our ex-coach and ex-1st XV manager the current coach and president of Hawick respectively! More later.

Accies would like to send congratulations to a eight young players from Accies, the Academy, Trinity and Broughton - all are ex or current BATs players. Five are in the Scotland U19 squad on their way to the U19 World Cup, Lewis Niven, James Murray, Chris Kinloch, Ruairidh Bonnar and Tom Bury. Two have been playing for Scotland U18 in their good run recently - beating Wales Boys Clubs, drawing with England and for the first time ever beating France Schools in France (and are on the way to the International Tournament in Glasgow) - Paul Loudon (who is captain) and Tom Drennan. And last but not least, Tom Brown is in the Scotland U17 team to play in the Millfield International Tournament this week. Well done to all of them.

It's been a difficult few weeks for the Accies junior teams with a large number of cancelled games because opposition could not get a team together. The 2XV have especially had it bad - five of their last seven games cancelled (four of them in the last four weeks) - what makes this worse is that three of those games were against teams whose 1XVs will make up next year's Premier Division 1 and two whose 1XVs are in Premier Division 2. Everything ok with rugby in Scotland?

The Accies annual dinner will take place on Friday 11th May at the Menzies Belford Hotel, 7.00pm. The speakers are Bill Dunlop, Peter Clark, Bob Burrell and Dan Teague - the vocalist will be Dougie McQuillan and the piper Peter Hall. Dress code is black-tie and the cost is £40 per head (£25 for matriculated students).

There is much to celebrate this year - book your place by e-mailing David Parker or Jason Parrott Book and pay now - limited to 90 on a first come basis.

Sunday 25th March : Mission Accomplished .....
1XV second in league and promoted ............ 2XV remain in top division of 2XV league ............. 3XV in top two of 3XV league .............. 4XV win their league!!! And with a quarter final of the Cup to come on the 7 April when we play Hawick or Stirling at Raeburn Place.

We could not have wished for more when we started the campaign in August last year and its a great credit to Barney and his coaching team, the team management, all those others who ensure things happen when they should and of course a dedicated band of players.

The 1XV duly won their last league game on Saturday beating GHA 25-10. That means a record of 17 wins and five losses - though all those were so close we gained a losing bonus point for each loss. The game started at breakneck pace with Accies playing really good 15 man rugby. Within five minutes Gardiner scored near the posts and Douglas converted 7-0. Straight from the kick off Douglas cleared from his own 22 and found acres of space for the ball to go into touch 15 meters from the GHA line - Accies stole the GHA lineout and drove over for Marsh to score and Douglas to convert 14-0, eight minutes gone. This was followed up five minutes later by a Douglas penalty 17-0. With twenty minutes gone a sloppy bit of work by Accies allowed GHA over to score a try (17-5) which was the final score of the half.

There was no way the pace and precision of the early part of the game could be maintained - though next season we will have to do that - and the second half was not particularly good. GHA came more into the game as Accies made more mistakes and players were going down injured. After seven minutes McCann scored an unconverted try 22-5. This was followed by a GHA try when Accies defence rushed up in a dog leg to let GHA through 22-10. Half way through the half Douglas dropped a goal to make the score 25-10. That was to be the final score of the match and of course the end of the 2006/7 league season.

The 2XV game was cancelled (gives Accies a 20-0 victory) as GHA could NOT raise a 2XV, the 3XV beat StewMel 22-0 and the unbeaten 4XV beat Linlithgow 57-19. After the game the 4XV were awarded their trophy and were last seen having the umpteenth picture taken to show their grandchildren what grandpa does on a Saturday afternoon - well done Ron and team.

Our thoughts now move on to Sevens and the Cup. As mentioned earlier we get a rare (not been drawn at home much recently) home Cup game on 7 August - so lots of support please. This season we have entered 19 sevens tournaments and we start on Sunday 1 April with one seven at Gala and one at Boroughmuir.

Monday 19th March : Celebration Weekend......
This weekend, after the GHA game, there is the chance for our supporters, second rows and other players to let their hair down (Edward?) - when there will be a Promotion Party in the club house.

Every one is welcome - supporters and all players - to celebrate the end of the league season and the 1XV's promotion to the top level of Scottish club rugby for next season, which of course is our 150th season. The theme of the evening is school uniform/school disco and the entry cost will be £5 with an optional £5 for a hog roast. The celebrations start at 8pm - pay on the door.

To start the weekend's celebrations - and line the stomach - there will be a lunch at San Marcos - meet around 1pm for a 1.30 sit down - if you would like a place 'at the table' contact Willie Liston by e-mail .

Following the lunch and before the disco there is some serious rugby to play - GHA (who also are promoted along with Stirling) are our 1XV visitors and a win or draw is needed for Accies to finish second to Stirling in the league. The 2XV play GHA at New Field, the 3XV play StewMel away and the unbeaten 4XV play Linlithgow in Inverleith Park - all games ko at 3.00.

Congratulations are due to the 4XV who have won their league comprehensively - the, BATS victory over the big rivals Watsonians 4XV last week only rubbing more salt into the Watson's wound! Well done to Ron and his team -who could well be presented with their silverware after the game in the clubhouse.

Now the Six nations is over for this season - no excuses for not getting down to Raeburn Place and joining in the celebrations yourself. Giving the 1XV your support for this final game of 2006/7 league campaign - then getting your old school uniform out of that kit bag and letting your hair down along with Edward for the evening. Make it a weekend to remember.

Saturday 17th March : Cup and this weekend.
Accies cup round 6 game against Murrayfield Wanderers began with Accies hardly touching the ball for the first 10 minutes - and Wanderers scoring a try from the biggest knock on of the season - spotted by all of the Wanderers and Accies coaches and replacements from 60 meters - but not by the man who counts (0-5). When Accies did get their hands on the ball three tries were rattled up quickly by Rattray, Burns and Paterson with two converted by Douglas (26-5). Wanderers scored another try which was converted (26-12) before Accies scored two more tries by Kinloch and Rattray - who ran over 60 meters, beating most of the Wanderers team, to score his second try under the posts - one converted by Douglas. Half time 38-12.

The second half continued like the first - the main difference was Murrayfield never looked as though they would score - and they didn't. After a minute Ratrray rattled up his hatrick try, Douglas converted (45-12). from then on tries were scored by Accies at regular intervals - Howieson, Stuart, Douglas, Kinloch (his second) and finally Teague - with a lot of help from his friends in the pack. Douglas converted three and McCann one to make the final score 78-12.

It was as the score indicates a very one sided game - though Wanderers never stopped trying - which shows the progress Accies have made over the last 12 months and how much Wanderers have slipped back. There was some good handling by Accies - 12 tries, nine Accies players scoring tries - the two wingers five between them. As for Peter Burns - popping up every where, scoring, pop passes, line breaks - no doubt Barney will have something to say at next Tuesday's training!!

On Saturday there is only one game left with the 2XV and 4XVs opponents both unable to raise a team. That, at the moment, leaves the BATS Development XV playing Watsonians at Raeburn Place ko 1pm.

Tuesday 13th March : Date change - Cup round 6.
Accies will now play Murrayfield Wanderers at Murrayfield on Thursday, 15 March ko 7.30pm. This is to avoid playing on Saturday and clashing with Scotland's game in Paris.

Sunday 11th March : Scott Murray.
All at Edinburgh Accies would like to send their congratulations to Scott on his 83rd cap against Ireland at Murrayfield on Saturday, breaking the Scottish record.

Many still remember Scott when he first arrived at Raeburn Place in the mid 1990s, his great hand eye coordination, his eagerness to learn, his temper at once being 'dropped' for Scottish international Jeremy Richardson and his dilemma on being offered £100,000 plus to move to Bedford - never having had a 'proper' job and 'only' having sat on the bench for Scotland (without actually getting on the field).

He made the right call and went south to Bedford in 1996 with the Club's blessing and good wishes. His progression since then is well documented - though some may wonder if he ever got the money from his time at Bedford, with the problems they alledgedly had there in those years!!

Scott was a gangling youth whose 6ft 6in frame was short of bulk when he entered the Test arena in 1997. The testimony of those who have played with and against Scott speak of a player whose mental and physical hardness make Scott a lock of the first order.

One final snippet - I do remember well after Scott's first cap against Australia at Murrayfield in 1997 (in the days the Union still held big receptions after the game) - that Scott and I (John Wright) had a brief word at the reception and Scott, who scored a try for Scotland in that game, was worried he would never get another cap. Well Scott - I think you have deservedly answered that for your self - and 82 caps later I wonder how many more Scottish internationals will ever get 83 caps!

Well done Scotty from all at Raeburn Place - enjoy your record !

Monday 5th March : Magic 22, Cup round 6.
It was a good trip to Biggar for the Club with the 1XV winning 22-21 and the 2XV getting a vital victory - needed to move away from the threat of relegation from D1 of their league - 29-17.

Just before kick off Accies had to make a change to the team replacing Gavin Douglas - who was still feeling his shoulder after the cup game against Currie - with James Murray. This meant that three of the five ex BATS/Accies players who were in the Scotland U19 squad last week, were playing against Biggar - James Murray, Lewis Niven and Chris Kinloch.

The game was close the whole way through - with no more than seven points between the sides at any time. It took eight minutes for the first score when Accies - who were playing with the strong wind - moved the ball well down the backs for Rattray to score in the corner, Murray converted (7-0). 15 minutes later Accies - who were penalised on the half way line - were sleeping as Biggar tapped the ball and McKeand scored near the posts, converted by Parker (7-7). There was no more scoring in the first half till the last minute when McCann made a good break from 40 meters out, beating a number of players to pass inside to Paterson to score out wide, again Murray converted. Half time 14-7.

The second half began with an exchange of penalties, Parker for Biggar and Murray for Accies (17-10). After 14 minutes of the half an Accies clearance kick was charged down for Biggar scored a try which was unconverted (17-15). Ten minutes later Parker kicked an enormous penalty from the half way line to put Biggar in the lead for the first time (17-18) - this fired up the Accies pack who then drove Biggar back over the line for Teague to score (22-18). With 12 minutes to go Biggar were getting desperate to score and Accies gave them the chance by giving away another penalty that Parker kicked (22-21) and then with a minute to go Parker had another and easier chance which he seemed to rush - changing his run up to avoid an injured player - and missed. Result 22-21, one point closer for Biggar than the game at Raeburn Place earlier in the season which ended 22-20 to Accies. This is the sixth time Accies have scored 22 points in a game this season - winning them all.

The clash between the BATS Development Team and the 4XV finished with the 4XV maintaining their unbeaten record by winning 39-10. Well done Ron and fellow team mates who now - because of sides already cancelling games next week through lack of players - seem to have won the league title!

Cup round 6 - Murrayfield Wanderers have changed to play Edinburgh University on 7 March (was going to be 17th) which means we will now play the winner on Saturday 17 March.

Thursday 1st March : This weekend and Cup round 6.
This weekend its back to league business for the 1XV after the hard won cup fixture against Currie. The 1XV and 2XV are both playing at Biggar and expect tough games down there and the high flying 3XV are away at Edinburgh Uni. All ko at 3pm.

The game of the week brings the still unbeaten Accies 4XV against BATS on the 1XV pitch at Raeburn Place - can the BATS team take the 4XVs record? - what teams will the selectors pick? We shall find out on Saturday, but whatever happens we expect a good afternoon at Raeburn Place - be there, ko 3pm.

The BATS U18 team make the journey to Currie on Saturday - ko to be advised.

Our actual opponents for the next round of the cup - either Murrayfield Wanderers or Edinburgh Uni - are not yet known and will not be till 17 March. We do know we are away - what changes!!! - and we know if Murrayfield win the game will be played on 31 March and if Edinburgh Uni win the will be on the 7 April.

Sunday 25th February : Watsons Mini Rugby Tournament.
In dire conditions our mini teams from P6 to P3 put on a very brave effort, although probably unrecognisable to their parents as they emerged from a sea of mud at the end.

P6's put in a great performance in the heats beating Preston Lodge and Stewarts Melville, but losing to Watsonians, which took Accies through to meet the winner of the other leg, GHA, in the semis. A close win took them through to the finals, meeting Watsonians again who had beaten North Berwick in their semi-final. A tough final, but sadly a rerun of the heat match with Watsonians proving just too strong in the heavy conditions which didn't suit our much lighter side, especially as we were missing a couple of our biggest forwards.

P5's had a strong start to the tournament with good passing and running they beat Preston Lodge 10-0 and Stew Mels 6-1, but then came up against a strong Watsons side who won 0-4. Swimming in oceans of mud they took on GHA in the semis but despite work hard as a team went down 1-2.

P4's reached the semi finals but eventually lost out to Watsons 2 after extra time by two tries to one. In the earlier rounds Accies won their Group by beating Watson's I by 2-1 and Stewart's Melville 4-1. In extremely trying conditions some great rugby was played and the defence was particularly strong.

P3's playing in their first tournament put in an extremely enthusiastic performance, with signs already of good passing and excellent running. Their team plays contact rugby and whilst winning against Preston Lodge 6-0, Watsons(3) 4-2 and drawing 1-1 with Watsons(1), they were not allowed to progress to the semis which was to be all tackling. They boys took this on board in an exemplary fashion and went on to beat Stew Mels in an unofficial non-tackling final 5-1.

Saturday 24th February : Accies v Currie - Cup round 5.
What an evening!!! Accies 3-20 down after half an hour - Coupar off the field twisted ankle after half a minute - Marsh after 20 minutes with a calf strain - and the worse still, after 25 minutes Patience with a dislocated shoulder - AND WE WON!!!!!

The game started with the injury to Coupar, who was replaced by Greg Campbell (returning from injury) and Currie scoring a try within the first five minutes through MacMahon (0-5) - this was followed up four minutes later by another Currie try, by ex Raeburn Place bar man Caldwell, (0-10). Life against a Premier 1 team - and also the Scotland club champions this season - was proving difficult. The fight back started a couple of minutes later with a Douglas drop goal for Accies (3-10) - only for an infringement by Accies from the kick off - which Warnock converted for Currie (3-13).

Injury followed injury - Burns replaced Marsh and Edwards moved from hooker to replace Sinclair - many sides would have gone for uncontested scrums with two props off, but that was never in coach Barnes' game plan. Onto the field came Reid - the smallest hooker (and perhaps player) in Scotland - to replace Edwards. More Currie pressure led to a try by MacMahon on the half hour converted by Warnock (3-20). This seemed to fire up the rearranged Accies sides who now realised that they could match Currie and just before half time after a kick to touch ten meters from the Currie line the Accies pack drove the famed Currie pack back over their line at a fair rate of knots - for Greg Campbell to touch down in the corner and Douglas to convert. Half time 10-20.

The second half was mainly Accies - within five minutes Pike scored, Accies having disrupted a Currie lineout on their own five meter line and again Douglas converting from the touch line (17-20). Accies kept play in the Currie half through Douglas - who was running the game well for the underdogs - and it was Douglas who added a penalty ten minutes later to tie the scores 20-20. Now Currie knew this was going to be some fight and picked up their game - but the Accies defence (that had improved no end after the first two tries) - was immense and Currie could make no headway. With five minutes to go (plus injury time) the ball went to Rattray who showed his strengths and after a mazy run - during which he left the ex Raeburn Place barman for dead - scored the vital try (25-20).

During the last ten minutes the Accies defence held out as Currie pressed and pressed, Accies lost Douglas for a yellow card and Browne took over at fly- half, but the 14 men were not for beating - and after five minutes of injury time the whistle went. From 3-20 down Accies had won 25-20 - but at a price - injuries to Coupar(ankle), Marsh (calf), Sinclair (dislocated shoulder), captain Teague (cheek), Arnold (calf), Edwards (calf) and a very sore Greg Campbell and Stuart - both who had played through injuries suffered a week or two ago.

It was in the end a well deserved victory for a team that had trained exceptionally well over the week and were well up for the game. The prize for victory is a game against the winners of the Edinburgh Uni v Murrayfield Wanderers game, which is due to be played on the 17 March.

Well done to all 19 players and the coaching team.

Friday 23rd February : Scotland/Ireland dinner and Sports Centre AGM.
The fundraising dinner being held at the Academy on 9 March - the eve of the Scotland Ireland international - still has a few places left. To reserve a place or find out more please contact David Parker at .

The AGM of the Edinburgh Academical Sports Centre will take place at Raeburn place on Tuesday 20 March at 7pm. For further details click here.

Monday 19th February : Last weekends results.
With the pressure of chasing promotion removed Accies put together a good first half against Gala and had the bonus point in the bag by the time they changed round at half time. From the start it was all Accies with pressure on the Gala line and after five minutes McCann - buried under four Gala men - scored the first try, which was converted by Douglas (7-0). After 16 minutes following a long penalty kick to the Gala five meter line, a line out, another penalty, another line out and a series of drives - Parker went over for a try that was unconverted (12-0). Five minuets later a Douglas penalty made it 15-0.

With 29 minutes gone -and Gala applying their first real bit of pressure - Brown intercepted the ball deep in the Accies half and after making forty meters found Rattray on his left for the winger to go over near the posts, Douglas converted 22-0. A few minutes later McLean scored a penalty for Gala (22-3) only for Accies to score another try by McCann - just before half time - after the ball was moved wide following a lineout 30 meters from the Gala line. Half time - bonus point - 27-3.

Within a few minutes of the second half beginning Douglas scored a drop goal (30-3) which was followed by a player from each side receiving a yellow card - Pike, for coming in the ruck from the side and Emond (Gala), for stamping on a player on the ground. There followed a period where replacements were being made and there was no score until, with around ten minutes left, Accies moved a penalty quickly and Oliphant - fresh from court! - scored in the right hand corner ( 35-3). With five minutes to go Gala attacked and after a break Bryce was on hand to take the ball and score, converted by McLean ( 35-10). In the last minute of the game a scrum on the Gala five meter line was pushed over for Parker to touch down and Arnold to convert. Final score 42-10.

Also last weekend the 2XV and BATS Development games were off as Aberdeen and Linlithgow (resp) could not raise teams, the 3XV won 27-5 at Biggar, the 4XV continued their unbeaten season winning against the second team in their league, Currie, by 34-11 and the BATS U18s lost to Hawick PSA 15-34

On Friday the 1XV play Currie - winners of the Premiership Division 1 this season - at Currie, with a 7.30 kick off. On Saturday the 2XV play Stew Mel at Raeburn ko 12.00 and Biella make their bi-annual trip to Accies, bringing a 1XV to play an Accies XV and Vets to play the 4XV - both these games are at New Field, ko 10.30.

Thursday 15th February : Moving forward....
It's been a good few weeks - five years of graft cumulating in promotion back to the top division of the Scottish leagues - and a number of our young 17 and 18 year olds being selected for Scotland Sevens team, the initial Scotland U19 World Cup squad and Edinburgh U18 squad.

It's just what we needed as we move into our momentous 150th season - the oldest club in Scotland and the second oldest in the world - a history in the development of the game to match anyone.

Not everything has gone as we hoped, the developments at Raeburn Place have been delayed by a problem with the contractors who were to build the new clubhouse and hotel - though another contractor is pulling together costs to take on the work. That means for our 150th celebrations we will be in temporary accommodation, which will be at the Comely Bank end of the 1XV pitch. The changing facilities will be the ones we had at Raeburn for the U21 World Cup two years ago - which were first class - and a club house and bar will be attached. Not what we would have wished for - but good enough for what we need for the season.

Further on the positive side the Club has been invited back to Melrose after the best part of 10 years away. Also Ralph Lutton and his 150th project team are now finalising the programme for the 150th celebrations - which of course end with our game against the famous Barbarians in 14 months time.

As part of moving forward we are looking back - and for the sevens at the end of this season and for our 150th season we will revert to our traditional blue and white hooped strip, blue shorts and traditional socks. Our current design has served us well for two years and the pictures in the Scotsman after our promotion victory over Hamilton brought some good and very welcome coverage for our jersey sponsors.

If anyone would like to be part of this exciting time and is interested in sponsoring our new strips for Melrose and the sevens circuit or for the 150th season, or wishes to help in some way or other, please contact our President Olly Miller phone (W) 0131 663 3221 or e-mail or John White phone (M) 0771 049 8471 or e-mail .

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon at Raeburn Place ......... the future's bright ......... and blue and white!

Thursday 15th February : Result, lunch and fixtures.
Last weekend the 2XV gained a vital victory over Heriots 21-19 - through a Bonner drop goal in the last minute of the game - to ease their position in the first division of the 2XV leagues, a couple more victories are needed out of the remaining five games to make certain of staying there.

Next Saturday we have a full house of fixtures for our teams. This includes the first home game for the 1XV - against Gala ko 3pm - since we gained promotion by beating Hamilton. Its ten years ago we last entered the highest levels of 'amateur rugby' in Scotland (incidentally after beating Gala at Netherdale) - so your support to 'welcome the team home' would be much appreciated. Before the game there will be a lunch at San Marcos - meet around 1pm for a 1.30 sit down - if you would like a place 'at the celebration tables' contact Willie Liston by e-mail .

The 2XV play Aberdeen at New Field or Inverlieth Park, the 3XV play Biggar away and the still unbeaten 4XV play Currie away. The BATS Development Team play Linlithgow at Inverleith Park and BATS U18s play Hawick PSA, venue yet to be sorted. All games ko at 3pm.

Wednesday 7th February : Fixtures this weekend - Cup Round 5 date.
There are a number of fixtures this weekend. An Accies XV will play Kirkcaldy away on Friday evening - this game is needed after last weeks blank weekend in preparation for our home league game on 17th against Gala. The 2XV have an important league game against Heriots at Reaburn Place on Saturday ko 12.00.

On Saturday the BATS Development team will play Currie - ko time yet to be arranged and the BATS U18s play Duns at New Field or Inverleith Park ko 11.00.

The delayed cup round 5 game against Currie (away) has been provisionally scheduled for the evening of Friday 23 February - the evening before the Scotland Italy game.

Wednesday 7th February : Celebration of Scottish and Irish Rugby.
There are still a few places left for the Accies Celebration of Scottish and Irish Rugby Dinner to be held on Friday 9 March 2007, the evening before the Scotland Ireland Six Nations game. The dinner will be held at Edinburgh Academy Hall - 7pm for 7.30 - and the main speakers will be Tyrone Howe (Ulster, Ireland and Lions) and Andy Nichol (Bath, Scotland and Lions). For further information and an application form please click here or e-mail David Parker at .

Friday 2nd of February: 2nd XV Game.
Tomorrow's 2nd XV match against Haddington has been cancelled, as Haddington are unable to raise a Team.

Thursday 1st of February: Matches this weekend.
After the excitement of last week we now have a blank weekend for the 1XV - who were initially meant to play a cup round 5 game - but as the Dalziel and Currie game was postponed (they now will play on Saturday) and the winner awaits us away. We thought we had arranged a fixture with Murrayfield Wanderers but they could not get a team - so no fixture.

The 2XV have a match against Haddington away in the Edinburgh/Borders Competition - a competition between those sides who wanted to take part to fill in the gaps in the second half of the season - ko 1pm. The 4XV game against Murrayfield Wanderers at Raeburn Place is now off as MW yet again cannot get a team and there is no game for the 3XV.

The BATS Development Team hope to play this Saturday - the last two games being cancelled as the opposition could not raise teams - against RHC away (ko 1.30pm) and the BATS U18s play Biggar away.

Monday 29th of January: January Match reports.
It was a good bus trip back from Hamilton and good to see an Accies team celebrating their well deserved promotion to the top level of club rugby after nine years in the 2nd and 3rd divisions. Beating Hamilton 11-10 put Accies into second place in the league - now two points behind Stirling, three points ahead of GHA (who lost to Gala) and an uncatchable 17 points ahead of Hamilton.

The day did not start well - having to find a replacement for centre Paul Loudon who was called up at midnight Friday by the SRU to join Chris Kinloch with the Scotland Sevens squad in New Zealand and then the USA - good luck to both, it should be a great experience and good learning opportunity.

At Hamilton, Accies played the first half into a strong wind and made a great start to the game with positive rugby, Pike stealing the first lineout ball - handling and driving the ball into the Hamilton 22 - where, on winning quick ball, it was moved to Rattray who beat a couple of men and passed back to Douglas who scored in the corner. Two minutes gone 5-0. The lead did not last for long when a Hamilton pass went to the ground to be hacked through for Naismith to touch down and convert (5-7) - this was followed three minutes later by a Naismith penalty for Hamilton (5-10). The rest of the half was played mainly in the Accies half of the field and good defence kept Hamilton out. Half time (5-10).

After half time it was a reverse of the first half with Accies applying the pressure and Hamilton holding on resolutely. After 10 minutes an Accies driving maul had moved 10 meters to within a couple of meters of the Hamilton line when a Hamilton forward pulled it down - penalty try? - no! - why? - but yellow card yes! Unfortunately Accies could take no advantage of the extra man and the score remained the same until, with 15 minutes to go, Accies gained a penalty in front of the posts 35 meters out that Douglas converted (8-10). The game began to break up a bit and Accies moved down field again winning quick ball. It went to Douglas who dropped an inspired drop goal from over 30 meters to make the score 11-10 with five minutes to go. With Accies supporters nerves being tested again and shouting for the game to be played as far from the Accies line as possible Hamilton were awarded a penalty on the Accies 10 meter line. Naismith missed to the left and a minute later the celebrations started.

Its been a demanding five year recovery program - master minded by the coaching team under the leadership of Barney and with no little effort from the players - delivering gradual improvement year by year. With the BATS set up and improved working with schools beginning to produce good young players - some who are now making age group international and district squads and teams (as well as the two in the Scotland Sevens squad) - we should have a good source to feed the improved standards needed for Premier 1 rugby.

We should not forget that there were other teams playing on Saturday - the 2XV lost narrowly to Currie 24-30, the 3XV lost to Boroughmuir and the 4XV comprehensively beat big rivals Watsonians for the second time this year, 45-10. The BATS Development team's game against Musselburgh was cancelled as Musselburgh could not raise a team and the BATS U18s lost 8-31 to Tynedale.

Sunday 28th of January: CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS tra, la, la, la.
Congratulations to Dan Teague, his team and the coaches on promotion to Premier 1 for next season - Hamilton 10:11 Accies.

Thursday 25th of January: Congratulations and Weekend Fixtures.
We would like to congratulate a number of our young players who have been included in Scotland national squads over the last week. First, Chris Kinloch (who is still at Fettes) has been included in both the Scotland 7s squad for New Zealand (2 Feb) and the USA a week later and in the initial Scotland U19 squad for the U19 World Cup. Also included in the U19 squad are James Murray, Tom Bury, Ruairidh Bonner and Lewis Niven.  Ruairidh and Lewis are members of associate club Trinity Accies and both have played a number of games for our 1XV this season. Well done to all of them.

This weekend we have a full fixture list as of today (Thursday) - weather, pitches and opposition pending! The 1XV are away at Hamilton in an important and key game for the club as we lead Hamilton by 14 points with four games to play. The 2XV play Currie away, the 3XV  play Boroughmuir at Raeburn Place, the 4XV have another grudge match with Watsonians at Myreside, and the BATS Development Team play Musselburgh at home in Inverleith Park - all these ko at 2.30pm. The BATS U18s play Tynedale in a league fixture at New Field ko 2pm - this should be a good test for this year's batch of potential 1XV players and well worth watching if you are not at Hamilton.

Wednesday 24th of January : Scottish Schools Under-15 Cup.
It will be an all-Edinburgh final in the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Under-15 Cup to be played at Murrayfield on Thursday evening - ko 6.00, admission free.

In beating Marr College 39-10 in bitterly cold conditions at Dumbreck yesterday afternoon, the Academy U15s joined Watsons U15s who had knocked out Hutchesons' GS 26-5 last week. It will be the Academy's first appearance at Murrayfield in a cup final and, according to Ed Saunders there will be plenty of support for the boys in the national stadium on Thursday. It's the first time the Academy have entered the under-15 cup and judging by the reaction of the lads coming back on the bus after their win over Marr, it certainly won't be the last. The Academy under-15s are coached by Euan Harrison, brother of Craig, the former Edinburgh Accies captain and No 8.

If you have an evening to spare your support will be welcome. It should be a good game, in their fixture earlier this season Watsons beat the Academy 36-33 and that game was a cracker - be there - see the future.

Tuesday 23rd January : Weekends results.
The Accies cup game at Newton Stewart was the only one of our games to take place on Saturday - because of the state of the pitches and some opposition not being able to raise teams. Even at Newton Stewart the weather was so bad that at one stage the referee took the players off the pitch to allow a hailstorm to pass - and in places the mud was over the player's boots!

The only score of the game came late in the second half, when stand-off Gavin Douglas was at the heart of a maul - probably the only place he could find to shelter from the weather -and was driven over the home line to give Accies a 5-0 victory. Jamie Parker - who had been replaced during the game as he was feeling the cold - had to be recalled to the game through injury to Greg Campbell. Jamie, who had thought his game over, went to the changing rooms where he was found standing in the showers in his full kit and had to make a hasty return to action - wet, cleaner but warm - for a while!!

After the game Ian Barnes said that he had played in the infamous 'water polo' Test in New Zealand in 1975, and the conditions were worse at Newton Stewart than they were back then.

Next Saturday sees us return to league business with an away game at Hamilton, who are fourth in the league 14 points behind us, with four games to play. Lets hope the weather improves over the week so this important game for us takes place.

Friday 19th January: Weekend fixtures.
This weekend the 1XV starts its cup campaign with a visit to Newton Stewart who are having a good season in National Division 3 and are lying second having won 12 and drawn one out of 16 games. The kick off is at 2pm.

The 1XV to play Newton Stewart is - Gartside; Oliphant, Kinloch, McCann, Rattray; Douglas, Campbell; Niven, Edwards, Sinclair; Campbell, Stuart; Teague, Coupar, Parker. Replacements - Miller, Marsh, Paterson, Bonner.

If you are travelling to Newton Stewart on Saturday via Glasgow and wish to break your journey for an hour (or indeed for those who think Newton Stewart is too far) the Academy U15 team is playing Marr College at the Strathclyde University ground in the semi-final of the Schools U15 Cup KO 10am. The winner of this goes to the final at Murrayfield next Thursday. Any support would be appreciated.

The 2XV play a rearranged league game at Hillhead, the 3XV play Murrayfield at Raeburn Place, the 4XV play Stirling away, the BATS 3XV play Livingston away and the BATS U18 play Greenock at home. Due to the weather and state of pitches final arrangements will not be known till later. All kick offs at 2pm.

Monday 15th January : New stock in!
We have new stock in - sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL & 3XL in EAFC polo shirts & hoodies. Quite a few lads were after the smaller sizes, so this is an opportunity to buy one now. We are also getting in some club ties. Any interested parties can email .

Sunday 14th January : Memories, memories, memories...
How memories of a couple of recent games against the 'Ferry Road Mob' came flooding back on Saturday - the second half of the game at Inverleith earlier this season - and a game a couple of seasons ago at Raeburn Place with uncontested scrums!

Accies started playing into the strong wind and took an early lead through a try by Patrick Coupar (5-0). StewMel made poor use of the wind and so Accies kept making progress into the Stew Mel half though could not score again. In the last minute of the half StewMel broke away and scored a try that was converted. Half time 5-7 and the Accies captain yellow carded for not using his arms in a tackle.

As the weather got worse and worse and Accies got better and better, playing the conditions well and dominating the second half - the majority of which was played deep in the StewMel half (as it should have been in the first game!). Unconverted tries by Patrick Coupar - while still a man short - and Jamie Parker put Accies into a 15-7 lead - a lead that was never to be threatened. A mass brawl led to four men being yellow carded (two from each side) and uncontested scrums for ten minutes (even though a StewMel prop appeared to be ready to go on from the bench - he didn't make it!!). A final push led to the fourth (and bonus point) try by Edward Stuart in the last minute of normal time which was converted by Gavin Douglas from the stand touch line. The final score 22-7 was for this cut-throat division a relatively big win.

A well deserved victory in poor conditions infront of both the SRU Chairman and President, Peter Wright casting his eye over a number of U19s and a packed stand (with backs to the elements) watching StewMel with their backs to the park wall.

Another week of close results (excluding ours) - two 10-8s, an 11-10 and an 8-0 mean, with Hamilton and Stirling losing, Accies stay third in the league 14 points ahead of Hamilton, one point behind GHA and two points behind Stirling - with four games to go including Hamilton (away) and GHA (home), it should be an interesting run in.

All other games were cancelled due to the conditions of the pitches. Next week its the Cup round 4 - Newton Stewart away, ko 1.30pm.

Saturday 13th January : This weekend.
On Saturday we play StewMel at Raeburn Place in a game we need to win to keep us well clear of Hamilton in fourth place in the league - Hamilton play GHK away (who are second two points ahead of us). This is a close league - whatever position the teams are in - and there are no really easy games especially away from home. The 2XV also play StewMel at New Field - the 2XV pitch being a second Inverleith Park pond and also devoid of posts at one end, the result of the recent strong gales. The 3XV play Edinburgh Uni at Peffermill and the unbeaten 4XV have a home fixture with Livingston - though on which pitch we do not know yet (probably in Inverleith Park). All games ko at 2pm. The BATS U18s game against Currie has been moved to Monday evening at Currie.

Monday 8th January : Jed-Forest 26 - 19 Edinburgh Accies.
Saturday's loss at Jed puts us back to 3rd in the table ... put a smile back on your face by listening to Accies contributors talk to Scottish Rugby Radio including comments from Accies coach and former international Ian Barnes. Other highlights include part 2 of SRR's Scottish Rugby Greats feature with Jim Renwick. Plus there's a chat with two of Accies surviving members of the team which jointly shared the unofficial Scottish Championship 50 years ago with Jed - Gilbert McClung and Mike Marwick. Programme length = 44min.

Thursday 4th January : Update on Ed Stott.
A fellow Accie came across the following link by chance re Ed Stott - note he is referred to as "looking remarkably like a 6ft prawn!!!".

Sunday 31st December : Championship winning side of 1956/57.
Surviving members of the Edinburgh Accies championship side of season 1956/57 are invited by Jed-Forest President John Davidson to a celebration lunch at Riverside Park on Saturday 6th January 2007 prior to our Premier 2 League fixture with Jed-Forest (ko 3pm).

The Accies side were unbeaten up to Christmas but then lost narrowly to Gala, Musselburgh, Melrose and Jedforest ending the season: Played 23, Won 17, Lost 4, Drew 2, Points for 264, Points against 86. The championship was shared with Jed-Forst RFC hence the joint 50th anniversary celebration.

The 1956/57 squad was: JDL Fairbairn; JC Walker, JA Simson, G McLung, MJ Sands; T McLung, DD Walker, S Coughtrie: CF Sleigh, JH Marshall, RW Meikle, DJ Marshall, RS Wilson, AF Gardiner, RI Marshall, JCN Darling, MTR Marwick, KW Paterson Brown. For RSVP information please download John Davidson's letter and confirm your attendance prior to Thursday 4th January 2007.

Thursday 21st December : Bruce Hay Benefit Dinner.
A message from Ian Barnes, Accies head Coach:-

"Bruce Hay was as hard a boy as I played rugby with --- but that was no protection against a brain tumour. Bruce has had a very tough time --- so Finlay Calder and Jim Aitken are organising a benefit dinner for him in the Sheraton Hotel on 2 March 2007.

Speakers are Andy Irvine, Jim Renwick and Wilson Hunter. At £125 per head, it is expensive, but if rugby cannot take care of its own, then the game is in a sorry state. I am hoping to be able to fill a table (or two) out of Raeburn Place --- anybody interested in supporting this most worthwhile of causes please e-mail me : "

Thursday 21st December : Midseason report.
A final piece for 2006 from this sites resident copywriter John Wright, Club Convener - "I'm packing my bags to go to the 'Land of the Long White Cloud' - if laptop works, may send some updates, if not, back on 7 January - will miss JedForest game as will be somewhere heading north at 35,000 feet!"

Accies half term report - well 16/22 report ...

Done well
- scored at least one point in every league game
- got a bonus point for half of games played
- the left upright and cross bar at Gala
- moved into second in league and closed gap on leader
- 9 points ahead of fourth and 17 points ahead of fifth in league
- introduced a number of last years U18 players to 1XV rugby
- playing a number of current U18s in senior rugby to aid their development
- even with an injury list of 20+, winning games would have lost last year
- put out five teams most weekends
- 3 and 4 XVs doing well in their leagues
- have 197 players registered at end of December
- have good numbers at training twice a week
- BATS go from strength to strength
- BATS team that blew Hawick and Bradford away
- have funding in place for BATs for all this season
- have a strong coaching and team management structure
- Andrew Desson - congratulations
- Jim's book 'Centre of Excellence'
- site is ranking 3rd in Google.co.uk for "Edinburgh rugby club" and 5th for "Edinburgh rugby"
- EAFC Mailing List has topped 280 subscribers

Could do better
- increase number of helpers
- get away from 'hand to mouth' funding
- get bus company that points bus west, and not east, when going west
- finish games off when leading at half time
- get a 'decent' pint to keep Head Coach at club after the game

Disappointments
- lost four games, all-be-it by under seven points
- injury to Gav - when playing well at GHA - after lengthy lay off
- referee changing mind after awarding Accies a try at GHA
- running tap penalty in own 22 in last few minutes of game when leading Stirling at home
- 2XV results - even with list of injuries
- issues around getting tickets for internationals
- Clubs v SRU
- not getting pitches to laik (play) on each week
- first 'sod' not yet cut for development
- not sorted all BATS funding for season 2007/8
- 3XV Turn-up League has lost it's turn-up and play 'values'

New Year's wishes
- you can guess number 1 - I'm not putting it in writing!
- 150th anniversary is a year to remember
- BATS to go from strength to strength
- ........... and that the future is bright !

The President and committee of Edinburgh Accies wish you all a the Season's Greetings and hope you (and the Club) have a good New Year.

Monday 18th December : Celebration of Scottish and Irish Rugby.
On Friday 9 March 2007, the evening before the Scotland Ireland Six Nations game, Edinburgh Accies are holding a fund raising dinner at The Edinburgh Academy Hall - 7pm for 7.30. The evening will be a celebration of Scottish and Irish rugby and the main speakers will be Tyrone Howe (Ulster, Ireland and Lions) and Andy Nichol (Bath, Scotland and Lions). For further information and an application form please click here or e-mail David Parker at .

Sunday 17th December : ...... Rain kept away!
Accies won their last game of 2006 easier than the final score looked - though for the first 20 minutes of the second half they had a fright as they defended hard - mainly through playing the whole of that period in their own half - during which Cartha scored two tries and converted one.

Accies started the game well - as they did last week against Stirling - putting the Cartha line under pressure, though they could not cross the line. It took two penalties by Gartside - one on 20 and one on 25 minutes to put Accies in the lead (6-0). A couple of minutes later after some good driving and moving the ball rapidly down the backs ball to the right, Accies had an overlap and looked to be scoring when they dropped the ball. From the ensuing scrum 10 meters, out Mike Campbell spoiled the Cartha position - got the ball to Broatch who fought his way over to score in the corner (11-0). Accies continued to be in charge and just before half time prop Patience finished off a lengthy period of forward drives to score his first try for the Club. Half time 16-0.

The first twenty minutes of the second half saw Accies take the foot off the pedal - and as described above the score became 16-12 - memories of Inverleith came flooding back! Accies responded and picked up their game coming back to score ten minutes later through Coupar after the forwards began to dominate and a number of drives (21-12). Cartha had a player yellow carded for repeated infringements and as he came back a Cartha prop was also yellow carded for further a cynical infringement - which meant all further scrums were uncontested as they had no fit replacement prop. There was no further score and Accies won 21-12.

The Stirling game at Hillhead/Jordanhill was cancelled because of sewage coming up through the drains in the changing rooms!! Both GHA and Hamilton won - but like Accies without a bonus point - so basically the league positions remain unchanged , but both Jed and StewMel who lost are now 17 points behind Accies.

As a final comment Accies finished the game with five players who had played at U18 level last year on the field - Bonner at fly half (starting his third straight game), Kinloch (who is still at Fettes) on the wing, Niven (one of BATS SVQ students and Scotland U18) at prop, Murray (last years Academy and Scotland U18 player) at centre and Mair (who camt to us from Ayr) at wing forward. And, on top of that, Loudon (last years Academy and Scotland U18 and this years Scotland Sevens player) injured and watching on the touch line .........the future's bright...........

Saturday 16th December : Rain rain go away......
We thought we were to have one busy day at Raeburn Place this Saturday with five of our teams scheduled for home fixtures - what an end to rugby for 2006 that would have made! Anyhow - with the 2XV pitch having more water standing on it than the pond over the wall had most summer, the Academy pitches being worked on and rested and the council pitches too wet - we finish up with only one game left - the 1XV against Cartha at RP ko 2pm

We did try to play some of the fixtures away but no luck - Stirling replied that they could take the game as long as there was a big enough boat to take both teams - luckily we got the important game in there last week!

As every game seems to be at the moment, this is another important one for Accies. After last weeks tremendous effort at Stirling - though remember we ran Stirling close earlier in the season, only losing in the last few minutes after giving them a goal - we have to pick up where we left off last week on a pitch which will probably be heavy and with a gale blowing from the West .... unless that rain goes away. Difficult conditions, but we do have the resources to play in all conditions and hopefully see out 2006 with another victory.

After Saturday there is a break for all teams until the New Year - the first fixture back is the 1XV playing JedForest at Riverside on the 6 January.

Sunday 10th December : Ben Lawries Travel.
We are happy to announce our first website sponsorship agreement in association with Ben Lawries Travel, Scotland's leading rugby supporter's tour operator with over 35 years experience providing travel packages to Scottish rugby supporters.

Ben Lawries Travel are now selling travel packages for the France and England 6 Nations matches and for Rugby World Cup 2007. In addition to this they specialise in tailor making packages for supporters wanting to attend International Rugby Tournaments including the Dubai Sevens, Hong Kong Sevens, Magners League & Heinekin Cup.

Simply click on their advert on the right of this sites homepage to find out more - and remember to quote reference EAFC01 when making a booking !

As an added incentive to visit their site Ben Lawries Travel are currently running a competition, in association with Scottish Rugby Radio, for 2 free supporters packages to Twickenham. Each supporters package will include a return flight from Edinburgh to London Heathrow departing on Friday 2nd February 2007 and returning on Sunday 4th February 2007 and 2 nights B&B in a twin room at the 4 star Millenium Gloucester situated in Kensington in the heart of London. The winner will be announced on Scottish Rugby Radio on Monday 18th December. Good luck !

Sunday 10th December : Accies gain on Stirling.
Accies best performance this season brought a well deserved victory over Stirling in the top of the table clash at Bridgehaugh on Saturday by 26-22 - closing the gap at the top of the table to six points. The two clubs below Accies - GHA and Hamilton - both won gaining a bonus point and moving a point closer to Accies. Click here to take a look at the league table.

For the first ten minutes Accies had all the pressure, with a couple of opportunities to score, but a turnover deep in Stirling territory saw the ball moved to the Stirling wing Aitken, for him to outpace the defence and score under the posts (0-7). Accies responded nine minutes later with a try by Greg Campbell after a good forward drive (5-7) and then a well taken drop goal from Bonner on twenty five minutes (8-7). A couple of minutes later Matheson scored for Stirling after a twenty meter driving maul (8-12) - which was the final score of the half.

Accies now playing into a strongish wind kicked a penalty through Gartside after four minutes - only to give away a penalty for off side from the kick-off, which Archibald converted (11-15). As the game moved on the Accies pack was gaining more and more control and captain Teague scored a good try down the blind side after a number of scrums on the Stirling five meter line (16-15). A few minutes later a Stirling player was yellow carded and Gartside kicked the penalty (19-15). Stirling scored a try three minutes later through Gardner converted by Archibald to make the score 19-22. With an extra man - and magnificent effort from the Accies pack - the remainder of the game saw Accies mostly camped in the Stirling 22 - with occasional Stirling break outs. All the pressure paid off with Stirling collapsing a driving maul once too often - for the referee to award a penalty try, converted by Gartside (26-22). Accies maintained composure to play out the final few minutes to gain a superb victory in an exciting game - where the lead changed hands five times -and for the majority of the game that lead was not more than four points.

The 2XV lost to Stirling 25-38 - after Accies were leading at half time - though Accies played three quarters of the match with 14 men with one of the second rows being sent off for foul play. The BATS U18s lost to Helensburgh 5-22.

The 3XV gained a walk-over when Heriots called at 11.30am - yes 11.30am Saturday - to say they could not raise a team.

Thursday 7th December : BATS Christmas Lunch on Sunday 17th December.
There are still a few tickets remaining for the annual BATS Christmas Lunch & Carols which will again be held at Broughton RFC's Wardie Club Rooms on Sunday 17th December, meeting 12.30pm for a 1pm kick off. Format for the afternoon will be: the 'full monty' 3-course turkey lunch with all the trimmings, coffee & mince pies (fine wines to accompany lunch), followed by Christmas Carols and postprandial cocktails! Cost comes to a mere £20 per head (for lunch + wine) - a bargain for what will surely be one of the best social events of the year. Dress will be jacket & tie, strictly over 18's. For reservations and tickets please e-mail Jason Parrott (EAFC) at . Don't hang around - numbers are limited!!!

Thursday 7th December : This weekends fixtures.
On Saturday Accies 1XV have a first v second clash in the league when we visit Stirling - ko 3pm. Stirling are nine points ahead of us - having lost only one game this season. Earlier this season we lost to Stirling 24-29 in a good game at Raeburn Place - though we gave Stirling possession late in the game for them to score seven points. The 2XV are also at Stirling though their ko is 2pm.

After last weeks disappointing loss to Watsonians, the 3XV play heriots at home - at Goldenacre earlier in the season Accies won 71-24 - Heriots results seemed to have improved since then. The 4XV play RHC at New Field hoping to keep their unbeaten record going. Both these games ko at 2pm. The BATS U18s play Helensburgh at Raeburn Place in the Inter district League - they ko at 12 noon.

The 1XV to play Stirling is:- Kevin Gartside; Jamie Oliphant, Ross Browne, Luke McCann, Paul Arnold: Ruairiah Bonner, Mike Campbell;