Schools rugby - Hawick boys can reward Wright for extra workload

HAWICK HS will meet Berwickshire HS tomorrow afternoon at Wilton Lodge Park in the first round of the Bell Lawrie Scottish Cup, with only a brief runaround as preparation.

Because the majority of the senior boys play for the local under-18 clubs, PSA or Wanderers, P/E teacher David Wright, the master in charge of rugby, is able to field a side only for cup games.

"It's not an ideal situation," states Wright, "but I'll find out which boys are available, we'll have one short session together, and then all I ask of them is that they give of their best.

"If we win, that's great, but if not we will still have another outing, in the Bowl or Plate."

Wright, who is assisted by another teacher, Richard Allott, one or two parents, and John Johnstone, a youth development officer, turns out teams at first, second, and third year, plus on occasions, a development XV, but he admits it's getting harder.

"With a teacher's heavy workload and all the pressure that goes with it, the time Saturday mornings come most use it to recuperate or to do something else away from the school. "

Wright, in charge of rugby for a number of years at Hawick HS, and Allott, are welcome exceptions.