YOUTH UPDATE | HERIOT’S HAMMERS
A HERIOT'S HAMMERS ARTICLE
HERIOT'S HAMMERS | SEASON UPDATE
The 2023/2024 season for the Heriot’s Hammers officially finished on Sunday, 12 May with a long list of highlights that began in August last year.
This season has been one marked by the transition of leadership as Gavin Stevenson became President of Heriot’s Rugby Club and I (James Reid) stepped into the role of Director of Junior Rugby with the support of the Head Coaches, Coaches and Year Group Managers.
The season got off to a rapid start for Heriot’s Hammers with festivals at Watsonians and Accies after just two weeks of training. This was especially challenging for the P4s who had just been introduced to contact and did a great job of putting their new skills into practice.
Another major highlight of the season was the journey up to Madrascal’s in St Andrews for the annual tournament. The weather was unusually kind and there was some great rugby on display from the Heriot’s Hammers across all year groups. A special mention to the new members of the P7 year group who enjoyed their first outing for the club and gave a great account of themselves in both their play and behaviour.
Jonathan Cruickshank ©
During January and early February, the Heriot’s Hammers trained under cover at The World of Football to ensure continuity when the weather and pitch conditions would normally stop play. It’s always a bit of a juggle as year groups share pitches depending on availability, but great to see the squads being flexible and supportive of each other.
The key event in our calendar is the Heriot’s Festival of Rugby, which we hold at Goldenacre in March with beautiful weather and excellent playing conditions. The Heriot’s Hammers welcomed squads from local rivals; Accies, Boroughmuir, Lasswade, Stewart’s Melville Lions and Watsonians and also visitors from further afield; Madrascals. More than 450 players across all age groups from Micros (P1 & P2) through to P7 were involved with matches taking place across 12 pitches simultaneously.
The rugby was great, and most importantly, played in the right spirit. The refereeing was top quality, allowing the games to run smoothly and safely and making sure the players enjoyed themselves. The coaching was also really supportive and it was great to have so many senior players from the Super Series, Blues Men and Blues Women down to help. Our newest sponsor, Umber and Ochre, donated new year group flags which did an excellent job of guiding visitors to their pitches and to the clubhouse for refreshments. The ethos of ‘One Club’ really came through, with every part of the club supporting the festival.
To finish the season off, we sent teams to the Boroughmuir and Lasswade Festivals of Rugby. Both events were really well managed with some excellent performances across all year groups. Special mention to the P6s for their determined and skilful performances at Lasswade where their efforts were well rewarded with some inspiring victories.
Jonathan Cruickshank ©
Jonathan Cruickshank ©
The P7s went down south on Tour to Newcastle, playing in a tournament setting and giving a great account of themselves both on and off the pitch. This marks a fitting end to their time with Heriot’s Hammers and we wish them all the best as they move up to North Edinburgh Vikings and progress their rugby careers.
And finally, we held our annual Fun Day at Goldenacre on Sunday, 12 May. Once again, we were blessed with beautiful weather which meant players could enjoy the fun games and bouncy castle whilst their families relaxed with coffee or a drink. There was a high degree of skill, fitness and effort on display for the coaches game of touch but it ultimately ended two tries a piece, so no bragging rights until next year, maybe.
On Saturday, 1 June we will be participating in both the Wardie Summer Fair at Wardie Primary School from 12pm to 3pm and the Newhaven Gala Day at Victoria Primary School from 1.30pm to 4pm.
Our new season will kick off on Sunday 18 August and we will welcome new and returning players alike.
- James Reid, Director of Junior Rugby
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