As part of the Club's recognition of the contribution made to EKRFC by TM (Tom) Keir, EK dug deep in their archive to restore the annual Captain v President’s match, that used to round up the season many years ago.

Hairmyres Hospital was on red alert as the old C v P’s matches often involved the odd scrap or ten. But it was all very calm yesterday, with no niggle whatsoever. The crowd even enquired if they could get their entry fee back, at the end of the match, such was their disappointment. TMK might also have been scratching his head.

Played over 3 x 20 minutes (a fourth session seemed beyond them), the most encouraging sight of the day was former captain Gareth Jones having a run out for the first time of the season. He looked pretty sprightly – for at least ten minutes! – so let’s hope this is him on the way back to regular rugby.

The heavy rain prior to the match seemed to deter several spectators and sponsors, as well as unfortunately a few players as well. But those that took the field gave it their all.

Amazingly Robbie Greenfield scored the first two tries for the Captain’s side, one involving a ridiculous 28 metre hold off and fend of the last man. Having scored only two tries all season (two more than most years lol!), he must have thought it was easy.

A (knowledgeable) wag in the crowd observed that it was a rare spectacle to see two teams with about 13 props each. This from a man with the physique of a prop who played all his days in the backs! Guess who......?

Jason Currie, former EK player and coach, made a break up the middle of the park and his offload gave Paul Rosie an easy romp to the try line. And Freak Rosie quickly followed it with another soon after.

Greedy Robbie Greenfield decided he wanted a hat trick – did he buy the customary bottle of vodka? – and promptly got it, followed by tries by youngsters Mark Donnachie and Ben Walters.

The President’s XV finally got on the board in the third quarter with tries by Eddie Beaton and Dylan Brodie. These tries, however, were sandwiched by two more for the Captain’s XV, by Chris Mclellan and Scott Murphy.

So a narrow but comprehensive win for the Captain’s XV by nine tries to two!

Tom Keir’s son, Steven – who somehow (we would never say deliberately!) managed to forget his boots and thus did not turn out on the day! – handed over the trophy to the winning captain (Paul Rosie) and it was quickly filled with some refreshing liquor. Any port in a storm.

Thanks to all the players who turned out, thanks to ex-President Peter Hagerty for trying to claim it was his team that won, and thanks to Steven Keir for turning up. It’s important to remember the wide-ranging contribution of TMK so let’s hope this fixture blossoms in years to come.

Thanks also to the new club Secretary, Brian Mullins, for taking some photographs. You can see them by clicking here.