Foreword by Club President

by David Douglas

I am sure this booklet will greatly interest all past and present members of Aberdeenshire Rugby Football Club as well as our many friends in other rugby circles. Its author lan David must be congratulated on a first-class job of documenting our first 100 years.

'Shire has had an up-and-down history as my own experience bears out. Glory one day. despair the next. I joined in November 1970 when a very useful side under Jim Snape had just walloped Moray 100 points to nil, a club record score. Indeed, in my first game for the 1st XV, we beat Madras College F.Ps., for the first time in years. My wife has never forgotten the exuberance I showed on my eventual return home from that auspicious game.

By 1972, our fortunes had changed. Even a retired naval pensioner like myself commanded a regular first team place and we were a poor side. September 1974 was also one of the club's depths. We had finished second bottom in Division V (E) of the new league the previous season. Ronnie Graham was our third captain in six months and despite his enthusiasm, we lost every 1st XV game in that autumn month.

Then our league programme got under way and we found our feet. David Lawson at fly-half showed that he could use the ball and kick us out of trouble when the need arose. The three-quarters showed they could tackle and defend tenaciously. The effect on morale was terrific. Our forwards stopped losing heart in the second half and we ended up winning eight of our 13 league games. The 2nds and 3rds also improved. We tasted the delight of away wins in quick succession for 1st and 2nd XV's against Morgan Academy F.Ps., and St. Andrews University.

 A highlight in 75 was a 13-0 victory over old rivals Aberdeen Grammar School F.Ps., the first since Ken Scotland's day seven years before. A month later in March, however. Grammar turned the tables by a similar margin. That taught us a salutary lesson that every game is different. We ended the 74-'75 season on a high ote by flying to Kirkwall and winning the Orkney Sevens. The island hospitality was also memorable.

For our centenary match, we offer Gala a very warm welcome in what is also their centenary year. It's a long road from the Borders and we really appreciate their willingness to come so far to provide us with such attractive opposition. We also thank our friends in the other Aberdeen clubs for releasing players for this match.

On behalf of the club, I also want to welcome back former players and members who are coming to the centenary match and dinner. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.

I conclude with a plea to our worthy ex-players and members. After the centenary match is over, why not come back and support the 1 st XV in its league matches. We have a promising side which I think is attractive to watch. My target for them is to win promotion to Division IV in this special season. With your support, they can do just this.

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