Published: Friday, 28th December, 2007 10:40
Keep Borders League 'Borders only'
By Atholl Innes
Comments (0)
Print Article
A BORDERS journalist has hit out at plans to allow Haddington into the Border League.
Laing Spears, from Bowden, a life-long supporter of Scottish rugby, the Gala club historian and author of the Border League Story, said: "The Border League should be the Border League!
“I'm not keen on these add-ons that we're getting. To go over the hill to Haddington strikes me as a step too far and I'm not in favour of that at all.
“It's the oldest rugby league in the world and it was built around the Borders and the Border clubs and I think it would be a breach of faith to the founding fathers if we decided to bring in people from the Lothians," he said.
Haddington President Bill Swan said: "Times change and rugby moves on. Sometimes you have to look to do things differently or just think outside the box a wee bit.
Haddington’s 2nd XV already play in the Border 2nd XV Championship and they're keen to be part of the oldest rugby league in the world.
“There are pluses and minuses about the prospect of Haddington being part of the Border League, but the East Lothian side feel they can bring something to the table by joining up,” said the voice of Scottish Rugby Radio, Stuart Cameron.
Border League secretary Alistair Forsyth explained: "What the clubs will initially have to decide initially will be whether or not they want to welcome Haddington in.
“Being a Premier 2 side they would add quite a competitive edge to the tournament, but they would also have to consider if they want to retain the status quo or change the format for qualification for playing in the Border League."
That meeting will take place in January.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
