Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse!

This famous quote may not have applied Saturday afternoon as the Christmas lunch got into full swing and the players court was issuing summary justice in the changing rooms but it was certainly a slow start on Sunday for many members and friends.

A cracking lunch and an excellent Q&A between Sean Scott and Mark Cairns made for a great afternoon despite the lack of rugby. Mark got at least one question right. Hamza won Strictly!

Yours truly had to fill in  after lunch and say a few words. There were a few groans which I put down to the venerable age of some of my jokes and not the telling and at least there were no boos which I take as a positive.

Everyone seemed to enjoy my rendition of a great poem written by Alistair Buchanan after a wonderful win,23 -0 if memory serves me correctly against Melrose, on January 31st 2016. Like this year, a cold snap hit Scotland during January and only  a slow thaw towards the end of the month gave any cause for optimism of playing rugby again that month. On the day in question a willing  squad of rather ancient volunteers cleared the pitch of snow to allow our match against Melrose to be played. The rest as they say is history.

For those it have not heard it’ here it is in its entirety:

When Melrose Came to Call

(Dedicated to the willing volunteers and First XV squad, who made 31st January 2016 such a memorable day.)

On Jan the tenth, the frost did fall,
Our rugby match was off.
‘Twas Melrose who were due to call,
But the ground just wasn’t soft.

Then two weeks on, some frost once more,
When Ayr were due to play,
Our match was off – Oh such a bore,
The cold snap ruined our day.

Then as the month was closing down,
The snow fell on Malleny
With fixtures cancelled left and right.
Chances to play?  Not many!

But thirty hardy volunteers,
They cleared the pitch of snow.
Though still the day could end in tears,
No white lines were on show.

So, Ivor worked on through his lunch,
And Melrose came to call.
We crushed them with a mighty punch.
The points?  We scored them all.

Nil points to Melrose was the cry,
The Bar was full of cheer.
We shook their hands and waved them off,
Saying ‘Come again next year’.

Now over time, young men grow old,
And think about the past.
As friends move on some memories fade,
But some will always last.

When Currie boys are gathered round,
And snowflakes start to fall.
They’ll think about that glorious day,
When Melrose came to call.

Alistair Buchanan

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Happy days! To me that day epitomises the very strong “esprit de corps”that runs through this Club from the littlest ones in the Minis right through to those whose rugby days are long gone and long may this continue.

I look forward to 2023 with considerable optimism. My sincere thanks to everyone from players to coaches, helpers, staff and committee who make this Club so special.

Have a great Christmas and when it comes a very Happy and successful New Year.

Charles Mullins
President

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