7am and I awake to the sound of wind and rain. It is pouring just in time for the match against Hawick. With their big pack, the rain will not disappoint them and so it proved on a day when Hawick put us to the sword despite the ‘Malleny Roar’ being in full throat.

All this was to come as I trudged across the wet Malleny ground to meet Alistair Buchanan head groundsman for the day in Ivor’s absence on holiday in France. No A’s match as Hawick could not raise a side but we get full points so there is a silver lining and we also have the added benefit of thirty or so extra supporters as our third team don’t have a game either.

Alistair is very well organised and would normally help Ivor to put out the post pads, ropes and flags. The sun came out and Malleny was bathed in glorious autumn sun, a good omen - perhaps.

I tidied up the side of the pitch which Alistair and his wife Elizabeth had swept of cut grass the previous day and we were all done in an hour.

I trudged back to the Clubhouse dogs in tow and grateful as ever for the huge effort that Ivor and Alistair provide for each home game. Theirs is a thankless task and  we are very luck to have them both.

The afternoon arrives and Malleny is a picture. Hawick are in no mood to give Currie any slack and by half time are 16 points ahead. An inevitable Currie comeback closes the gap to four points but injuries take their toll and Hawick come out deserved winners.

As I wander back to the club house with a consoling family, I realise that Alistair is already putting away the flags etc. Win or lose it is these guys who return Malleny to its more peaceful slumber at the end of each Saturday- until next time 12th November against Musselburgh.

Next Saturday is a very tough trip to Selkirk. Please make the effort to be there. We need your support.

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