This is my 8th season as Chairman or President of this Club and I can tell you without fear of contradiction that it does not get any easier watching Currie at Malleny.

Over the years, there have been some immeasurably close games. I can think of that try off the crossbar in a must win game for the play offs against Hawks and our 43 - 40 win over GHA earlier this season.

However the match that came to mind on Saturday was our semi final play off back in I think 2017 against Heriots. A drop goal after Richard Snedden had kicked the ball out only to find the ref had said “ten” not “time” was undoubtedly the worst experience. As Heriot's launched another attack on Saturday my mind played back that game and the feeling when we lost. Was history going to repeat itself? Fortunately not but it was definitely “squeaky bum” time.

Heriot's defied their position in the league and would not lie down. Full credit to them as they worked very hard for their two losing bonus points. Musselburgh and Jed both won so the position at the bottom of our league tightens again. It goes to show that anyone can beat anyone on their day. However, picking up a BP win with a much changed team due to injuries is testament to the senior squad's strength in depth and the eventual return of key players will give the coaches some welcome selection headaches as we push hard for a home play-off semi final.

The A’s lost out by a miserly two points on Saturday. Given we beat the league leaders last week, there was major disappointment that we did not add another significant scalp this week. The A’s have come a long way since those days when getting a second team out on the pitch was not guaranteed. Fergus, Ross and Gregor have instilled a confidence in the side which is fantastic to see and is reflected in the performance of players promoted to the First XV. All have done very well.

It was great to have lunch with club legend Pete Farrer on Saturday as we continue our aim to award players for reaching 200 caps. Peter played in three decades and in every league which is some record. He captained the Club from 1985 to 1989 and was delighted to receive his cap as the attached picture shows.

Next up GHA away although winter has finally arrived big time and Jack Frost may determine our playing activities before Christmas. If we do lose games then at least our players will have a chance of a longer recovery. Marr on 17th December and Hawick on the 14th January loom large in the calendar but we have a very tough homeward schedule. Our support, as ever, is needed.