This was always going to be an unprecedented season… of course we were going to win our conference! The season started slowly with a couple of losses under our belts however by October we were on a roll and to complete the team the lads from the U16’s joined us. We became more confident and gained more understanding of how we played together as a team instead of individuals

A few memorable moments were…

My interesting technique in blocking kicks, Jamie’s scraps, Ollie’s consistent conversions the stress of which resulted in extreme hair loss, some interesting decisions from our own ref’s and consistently growing number of props, perhaps something to do with the wonderful post-match scran!

Without the wonderful coaching from the dedicated coaching staff and volunteers we would not have had the amazingly successful season we’ve had.

A massive thank you to Graeme McInnes, Calum Murray, Kevin Rettie, Damian Jones, Willie McKay and our very own U15’s Gavin Tainsh along with the long-suffering Andy McBain!
I would like to give another huge thank you to the parents and family members for their continued support and commitment to our team.

It’s been a privilege to be part of this team for 10 years of my life. Thank you so much boys for putting in so much time and effort which amounted to another class season.

Congratulations to Ollie Craig, Avdija Husic, Craig Sked and Oscar Pirie for their selection in the U15’s East Lothian Falcons Development squad it was good having us all there and having such a strong representation from Haddington.

Who’d have thought that our 2019-2020 rugby season would have been cut short by a global pandemic! Just a little unprecedented!!

Can’t wait to get back to rugby as soon as possible.

Best
Joss

The Coach:
Another year has passed, and once again I have seen another leap forward for the u15/16 group, both as players and people.

Sadly the season was short-lived, and we missed out on the highly anticipated 7s season, but there is still plenty to be proud about and look forward to with this group of young men.
A huge amount of respect is due to each and every one of the guys who come down to train in all conditions across the course of the year.

It has once again highlighted the commitment and work ethic of the squad, who have continued to maintain fantastic numbers (almost always 15 plus) down each week. As well as this, there was regularly 12+ boys attending ‘morning fitness’ sessions before school, with a bigger emphasis on weights programmes and training diaries to help with learning for life.

This is reflective in how the boys have progressed into an organised, disciplined and well drilled outfit. Furthermore, it is also highly rewarding to see the comradery, friendship and passion being transferred from school and the training field onto the pitch. This sense of community is strengthened by the groups’ adaptability, with boys helping both the younger and older age groups when called upon, and still maintaining an ambition to perform to the best of their ability.

It is important to note the input and willingness to help the local community. The SoR group have are a regular presence at primary festivals and rugby events, as well as being my go to group to help with any events within school and out of hours such as transition events and sports days. They conduct themselves brilliantly, and really immerse themselves and project the schools’ values.

Another highlight is the ambition of the group involved. Even at S3, we have still had numerous new additions to the squad, with people who have had little to no previous experience. They have worked hard and taken on feedback to allow them to progress and be able to play and shine in games against other schools, a fantastic achievement. We have also seen regular players grow in confidence and ability, really coming out of their shells and growing to understand the more technical aspects of the game.

A special mention must also be made to the group of boys who managed to represent the East Lothian Falcons, a fantastic effort for themselves and representing the Knox Academy community proudly. Well done to Ollie, Avdija, Craig, Joss, and Oscar.

It has been a hugely rewarding experience as one of the coaches involved with this group. I have been lucky enough to see the squad grow over the last two years, and I am hugely excited to see how they continue to progress in the future.

Gavin Tainsh