Another pulsating Scottish club season climaxed last Saturday when Gala defeated Ayr 24-10 in the Scottish Cup final at Murrayfield.
Given the twists, turns and unexpected results which sparked intrigue throughout the winter's action, it was hardly surprising that the grassroots scene produced so many conflicting emotions among those involved. Here, Herald Sport honours those who lit up an enthralling campaign and hands out a red card or two to those who failed to live up to their potential.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
MELROSE
Granted, the Greenyards side lacked the fluency and killer instinct which yielded so many prizes last season, but they possessed sufficient nous, nerve and try-scoring ability to successfully defend their championship crown. They were made to sweat in pursuit of this achievement, and suffered one spectacular collapse at home to Dundee HSFP. Yet, when it mattered, they maintained their momentum and ensured that they will be the team to beat once again next time.
MOST IMPROVED CLUB
GALA
Anybody who felt the Borders' traditional supply of talent was in danger of drying up was disabused of that notion by the stunning fashion in which this side enjoyed a memorable campaign in the top flight.
It culminated with the club knocking Melrose out of the Scottish Cup, finishing third in the league, qualifying for the British & Irish Cup, and their deserved success against Ayr in Edinburgh. And, according to George Graham, the head coach, this is merely the start for his young squad.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
LEE MILLAR (GALA)
The young stand-off was born in Elgin, but has thrived since moving to the Borders and produced a string of excellent displays, particularly in the first half of the Premiership campaign, and while collecting the man-of-the-match award in the Scottish Cup final. He has a rare blend of poise, panache and penetration and one can envisage Millar gaining elevation to the paid ranks before too long.
COACH OF THE YEAR
GEORGE GRAHAM (GALA)
Craig Chalmers, Ian Rankin and Graeme Young all performed sterling work at Melrose, Dundee HSFP and Stirling County respectively, but nobody was more influential than the former Scotland prop. Graham has transformed the culture at Gala, and done it with one of the youngest playing pools in the Premiership. He has brought the best out of his personnel and one suspects they will be even stronger when they return to action next season.
ONES TO WATCH
STIRLING COUNTY
The Bridgehaugh club endured a torrid start in the Premiership – losing their first three matches – but rallied with consecutive victories over Melrose, Ayr and Currie. By the end of the title race they even had the requisite qualities to travel to Dundee HSFP and dash the latter's championship ambitions. County are blessed with a progressive, all-inclusive approach to nurturing the grassroots, and that promises to reap a healthy dividend.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
HAWICK
Much was made of Glasgow Hawks being relegated for the first time in their history, but the Anniesland club could point in mitigation to a lengthy injury list and losing key performers to Scotland's Sevens squad. However, there was no similar excuse for Hawick, who slipped out of the top tier for the second time in three years. As the biggest population base in the Borders, the club should be faring better, especially when one looks at the exploits of their neighbours, Melrose and Gala.
LOCAL HEROES
Preston lodge
The East Lothian-based organisation surged relentlessly to the East League Division 1 championship with 15 wins out of 15 (and 14 bonus points) and were driven on by their ebullient president, Shona Brash.
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