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The Scotian - The Christian Brothers in Australia Games Reports
SCHOOL GOVERNORS Rt. Rev. Mgr. Quille - Chairman Mr J. C. Bartholomew Rev. Br. J. V. Creese Mr J. M. Donoghue Rev. Br. J. L. Forde Rev. Fr. W. McClelland
SCHOOL OFFICIALS 1968-69 Captain: Anthony T. McMichael Vice-Captain: E. W. Brian Donnelly Secretary of Prefects' Committee: Simon A. S. Cook Prefects: Ian Dickson, John A. Gordon, J. Norman Kelly, Kevin Pia, Patrick S. D. Skene, Gerard Whitten, William Wong. Rugby Captain: Kevin Pia Rugby Vice-Captain: Patrick S. D. Skene Assistant Secretary for Rugby: J. Norman Kelly Hockey Captain:J. Norman Kelly Hockey Vice-Captain: Patrick S. D. Skene Assistant Secretary for Hockey: John A. Gordon Junior President of Duns Scotus Society: Kevin Pia Secretary of Duns Scotus Society: J obn A.Gordon
This, the second issue of the Scotian, appears under the guidance of a new and temporary editor. It will follow the lines laid down by the first editor, Mr P. O'Malley, viz. to record the events of the year in the school; to report news of the F.P.'s and the activities of the Parents' Association and to publish articles by the boys themselves, though this last-named aim is still not achieved. There will be no comments on the religious, moral or political state of the world. The first item of school news and one to be recorded with regret is the departure from the Staff of Mr P.O'Malley who took up the post of Housemaster at the Oratory School, Reading, last September. Those past and present pupils who came under his wise and enlightened guidance will regret his departure and his loss is heavily felt in the direction of games, careers and University entrance. Our best wishes to him and Mrs O'Malley in their new life in the 'South of England. Also left were Rev. Br. D. C. Phalan, Rev. Br. M. B. Cassidy and Mrs O. Beard - to whom we wish happiness in their new posts and whom we thank for their enthusiasm and hard work on behalf of Scotus. We welcome to the staff Rev. Br. P. G. Gordon and Rev. Br. D. B. McDonald and hope their stay at Scotus will be a happy one. Many will have noticed the alterations that have been made to the grounds. The entrance was re-designed and re-constructed at a cost of £800 and over £1,000 has been spent on the levelling of the fields. A great deal more has to be done on the field before it is fit for use and the work will be expensive. However, even though the playing area to the west of the field has disappeared, there is no doubt but that the view and appearance have been much improved. The January gale damage to the house and school cost over £400 to repair but the trees blown down cannot be replaced. Games' results are listed in full in another part of the Magazine. The First XV results make melancholy reading but the team must be congratulated on standing up so well to its weekly battering. Results of other teams are very encouraging and in Fencing we must congratulate Ian Campbell on winning the Edinburgh Under 15 Championship and Gordon Flavell on being selected to represent Scotland against Wales in the same age group. An important development this year was the formation of a local Governing Body, comprising initially six members whose names will be found on Page 2. It is the purpose of this body to help the Christian Brothers in the running of the school. The first meeting of the Governing Body was held on Wednesday, 4th December. We offer our sincere sympathy to the Doull-Connolly family, the Liston family and the Dunlop family on the sad bereavements they suffered this year. R.I.P. The school attended Mass at the Parish Church on the usual days - Ash Wednesday; end of the school year in July and the beginning of the new school year in September; the annual Requiem Mass in November. Primary 4 and 5 rendered the singing at all these Masses. Our thanks are due to our Chaplain and Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. W. McClelland, for his constant help and welcome. Tribute must be paid to the boys of the school for their work for Charity. They collect among themselves about £170 per year for the Missions; they give generously booth in money and kind to special Causes and they are prominent as collectors on Flag Days and as participants in sponsored walks. The F.P.'s can be proud of them as are the members of Staff. Next year the Scotian will be managed by a group of boys with a member of Staff as senior Chairman.
Prior Park Magazine, Bath; St. Margaret's School Magazine, Edinburgh; St. Joseph's College Magazine, Blackpoo1; The Anselmian, Birkenhead; Magazine of St. Edward's College, Liverpool; The Beacon, Plymouth: The Ionian, New Rochelle; Magazine of St. Mary's College, Crosby; The Grammarian, Gibraltar; Magazine of St. Aidan's School, Sunderland; Magazine of St. Brendan's College, Bristol; Impact, Toddington. Also the White Fathers, Mill Hill Missionaries, Verona Fathers, St. Patrick's Missionary Society for their monthly Magazines..
We regret to record the death of Rev. Br. J. P. Clancy which took place in the Royal Infirmary on the 9th May, 1968 after a long illness borne with patience and dignity. Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Church of St. John the Evangelist on Saturday, 11th May, by His Grace, the Archbishop of Edinburgh, in the presence of Br. Clancy's immediate relatives, and of a large congregation of Clergy, Christian Brothers, Nuns, Parents and boys of the school. The funeral took place immediately afterwards to Mount Vernon cemetery. Br. Clancy joined the Christian Brothers in .Ireland and, as a young man, was sent to teach in India. He worked there in various schools of the Order from Calcutta in the plains to Naini Tal in the hills for 25 years, when ill-health necessitated his return home. The remaining years of his life were spent undergoing operations, followed by long periods in hospitals, and teaching. Despite his ill-health and the severe pain he daily endured; he kept on teaching until his last year. His resignation to God's Will and his patience in his severe sufferings were an example to us all. May he rest in peace.
SENIOR: Marc Capaldi JUNIOR: Randall Schlicthing UNIVERSITY ENTRANTS
EDINBURGH COLLEGE OF ART J. McAlpine and L. Oliver.
FORMER PUPILS N. G. ALLAN, LL.B, Edinburgh. Aidan Bremner, Art Diploma, Edinburgh Art College. Anthony Thaine, Diploma in Architecture and Travelling Scholarship £150. William Gillan, First Prize S. S.A. Competition for young Scottish Artists.
Congratulations to Derek Massarella on being appointed Head Boy of the International School, Hamburg.
This name was unknown to us until a few months ago but from now on it will be very much in the minds of the Brothers in England and Scotland. We volunteered to open a school there in spite of the shortage of Brothers in the Province at present and our other difficulties as well. Three Brothers were selected last summer and immediately got down to a course of training to fit them for the future. They made a start on the language, learned as much as they could about local conditions and how best they could serve the local: Community. One Brother spent two months working on a building site in England and "shocked" his "mates" when he turned up to bid farewell in clerical clothes. One Brother has already gone to Liberia, arriving in Monrovia on December 8th --, a very happy coincidence as Our Lady is the Patroness of our Province. He had with him a Landrover equipped with extra tanks for the long journey to Tappita, an electric generator which he himself will erect and get working at the school, and in the Landrover were books, school equipment and the household goods the Brothers will require. The two other Brothers will set off on December 27th, but without Landrovers. Conditions in Tappita are primitive and the first school building will be two rooms. The climate is tropical and the people poor. We shall hear more about the area as the Brothers settle in and find their way around. In the meantime we salute them and wish them well in their work for the underprivileged. The place will become better known to us in the years ahead when we hear, for instance, that Bro. X has been changed from Scotus to Tappita.
THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS IN AUSTRALIA This year the Christian Brothers are celebrating their centenary in Australia. In that time they have established a large network of schools, embracing 31 in New South Wales, 25 in Queensland, 33 in South and 15 in West Australia staffed by over a thousand Brothers and equivalent number of lay staff. At about the time that Beechwood House was built, the First Fleet, under Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived in Botany Bay to establish a penal settlement. Education did not figure largely in the thinking of the early settlers, and what little was carried on was mainly in the hands of the churches. Slowly over the years, the separate states assumed more and more responsibility until by the 1870's a series of Education Acts were' passed, which made education 'free, compulsory and secular'. The pattern of state-endowed State schools was then established which has persisted with minor modifications ever since. Side by side with the 'state schools', a large-scale Catholic educational system bas evolved', largely dependent on the contributions and fees of the Catholic community. The religious orders played a significant role in this development. It was not accidental therefore that the Brothers returned to Australia in 1868. I say 'returned' because they had a short-lived sojourn in Sydney as early as 1843. William Bloxom, one of the first pupils taught by the Brothers in Victoria, indicates the impact on Melbourne Catholic society made by the pioneer Brothers. 'Towards the end ,of 1868 there was something of a sensation one Sunday morning at St. Francis' Church when it became known that the pioneer Christian Brothers had arrived and that they were ready to interview the parents of any boys who desired to see them. By far the larger part of the congregation at St. Francis' at that time hailed from Ireland, so there were many eager to meet the Brothers in their bell-toppers and long coats. . . . " Melbourne was already a city of 150,000 people with 40,000 Catholics. The gold rush and a rich hinterland had contributed to making the Victorian capital a prosperous city. Nevertheless, the Brothers very soon found themselves in financial difficulties. Dr Goold, O.S.A., the Bishop of Melbourne, pointing out that he could not help, advised, 'Throw yourself on the people and I will recommend your cause to them'. At first the Brothers concentrated their money-raising activities in Melbourne and its surroundings; in the following years, riding on horseback, they would go far and wide over the extent of the settled parts of the colony, for at that time about 75% of Victorian Catholics resided outside the capital. Brother Ambrose Treacy, the superior of the first school at St. Francis', and the inspiration of the community in the early difficult days, drew an engaging picture of his pupils in a letter dated February 1st, 1869: 'You have scarcely an idea of the religious ignorance and indifference here among the boys. Confession is almost unknown to a large number averaging the age of thirteen years. Remaining away from Mass on Sunday is an ordinary occurrence. They can smoke cigars, drink etc. and act the young gent in every respect, but know very little about religion! Sunday, January 29th, 1871 was a big occasion, being the opening ceremony of the new Victoria Parade college. This was the first of many fine structures to be erected the length and breadth of a continent which is twenty-five times larger than the British Isles. From Gregory Terrace Brisbane to Aquinas College, Perth, from Our Lady's Mount, Townsville to St. Vergil's, Hobart, from C.B.C., Dunedin to Vuvu in New Britain facilities for Catholic education were provided at great sacrifice by parents and staff. Before long, boys from schools such as these were sitting for public examinations' and winning their way into the civil service, law, medicine, teaching and other fields. In Australia, with the professions so much bound up with the universities and no religious hindrances to entrance as in Great Britain in the last century, all the more reason existed for opening to Catholic youth, by as full a curriculum as possible, the way to the summit of academic honours. As the years went on, the seed sown in the fertile soil of Melbourne, nurtured by stalwarts such as Brothers Ambrose Treacy, Jerome Barron, Mark Mccarthy and Aloysius Aungier, developed into a strong and flourishing tree. Its branches now incorporate a wide variety of schools; besides the normal primary and secondary schools, both day and boarding, we find in Sydney, for example, St. Gabriel's School for the Deaf at Castle Hill and St. Edmund's School for the Blind at Wahroonga. Besides, there are orphanages such as St. Vincent's, South Melbourne and St. Augustine's, Geelong, and in Western Australia a number of rather unique 'farm schools' where boys have been educated and subsequently settled on the land. In the early days, the province was largely dependent on Ireland for personnel. The establishment of St. Enda's Juniorate, at the motherhouse, Mount St. Mary's, Strathfield, N.S.W. in the 'twenties was a major step towards becoming indigenous. A new novitiate was erected at Minto in 1939. There are now five full-time vocations directors for the Christian Brothers in Australasia. The number at various stages of training in Sydney at present is around the two hundred mark. Despite this very satisfactory state of affairs, the demand for new openings far exceeds the supply. In recent years, because the number of Brothers has reached a thousand, conducting over a hundred schools, the country was divided first into two, and recently into four provinces. Each are in the process of developing their own houses of formation. Another interesting sign of progress has been the establishment of mission schools and a teachers' college in New Britain and New Guinea. There are about half a dozen native Christian Brothers at present. More and more emphasis on this aspect of our apostolate, i.e. in developing countries, is likely to be laid in the years to come. On December 8th, 1968, the Australian Brothers celebrated their centenary in Melbourne. Prior celebrations had been held in various parts of the country. One pleasing feature of the Lewisham centenary concert for example was that the school choir was conducted by the former Provincial, Br. Dominic Healy. Cardinal Gilroy drew the attention of the audience to the fact that the Golden Jubilee had been commemorated in a similar way at Sydney Town Hall, with the school choir again conducted by a somewhat younger Br. Dominic Healy! It is fitting that the General Chapter, involving Brothers from various parts of the world should beheld this year in Melbourne, thus paying tribute to the herculean efforts of the early days, now bearing fruit in the thousands of boys attending schools in Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Warnambool and Waitara!
M. C. KING .
Thirty-two boys from Scotus, accompanied by Br. J. P. Ellis (Falkland) and Br. M. C. King, joined the Christian Brothers' pilgrimage to Lourdes. The party travelled to London by train and flew from Heathrow to Tarbes on 25th April, returning May 1st. The pilgrimage was essentially an act of devotion to Our Lady, who asked that people should go in procession to Lourdes. In the course of the week, the boys took part in Masses at the Grotto, in the Rosary and Upper Basilicas, in the huge underground Pius X Basilica; They attended the Blessed Sacrament Processions, when the sick are blessed, in the afternoon and the Torchlight Procession in the evenings. One day the group made the Stations of the Cross (life-size figures) along a tortuous winding route. There are many places of interest in Lourdes connected with St Bernadette - The Cachot; The Boly Mill; the municipal hospital and parish church; the 'Old Fort' and market place evoked interest, as did the ascent by funicular railway to the Pic de Jer, surmounted by a cross and illuminated at night. M.C.K .
"'Flax into Gold' by Catherine Storr and Hugo Cole," read the programme cover. The occasion was the production of 'the operetta 'Flax into Gold' by Primary 4 and 5 at the Corstorphine Village Hall on the 26th April last. The operetta was based on the story of Rumpelstilskin and proved a firm favourite with the whole cast. It was performed before a full hall and a more appreciative audience one could not hope to find. It was a splendid effort on the part of the boys and, to judge by the remarks passed to myself and others, this feeling was unanimous. Special thanks must go to Miss D.Moran for the time and effort she put into this production. I would like also to thank Mr W .Stone who helped to make this operetta such a success. Last but not least, may I thank all those parents who so kindly co-operated in this venture and made the operetta possible. Besides the operetta, Primary 4 and 5 performed Christmas and End of Year concerts. These were held in the Pavilion before an audience of parents of the boys in these classes. The Christmas concert consisted of a Nativity Play by Primary 5; Primary 4 enacted the poem 'The Jumblies' by Edward Lear, and both classes combined in the singing of carols and songs. The 'End of Year' concert consisted of a broad selection of songs sung by the Music Choir and recitations by the Speech Choir. Attendance at both concerts packed the Pavilion. Next term the Primary school and Form 1 will perform the operetta ' Paradise Island'. The date has not been finalised as the Hall we hope to use is heavily booked. E.S.O'B .
PRESIDENT: MR G.B. FORD . The Association continues its good work for the benefit of the school. This year it provided several trophies for sports competition in the school and donated £100 to the library. It conducted the negotiations with the Lord Lyon King of Aims for approval of the school coat of arms, Approval was finally given in August. Without this approval, the school could have been prosecuted and fined for using an unauthorised coat of arms. The Garden Fete on Saturday, 1st June, was as usual the main fund- raising function, of the year but heavy morning rain affected the attendance and, therefore, the proceeds, as well as making the day uncomfortable for those who did attend. An innovation this year and one much appreciated was the introduction of a band. Other major fund-raising functions were a Fashion Show held at Craiglockhart and a Wine and Pizza Evening held at the Laity Centre. Both of these events were both enjoyable and profitable as was the Annual Dance held at the Charlotte Rooms in November. This Dance is becoming so popular that next year's demand for tickets could outrun supply. The main event of the year, however, was the meeting attended by His Grace, the Archbishop, and Mgr. Quille, between the Association Committee and the Br. Provincial on January 10th. There was a frank discussion about the future of the school, about priorities and about matters of importance. The meeting lasted some hours and was most successful in clearing the air and resolving doubts.
Our Annual St. Andrews Buffet Dance was held this year on 27th, November again in the Charlotte Rooms and we were honoured by the presence of His Grace the Archbishop who was accompanied by the Vicar General Monsignor Monaghan. Rev. Father McClelland the School Chaplain and Rev. Brother Rector were also present as our guests (Lord and Lady Wheatley and Major and Mrs Michael Crichton-Stewart were unable to be present). There was a record attendance of 165 and a most enjoyable evening was largely the result of the excellent arrangements which were in the hands of our Convener and Vice-Chairman Mr Bernard Smith to whom our grateful thanks are due. Plans are already in progress for next year's event when we look forward with confidence to an attendance of well over the two hundred mark.
GAMES REPORTS HOCKEY There was some slight apprehension that the striking power of the 1967team would be sadly missed, and until the team settled down this was indeed the case. However, departure of strong individualists made for improved teamwork, and by the close of the season the 1968 XI had knit together into a most promising combination playing fast hockey, The generalship of Richard Ford, the captain, allied to his first class stickwork and the elusive qualities fostered by his rugby, plus the steady defence of Peter Perrins, a most reliable full back, held together the younger players. Kevin Pia, if at times slow to react at half, proved reliable, but the main force at half-back was Paul Barry, the vice-captain, who was calmness personified when under pressure, allowing the opposition little scope. The side played as a team, and so it is perhaps invidious to single out players for special mention; but it was pleasing to see Leonard Oliver steady down as a fully competent player, and Paul McLaughlin maintain his promise of 1967. Andrew Coulon had a sticky passage earlier in the season but near the close had recovered his old form. If results were not so good as expected, the standard of play was not at fault, rather we lacked the force necessary on the wings. Congratulations to Richard Ford on his playing for the East Schoolboys in their later district matches and to Coulon, Perrins and Barry who had trials. Ford was also selected for the final Scottish Schoolboys Trial, but he failed to make the international team. P.O'M .
Colours were reawarded to: R. G. Ford and A. G. Conlon; awarded to P. Barry and P. Perrins. Half-Colours to: L. Oliver and P, McLaughlin. v. Watson's College - Raeburn Place, 27th January. Lost 1-4 v. Leith Academy - Hawkhlll, 10th February. Lost 1-6 v. Kirkcaldy H.S. - Kirkcaldy, 17th F.ebruary. Lost 1-3 v. Fettes II - Fettes, 2nd March. Drawn 2-2 v. Broughton School - St . Mark's, 5thMarch. Lost 1-2 v. Loretto II - Newfield. 9th March. Drawn 1-1 v. Merchiston - Raeburn Place, 13Jth March. Won 8-0 v, Watson's College - Myreside, 16th March. Lost 1-3 v. St. Andrew's H.S. - Kirkcaldy, 23rd March. Won 5-1 v. Alloa Academy - Alloa. Lost 1-2 v. Scotians, Raeburn Place, 16th April. Won 2-0 Unfortunately the match against Melville College and the return matches with Kirkcaldy H.S. and St; Andrew's KB.were postponed. We express our thanks to Mr T. C. Barry and Mr P. P. R. O'Malley for acting as umpires.
Record 1968 Played 11; Won 3; Drawn 2; Lost 6; For 24; Against 24. Despite a regular loss of players to the 1st XV, the B XV have enjoyed a. fairly successful season: Played 8; won 4; lost 3; Drawn 1; Points: For 95; Against 118. Thanks must go especially to the captain, R. Czarnota who, at scrum-half, provided the driving power and determination to win in conjunction with his fellow team-mate M. McEwan at stand-off. On numerous occasions both performed miracles on the field attacking hard, but at the same time maintaining a rigid defence while D. Sheridan, D. Austin and T. Boyle rendered loyal assistance in the three-quarter line. M. Stewart maintained a consistent standard at hooker and the two props A. Mowat and D. Cormack proved tigers in the loose. The new second-row member D. Smith is developing into a fast and strong forward and will prove a useful addition to next year's side. In addition some excellent spoiling was carried out by the two wing-forwards O. McBride and P. Berry and A. Borys, D. Gilhooley, G. McCabe, D. Somerville, and J. Maguire filled any injured gaps in the ranks. (D.D.S.)
1st XV
With the return of only one half-colour from last year's 1st XV, we had at the outset a marathon of a task before us to field a complete team of first fifteen standard. Despite a lack of co-operation from a minority in the upper forms, we knuckled down to arduous training with the enthusiastic assistance of the captain, K. Pia, firmly supported by Messrs P. Skene, vice-captain; N. Kelly, rugby secretary; and A. McMichael, head-prefect. The usual problem of shortage of numbers, aggravated by injury and frequent absenteeism, was noticeably more acute this season and played havoc with any attempts to co-ordinate fluency of movement within the team. Out of necessity, positional changes became commonplace as boys from younger forms were required to fill gaps. As a result, morale often suffered. K. Pia, captain, at stand-off, held his position adequately but lacked the aggressive support of general cut and thrust from the centres where quite often poor and careless tackling linked to an absence of close marking resulted in the opposing three-quarter line having the overlap. Young N. Stone switched from full-back to replace R.O'Connor as scrum-half, settled down well in his new position adding a great deal of attack to the forward play. This positional change enabled the much relieved prop, I. Dickson, to revert to his former role of fullback where, however, the new kicking laws caused him difficulty for a time. F. Lloyd another youngster to the side, proved a very fast wing but lacked the opportunity of handling the ball often enough. Likewise, P. Gardner on the other wing was forced to take more defensive rather offensive action, while B. Donnelly and P. Di Rollo gave some enthusiastic play in midfield. Though never working as a unit, the pack had its moments of glory, memorably against Holy Cross when Scotus was unfortunate to lose 3-5. So Cook has given his best as hooker but has often lacked the necessary weight and push from our light scrum. P. Skene, vice-captain, has greatly improved this year in the second row, jumping well in the line-out in addition to keeping the pack going all out in the ruck. P. MCCluskey the other 'power house' forward, though lacking shove and general determination, is still comparatively young - only recently fifteen - has given evidence of good potential. In the back row A. McMichael and M. Mayo demonstrated really determined forward play, harrying the opposing three-quarters or supplying extra tight cover in defence as the need arose. M. Pia who played latterly as a wing-forward was rucking well and should settle well in next year's 1st XV. J. Robertson, an occasional member of the side, ran well in mid-field. If he could only improve his tackling, he would a valuable asset to the team. Praise must also be given to R. Czarnota and M. MCEman who settled in smoothly giving excellent service whenever they were required by the side. Both showed signs of a good penetrative pace. From time to time D. Gilhooley, T. Boyle and A. Borys were drafted in from younger forms to fill temporary gaps. Misfortune has plagued the XV throughout the season resulting in only one win 13-3 - against Leith Academy, but when all is said and done it is the side who is prepared to train to be fitter and to play fast varied, attacking rugby at a tempo which increases every Saturday that will not only stand the better chance of winning, but will also enjoy the game infinitively more themselves. (D.D.S.) 1st XV Results Played 11: Won 1; Lost 10: Drawn O.
C XV It has so far been a completely successful season for the C XV as the results show: played 10; won 9; lost 1; For 233; Against 32. From the very start the team welded together as a single unit especially in the three-quarters which have operated with a polish, mature for their years. M. Delicato, captain, at first centre has led his men authoritatively and confidently encouraging them wherever and whenever the opposition applied any pressure, ably assisted by his fellow centre, the ubiquitous L. Donnelly who often proved a thorn in the flesh of the attacking three-quarter line. A .Blackwood at stand- off is a deceptive player with a neat 'dummy' and side-swerve as many of our opponents will ruefully verify, and combines well with S. Pia, the scrum-half who has improved considerably in this position since last season. He is getting the ball out of the scrum faster than before and his handling is generally better and more intelligent though he still lacks an aggressive enough nature to go on the attack successfully. C. Flannigan, the open wing runs fast and powerfully on the flank and is a force to be reckoned with, being especially dangerous when he has made the overlap while his partner on the blind wing, N. Young, handles well and intelligently but as yet lacks the guile that only experience can bring. Nevertheless, he has brought off some excellent manoeuvres and is a very valuable asset to the side. The full-back, K. Spencer, the smallest player in the team, may be lacking in inches but certainly not in 'guts', providing a ruthless and almost unbreakable barrier in defence as well as a sure foot and a useful turn of speed. In the pack, J. Boyle has proved a stalwart tight-head prop, rucking hard in both loose and set play while D. Glynn and K. Reilly have alternatively held the loose-head position. A. McLennan and -G. Taylor acted on alternate weeks as hooker maintaining on the whole a good average of strikes against the head. A. Malone and C. Pomphrey were usually the 'power house' of the scrum and have become quite adept at spoiling in the loose. H. Morris who filled any position vacant through injury in either front or second row has shown on more than one occasion a fair turn of speed, which resulted in a try in the Match against Dunfermline. G. McDaid has well established himself in the No.8 position but could do with showing more tenacity in the loose. J. McLay, the open wing forward, is a usefu1 and flexible player, at home in .either the scrum or three-quarter line while K. Simpson has maintained an ever eagle eye on the blind side. J. Ross, our faithful substitute wing forward has had mixed success on the field: a really fast burst of speed and a terrific boot are marred by inadequate tackling and a lack of tenacity on the pitch. A final word of praise Must be extolled to the players for their excellent team spirit and good regular attendanc'3 at the extra practices. (D.D.S.)
D.I. XV This year's team must be one of the best D. XV's to wear the Scotus colours. It is a well-balanced team with a big, mobile pack and, although they may be a bit on the small side, fast, elusive backs. Most important of all, they play a team game. They have mastered to a high degree the basic skills of handling, passing and tackling. We have in this team, also a captain and scrum-half of exceptional ability. John Duncan has certainly put his stamp on this team. A tactical player, he uses the abundance of good ball given him by his forwards to great effect. His ploys are numerous and he has the gift of using the right one at the right moment. In Gordon McCready we have a forward of great potential. Strong and well built, his presence is always felt in the loose. Perhaps his greatest asset, however, is his devastating tackle. Graham McKay, an intelligent No.8, and Franco Abbasciano. prop, are two more big lads with great power. Wing forwards Robert Clephane and Randy Schlichting are extremely fast off the mark and fine tacklers. Mark Shannon is a good hooker and speedy in the loose. David Robertson is fast be-coming a tough loose-head prop. Tommy Mooney was shaping up well in the second row but has missed most of his games through illness. We look forward to his return in the New Year. Andrew Murray is a steady stand-off. Although lacking great speed off the mark, he compensates by a cool head and elusive running. There is a great understanding between himself and scrum-half John Duncan. Centre Ian Brown's speed off the mark and crashing tackle make him a player to be feared. Kevin Mather, new to rugby at the beginning of term, is developing into a fine fleet-footed back. Wingers Paul Somerville and Ross Coates are both speedy men and, when in full flight, difficult to stop. In Joseph Francis and Ian Mackay we have two full backs who are fast ,on their feet and developing well that positional sense so important in their position. There are other boys, too, who, although not holding a regular position on the team, have yet played to great effect when called upon. Space does not permit more than a mere mention of their names, but to Alistair Lamond, Ian Davitt, Stephen Croan, Jimmy Kelly and Gerard O'Hara, and also the regular team players we offer on behalf of the school our thanks and congratulations on their fine record. (E.S.D.B.) Played 9; Won 9; For 261; Against 9.
Junior A. XV The Junior A. XV gave a good account of itself during the first term of the present season. This is only the second rugby season for these young boys, and the fact that they have lost but one game so far, is an indication of the excellent spirit which prevails among them. Aidan Pia, at scrum-half, has been playing very well giving good clean passes to his backs, and occasionally making the break himself. Melvyn Peterson, at stand.-off, has been improving steadily since the beginning of the season, and is blossoming into a determined and aggressive player. Robert Stevenson hooker, is another promising player. The pack is slowly welding itself into a unit, and with such determined boys as Julian Cook and Kevin Diciacca it should be a formidable opposition for any pack by the end of the season. G M... has had a very good season to date, scoring some wonderful tries both from the number 8 position and from the loose. We are still experimenting with our backs, but names like Mark de Luca, Martin Landgrebe., George Maguire, Paul Rooney and short but plucky. Amerigo Lanny, spring to mind as the outstanding players. Success comes to those who strive for it, and, with this in mind, the new term should be an even more successful one. (Bro. G.) Played 4; won 2; drawn 1; lost 1; For 43; Against 41.
Junior B. XV Our youngest Rugby team, the Junior B XV, is finding the going tough at the moment. So many' of the boys are new to the game that the settling down process must necessarily take time. Their real need at the moment is practice, as all but three of their games to date have been cancelled. Although they have lost these three games, it would be wrong to consider this a weak team on that account. Indeed, I feel it has great potential. They have the nucleus of a good pack in Bennet Crolla, Alistair palmer, Nicholas Shakespeare, Ian Strachan and Gordon Stone. David Mackay William Main, Raymond McGill and Michael Murray form the basis of what, with practice and experience, could be an enterprising back division. Rugby is a difficult game for young boys to master, but with practice I feel this team will yet prove itself. (F.S.O'B.)
Last March Scotus entered a team in both the Under 17 and Under 15 age groups in the Scottish Cross-Country Championships. Although we did not carry away any of the honours it was a worthwhile experience. The meeting was held at the Ayr Race Course and having seen the course I have a good deal more sympathy for the poor race horses! Competitors in the Under 17 race were: Anthony McMichael (Capt.), George Dudgeon, Francis Lloyd, and Donald Somerville. In the Under 15 race Michael Stewart (Capt.). David Austin, Andrew Blackwood, Liam Donnelly, Christopher Flannagan and John Ross represented Scotus. Ian McAlpine ran as an individual in the Under 19 race.
On the 5th June of last year the first Atlanta Schools Relays meeting was held. Scotus entered teams in the Under 15 years 4 x 880 yds.; Under 17 years 4 x 880 yds and the Under 15 years 4 x 110 yds. We entered this meeting at short notice and so our runners were not fully fit. We were, however, very near a victory in the Under 15 years 4 x 880 yds but failed to hold the lead on the last lap. The runners were a credit to the school both by their immaculate dress and their conduct at the meeting. We hope to enter this event again in '69 and look forward to a more successful outing.
During the course of last season, '67 - '68, Scotus made a name for itself in the fencing circle. We tender our thanks to Mr Matthews, who devoted so much time and patience to kindle the fire of enthusiasm in the club. Although we conceded defeat in our first few matches, we soon pulled up, so that when we came up against the Napier College of Science and Technology our experience paid off admirably. We won 11 out of 16 bouts. In our next match against Boroughmuir, we stormed home with another well earned victory, winning 6 out of 9 bouts. We won our last match of the season against George Watson's by 8 bouts to 1. During the last season, also, Scotus became a well known name in competitions. We had two boys in the Junior Schoolboys Championship - lain Campbell and Gordon Flavell. lain Campbell was awarded first prize and Gordon Flavell second. Ten schools competed in the Championships. May 1, on behalf of the clul1, take this opportunity 00 thank the Association for the gifts of equipment which have greatly helped us in our bid for fame. In the Edinburgh University competition Scotus was very' successful. Most of the Scotus entries reached the second round, and many of the boys went even further. Alistair Cook and Peter Mayo met each other in the semi- final, with Alistair Cook going through to the final. In October Gordon Flavell was chosen to represent Scotland in the national team against Ireland and Wales. Unfortunately the match was cancelled at the last minute by the host country, Wales. Gordon Flavell has been awarded his colours, nonetheless. Brian Potter, Secretary and Treasurer, has made a number of alterations to improve the running of the club. With the help of his committee, which consists of the captain and a representative from each class, he looks after the administrative side of the club. This season we are in the "A" League with seven other teams from in and about Edinburgh, including that of the University. Scotus is now firmly placed on the fencing map. Let us hope it may long continue. (G.F.) Yes, "Academicals". At a meeting of the Former Pupils' Club held on Monday 2nd December it was decided to change the name to "Scotus Academicals". It is thought that this new name will fit in well in sporting circles and the Club now has an increased need to do this since the birth, a few months ago, of the Academicals Hockey Club (presently, and for the remainder of the season, operating as the "Scotians Hockey Club"). This has been a healthy newborn, making its presence felt in a Sunday League. Their difficulty seems to be that if some of the older established Hockey Clubs cannot raise a full "scratch team" for a Sunday match they will simply call in the requisite number of First XI men who are, we hear, almost indecently good and fit. As a result, the Hockey team has been narrowly defeated in the two games it has played up to time of writing (5/12/1968). Not that we should worry about playing against First XI men, for Richard Ford, The Hon. Match Secretary of the Hockey Club, played in an East of Scotland Trial at the beginning of the season; Andrew Conlon is playing in goal for the Edinburgh University Second XI, and John Cregan has turned out for the Edinburgh Northern First XI. Turning now to Rugby (which, as a pre-hockey pupil, we should perhaps have placed first), there are some notable individual efforts to report. The aforementioned Richard Ford, just to show, we suspect, that he is not biased in favour of Hockey, is currently stand-off half for the Edinburgh University Second XV; Joe Capaldi has also joined the University Rugby Club and Leonard Oliver is playing for Holy Cross Acads. First XV. But it is, of course. in Edinburgh Wanderers' jerseys that our Academicals distinguish themselves.. Kenneth O'Hara was the regular hooker of the Wanderers' senior Seven during the Spring tournaments, and in this Seven John Perrins and Joseph Flaherty alternated on the wing. The two last named, as most of our readers will know, are regularly occupying the wing three-quarter berth in the Wanderers' First XV, and have both attained representative honours. Both have, in recent months, played for the Co-optimists. Joe Flaherty receives special mention here, having been selected to play left wing for the Edinburgh District XV the Schools first representative honour in senior Rugby and a most deserved one. It would appear that some battles are in fact won on the non-existent playing-fields of Scotus'. That, of course, is a sore point. The School has been dogged by ill-luck throughout the short history of the playing-fields. Now more snags have arisen, and many Academicals have been horrified to gaze upon what one member of Staff has called "our own paddy-field" a sight at which, when next he comes to Scotus, Brother Duignan may well ask, with the Shropshire Lad "Is my team ploughing . . . ?" The small numbers of the Academicals makes it impossible for them to contribute substantially to the great cost of the present operations; we can only watch with admiration the efforts which are being made in this respect. It is our opinion that the sporting achievements recited above merely underline the need for proper playing-fields for the School. After which unsolicited and (again in our opinion) totally admirable homily we return to the business at hand, and another look at organised Club sport reveals the Academicals Golf Club completing its second season, again under the capable and enthusiastic chairmanship of Gerard D' Agostino.. Outings to a number of courses, including Aberdour and Prestonfield were well attended and very much enjoyed, though some worthies had to be comforted by the thought that if they hit the ball often enough they at least got their money's worth. Further solace was always available in the Clubhouse! The match-play tournament, held during the season, was won by Tom Rooney (a schoolboy player of note in his day) who defeated Dominic Minchellain the final. Mr G. B. Ford, President of ,the Scotus Association, presented the Trophy at the "Club's annual Dinner. ' One game of (dare we say it?) Association Football was played, if that is the word, at Drygrange. We have been asked not to publish the score, but, as a conscientious scribe, we must disclose that the collection of eleven characters of varying fitness (we might almost call them a team) lost by 12 (twelve) goals to 2 (two). They claim, however, to have enjoyed themselves, which, we suppose, is something! But enough of sport. The main event on the social calendar was, as usual, the Annual Dinner. This year's, the fourth, was held on Wednesday, 16th October in the Royal British Hotel. It was a most successful evening, and everyone enjoyed it very much. The guests of the Committee were Bro. J. C. Ambrose, Mr D. Batty, Mr G. B. Ford, Mr T. Matthew and the School's Head Boy, Anthony McMichael. Bro.J. L. Forde was unable to escape from Falkland for the evening, and all those present especially the older Academicals, missed his presence. The Annual General Meeting of the Former Pupils' Club (as it then was) was held on Monday, 4th November. The following were elected to the Club Committee:
GERARD D'AGOSTINO, President. LINDSAY D. WILSON, Treasurer. NEIL G. ALLAN, LL.B., Secretary.
Gerard D'Agostino replaces Edward Jones, whom he defeated by 12 votes to 10 in the election. Lindsay Wilson, who was elected unopposed, replaces John Davies who retired after three consecutive terms of office stretching back to July 1964. Neil Allan starts his third consecutive year as Secretary, having defeated Brian Hunter by 17 votes to 5. Dominic Minchella was elected Chairman of the Golf sub-committee, and named Gerard D'Agostino as the other member of the sub-committee. The motion to change the name of the Club was deferred to the December meeting. So, for the Club as a body, and for many of the individual members this has been an interesting and successful year. The following have also, in one way or another, distinguished themselves:
Husbands: Gerard Minchella, who married Miss Monica Barry. Terence Egan, who married Miss Anne Mullen. Fiances: Chiristopher Pope, who has announced his engagement to Miss Anne Edwards. Adrian MacDonald, who is, we hear, to be married some time next year. Graduate: Neil Allan, who graduated LL.B. of Edinburgh Univers1ty.
We must also mention Thomas Flynn, a very early Academical, who was responsible for the invention and development of a special bed which is being used in the Burns Unit at Bangour Hospital, where Tom works. Michael Nagel, we hear, is doing very good work with the children at Good Shepherd Convent. We convey our sincere condolences to Leo and Ian Cumming, whose father died in October. Academicals who have been out of touch with the School may be interested, to note the progress of two former teachers, Mr Richard Demarco and Mr Arthur Oldham. Mr Demarco's Art Gallery in Melville Crescent is now recognised as one of THE places in Edinburgh, and exhibitions there attract large numbers. He seems to become more adventurous with every Festival. They haven't named an Art Gallery after Mr Oldham, but his name has become synonymous with choral singing in Scotland. He is chorus-master of the Scottish Opera Chorus, which has appeared on television and at two consecutive Edinburgh Festivals, and also of the Scottish Festival Chorus (or, as it has regrettably been renamed, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus) which von Karajan described as "one of the three great choirs of Europe" and wha daur disagree wi' Karajan? And Mr Oldham’s choir at St. Mary's Cathedral broadcasts and appears on television perhaps more often than either of its better known stablemates! The loss of these two members of staff was a sad one to the school, but we can see that they are doing something with their spare time! And that is just about all the printable material which has come to the writer's ears. Apologies are offered in advance for any omission in which he has been culpable. N.G.A .
Hon. President ~ The Rector Hon. Vice-Presidents - MR P. P. R. O'Malley - MR T. C. Barry - Rt. Hon. Lord Wheatley OFFICE-BEARERS 1968-69 Captain - D Pia Vice-Captain - J. Barry Ex-Officio Member of Sel. Committee - R.G Ford Hon. Secretary - A. G. Conlon Hon. Treasurer - L. Wilson It was in June 1965 that Scotus first fielded a Hockey team. From all quarters were heard some murmurings of protest - "Hockey", those sceptics complained, "had no place in a Man's World! " (whatever that might be!). But now, three years later, the Scotus Former Pupils' Hockey Club has become the twenty-third affiliated club in the East District Hockey Association. Much has been achieved - a Fourteen-Match Fixture List for our first season, encouraging early performances and a surplus of players thus confronting the selection committee with the problem of whom to leave out. In view of all this, it's no wonder that we chuckle as the sceptics think again! Saturday hockey is league hockey. Wishing to find our feet first, we therefore play on Sundays against teams consisting of players mostly from the 2nd and 3rd elevens of the established clubs. This arrangement also allows our players to pursue other sporting activities on Saturdays. Inevitably, every game brings with it the danger that injuries will have been sustained the day before. (Little heed, I may say, is taken of the captain's example in restricting his other sporting activities to spectating and the golf course!) But, of course, problems exist. As yet, we have no ground or facilities of our own. Thus, all Fixtures are "away". We thank the Rector for having allowed us to use the changing facilities at the school. It is not, we hope, being presumptuous to anticipate a solution to this problem when the proposed new playing, fields at the school are completed. For the time being, we practise in the "Meadows". Our first match - against Civil Service - resu1ted in a 3-0 defeat. But no cause for concern, for our display showed great promise for the future and we were certainly worth at least one goal. A goal we did get against ICI Grangemouth - a Ricky Ford penalty - and, although losing again, (2-1) our performance represented an improvement and, thus, cause for satisfaction. I might just mention that in the 1CI team we played was a member of the Great Britain team in the Mexico Olympics. Already we look to the future and envisage a short tour at Easter 1970 - a “three games in a four days" trip to the South of England perhaps? This being the first-ever report on a F.P. Sports club, perhaps I might devote more length than is usual to words of appreciation to the many people who have helped in getting us off the ground. First, thanks are due to Mr P. O'Malley. "Pom's" wisdom in introducing Hockey to Scotus has now been confirmed beyond doubt. Quite simply, without him, this would never have been. Also, we are grateful to the Rector for accepting our invitation to become the Club’s Honorary President and likewise to Mr T. C. Barry, Lord Wheatley, and Mr P. O'Malley for agreeing to become Honorary Vice-Presidents. Mr Barry also has given us inspiring assistance and the benefit of his advice, the product of much experience playing and watching first-class Hockey. The Committee and Members of the F.P. Club for their determined support for our venture must be acknowledged with thanks as must be the Scotus Association for its marvellous gestured of a £10 donation. And, finally, in the customary "last but not least" category, I, personally, wish to thank the players without whom, to state the obvious, this whole report would be nonsense. Vice-captain John Barry and he other selection committee member, Richard Ford; Secretary Andrew Conlon and Treasurer Lindsay Wilson each deserve special mention. (And Ricky Ford deserves extra mention for he has already brought distinction to the club with his appearance in an East District Hockey Trial); And, to close, I am going to avoid falling into the trap (so easily done) of omitting particular reference to the players of the team who, without exception, deserve the greatest vote of thanks. Their part I have deliberately emphasized. It is the main part. David Pia (Captain).
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