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PRESIDENT'S POINT OF VIEW
The third interview in this series is with Mr Hamish
Cranna,
the President of Old Collegians. Hamish has been in this position
for the 1995, 1996 and 1997 seasons.
RugbySA How do you feel being President of a Club celebrating its
60th year?
HC It is on honour in normal circumstances - but even more so in
this special year.
RugbySA How is the Club travelling?
HC Very solid in administration, finance, and playing numbers. I am
very happy with our junior playing standards.
RugbySA The Senior grades have not won a premiership for a
while. Does the on-field performance concern you?
HC Our players have the same capabilities as their opposition. We
have some catching up to do in the areas of team spirit, concentration for
a game's 80 minutes, and will to win when it matters.
RugbySA What changes have pleased you most during your tenure?
HC The improvement in the junior standards; the establishment of
our women's team; better Rugby facilities (ie ground, drainage, training
equipment). The Club was in the red 3 years ago. It now generates a
profit.
RughySA Old Collegians fields sides in all ages and Divisions -
unlike some other clubs - what is the problem out there?
HC We have identified 95 separate job responsibilities associated
with running a Club like ours. I think some other Clubs struggle to find
the right number of adequate people to service the tasks at hand.
RugbySA What has Old Collegians got to do to emulate the
consistent success of Brighton?
HC Brighton's success was the 'blueprint' I set out to match. We
have achieved this administratively, and our Senior grade results will
reflect this in the coming years. Whilst I dearly love to beat them, I
have the utmost respect for them as a Club.
RugbySA What is the future of Rugby in SA?
HC Our competition can only support 8 Clubs, each with 3 Senior
Grades. These Clubs must have a full complement of Juniors. Any Club not
capable of doing this should merge, or die - they surely will in the near
future.
RugbySA Someone recently suggested Old Collegians could merge
with University RUFC - would that be a good move for
both Clubs and the game?
HC University has 3 senior sides - they are a strong Club. A
benefit may be their promising players play 1st Grade for us
and we exchange players with them to fill the gaps.
RugbySA What are your thoughts on Women's Rugby?
HC Initially I was sceptical. I am now a convert. I believe our
women's players are as committed as our men at training and
playing. They are now very much a part of this Club's fabric.
RughySA A 'College' junior has just made the Australian First
Division Under 16 team - is this a first for Old Collegians?|
HC We had a Wallaby play out of this Club - Rod Houser played 17
Tests at scrum 1/2. Michael Raymond was a Div. II representative
1981-1983. We are delighted and proud of Brock. We were also thrilled
during our 60th year celebration week to learn that 2 of our girls - Sandi
Jenni and Laura Giaretto were selected in the Australian women's squad.
RugbySA If you had your time again - what would you do
differently?
HC Bring in 14 more Gavin Pfisters (joke). I would spend more time
coming to grips with the motivation factor amongst Old Collegians senior
players. It has been said that if parties win premierships - we would be
unbeatable. I wish the on-field performances matched this standard of
socialising. We need to toughen up for the games that matter.
RugbySA Anything else?
HC It is a distinct advantage for anyone contemplating being a Club
President to be single. As a career path it has heart attack written all
over it. If you wish to stay happily married - I suggest an early morning
paper run.
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