Fathers who have been prominent players in the game are always hopeful that the next generation will follow in their footsteps and play the game with the enthusiasm and passion which they showed when they were young men. It’s probably not unique, but there was a wonderful example of this in the last two days at Hughenden, the home of Hillhead Jordanhill RFC ( The “Hills” ).
On Friday 14th October Hills 2nd XV played Whitecraigs 2nd XV 2 under the Hughenden flood lights in a Tennents West Reserve league 2 fixture. Pictured are Craig Orr, stand-off for the visitors, alongside his father, Mark, who was a prominent back row forward for the Hills in the 1990’s.
Less than 24 hours later, the 1st XV ‘s, Hills and Whitecraigs, played their Tennents National League 3 game. This occasion Whitecraig’s hooker, Andrew Bateman, is positioned along side his father, Willie, a “Loose head prop, a “ Hills” legend with over 150 National league games to his credit.
Sporting genes and personality can be passed on successfully.
