Boots and allBroony Quaich match-ups add spice to Premiership

Mike Diamond had a sound piece of advice before awarding the Broony Quaich to the jubilant Hong Kong Scottish players last Saturday. He said, “whatever you do, don’t put beer in this trophy. It only deserves whiskey”.

His pal, the late Iain “Broony” Brown, watching from the great touchlines in the sky would have approved wholeheartedly.

Diamond, one of the two Valley coaches this season was passing on his counsel learned from his long association with the man in whose name the newest piece of silverware in local rugby was given.

The new Quaich has quickly become a popular trophy and one which every club has tried hard to lay its hands on when the opportunity has arisen. It has also given an added interest to the season, especially for clubs who are out of the title race – just like Hong Kong Scottish were when they met WhichWay Valley on the latter’s home pitch.

Valley, too, were keen to retain the trophy, hoping to pack it away safely until next season. But they didn’t account for the hunger and spirit of the Scottish and the heroics of fly-half Danny Kroll.

Dave Whiteford, general manager of Hong Kong Scottish, later admitted that all types of wonderfully inebriating liquid had been poured into the Quaich as his side celebrated their 16-9 shock win over Valley. I label it a shock because Valley were the clear favourites despite there being a few signs that an upset might be on the cards. Indeed, Scottish had held Valley to an 18-all draw earlier in the season.

Yet, with all their sevens stars back in action and the team at full-strength, Valley were expected to win, especially at home. But the Quaich raised the hackles of the Scottish. They were mongrels out on the field, especially at the breakdown, and they snapped away terrier-like at their opponents’ heels, causing them to lose focus.