Wolves coach tells all on his career

The recent Stirling County Memories Group discussed speakers who had attended over the past three years including international referee Jim Fleming, future and current SRU presidents and the club’s own heroes from the 1995 Scottish Championship winning squad.

Former team captain Willie Lambie (1956-7) was able to supply much appreciated information and team photo to a former player’s son following his request.

The speaker at the last meeting of the season was Stirling Wolves coach Craig Deacon who related his rugby story; from joining the club as a 16-year-old from Crieff after his PE teacher saw his potential and had encouraged him into rugby. He then suggested a move on from his local club where there was no youth rugby to Stirling County where he and his rugby would be developed.

He was welcomed to the club on his first evening by Alastair Redpath, a key memory for Craig and one which feels had a lasting impact on him. Training with 50 others was under Brian Robertson and Alan Armstrong.

Craig played age-group representative rugby then developed into a stalwart County forward during his 16-year playing career. He spoke of the many great players he played alongside at Stirling but also how this had led him into coaching with many great experiences, and excellent, if varied coaches each having their impact.

When he started coaching he moved to Grangemouth where he spent three successful and enjoyable years before returning to the Wolves, who play in the National League following the introduction of the Super6 league.

Craig answered many questions from the floor from players being allowed to play down from Super6 to reducing the length of queues at the bar on match days.

The group is having an off-season break and hopes to restart meetings in September. Watch the website and Stirling Observer for news. Contact derekyoung54@hotmail. com for information or discussion about Stirling County memories.