Perth star’s love for the game rekindled
Clow enjoying his rugby as Shire make progress
Graeme Clow planned to take time away from rugby after a turbulent year plagued with injury.
But now the Perthshire star admits his love for the game has quickly been reinstalled as the North Inch club continue to steer away from relegation.
Clow, playing stand-off, produced a man of the match performance on Saturday to crush bottom of the table Dalziel 50-10 and lift spirits in the camp.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed spells in the Premiership with Aberdeen Grammar and Currie but pulling on the black and white of Shire is always extra special.
“It was great to see the team really gel together on Saturday,” Clow said. “Alan Clark told us the game plan at Thursday night training and we went out and stuck to the plan.
“We seem to talk a lot about what we are going to do but not follow through on that plan. But Saturday we really set the tone for the match with three early first half tries.
“I’m really enjoying it again. Being the decision maker on the pitch, players responding to the calls and executing them makes my job a lot easier.
“I wouldn’t have scored my try on
Clow (back left) is sure his fellow team-mates will rise to the challenge this weekend Saturday if it hadn’t been for such a dominant forwards maul from a lineout.
“I wasn’t actually going to be playing rugby this year. Last year I was playing at Currie and had a difficult season with injuries so I was going to take the year off.
“For me, I didn’t know what do to with my Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturdays.
“After an odd training session just after league games started, I caught the bug again and haven’t looked back since.
“I really enjoy working with Alan Clark and he is always trying to help me improve my game.
“One thing about Perthshire is that there is always a friendly welcome from all players, coaches and supporters when you come back to the club.
“I also have the chance to play alongside my older brother Duncan.
“Having one of the best youth setups in country, a beer festival that attracts hundreds to the club and now that we are in our 150th year, we can look forward with a lot of optimism.”
Clow won’t be looking too far ahead, however, with sights firmly set on building on Saturday’s win this weekend when Shire welcome league leaders Newton Stewart.
“I really believe that Saturday’s result can be a catalyst,” said Clow, who made his first team debut at the age of 17.
“Having not won since Haddington away at the end of October, the team needed a win at the North Inch to build confidence going into the business end of the season.
“Guys like Scott Alcorn and Ross Cameron were flying on Saturday and seeing these younger guys stepping up brings belief across the team.
“Newton Stewart will be tough. They wouldn’t be top of the league if they weren’t. The lads have got to put last week behind them as this week is a new challenge.
“Again, we need to set the tone early doors and let them know they are in for a game.
“Newton Stewart refused a request for an early kick-off on Saturday and the Scotland game kicks off at 2.15pm.
“It means players and supporters will miss the six nations match which is another reason why we will be fired up.
“I am currently nursing a tweak in my hamstring from last weekend but I’m hoping that it won’t affect me from selection for this weekend.”