Promotion battle brings back memories for O’Hare

WITH well over a decade of professional rugby union and league behind him, Hefin O’Hare has played in some big games throughout his career and today he will be taking part in another one.

The RBS Championship A decider between Cartha Queens Park and his own GHA team may not be played in front of as big a crowd as the Rugby League World Cup quarter-final when he turned out for Wales against New Zealand, but it means just as much to those taking part. Both Glasgow clubs go into the Dumbreck “winner takes all” match on 70 points from 17 matches with the victors to be promoted to the RBS National League.

The 33-year-old joined the Braidholm club in the summer of 2012 after he received a call from former Glasgow Warriors team-mate Andy Henderson that convinced him to keep playing. O’Hare said: “After leaving the Warriors I thought I was going to retire from rugby, but Andy phoned me, I headed down to Braidholm and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was really good and I enjoyed the team and club spirit from the start. This season has been really good and hopefully we can 
finish in top spot this weekend.

“We know Cartha will be a tough test, though, after they beat us by a point back in October and we will need to be at our best, but it should be a great day for club rugby.”

O’Hare, who reached a Challenge Cup semi-final, played in the Super League and earned caps for Wales, said: “I loved the time I spent in the pro ranks in both union and league and have some great memories. Being at GHA has been great too and it has shown me that there is a lot of talent lower down the leagues and that there are also a lot of people working hard within Scottish clubs.”

Elsewhere, Glasgow Hawks go into this afternoon’s final RBS National League clash at home to Hillhead/Jordanhill knowing that a bonus point victory would make sure of the title. Even four match points would probably see them finish first on points difference even if rivals Hawick secure a bonus point win over Jed-Forest.

Hawick are at already relegated Jed in their final match today ready to pounce on any Hawks slip up. At the bottom of the table, if Biggar beat Kelso then Hamilton will be relegated with Jed. Hamilton host Watsonians with Selkirk taking on Stewart’s Melville.