Rugby: Cambus player Andy is ready for rugby return

Nov 21 2012 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

Cambuslang Rugby Club are set for a welcome boost this weekend with the return from suspension of Andy Dick.

The influential centre has been suspended since the start of the season, after a referee over-reacted to a minor skirmish in a pre-season friendly, and now the former King’s Park Secondary pupil is itching to get his boots back on again.

Former captain Andy will bring some considerable experience into the side, along with his reputation as a points scorer, which will be vital against Carrick on Saturday.

Andy said: “Without a doubt, it’s been one of the worst times I’ve had as a rugby player.

“I’ve not been watching a great deal. I went up at the start of the season a couple of times, but found it so frustrating, not being able to get out there, so instead I’ve been spending my Saturday afternoons between shopping and training by myself to keep my fitness up.

“I’m actually starting to enjoy it now, and the prospect of playing rugby at the end of November is starting to lose its appeal - up until a couple of weeks ago I was really looking forward to it, but now the weather’s turned I’m not so sure!

“When I’m going to train with the boys, it’s with a purpose now, so I’m really hoping the game will be on this weekend.

“I would like to think it’s like the guys getting a new player, but they have been ticking over quite nicely.

“But the great thing for me is that I’m probably as fit as I’ve ever been, and I’m hoping I can make a big of an impact.

“I did a 21-day Metafit programme with FlauntIt fitness, and I’m now 11kg lighter than I was in April. I’m down to 94kg, which is the lightest I’ve been since I was 18.”

Andy will return to coach Scott Forrest’s team this weekend, to play his first game under his old team-mate, having skippered Scott during his time as a player at Coats Park.

Andy said: “I think Scott has been doing a great job - his training sessions are excellent and I’ve really enjoyed them, even though I’ve not been doing them with a game in mind.

“I think he’s done remarkably well considering the players who left in the summer, the injuries we’ve had - and the suspension! -to keep the team in with a chance of promotion.

“The added bonus is that my brother Michael is coming back as well. He’s been out with an injured hamstring for over a month now, so hopefully we can come in and use our experience to bring a bit of composure to the team.

“Guys like Davie Woods has been filling in at centre, most of the time, and although he’s an older guy, he’s not played had much experience of first XV rugby until now, but you can see how he’s really come on, even in training. But he’s still getting used to that first time pressure, which I’ve had for the best part of 15 years now.”

Cambus v Carrick will kick off at 2pm.