1ST XV TEAM NEWS

Christie & Speirs

Date of Article: 15 May 2010

As the rugby season comes to a close Gala RFC bids farewell to Mike Christie and Graham Speirs, two sterling XV players who have done the squad proud over the last couple of seasons.

Mike Christie, aka snakeheid, has since 2001 held the position of hooker / back row on a regular basis with Gala team. He started playing rugby in 1987 with the primary school squads at Gattonside and St Peter's. moving to Gala Academy and Triangle. Mike has tasted the sport internationally having played with Oakville Crusaders, Ontario RFC, and more recently St Patricks RFC in Queesland, where he played alongside Pete Cockburn and Gus Frater and NSW Suburban RFC.

Mike is perpetual motion on the pitch. If you can't see him you will hear him communicating with the team, he is a gifted player with a real love of life. Sydney, Australia will become his new home where he's heading to work for Premier Waterproofing and return to play with St Patricks. Not only is he a talent on the pitch, his antics as the entertainer on the team bus are legendary. As a player he always has time to speak to the supporters and general public, which are characteristics which do him proud.

'I will miss the boys at the club, everyone from work, the Gala day, BBQ's and beers on the Decking, All my family and friends. I will always look forward to my holidays home. Thanks to the club for my years wearing the badge' said Mike

In contrast Graham Speirs aka Speiro is the silent assasin as full back or on the wing. He puts his nose to the grind stone and does the job required of him on the pitch with very little fuss.

Graeme started playing rugby in Primary 4 for Victoria Park and Mini Maroons. He later featured in the Gala Red Triangle and Gala Wanderers team, stepping up to senior rugby, and playing in the Gala first XV squad in the 2008-2009 season. Graham is moving to Hartpury College near Gloucester to study sports business management. Fingers crossed he will be back wearing the marroon jersey post graduation.

We wish both players well next season with their new clubs.