WHAT better way to end a playing career spanning more than 30 years than to win Scotland’s Premier League title, writes Fiona Scott.
That was how former Scotland international centre/wing Cammie Murray finished his, last Friday night, when Melrose lifted their second club championship in succession (see page 27 for full report and pictures).
Their 23-13 win against Boroughmuir, in which Murray played a key role, coupled with Stirling County’s 22-12 win over Dundee HSFP at Mayfield, means the RBS Premier One silverware is once again bound for the Greenyards.
After the game, an emotional Murray said: “That’s definitely it now. I’m 37 years old now and I was feeling every bit of it after 10 minutes tonight.”
Hawick-born Murray started his rugby career with Haddington where he came up through their youth system before joining their 1st XV in the mid-1980s. He moved on to play for Hawick Trades before joining Hawick and the rest is history.
A PE teacher at Berwickshire High School, Murray featured in the last of his 26 games for Scotland 11 years ago and has played on for Melrose simply because of his love for the game.
“I’ve got some great memories – winning the Cup with Hawick, winning the league and promotion when I was a youngster at Haddington and the back-to-back titles with Melrose,” he said.
Murray, who played professionally for Edinburgh Reivers, scored seven tries for Scotland in his three-year international career, the highlight of which was being part of the 1999 Five Nations Championship winning side. And who could forget his handling of giant All Black Jonah Lomu in the World Cup quarter-final that year. Not the legendary Kiwi, that’s for sure.
It’s Murray’s commitment to Borders rugby, however, that makes him one of our most admired players. Melrose president John Reed said: “We have been accustomed to his skill, leadership qualities and experience, goading and cajoling his team-mates and generally always doing the right thing.
“He has been an integral part of the side and he will be sorely missed. Cammie, is an inspiration to all and I thank him most sincerely for gracing the Melrose Club.”
And talking of his teams memorable title win Reed added: “I’m so proud of the players, coaching staff and all the people associated with the club. Throughout all the self-doubt and self-criticism of our players’ efforts, they have battled for the club and the jersey and ground out wins when they have needed to.”