MacDonald farms out coaching role

It was a fitting end to MacDonald"s coaching career at the club, following a distinguished playing career featuring appearances alongside London Wasps coach and former Lion Ian McGeechan, a Scottish international cap against Ireland in 1969, and a series of appearances in some fine London Scottish teams. As a coach he continued his association with London Scottish, but also branched out to work with Middlesex and then London Counties, when they took on the touring All Blacks. MacDonald then took a break from rugby, but was tempted back when his son James began playing for Maidenhead. He explained: “I started at Maidenhead when my son was in the under sixes and he"s now 20.” Moving up through the age groups, MacDonald finally took over the Colts, who, under his management, won the BBO league three times in five years, and reached the National Knockout Cup semi-finals twice. Discussing his decision to step down, MacDonald said: “Obviously I"m upset and I"m going to miss it, but it"s time to go.” When asked to pick out some highlights from his five-year stint at the helm, one instantly leaped to mind. He said: “My biggest thrill was beating Bristol Shoguns at Braywick in the Knockout Cup.” Having reached the final the previous season, Bristol were red-hot favourites. However, Maidenhead were unfazed and chalked up a stunning 17-5 victory. MacDonald added: “They got a real fright that day."