In 1960 I was a 13 year old boy at Camphill S.S.School in Paisley.We drew St.Mirren in the cup and I went to Love Street and watched us take on a very good home team that day.We took them apart and how they got out of it with a 3 - 3 draw still is beyond me. But hey! Replay at Cathkin, playing well,home support no worries! Third Lanark 0 St.Mirren 8.
As I walked up the hill the next morning going to school there were St.Mirren supporters lining the route,scarfs aloft.I prayed for the bell to ring to allow me to go to my first class.Relieved I crossed towards my class only to discover the teacher and all my classmates had decorated the whole room,corridor,windows and blackboard with banners,scarfs and all manner of insults.I was mortified! I remember at the time one of my older school mates was a Jim Bowie who was on the books at Cathkin.He was off unwell that day!Traitor!
As time passed by the agony lessened and I thought that I had paid my dues for that season.However I was a member of the B.B. in Elderslie and at our annual display at the end of the year I was to be presented with a variety of badges.I was looking forward to it until our guest of honour was introduced to make the presentations.Jim Rodger of St Mirren scorer of 4 goals on that infamous night!
