19.01.2010 : Wendy Preece wrote I'm not a rugby fan but just hearing Bill's voice again reminds me of cuddling up with my dad on the setteee on a Saturday afternoon when i was little, watching the matches. Happy days, and happy memories, bill.

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19.01.2010 : Bongo Belly wrote This man was so poetic in his description of a rugby match you could smell the turf!

Great memories of Saturday afternoons.

You'll be sorely missed

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19.01.2010 : Andrew Lale wrote I didn't realise Bill was going to retire until they announced it at the beginning of that game in 2002. It was a bit of a shock, but I have to say it is only now eight years later that I can understand what a loss his absence has been to rugby. I often turn the commentary down now rather than listen to Stuart Barnes and the current mob.
Bill McLaren was such a gentlemen, but not boring or stuffy. While not over-elaborating, he usually picked the most apposite comment for a particular situation- seemingly effortlessly. He had a wonderful sense of humour, but didn't force it. It just bubbled out occasionally.
I am sad to say I just don't think they make men like Bill McLaren any more.

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20.01.2010 : Len Fowler wrote Not one season has passed since Mr McLaren retired in 2002 , without I have reminded those who heard his brilliant, professional and utterly first class commentaries that he was absolutely the man for the job - peerless. No-one ever disagreed.
"Ooh - my word" What a commentator.

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20.01.2010 : Doug Hodson wrote Many fantastic memories: "They'll be rejoicing in the Borders tonight", "The recipient of that ball was Roy James Laidlaw of 48 Riverside Drive, Jedburgh", "My school boys are among those in the crowd on the TV right now, I hope they are behaving themselves" "Welcome to Murrayfield" Welcome indeed !! Rest in peace Bill. I will be pulling up some of those old tapes to relive the moments and following the fortunes of the Lawson family with interest. Scotland's recent win over Australia must have brought you great pleasure on your way off the planet !!

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