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Click here to read the November issue of e-zine
Updated on: Wednesday, 05.03.08
Bell Baxter knocked out
28-Nov-2007Holders Bell Baxter High School were knocked out of the fourth round of the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools under-18 Cup by North Berwick High on Thursday. On a windswept and chilly East Lothian afternoon the hosts triumphed 11-5 in the shadow of Berwick Law. Thursday's other match saw Merchiston Castle give a polished display to compile their second victory of the season over a committed Edinburgh Academy side, on this occasion by 23-8.
Conditions made kicking extremely difficult throughout the North Berwick game at North Berwick where the home side took the lead through a penalty by Jonny Mitchell. The wind was behind Bell Baxter however they could not make use of the first half advantage, stand-off Ross Aitken missing with a penalty.
North Berwick prop Gary Cockburn scored the first try of the game only three minutes into the second half after his forwards had rumbled from inevitable front of the lineout possession from Ian Dove. With ten minutes to go another penalty was kicked by Mitchell. This finally roused a somewhat muted visiting team and openside flanker Michael Fedo, who had ploughed something of a lone furrow up front, scored a cracking individual try. It was too little too late however and North Berwick maintained their discipline to avenge last season's quarter-final defeat.
Meanwhile at Newfield, Merchiston recovered from a 5-8 interval deficit to see off Edinburgh Academy. Merchiston's tries were scored by right wing Jamie Harris (2), centre and man of the match Henry Oliver and lock Luke Morrow.
The eight teams who have booked their place in the quarter-finals are Robert Gordon's College, Stewart's Melville College, George Heriot's School, High School of Dundee, Earlston High School, George Watson's College, Merchiston Castle and North Berwick High School.
Christmas spirit at Trinity
28-Nov-2007Trinity Accies are holding a Christmas Fayre this Sunday, December 2 from 11am until 1pm at the rugby clubhouse. A spokesman for the Edinburgh club said:
"This is a major fund-raising possibility but it needs your support. "There will be a table sale (like a car boot sale) where we will sell all manner of stuff (books, DVD's, videos, clothes etc) for whatever people are willing to pay. There will also be a tombola, a bakery stall and food and refreshments on sale."
Schools progress in cup
28-Nov-2007Three more schools have secured quarter-final berths in the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools under-18 Cup.At Meggetland on Wednesday night George Watson's College enjoyed a handsome 48-0 victory over Boroughmuir High School. Watson's scored seven tries, five of them converted by Jamie Forbes who also landed a penalty.Also on Wednesday at Dallerie, the High School of Dundee posted a 24-12 win against Morrison's Academy.
And on Tuesday George Heriot's beat Galashiels Academy by 10-6 at Goldenacre. Heriot's scored a try in each half through No 8 Johnnie White and winger Jamie Anderson.
The draw for the last eight will be made this Friday.
Dundee students top of the pile
28-Nov-2007Dundee University won the BUSA League Scottish Conference title with a 29-14 victory over Stirling University at Riverside on Wednesday.Dundee's points came from tries by lock Mark Jenkinson (2), flanker Iain Wilson, full-back Aubrey Horton and wing Tom Sheffield. Sheffield also goaled two conversions.
Do you have any university rugby news stories? Email gary@scrummagazine.com
Dundee thirds win in the Home of Golf
27-Nov-2007
Dundee HSFP thirds defeated Madras FP 20-15 on Saturday in a cracking match.Here is how the game went as seen through the eyes of Dundee HSFP man Harvey Wright;
"Madras had a good mix of mature and young players and wind advantage in the first half put Dundee under a lot of pressure. Against the run of play, Dundee scored first with a penalty by fly half Kenny McKenzie. Further pressure by Madras resulted in them scoring a penalty, 2 tries and 1 conversion making the score 15 - 3 to Madras. Fortunately, just before half time, Dundee's Shaun Simpson scored a superb individual try with a fine break from the half way line, showing a clean pair of heels to the opposition and touching down between the sticks for a simple conversion for Kenny."Dundee, now with wind advantage, exerted sustained pressure on Madras, with good pick up and drives from the ruck and numerous tap penalties, the forwards laid the foundation for the next score by Russell McLeod, which was unconverted, with the ball just falling under the cross bar. With the score tied, Dundee continued to pin Madras down in their 22 and it was not long before good possession by the forwards was moved along the backs to Coco, loitering with intent at outside centre, giving the final and swift winning pass to Shaun, who scored his second try in the corner and the winning score with 10 minutes to go."
Dunbar seek festive match
27-Nov-2007Dunbar RFC first XV are looking for a fixture Saturday, December 29 either home or away in and around the Edinburgh area. Any interested clubs are asked to please contact Gerry Donnellan 01368 862375, Donnellan862375@aol.com or Billy Low billy.low@jrknowles.com
Does your club need a fixture over the festive period? Email us on gary@scrummagazine.com and we can help you try and gain a fixture through our website.
Musselburgh are under-18 champions
26-Nov-2007A 41-0 victory over local rivals Haddington saw Musselburgh Colts win the Edinburgh under-18 league for the third consecutive season.
A club spokesman said: "Everyone at Musselburgh RFC would like to congratulate the boys, coaches Donald McDonald and Derek Watson and Team Manager Charlie Sim on their tremendous achievement."
"The team now go forward into the youth cup where they are hoping to go one better than last season when they were the beaten finalists."Do you have news from the youth teams at your club or your school team? Let us know via email, gary@scrummagazine.com
County youngsters impress as play offs begin
26-Nov-2007Stirling County defeated Aberdeen Wanderers in the first of the Caledonia Division One North / Midlands under-18 play offs.
County won 33-0 and a spokesman for Wanderers said: "This was a step up for Wanderers, probably the biggest game many of the lads had played in to date, and it looked as though some of them were overawed by the occasion, but it is a steep learning curve playing against the best in the district, and if they take the lesson they were given on board it augers well for their futures."
Do you have news from the youth teams at your club or your school team? Let us know via email, gary@scrummagazine.com
13 is lucky for some
25-Nov-2007For the second week in succession champions-elect Boroughmuir toughed out a win, this time 33-30 in an enthralling game against Dundee HSFP, as they kept up a 19 point lead at the top of Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One.
A late try from influential back-row man Ben Fisher, is second of the afternoon, helped the Edinburgh side win on Tayside in a match that saw 10 tries scored and the lead change hands seven times. They are now unbeaten in 13 matches.
Heriot's leapfrogged Melrose into second place after a comfortable 28-0 win over struggling GHA at Goldenacre. Edinburgh pro Alan MacDonald was amongst the try scorers in the bonus point victory. Melrose's bad run was continuing with a 15-9 loss against Glasgow Hawks at Old Anniesland.
Elsewhere, Ayr defeated Watsonians 13-10 at Myreside, Hawick won 20-12 over Edinburgh Accies and Stirling County and Currie fought out a 6-6 draw in terrible weather at Bridgehaugh.
In Division Two, Biggar are now top of the tree after a 44-6 demolition of Kelso, while Stewart's Melville FP made it nine wins on the spin. They are now just seven points off top spot after a 23-10 win over Aberdeen Grammar at Rubislaw, Craig Marshall and Jimmy Moran amongst the points for the Inverleith men.
Racing to raise funds
22-Nov-2007Marr Rugby P7s are holding a race night at the Fullarton Park clubhouse this Saturday, November 24.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased on Saturday morning at mini training or by calling Robbie Dalziel on 07870271346.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh club Stewart's Melville FP raised a good amount for club funds on Saturday just past, their own race night going down well at Inverleith.
Youngsters make sevens grade
22-Nov-2007
Scotland under-18 graduates Chris Fusaro, Andrew Dymock, pictured, and Grant Anderson have been named in the Scotland Sevens squad for the upcoming IRB events.
Coach Stephen Gemmell has named a total of five newcomers for the opening tournaments in Dubai and George.
Scotland club internationalist James Thompson (Edinburgh and Heriot's) and Scott Newlands (Edinburgh and Kelso) are the other new faces.
Gemmell said: "I'm pleased with the balance of the squad. We've got a lot of young players who put their hand up for selection in Singapore where they performed well.
"Having Richie Vernon, Scott Newlands and Colin Gregor released from the pro environment is a boost for us. Colin has a huge amount of experience with 17 Scotland Sevens caps and that will prove invaluable to us."
The squad will train for three days this week at Murrayfield before flying out to Dubai on Monday.
The culmination of this season's IRB circuit will once again be the Edinburgh Emirates 7s at Murrayfield on 31 May and 1 June 2008.
The full squad for the IRB tournaments in Dubai (November 30 and December 1)
and George (December 7 and 8)
Scott Forrest (Ayr)
Calum Forrester (GHA)
Richie Vernon (Glasgow
Warriors)
Scott Newlands (Edinburgh)
Chris Fusaro (Heriot's)
Stephen
McColl (Dunfermline)
Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors)
Chris Kinloch
(Edinburgh Accies)
James Thompson (Heriot's)
Andrew Dymock (Dundee HSFP)
Grant Anderson (Ayr)
Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Hawks).
We want your programmes
22-Nov-2007
Just a quick reminder that as we aim to keep up to date with ever club in the country to bring you all the news and views both on the website and in the magazine we would be grateful if someone from your club would be able to pop a match day programme in the post to us.
Anyone who can do this please send the programme to:
Gary Heatly,
The SCRUM,
34 Bernard Street,
Edinburgh, EH6 6PR
If you have any other news from your club please email gary@scrummagazine.com and your club could appear on the website or in the magazine.
We also look forward to receiving your photographs from matches and functions via email.
Hat-tricks continue at Gordonians
20-Nov-2007On Saturday while Tomasi Mocevakaca was scoring a hat-trick of tries for Gordonians' first XV, wing Magnus McLennan was achieving the same feat for Gordonians' seconds in their away match against West Dyce RFC.
The second XV continued their excellent form in Grampian Alliance League Division One, winning 39-7. In doing so, they bounced back convincingly from their 27-7 defeat in a friendly match against Aberdeen Wanderers first XV last Saturday.
The firsts were beating St Andrews University at the same time to stay top of Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia League Division One with eight wins from eight.
Aidan performing well
20-Nov-2007Berwick Rugby Club extended their already highly regarded youth structure by recruiting a player who suffers from a visual disability.
Seventeen year old Adain Innes who attends the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh now plays on the wing for the club's colts XV and has scored three tries this season.
Aidan said: "I have to wear special contact lenses and although I can just about see the end of the pitch I can't see what's happening there and I can only see the ball when it's about twenty yards away."
Andy Frost, the Berwick colts Team Manager said: "Adain is a much respected member of the team and is especially admired by us all for his efforts and is an inspiration to the others. His dedication on the pitch has brought its rewards through his tries this season."
Peebles legend set to be rewarded
19-Nov-2007A volunteer who has given a lifetime of service to rugby in Scotland is set to be honoured at a prestigious ceremony in London this month.
Donald Swanson, 81, started his rugby playing career at Peebles High School in 1938 and is still active with Peebles RFC to this day, now acting as first XV cameraman.
The Torch Trophy Trust, a group dedicated to encouraging sports' volunteers, has invited Donald to their annual awards ceremony at Pall Mall, London on Thursday, November 29 when trophies will be presented by The Duke of Kent.
For this and more great stories pick up a copy of the November issue of the magazine, which is out now. Ask at you club for a copy or subscribe via the link on the website's home page.
McCann jets off to Italy
18-Nov-2007Young Glasgow Hawks centre Ross McCann has been signed up by top Italian side Viadana. The 18-year-old, who learnt his rugby at Garnock RFC and was a pupil at Garnock Academy until the summer, impressed Viadana when he played against them for Glasgow under-18s back in March.
They have kept in touch with him since then and he set off for a two year stint with their under-19 squad earlier this month.
McCann said: "It is a great opportunity and something I am looking forward to. I am a bit nervous about it but it is something I have got to try and it will hopefully make me a better player."
McCann will no doubt be made welcome by the colony of Scots at the club based near Parma. Young Ross Curle (Hillhead/Jordanhill) is there along with ex-Hawick man Garry Law, Scotland cap Stuart Moffat and ex-Currie and Hawks scrum-half Ian Monaghan.
For this and more great stories pick up a copy of the November issue of the magazine, which is out now. Ask at you club for a copy or subscribe via the link on the website's home page.
Muir tough it out to make it a dozen unbeaten
18-Nov-2007Boroughmuir showed the qualities all champion sides have on Saturday, winning when not at your best, to stay top of the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One table. The Meggetland men won 20-18 over Glasgow Hawks at home, tries coming from Matt Cannon and the ever impressive Angus Martyn (2). Hawks tries came courtesy of a Rory Kerr double, but it was not enough. Second placed Melrose lost at Edinburgh Accies, former Scotland man Tom Philip making his comeback for the hosts a Raeburn Place.
The 16-8 win moves Accies out of the relegation zone at the expense of Dundee HSFP who, despite controlling the first half against Currie, lost out 20-7 at Malleny Park. Bottom side GHA could not build on last week's win over Dundee HSFP, being eaten 27-17 by Watsonians at Braidholm. Australian Scott Stumbles scored two tries for the visitors.
Heriot's fifth win on the spin came with a 31-22 triumph over Hawick at Mansfield Park, skipper Marc Teague again amongst the scorers. Ayr defeated Stirling County 20-17 in a close game at Millbrae, Gordon Reid scoring in an injury time try for the hosts as they grabbed the win.
The results from Premiership 1,2 & 3 have now been updated, with the rest being updated very shortly. Make sure you return to the site during the week to catch up with the latest news from the November issue and clubs and schools around the country.
Hawks thank Dalziel
16-Nov-2007Glasgow Hawks have praised Dalziel's Bobby Martin for his help after one of their players suffered a bad injury earlier this week.
The Hawks development side were playing Dalziel at Old Anniesland on Tuesday evening when about 15 minutes to play the match was abandoned when Neil Tannahill went down with what at first looked like a serious injury.
Hawks are pleased to report that, whilst Neil will be unable to play for several weeks, he did not sustain any permanent injury.
A Hawks spokesman said: "Everyone at Glasgow Hawks is grateful for the immediate assistance provided by Bobby Martin of Dalziel who delivered first class first aid advice. Also sincere thanks to all the medical staff at Wishaw General Hospital where Neil stayed overnight as a precaution."
All at Glasgow Hawks RFC wish Neil a speedy recovery.
Wanderers after a game this Saturday
15-Nov-2007Murrayfield Wanderers are now fielding a young development XV, of around 3rd/4th XV standard. As a result they are looking for fixtures in particular for this Saturday, November 17. Please contact Robbie Fuller (rjlp.fuller@excite.com) or Arnie Yule (rjlp.fuller@excite.com) if you can help out.
Any clubs/teams who need a hand finding a fixture please email us on gary@scrummagazine.com and we will try and help you out via the website.
'Muir's season just got even better.
15-Nov-2007Boroughmuir, unbeaten leaders of Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One and having success at youth level, have been named as Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month for October.The club, currently leading the Premiership by 15 points, paid the best imaginable tribute to their Scotland and British Lions bulwark, Bruce Hay, who passed away at the start of the month, by posting a stream of victories alongside the introduction of new recruits at youth level.
In October the first XV enjoyed victories over Heriot's, Hawick, GHA and Ayr; their second XV were also unbeaten in October with wins against Heriot's, Stewart's-Melville, Biggar and Ayr; and their associate club, Meggetland triumphed against St Boswells, Melrose 2nds and Edinburgh BATs. Meggetland also doubled training numbers to almost 40 on a regular basis.
Beattie makes long awaited comeback.
13-Nov-2007
Former Selkirk youngster Ciaran Beattie made his long awaited comeback to competitive action at the weekend, turning out for Heriot's third team in their win over Edinburgh rivals Watsonians.
The Goldenacre men won 22-20 and it was great to see scrum-half Beattie - who burst on to the Scotland Sevens scene a couple of years ago and is now an apprentice with Edinburgh - return from a run of serious injuries.
Ciaran, a former pupil of Selkirk High School, was part of Scottish Rugby's National Academy set-up since the age of 16 and joined Border Reivers as an apprentice in summer 2006. He also played at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne that year and has tremendous talent.
Players to benefit from new DVD.
13-Nov-2007A new interactive resource designed to help everyone increase their enjoyment of rugby with an emphasis on safety has been launched by the International Rugby Board.Scottish Rugby staff have played a full part in creating the IRB's Rugby Ready programme.
"It's a one-stop interactive and DVD resource which has been designed to assist players, coaches, referees and administrators to go about their role in rugby in as safe a manner as possible," explained Jock Peggie from Scottish Rugby's coach education department."We're integrating Rugby Ready into our coach education structures and we're advising our clubs, universities, schools and referee societies that all this information is available to them and is written and presented in an easily accessible way to improve the standard and safety of our game."
For further information log on to www.irbrugbyready.com. Clubs, schools, universities and referee societies can complete the web-based learning packages and achieve certification.
Hastings to lead Steelers.
12-Nov-2007Scotland legend Scott Hastings has been named as the manager of Scottish-based sevens side Steelers Rugby.
The team - with the likes of Glasgow Hawks Kenny Sinclair likely to be in the squad and former players including Gregor Townsend - travel to the Dubai Sevens later this month with The Native Agency has taken over the management and franchise of the club.
The Steelers play every year in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens International Invitational tournament.
Steelers Rugby was the innovative creation of businessman Colin Bone and ex-Scotland skipper Andy Nicol. The club was born during the 2003 Dubai Sevens when it became evident that there was a distinct lack of Scottish-based teams participating in the event.
Iain Stirling, group Chief Executive of The Native Agency, said: "The Steelers and Native are a great fit - we are committed to retaining the significant reputation that Colin and Andy have built over the last three years, but we are also looking forward to bringing the expertise that we have developed in personal media to the team, bringing the Steelers to a wider audience, and delivering a great return on investment to our sponsor partners".
Broughton Dinner goes down a treat.
12-Nov-2007The Broughton Annual Dinner proved to be a resounding hit at Wardie on Saturday night with a full house enjoying a fantastic meal and a selection of speakers, including East Regional Rep Barry Sinclair.
The audience were on their feet in recognition of Chris O'Neill when Head Coach Graham Bonner presented 'Demon' with an engraved Quaich to commemorate services to the Club over the past 13 years by one of the toughest players to have ever put on a Broughton jersey.
Such was the success of the evening, plans are being put in place for the End of Season Player of the Year Awards dinner to be held in the Clubhouse next April/May.
Gordonians off to Vancouver.
11-Nov-2007Gordonians have announced that they will be touring to Canada in 2008. Details of the tour were announced recently to players from club Captain Keith Wildridge.He said: "After the success of the last tour to Canada in 2006, and to continue to rebuild the club, we are proposing a tour to Vancouver, Canada between 8 and 18 June 2008.
We will be arranging two or three fixtures against local opposition of a similar or slightly higher standard to ourselves". Are your club going on a tour in 2008? Let us know by emailing gary@scrummagazine.com
WRU Academy squad named.
11-Nov-2007Over 60 players attended a recent SWRU talent identification day, with the Academy squad for this season having been named as a result. Players took part in skills sessions in the morning, and then had the opportunity to play games in the afternoon, which was refereed by SWRU Student Rep Ruth Clements.
The SWRU Academy will comprise of 26 players, and will form a team to represent the Scottish Universities Women's Rugby Team in April. The SWRU Academy will train alongside other SWRU performance squads, and some players may be selected to play in the Scotland Series next month in preparation for the Six Nations.
It is hoped that through a programme of individual player support and regular training, the skills and fitness levels will be raised, with the aim of strengthening and improving standards in university and club teams.
Squad:
Rebecca Long- Lismore/Napier Uni
Rosalynd Murphy- Edinburgh Uni
Michelle Ovens - Murrayfield
Jenny Campbell - Lismore/Napier Uni
Katie Barker - Dundee Uni
Jenny Reid - Glasgow Uni
Fiona Macgregor - St Andrews Uni
Nikki McLeod - Edinburgh Un
iFrankie Allcock - Edinburgh Uni
Heather Law - Murrayfield/North Glasgow Coll
Tatenda Nyatsanza - GHA/Langside Coll
Martha Ivanovas- St Andrews Uni
Leah Cuthbertson - Edinburgh Uni
Maddy Grant - Edinburgh Uni
Ali Cook - Glasgow Uni
Stacey Coffin - St Andrews Uni
Katrina Roszynski - Aylesford Bulls/Stirling Uni
Jen Watson - Dundee Uni
Fiona Majorin - Edinburgh Uni
Catriona MacDonald - Edinburgh Uni
Hazel Yeudall - Telford Coll
Anna Fleming - Edinburgh Uni
Kate McKenzie - Glasgow Uni
Victoria Parker - Glasgow Uni
Lynsey Thornton - St Andrews Uni
Ciara Baxter - Dundee Uni
Form sides meet in National Leagues.
10-Nov-2007GHA defeated Dundee HSFP this afternoon to gain their second win of the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One campaign and boost their survival hopes. The bonus point 29-12 victory at Mayfield puts them level on points with Edinburgh Accies at the bottom of the table. GHA's Graham Harkness led the way with two tries, while Dundee, who themselves are struggling, saw one of their tries come from Aubrey Horton who was this week named in the Scotland under-20 squad.
Boroughmuir remain unbeaten and odds on for the title after a dramatic 14-12 win over Edinburgh Accies at Raeburn Place, captain Rory Couper with the only try of the match. Melrose, 'Muir's closest rivals for a few weeks, lost 30-28 at home to Currie. Jonny Smith and Cyprus international Andrew Binikos were amongst the tries for the visitors.
Meanwhile, in the Edinburgh derby Heriot's were deserved 33-16 winners at Myreside over Watsonians. The teams were level at 9-9 at the break but four tries in the second half from scrum-half Graham Wilson, 'veteran' winger Marc Teague (2), fellow winger Michael Short saw the visitors take the five points despite winger Rohan Steyl scoring a superb solo try for 'Sonians.
The Glasgow Hawks-Ayr and Stirling County-Hawick matches were late results, we will bring them to you in our fixtures section as soon as we have them.
Form sides meet in National Leagues.
08-Nov-2007
Unbeaten Falkirk, pictured, and Garnock clash in Scottish Hydro Electric National League Division One on Saturday.
The game at Sunnyside will be an intriguing clash given the start both promoted team's have had to the season. Added spice comes from the fact Falkirk pipped Garnock in last season's National Shield final at Murrayfield.
Meanwhile, in Division Two unbeaten Howe of Fife take on second place Forrester in Cupar.
Table topping Lenzie are away to Helensburgh in Division Three with their nearest rivals Whitecraigs facing a tough trip to Troon to take on Ayr.
Finally, the match of the day in the Regional Leagues looks to be at Cavalry Park where Portobello take on leaders Hawick Linden after opening their new clubhouse.
The SCRUM team will be down there covering the event so if you see us please come over and say hello!
Check the website over the weekend for all leagues results and send information on your club's weekend exploits to gary@scrummagazine.com
Accies looking to derail Boroughmuir.
08-Nov-2007
Second Bottom Edinburgh Accies welcome unbeaten Boroughmuir to Raeburn Place on Saturday in the match of the day in Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One.
Ian Barnes' Accies, pictured, have lost their last four league fixtures to slip into the relegation zone but they will be buoyed by the result the last time 'Muir came calling to Stockbridge.
That day earlier this year Accies, then in Division Two, beat the Meggetland men 38-14 in the National Cup semi-final with an assured display. They know it will not be as easy this time around though with their own injury problems still prevalent and 'Muir seemingly on the way to the title.
Elsewhere in the top flight on Saturday, third and fourth meet at Myreside when Watsonians take on old rivals Heriot's. Craig Sorbie could regain his place in the home side having recovered fully from injury, while Marc Teague will be looking to continue his sparkling form for the visitors.
lasgow Hawks take on Ayr, Dundee HSFP face GHA with both sides desperate for a win, Melrose welcome Ally Donaldson's Currie to The Greenyards and Stirling County entertain Hawick.
In Division Two third place West of Scotland take on top Selkirk on Saturday in a division where the top seven teams are separated by just eight points.
Gala will be looking to bounce back from their draw at Kirkcaldy last week with a home win over Irvine in Division Three to stay top.
Check the website over the weekend for all leagues results and send information on your club's weekend exploits to gary@scrummagazine.com
PL youngsters enjoy France.
07-Nov-2007Preston Lodge's 11 and 12 year-olds from the minis squad had a great time at an event in Rodez, France recently.
The Tournoi International Rugby World Cup saw teams from various European countries and Australia, South African and New Zealand battle it out in a festival of rugby.
Pictured are the youngsters proudly belting out the national anthem.
Ayr girls impress in Glasgow.
07-Nov-2007At a Glasgow tournament organised by the Scottish Women's Rugby Union, Ayr under-18 girls showed no mercy as they won all their games to return home with the silverware.
A score in the first minute set the scene for a great team display as they saw off Carrick 27-0, next up were Hillhead/Jordanhill and a 10-0 score line was enough to secure the spoils.
A spokesman for the team said: "It was a real team performance with plenty of ball secured to make the scoring opportunities, the girls had been looking forward to the day for several weeks as it was competitive rugby that was needed after many weeks of hard training."
Any other women's clubs with news we would love to hear from you, please email gary@scrummagazine.com
Moray delighted with young duo.
07-Nov-2007Moray youngsters Andrew Hall and Joe McColl have been selected for the Caledonia under-16 squad for the forthcoming under-16 District Development Championship.
The competition commences in March next year and the Caledonia boys will be up against district teams from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Borders.
Moray Rugby Club President, Graham Stables said: "Andrew and Joe were a key part of our hugely successful under-15 side last year and the club is really pleased that the boy's talents have been recognised.
"This, and Lee Millar's inclusion in the under-17 squad, is great news and credit is due to all those involved in youth development at the club."
We want your programmes.
07-Nov-2007As we aim to keep up to date with ever club in the country to bring you all the news and views both on the website and in the magazine we would be grateful if someone from your club would be able to pop a match day programme in the post to us
Anyone who can do this please send the programme to; Gary Heatly, The SCRUM, 34 Bernard Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6PR
If you have any other news from your club as a busy and exciting couple of months gets underway please email gary@scrummagazine.com and your club could appear on the website or in the magazine. We also look forward to receiving your photographs from matches and functions via email.
Scotland under-20s look strong.
07-Nov-2007Scotland under-20s Head Coach Colin Robertson has named a strong looking squad who will train together ahead of next year's Six Nations.
The likes of Chris Kinloch, Stephen McColl, pictured, and Ruaridh Jackson all have Scotland Sevens or Rugby Ecosse experience abroad while Boroughmuir winger Tom Bury has been rewarded for a great start to the season.
Colin Robertson explained: "We will play against Glasgow's back-up squad in December and that will be an important match for us before we open our Six Nations campaign against France in February. It's a big year for the under-20s with the IRB World Championship at the end of the season in June."
Scotland under-20 training squad:
Backs - Murray Allan (Loughborough Univ),
Chris Kinloch (Edinburgh Accies and National Senior Academy
Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Hawks and National Senior Academy)
Stephen McColl (Dunfermline and National Senior Academy)
Ruaridh Bonner (Edinburgh Accies)
Tom Bury (Boroughmuir and National Junior Academy)
Lee Jones (Selkirk)
Jamie Murray (Leeds)
Mathew Heeks (London Scottish)
Ross Samson (Newcastle Falcons)
John Goldie (Heriot's)
Richard McCallum (Ayr)
Jonny Smart (Dunfermline)
Aubrey Horton (Dundee HSFP)
Forwards - Gary Strain (Glasgow Hawks and National Junior Academy)
Angus Dixon (Aberdeen Grammar Rugby)
Adrian Duncan (Stewart's-Melville FP and National Senior Academy)
Ben Ainscough (Northumbria Univ)
Adam Ferrier (Blackheath)
Joe Stafford (Hillhead/Jordanhill and National Senior Academy)
Lewis Niven (Edinburgh Accies)
Neale Patrick (Dunfermline)
Josh Brown (Bristol)
Craig Charters (Hawick)
Fraser McKenzie (Heriot's and National Senior Academy)
Steven Burton (Currie)
Kevin Bryce (Stirling County and National Junior Academy)
Lewis Calder (Newcastle Falcons)
Jonny Baird (Leicester Univ)
Craig Simmonds (Heriot's).
Watsonians players help out charity during Movember.
07-Nov-2007Watsonians first team members Ali Rowe, Craig Sorbie, Gregor Wood, Rohan Steyl, Eddie Howe, Scott Stumbles, Josh Abraham and Kyle Traynor are all taking part in Movember to help raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. The players from the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One club are helping out the cause by growing moustaches during the next few weeks so if you see them sporting their new facial furniture at the club please stop and talk to them about how you can help with this worthy cause.
Visit www.movember.com/uk for more or go directly to www.movember.com/uk/donate to donate, with all donations go towards helping the fight against prostate cancer. Rowe and Wood are pictured at the recent Watsonians fancy dress party.
So what exactly is Movember? According to the oficial site: "Movember (the month formally known as November) is a charity event held during November each year."At the start of Movember guys register with a clean shaven face. The Movember participants known as Mo Bros then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache and along the way raise as much money and awareness about male health issues as possible.
"Which ever way we look at it, men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy for men is five years less than for women."
Is your club or school fund-raising for charity? Drop us an email to gary@scrummagazine.com as we would love to hear from you.
Scottish Rugby's new TV show begins on STV this Sunday at 6pm.
06-Nov-2007The show, entitled Scotsport Rugby Sunday, will be a fast-paced look at what's happening in the pro-scene with footage of Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors in the Magners League, club rugby with highlights from the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership and features on other aspects of Scottish rugby including schools, age-grade, sevens and the women's game.
Gala Forwards Coach Richie Gray will host the show and each week will be joined by regular guests, including former Scotland and British Lions lock Doddie Weir, and the show will feature all the top names from the rugby world.
SCRUM Editor Gary Heatly said: "It is great news that all the good things in Scottish rugby will be showcased on television once again and I look forward to the club players getting a chance to show what they can do to a wider audience."
Stobswell boxing clever
05-Nov-2007Members of Stobswell RFC from Dundee recently took part in a sponsored run across the Tay Bridge in their boxer shorts to raise club funds.
The money raised by the lads will go towards the club's bi-annual trip to Treherbert RFC.
Club Captain Chris Hems said: We are hoping it will serve as a team building experience as we are yet to click properly as a team and we want to make it an annual event."
Hems would not confirm or deny whether they are to produce a calendar of the event for all their female fans.
Muir keep on winning
03-Nov-2007Boroughmuir made it ten wins out of ten this afternoon, thumping last season's champions Currie 39-10 at Malleny Park. Tries for the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One leaders came from Malcolm Clapperton, Tom Bury, Rory Couper (2), Angus Martyn and Sean Crombie as they blew away ther hosts.
Elgan O'Donnell scored the rest of the points with his boot while Curries points came through a try by Andy McMahon and a penalty and conversion from Ally Warnock. Boroughmuir's closest rivals Melrose lost out 11-10 at Millbrae against Ayr, a Damien Kelly try and two penalties from Kenny Diffenthal enough for the men from Burns' country.
Watsonians defeated Edinburgh rivals Edinburgh Accies 38-22 in an entertaining game at Myreside. Mike Ker, Doug Brown, Rohan Steyl, Andrew Skeen, captain Will Rowley and Mala Mailo all crossed for the hosts with ex-'Sonian Matt Coupar amongst the scorers for struggling Accies.
Elsewhere, a hat-trick of tries from captain Marc Teague helped Heriot's beat Stirling County at Goldenacre, Glasgow Hawks pipped GHA 16-10 and Hawick Got a good25-12 home win over Dundee HSFP.
This little piggy went to Hawick
01-Nov-2007On Saturday November 10 at the Volunteer clubrooms, Hawick Wanderers are having a race night with a difference.
It is 'Cracklin Rosie's Racing Pigs', and the live racing will take place in the clubrooms. The contestants will be battery operated pigs and they will be racing using a special eight foot track.
The battery-operated pigs are cute and cuddly with a turn of speed that will amaze and frustrate you. They wiggle, they grunt, and they move like lightening (well sort of!). Come and cheer on Linford Crispy, Del Trotter, and Patsy Swine.
Tickets are available from Keith Lawson of the Wanderers committee. First race is 7.30pm.
Melrose hoping for Ayr raid
01-Nov-2007Craig Chalmers and his Melrose players know they must win at Millbrae against Ayr on Saturday to keep the pressure up on Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One leaders Boroughmuir. 'Rose are currently nine points behind Eamon John's men but 'Muir themselves face a tough Saturday shift with a visit across Edinburgh to take on last season's champions Currie.
Elsewhere in the top flight this weekend third place Watsonians welcome Ian Barnes and his Edinburgh Accies side to Myreside, Hawick take on Dundee HSFP, GHA play Glasgow Hawks in the derby and Heriot's welcome former favourite Jocky Bryce, now Forwards Coach at Stirling County, to Goldenacre with his new team.
The most fascinating match up in Division Two could be in the Borders where second place Selkirk take on Aberdeen Grammar who sit in fifth.
In Division Three leaders Gala, pictured, will be looking to make it ten out of ten at Kirkcaldy, but will not find it easy at Beveridge Park with the hosts sitting third and coming off a 25-5 win at Berwick. Remember all games kick off at 2pm this week as the nights draw in.
Check back here over the weekend for all the results and updated tables from all the club action and email any information on your weekend games to gary@scrummagazine.com