Flying start for Eagles planned

Jun 26 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTHSHIRE Rugby Club are preparing early to get a flying start to the new season, with training starting on July 7.

Both last year’s coaches, Derek Busby and Andy Henderson, are very keen to get a quick start to the season so that the team can push for promotion.

Coaching staff may be bolstered by an additional, yet un-named, specialist back coach who is showing interest and comes highly recommended.

Pre-season matches/fixtures are: Sunday, 2nd Aug – Kirkcaldy 7s away. Saturday, 8th Aug - Tournament at Perth with Whitecraigs, Linlithgow and A N Other (squad). Tuesday, 11th Aug – Stirling County away (squad). Sat/Sun, 15th/16th Aug – Kelso 7s away. Tuesday or Wednesday, 18th/20th Aug – Heriot’s away. Sunday, 23rd Aug – Selkirk 7s away

While there have been no real changes to the coaching staff, there have been a number of committee changes which see Bob Falconer now as president, Willie Patterson as vice-president and Simon Laidlaw as the club’s new treasurer.

This has created a new focus and enthusiasm to drive the club forward.

A good number of volunteers are working very hard behind the scenes to organise club events and fundraising to ensure it remains financially viable for many season to come.

One major issue raised at the AGM was a request to amend the constitution. This has now been done and needs to be ratified at an EGM which is to be held on August 4 in the clubhouse at 19.30.

NEXT Tuesday will be the final night of this year’s Touch Rugby Tournament – and there will be a formal presentation in the clubhouse, at 8.15pm, after the final fixtures have been completed.

Both Scone and Provost Select are favourites to claim the Super and Social Leagues titles after both completed this week’s fixtures unbeaten.

In the Super League, Dollar moved into second place, overtaking the Un touchables who wilted in the heat of Tuesday night and lost two of their three games.

Both the first and second teams are level on 28 points but Scone have a game in hand and have the easier draw in the final week.

Barring a complete disaster, Provost Select should be crowned as Social League champions – and they remain the only unbeaten team.

Their closest rivals, Glenalmond, could only manage a draw against the leaders and Provost Select would have to lose both their final games to throw the title away.

THE Rugby Development team will host their Summer Rugby Camp from Monday, August 10, to Friday, August 17.

Each day begins at 10am and finishes at 3.30pm. The cost is £15 per day or £60 for the full week.

All those attending will receive an official camp T-shirt

Applications are available on request and the team can be contacted on 07717798698 or e-mail perthshirerugby@btinternet.com