Rugby developing in Perth

Dec 16 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEPARTING rugby development officer Derek O’Riordan insists the future of the oval ball game is in good hands in Perth and Kinross.

And the Perthshire Community Rugby Trust, based at Bells Sports Centre, is well-placed to take the game forward.

Over the last few years, Derek has played an integral role in grassroots development in the Perth area.

But yesterday he was quick to flag-up the support he has enjoyed from various quarters.

“Thanks to that support and faith in what we are trying to achieve, junior numbers at Perthshire Rugby FC have grown from 190 to 302 in the time I have been here.

“We have four new rugby teams in the city thanks to the new Sports Comprehensive and girls’ rugby is on the up with Perth Academy playing their first ever girls’ fixture against Crieff a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

He noted that thanks to an Active Schools programme, the primary “TRY Rugby” initiative is now bearing fruit, providing rugby sessions for every schoolchild in Perth last year from P4 through to P7.

Derek, who is bound for East Dunbartonshire, added: “We have had a year of tweaking and fine-tuning and our Modern Apprentice Community Coaches are contributing heavily to the success to that programme.”

Reflecting on his time in Perth and Kinross, he said: “Particular thanks need to go to David Taylor, Kirsty Munro, Ross Munro, Greg Marshall, Nicola McFarlane and Mike Edwards for all the hard work and innovation that has gone into the rugby project at St John’s and Perth Grammar.

“It has also helped highlight what a difference Perthshire Rugby Club is making in the community and how our partnership can inspire in cross campus projects.

“Also, special thanks need to go to Andy Smith, Craig Ahsmann, and Fiona Davidson for helping bring the ‘School of Rugby’ concept to life at Perth Academy.

“The project has not only been for talented kids but has also targeted youngsters from underrepresented groups, as well as those with social and behavioural issues. Already we can see the benefits to the group.”

BREADALBANE Academy thrashed Morgan 61-0 in the latest round of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish School U18 Bowl competition.

The Highland Perthshire rugby stars now progress to the semi-finals where they will face Queen Ann High School or Dunfermline High School.