Stew Mel vs Biggar, 29/9/07

Inverleith Angle

I extend a very warm welcome to Biggar Rugby Football Club, their President Miles Moorhouse, his committee and supporters for this afternoon's game. The links between our Clubs goes back to 1975, when Les Clerihew, a former pupil of Stewart's College, was one of five people who started Biggar rugby club. Your President remembers playing in one of the first few fixtures between the Clubs.

I'm delighted to report that the 'mighty' 3rd XV still remain unbeaten! They recorded a 21-46 win against Forrester 2nd XV and then went on to beat Watsonians last week 12-10. Detailed match reports by the team's player/reporters can be found on the Club's website. They are worth a read!

The 2nd XV got their season off and running last week with a 36-3 win against Biggar. This was after a 41-6 defeat at the hands of Edinburgh Accies the previous week. Well done to the Mark Burgess, the 2nd XV coach, the players and team managers for all their efforts. Last week the 2nd XV included Ross Grady, who made a very welcome return to Stew Mel colours after a spell with Murrayfield Wanderers, Phil Robson (Laing's brother), and Pete Swan and Matt Targowski, who have joined us from Merchiston Castle School. The team also included Darren Hoyland, who stepped up from the 3rd XV after impressing in their league performances so far this season.

The results of the 1st XV do not, however, show the same degree of progress. Despite a much improved performance against Aberdeen Grammar, the 1st XV have still to record their first win. One important factor with all the results so far this season has been the number of players unavailable for selection, predominantly because of injuries. Once these players return from injury, we will have a much stronger squad to select from. It is often said that, when things get tough, then that is when you want your players to stand up and be counted. There is a great spirit in the squad and now is the time for them to stand up and be counted!

The annual Rugby Club Ball has been booked for Saturday 24th November 2007, with a change of venue this year to the Edinburgh Capital Hotel on Clermiston Road. The cost of the evening remains unchanged at £35 per head, £70 per couple or £350 per table of 10. As in previous years, it is a black tie event. Please send cheques, payable to 'SMFPRFC', to Gordon Rigby, c/o Stewart's Melville Clubhouse, 523 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DW. This is a popular event and I would encourage you to book early to avoid being disappointed!

Mike Sims

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