Its the league opener for our 1xv this weekend, hear from club president Gav McQuillan, an update on the 1xv squad for this weekend, details of the mini section open morning and the World Cup Fantasy Rugby
Presidents Comments :
I hope you have all had an enjoyable summer.
The start of a new season is always an exciting time and this year feels no different as we look to continue our progress on all fronts.
The new season gives the opportunity for fresh starts,new ideas and a renewed sense of optimism and as we look forward their is much to be excited about. Off the pitch we are only a few months away from our centenary year with 2024 marking the formation and first game for the club.
Planning is all ready underway and I’m delighted that Andrew Mitchell will be leading a group from across the club to shape our celebrations and to make sure we recognise this historic year. If you have ideas or want to get involved please get in touch.
Running the club in a substantial way is one of our key priorities and as ever we rely heavily on memberships and sponsors to provide the foundation of our income both to run our day to day activity alongside investing for the future. One of those future projects that has gathered momentum this summer is the potential opportunity to extend the clubhouse, more to follow during the season as things develop.
On the sponsorship side we have a wide range of opportunities for businesses and individuals to get involved and we are delighted that many of our partners will continue to support us this season. If you would like to find our more or know someone who would like to get on board please speak to Gav Holmes or Ross Easton who can share the detail.
On the pitch I’m hugely optimistic about what we can achieve this season across all our teams. Our senior squad are the envy of many clubs as we consistently are able to field 2 senior teams each week which is a huge achievement. After a positive preseason the First XV head down to Duns this weekend for their first league game.
It’s great to welcome a few new faces into the squad this year which has brought some fresh energy to the group and despite a few players being unavailable we are able to send down a very competitive team hopeful of getting their league campaign off to a winning start.
A bus is running down to Duns with space for any supports who fancy a day out in the borders, this will be leaving the leisure centre at 1215.
One last thing, we have created a game bar squad to help on Saturdays between 4-6pm, we have 4 members signed up so far, however it would be great to have more numbers to spread throughout the season. Please if you are interested speak to Robbie, any members of the committee, DM or email us info@penicuikrugby.org
Have a great weekend
Cheers Gav
1xv
Last Saturday was a decent run out against Portobello, a close score line at half time was blown wide by the full time whistle. We’ve spoken with the Guinness book of records and they have confirmed the 30 penalties for high tackles is indeed a world record for a club side. For those players still not sure on the rules, click the photo below for details
That being said, our squad was ravaged by unavailabilities, which meant our 2xv players stepped up to the plate and we welcomed back Calum Tait & Robbie Mactaggart from retirement to help fill positions (there is rumour this won’t be their last game). Some great rugby was played when we had possession and we took our 3 tries well with some great running and offloading rugby.
To meet this weeks team, play the video below –
We still have players missing for the trip to the Castle Park Sports Ground. However, the summer recruitment has went well with Andy Hunter & Alan Haynes making their league debuts for Penicuik. Both are filling crucial positions at loose head and stand off.
We welcome back Sean Kitching and Luke Di Rollo who both missed the majority of last season, and its great to have Michael Holdgate back from his university career.
Mini Rugby
On Sunday our mini section are hosting their ‘bring a friend or 3’ open day. This kicks off at 11am with free morning rolls and hot drinks for parents throughout the morning and there is a rumor we might even feed the players.
For more details click here – https://penicuikrugby.org/portfolio-items/miniopenday
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RWC 2023
On Friday 8th September at 8:15pm, South Africa and New Zealand will kick off the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
This game (along with all Scotland’s games) and the majority of other games will be shown live in the clubhouse. For the event we have purchased and upgraded our projector to ensure large HD coverage of the event.
We hope as many members/supporters/friends/family can fill the clubhouse for the games to generate the atmosphere we all know brings excitement to all Scotlands rugby games.
This year we are also running a World Cup fantasy rugby league https://fantasy.rugbyworldcup.com Please use the unique code OXSNTCK6 to join the Penicuik League.
Jug of Beer for the overall winner…. ( or soft juice equivalent for u18’s)
In and Around the Clubhouse
Happy 50th to one of our mini coaches Dave Hay, who celebrated his big event in the club last Saturday. The lounge is available to members for bookings, there is no cost other than your membership to have been paid before your event. Speak to a member of the committee to make a booking.
Penicuik Rugby Principal Sponsors
Penicuik Rugby Player Sponsors
