Pre- Match Review – Week 12
It’s the opening game of 2023 and its great to welcome Langholm, Lismore and Watsonians as first footers.
2xv Ko 13:30
1xv Ko 14:00
This weekend we’ll hear from President Gav McQuillan, both head coaches, 1xv Captain Aidan Dean and a look at how our P5 mini side enjoyed the recent Edinburgh v Munster URC fixture. Get to know the player is 2xv raising star Jacob Lee and other features are the forthcoming fixtures and the 2022/23 senior player points.
Grab a coffee, sit back and relax and enjoy the read
Club President : Gavin McQuillan
After a long break it’s great to have both senior teams back in action this weekend.
We welcome unbeaten East 2 league leaders Langholm to Penicuik to play the firsts as they return to action having had nearly two months off!!! (The season structure has not helped anyone this year but that’s one for another day)
While the first meeting of the teams in early October was a very one sided affair I know that the guys will be hungry to make it a more competitive afternoon for our visitors. It’s been great to see how this very young team is starting to grow in confidence as the season progresses and I know how much a vocal home support helps them along.So please,if you can,why not pop down and lend your support and enjoy what promises to be an exciting game.
Our 2s continue to go from strength to strength and it’s great to see Martin and Matthew get their opportunity to step across to the 1s this weekend – best of luck lads.Manny has done a great job in organising both Lismore are Watsonians to visit us this Saturday for an afternoon of competitive rugby which will be perfect preparation for the local derby against Dalkeith next weekend.
So an amazing weekend of rugby ahead I look forward to a busy club house and seeing many of you around on Saturday. Cheers Gav
200 Club
Congratulations to Ross Mitchell who was Decembers 200 club winner and also to Alun Semple who won the Christmas Bonus draw.
If you would like to take part in the draw, the profits from which support the club and its rugby activities, please speak to Andy Mitchell or Andy Law.
Player Sponsorship
Thanks to everyone who has stepped forward and sponsored a player for season 2022/23. The new sponsors board is ready for printing, please check the foyer next time your in.
We look forward to welcoming all our sponsors for our sponsors day on January 21st, if you haven’t already replied to you email invite please let Gavin or Robbie know
To see all our player sponsors please check out the Squad sectionhttps://penicuikrugby.org/our-squad/ , click on the sponsors logo to be directed to their web page and coming soon to the website will be a sponsors directory which will encourage all members to use when they looking for services.
Director of Rugby : Mark Blair
Penicuik 1xv v Langholm
The game earlier in the season we let Langholm get into their running game and the scoreline of 53-8 represented that. That said we travelled down with only 17 bodies due to last notice call-off’s and the physical nature of Langholm took its toll.
Langholm are in fantastic form and rightly sit at the top of the league, last season we fought out a 24-24 draw at home where the win could have gone to any side in the final minutes and we know how tough today will be.
The boys haven’t kicked a ball since November the 12th where we recorded a good 43-12 win over Hawick Linden, all knocks should now have worn off and its been great to almost have a full squad to select from. I know the boys are desperate for a good run out following the extended festive break and the game hopefully will demonstrate that.
This is the first of 5 important games which will ultimately determine our season and I hope the boys are tuned into that.
Weekend Squad
I’ve been able to select the same pack that was supposed to have faced Dalkeith in the cancelled Christmas derby and its great to call up Matt Randall from the 2XV for the bench who has been on fantastic form since returning to the club this season. In the backs, Tom Barker returns from his ankle injury and starts at 13 and Dan Mackintosh steps back into the Full Back position for Oscar who has work commitments
Here’s the rest of todays league fixtures
2xv coach : Rich Mann
Penicuik 2xv 26 v 7 Ross High 2xv
Tries : A.McCormick, G.Borthwick, J.Cartwright, A.Dean
Con : McCormick (3)
Pens :
Last time out on the 3rd of December we recorded a strong 26-7 win over Ross High which secured a top 6 finish ahead of the league split. Dates to be confirmed against Currie, Watsonians, Preston Lodge, Haddington and one more (to be decided). Obviously we were disappointed the Christmas derby at Dalkeith was cancelled, we had 2 strong sides selected and were looking forward to all traveling through on the 140 bus for some fun on and off the pitch.
So although no league game today its been excellent in being able to arrange a Tri-Series with Lismore 2xv and Watsonians 3XV, something similar to earlier in the season with Aberfeldy and Lismore when all 3 of us had games cancelled that morning.
These shortened games are ideal to give the guys well deserved rugby time and ensures the club remains busy aswell.
Weekend Squad
With his recent form Matt Randall has been called up to the 1xv along with Martin Pritchard, and both deserve selection. Jon Cartwright is down from university for the holidays and fills in the back row and we welcome Butch Forester to the team for his first appearance.
League Table
1xv captain : Aidan Dean
Big welcome back to the boys. No doubt all return in peak fitness after the festive period.
Last run out for the 1s was a nice BP win against Hawick Linden. This weekend we are up against the high flying Langholm, we know what they will bring to the game and that we will have to match up to that to come away with a result.
Thursday’s training session was one of the best run throughs we have had and I’m confident we can replicate that on the pitch.
Great to see a strong and full 2nd’s run out and hope they do the business.
I’m off for another sunbed, see you on the field.
Meet the player
Jacob Lee
Sponsored by : “Available for Sponsor”
Jacob is the latest youngster to come through our mini & midi section. Having also made use of our tartan touch sessions, Jacob has quickly taken to senior rugby after playing alongside some of our older players at the touch rugby.
A very promising start to the season was put on hold following a shoulder injury sustained against Currie whilst setting up a try, however his last 2 outings has shown some great potential for the future.
Position : Fullback
Age : 18
Favourite chat group : Any chat that involves going to the pub
Last song listened Spotify/Apple musics etc : All the small things – blink-182
Current box set watching : Family Guy
Current job : Apprentice Service Desk Analyst
Who do you sit next to in changing room : Whoever’s there
Tell us something your team mates don’t know : In high school I tried to kick a ball, I missed the ball and kicked the ground so hard I broke my foot. Was in a cast for 2 weeks only to be told it was never actually broken
Mini/Midi Rugby This January
Here are the Mini fixtures and U16 fixtures for January. We have fixtures for our U14 and waiting for confirmation before posting
In and around the Club House
Just before Christmas, our mini’s coach Dave Robertson took his P5 team to the Dam Stadium stadium for the URC match against Munster. All the young players had a great time and despite the scoreline would all go back. Here’s a short video of their evening out
Some new items have been added to the club shop including these leisure tops https://tinyurl.com/Penicuik-Rugby-Shop
Its almost 6 Nations time. We are looking to show as much of the championship live in the clubhouse. Please make the club your first point of call to watch the games.
Members Special Offer
2022/23 Player Points
At midway point 2xv Stand Off Ally McCormick has taken top points spot from Oscar Malone. Both players now have 5 games left to see who finishes at the top for end of season.
Joint 5th is Aidan Dean also on 30pts
Next Week
January Fixtures
Penicuik Rugby Principal Sponsors
Penicuik Rugby Player Sponsors
