Rugby shines in the Lochgilphead rain
THE ROPEWORK is more used to the round ball game, but last weekend the Lochgilphead pitch was the venue for a festival of junior rugby.
Mini rugby clubs in Argyll reached the half way stage of their 2017/18 Dalriada festival of rugby season after Saturday’s event, hosted by Mid Argyll RFC.
Ignoring persistent rain, a good crowd of supporters turned out to cheer on the boys and girls taking part in the fifth festival so far this season - after Oban Lorne, Etive Vikings, Isle of Mull and Kintyre had already hosted ahead of the October holidays.
Joining Mid Argyll on Saturday October 28 were teams from Oban Lorne and Kintyre as well as welcome visitors from further north, Lochaber RFC.
The scores from the festival were as follows: P4/5 category - Mid Argyll 3-1 Oban Lorne; Lochaber 5-0 Kintyre; Lochaber 5-0 Mid Argyll; Oban Lorne 2-4 Lochaber; Mid Argyll 5-1 Kintyre; Kintyre 0-4 Oban.
P6/7 category - Kintyre 5-4 Lochaber; Oban Lorne 5-2 Mid Argyll; Mid Argyll 5-6 Kintyre; Oban Lorne 4-1 Lochaber; Kintyre 3-3 Oban Lorne; Mid Argyll 2-1 Lochaber.
Mid Argyll and Lochaber also played an en- tertaining S1/2 fixture at 12-aside, with the hosts running out narrow 10-9 winners after resisting a strong fightback by the northern side.
Argyll and Bute rugby development officer Allan Wright said: ‘Saturday was a great day to finish off the first half of our season. I was delighted with the turnout of the teams in attendance and the standard of rugby on show was excellent, despite the weather conditions.
‘So far this season I have been particularly impressed with the improvements shown by Mid Argyll RFC who have fulfilled every fixture.
‘It has also been great to see the development of the mini rugby section at Kintyre, who are now becoming a welcome part of our programme.
‘Many thanks must to go all the players, coaches and parents who have made all these festivals possible so far this season.’
The Dalriada season will take a break over the winter months, before resuming at the end of February.
Lee Buckley of Mid Argyll Rugby Club said: ‘ A few clubs couldn’t make it, but players from Mull and Etive Vikings travelled and joined in with the other teams, showing great commitment to the game.’
He continued: ‘At the half way point in the season the Dalriada league tables stand with both Mid Argyll teams leading.
‘Well done to all our players and keep up the good work.’