Rugby pupils try harder
Loudoun, Belmont and Auchinleck Academies took the honours in the finals of the Ayrshire Schools Rugby Cups at Rugby Park, writes Callum Kerr.
The schools involved included some of the bright young talent Ayrshire has to offer but Belmont Academy were team to beat after reaching all three finals.
The U13 final saw Loudoun beat Belmont 31- 22. But Belmont made amends when they took the U14s beat Auchinleck Academy in a game that was tied at 28- 28 before Belmont snatched victory with seconds to spare.
The night concluded with the U16s which saw Auchinleck beat Belmont 17- 14.
The evening was organised by the Scottish Rugby Union’s Ayrshire Development Officers alongside the schools involved.
Stuart Fenwick, Ayr Community Trust Rugby Development Officer, said: “We have seen a lot of great rugby with exciting players on show.
“It’s very important to get kids involved in sport and in particular rugby – you gain life skills such as team work and communication, as well as the health benefits.”
Scottish rugby’s schools and youth manager for Glasgow south, Glen Tippett, added: “We want to keep building the sport up and continue creating that link in Ayrshire between schools and local rugby clubs.
“This night wouldn’t have been possible without all who were involved. We thank all the volunteers, the local authorities, the teachers at the schools and Kilmarnock FC for lending us their great stadium.”