Generation game for Strathaven rugby stars
Strathaven Rugby Club vicepresident Colin Dalgarno says the Armstrong family are a credit to themselves after an unusual feat in their 71-19 Tennent’s West Region League Division 2 over Stirling.
David Armstrong and his three sons, Craig, Drew and Stuart were all selected for the 1st XV squad.
It’s believed this is the first time four family members, across two generations, have featured in one matchday squad.
Craig grabbed a try in the match, and Drew grabbed a brace alongside Stuart Alder and Glen Neilson. Lewis Macsween and Joshua Morrison finished off the scoring of tries on a convincing afternoon.
Armstrong senior came off the bench alongside Stuart to cap off a stunning family feat on a great day for Strathaven.
And Dalgarno says the appearances during play were merited.
“It was really good to see them. I used to play rugby back in the day with David so to see him still playing with his boys now is brilliant,” he enthused,
“They are all a massive credit to the club. All four of them have had really good seasons, with a lot of Man of the Match performances from them all.
“It was really good. David’s the dad and then you have Craig and Drew who are regulars in the first team.
“His other boy, Stuart, has had a few appearances for the club this season.
“It’s the first time in our history we’ve had a family - a dad and three sons playing in a league fixture. Drew and Craig got tries so it was a good game for them.
“David has predominantly played for the second’s this season and three or four appearances for the first. Craig and
Drew play pretty much every fixture and Stuart has probably played half of them. “They’ve all had really good seasons.” Grant Neilson’s side finish off the season with games against Helensburgh and Wigtownshire over the next three weeks.
The team are currently in second spot behind leaders Cumnock and just ahead of Wigtownshire after the weekend win.
Dalgarno – who also acts as a firstteam coach and director – added: “It was a really good game from the boys and our structure is starting to come together. We have two more games left as the league has dragged on with cancellations, but the boys have done really well.
“We’re hoping for second place. It’s been a slog, but we have a lot of good young boys coming through and they are starting to be selected for the first team.”