Arran shine at rugby festival

A re-formed Arran Rugby Club outshone their opponents during a hard fought friendly match at the annual rugby festival held at the Ormidale Park on the Easter weekend.

Traditionally known as the Arran Rugby 7s, the festival changed format this year to a 15-a-side tournament, owing to many opposition teams being unable to attend due to league fixture commitments.

A team of Arran players, some of whom have not played a competitive game since being unable to muster a full league team last year, re-formed to host a day celebrating and enjoying ruby.

Playing against Ardrossan Academicals, who compete in the BT National League Division 3 team, Arran performed exceptionally well right from the start of the match and eventually dealt their opponents a defeat of 55 - 7 by the final whistle.

Ardrossan Academicals, who travelled over to Arran for the day, also experienced a lack of players which left two Arran players joining the team to even out the number of players.

Following the match a number of junior players took to the field to enjoy some rugby training under the watchful eyes of Scottish Rugby Union modern apprentice Euan Rains, who passed on tips about ball control passing, kicking and teamwork.

Supporters who remembered to bring their boots, and many that were enthused by the day’s play, took part in a kicking competition and a ball passing accuracy game on the sidelines.

Visitors, guests and supporters welcomed the return of seeing rugby taking place at the Ormidale Park, along with good food from Hooked and Cooked and unlimited refreshments from the beer tent which stayed open until late into the afternoon.

The re-formed Isle of Arran RFC pose for a team photograph prior to kick-off.

Referee Mark Whelan keeps a close eye on players during the scrum

Arran’s Jack McNally performs a textbook takedown while his team mates look on

Ardrossan Academicals featured a few Arran faces which helped to bolster numbers.

A large gathering of supporters who went along to support their team.

Coach Euan Rains joins his young players for a team photograph.

Arran hoists a player into the air to gain possession during a line-out.

The next generation of young rugby players practise their ball control skills.