Rugby players line-up to lend a helping hand

Oban Lorne RFC players and members are refusing to let the grass grow under their feet during the recent unprecedented sporting lay-off.

In fact, if you ask them nicely they may even cut it for you.

With all Scottish rugby fixtures postponed until further notice, the Green Machine is motoring on in another direction and offering to help any vulnerable members of the community, and those self isolating, with any chores that need doing.

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Oban Lorne RFC secretary Murray Hamilton explained: ‘We have unashamedly copied this idea from Stewarts Melville and have had a really positive response from players and members who are willing to help others in our community. Folk can email or message us via Facebook and we will rally some players to help in any way we can. We have players as far as Tyndrum who have put their hand up to help all the way down to one lad from Lochgilphead.

Vulnerable

‘If you are in a vulnerable group or are self isolating we have players ready and willing should you need any help with your groceries, medication or even taking your dog for a run.

‘We cannot guarantee toilet roll but we can help each other. Please do not hesitate to ask.’

Meanwhile bean counters at the Glencruitten-based club are looking into the financial repercussions of the unforced shut-down.

Last week Scottish Rugby announced a new £500,000 club hardship fund to offer assistance to grassroots rugby clubs facing cashflow and immediate financial challenges caused by coronavirus through lack of fixtures or pressures on other revenue streams.

‘We received the info about the fund and we have a meeting scheduled for the end of the month to discuss the issue,’ said Murray.

‘In between then and now we are going to look at the fund and check to see if we would qualify for any support.

‘The only obvious loss we will suffer is the revenue of the clubhouse. We are lucky to have such a great clubhouse, but with that comes running costs. There are no bookings during the suspension period, so we haven’t had to cancel anything but we are also not getting any footfall for home games.

Weekly revenue

‘Weekly revenue, keeping the clubhouse open covers our costs is essential to us

‘I expect many sports clubs will be in the same position, and it is great the SRU have recognised this and set money aside to help clubs.’

Email obanlornerfc@gmail.com or message via Facebook to let the club know what they can do for you.