RUGBYUNION

Fifty years ago this month, Highland Harlequins lifted the inaugural Simpson Memorial Cup in Elgin.

The Harlequins, Highland’s third string, defeated their Gordonians counterparts to win the tournament for north rugby’s lower XVs in March 1970.

The Quins came from behind to defeat HMS Fulmar 2nds in the first game, before tries from Alister MacKenzie and George Halliday (2) helped the Highland side to victory against Gordonians 3rd XV in the final.

It was a proud moment for Quins captain Peter Mitchell, who was playing his final game for the club before moving to Caithness to become editor of the Caithness Courier.

The trophy was presented by Mrs M Simpson, wife of the late Sammy Simpson, a former Moray Rugby Club vice-president.

The Highland Harlequins team, pictured from left to right, was as follows: back row – Cliff Parr, Ian Urquhart, Rob McPhee, Brian Lipton, John MacGregor, Ken Whyte, Hugh MacDonald, George Halliday, Duncan Smith, Colin MacKay.

Front – Ian Marland, Ian Montgomery, Peter

Mitchell (captain), Alister MacKenzie, Cameron Cleland, Gordon McNab.

Moray player Ian Urquhart guested for the Quins in the final after Colin MacKay had been injured in the earlier clash with 2nd Fulmar.