The season has already got off to an exciting start both on and off the field of play and I am very pleased to report that Madras Rugby is in good health.

After a demanding pre-season schedule, the 1st XV have already posted two impressive wins following on from their success as runners up in the Fife Cup last month. Madrascals have already hosted a very successful tournament and have great numbers attending training on Saturday mornings. Despite only being back in training for week or so, the SLM Blues started their Conference campaign last Saturday with strong performances across the board.

The success of a club such as ours and the enjoyment derived by all teams from playing the game of rugby in a Madras Rugby shirt is only possible with the selfless commitment of an army of volunteers both on and off the pitch. Too often this commitment is not fully recognised or fully appreciated and I would like to publicly thanks all who help at Madras Rugby in whatever capacity; the club would not function without your support and efforts. There is always scope for more help and volunteers are always welcome in whatever capacity.

The other exciting development is the refurbishment of our clubhouse which has been repainted and is in the process of having a new floor laid and new toilets installed. Furthermore, we are repairing the club car park and looking iin to an aces system that will allow exclusive use of this car park to members during matches and training.

I look forward to seeing you on pitch, on the sidelines and in the clubhouse over the course of what is going to be a great season for the whole of Madras Rugby Club.

Colin McAdam

(President)

SENIOR SECTION UPDATE

After a successful, physical and well attended pre-season campaign which included fitness tests, fast flowing game scenarios and even a ‘dook’ in the North Sea, first team coaches Rob Dewey and Daniel Cooper were in a positive frame of mind going into the 2019-20 season and this was reflecting onto the players and their attitudes towards training and team ethos.

During mid-August, the team took part in the newly formed Fife Festival of Rugby at Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy. The team set out from the start the brand of quick paced, free flowing rugby which they intended to play this season. After a well-attended competitive tournament from all Fife based teams, Madras unfortunately fell in the final to a strong Kirkcaldy side but the valuable game time would set the side up for the forthcoming league and cup matches.

The first league match took place 31st August at Harris Academy FPRFC, Dundee. For the first time in many years, Madras were able to utilize players from the previous years U18 squad. Hector Long, Gregor Stirling and Harry Dunstan were selected alongside 1stXV stalwarts Storm Hughes, Gary Coultherd and Ian Turnbull in their first completive senior match. Heavy rain and strong gusty winds led to difficult playing conditions for both sides. Madras went into half time up 5-10 after tries from Jon Price and Coultherd but shortly after the second half kicked off it was Harris who took the lead 12-10 after some physical play. Madras defended heroically throughout as Harris continuously knocked on the door of the try line but then Madras sparked to life creating an opportunity from well within their own half. After a series of strong surges through the Harris defence, it was centre replacement Jamie Ingledew who burst through and over the try line for a converted score taking the final score to 12-17. It had been a few years since Madras had come away from the Dundee’s side ground with a win and it started the season off nicely.

The following week, Madras entertained the newly reformed Stobswell RFC at fortress Station Park in the first round of the Caledonia Midlands Bowl. Madras blew away their opponents 94-7 with the game cut short to 60mins. Credit must go to a spirited and dogged Stobswell team who were up against it all afternoon. Madras’ power and expansive game proved too much to handle and onwards into the second round the team marched.

The second league game took place 14th September at home to DUMS (Dundee University Medics). In previous years Madras had struggled to cope with the student’s style of play and were looking to turn their fortunes around this time out. Madras entered the game with a full, strong squad which was formed from a mixture of youth and experience. This blend of players created a great mix and confidence was high after a positive start to the season. Both sides were up for the occasion and 80mins of end to end action was to follow. The Medics were first on the score sheet thanks to a try from there talented fullback. Madras responded quickly through a try from centre Mark Methven but it was again DUMS who extended their score as their fullback went in for his brace. After a bruising first half it was Madras trailing 12-5 at half time. Shortly after the half time whistle, a weaving run from inside his own half led to a try from home fullback Jon Price, leaving young stand-off Hector Long with a straightforward conversion. Madras pulled level 12-12. DUMS fullback then added his third try of the day and Methven added his second taking the score to 17-19 in DUMS favour. In the last play of the game and after a series of Madras onslaughts, the ball was shipped to Gregor Stirling to dive over and claim the 22-19 victory for the boys in blue. An inspiring and exciting match which delighted coaches, players and supporters alike.

Next up and the final game of September, Madras travelled to face an unbeaten Falkirk side on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The weather was perfect for a fast-expansive game which would be right up Madras’ street. Missing several first team regulars, some positional changes and veteran call ups were required. A robust Falkirk pack were tough to handle but Madras’ backs were a cut above their hosts. Scores were tied 21 all at half time with Madras fullback Jon price contributing a wonderful first half brace of tries and abrasive prop Graham Hynd leading the charge for the forwards and scoring a quick thinking try. The second half proved to be slightly more one sided, with both Madras backs and forwards getting in on the try scoring action. A special mention to veteran prop Andrew Rae who played the full 80mins and even scored underneath the sticks to cap an inspiring day for the well respected Madras man. Madras eventually ran out 26-47 winners in a game in which their hosts could not compete with the pace and accuracy of the play.

Four wins from four competitive matches is exactly what captain Storm Hughes and coaches Dewey and Cooper were after. Training numbers have been consistent thus far with new players turning up weekly, wanting to become part of the Madras scene. Hard work, honesty and respect have been paramount to the successful start this season which will hopefully roll on into the month of October.

Mark Methven

MADRASCALS UPDATE

The Madrascals mini-rugby section (primary 1-7) has enjoyed a promising start to the new season. With over 100 players signed up across the various age groups, the season began with a successful home tournament at Station Park. The kids then travelled to Edinburgh Accies and Dunfermline, having fun and gaining valuable competition experience along the way. Training on a Saturday morning focuses on building core skills and team work and is coordinated by our many volunteer coaches and parents who contribute their time each weekend. Several Madrascals went to Murrayfield last month as mascots to the Varsity match between St Andrews and Edinburgh. The kids had a great experience and our thanks go to the university sports department for the opportunity to take part. Finally, we are very grateful to our new kit sponsors Allanhill Farming Company and also to Dominos and Richmond Sports for their additional sponsorship this season.

Neil Birnie

NORTH EAST FIFE RUGBY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Growing rugby in St Andrews is an exciting prospect. Recognising the resources, facilities, passion and potential available throughout the town, Scotland Rugby have recently partnered with Madras Rugby, St Leonard’s School and the University of St Andrews in the appointment of a Rugby Development Officer to cover North East Fife. Following a thorough recruitment process by representatives of all the town’s rugby institutions, including Madras Rugby, the successful candidate, Callum Parsons, demonstrated his skills for presenting a strategic and clear coaching pathway to officials and coaches along with a practical session delivered to players from the University’s 1st XV. Callum’s playing career to date has seen him Captain Abertay University, during which time as a volunteer coach, he was instrumental in significantly increasing participation levels within Harris Academy, Dundee, such that the school went from fielding one school team to three, all within the space of a year. More recently he has been on the team at the Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust which has seen him working on development programmes and projects delivered to Primary and Secondary age pupils as well children and adults with disabilities and additional needs. Through previous work with Glasgow Sport and Abertay University, Callum has applied his knowledge and skills in line with Scottish Rugby’s Technical Blueprint to manage a busy schedule developing student coaches and players as well as volunteer coaches.

Callum will be working hard for and alongside coaches, players and volunteers within St Andrews to grow and sustain rugby throughout the town and provide boys, girls, women and men of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to engage in rugby and reap the health benefits and values the game provides.

Rhodri Price

SLM BLUES UPDATE

The Blues have had a good start to the season with good competitive matches in the Grandis Schools Conference. The U15's are the star performers so far winning 3 and drawing 1 game. It has been great to see boys out for the U18's, a lot of the squad are guys who are returning to rugby after an absence or starting fresh which is great to see. Numbers are growing at U13 and U14 and the future looks good as we build to having full squads at all age groups over the next few years. U13 especially have a good mix of Madras, Waid and St. Leonards boys which has been the hallmark of Blues squads over the years.

Andrew Turnbull

RUGBY CLUB ANNUAL BALL

Tickets for the annual ball are now available for what promises to be a night of high entertainment & glitz. This year we are using https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/madras-rugby-ball-tickets-72482564301 for ticket purchases.

RUGBY CLUB LUNCH

We are very pleased to report that the club lunch planned for Saturday the 30th of November for the crunch match against Panmure is an absolute sell out! We are considering doing another event soon to make up to those who unfortunately couldn’t get tickets.

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Newsletter October 2019

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