GYTES GOSSIP
(PN 22 February 2008)
GYTES GOSSIP
Contrasting Cup Fortunes
If Peebles can justifiably take pride in their league progress this
season, Saturday saw them additionally take confident steps along the latest
national cup trail.
What a contrast to the equivalent stage last year when the Red-and-whites
could only master a solitary Ollie Fahey try as they slumped to an early cup
exit in Perth.
This time however, the rejuvenated Gytes men – despite the absence of
both first-choice centres Craig Borthwick and Duncan MacDonald – marched into
the 5th round of the SHE National Cup competition courtesy of a 4-try
victory at East Kilbride.
Whilst the first three Peebles’ tries came from players who’ve been
free-scoring in this
season’s Premiership campaign – Dale Clancy, Donald Sangster and Trevor Keen
– not so the final try-scorer at Torrance House, No 14 Craig Hunter.
For injury meant that the winger could only make his return to top-team
action on Saturday after an absence that dated back to the home game v Ardrossan
in
mid-September.
Prior to their Round Five tie on March 1st, this weekend brings Peebles
their opening joust in the Borders Solicitors Property Centre Border League when
they confront Jed at Riverside Park. (Check teamlist for details.)
Meanwhile, Peebles’ final two Premiership opponents this season enjoyed
contrasting cup fortunes on Saturday.
While Murrayfield Wanderers lost 5-60 at home to Gala, Livingston did
well to prevail by 27-24 at Irvine.
More of a mystery however was Ellon’s 10-12 defeat at Dumfries – not to mention Kirkcaldy’s 36-0 thumping by Morgan!
Last Friday afternoon, the Scotland U19 side to play Italy in Parabiago, Milan on 23rd February appeared on the SRU web site. The Peebles RFC President, Committee, players and members were delighted to find that Ryan McConnell had been selected to start at hooker tomorrow. We wish Ryan all the best in as he wins his debut cap, and we are sure that he will do the club, his parents and family and his home town, Innerleithen, proud when he plays on Saturday.
Another Last Friday story. In the club, there was a surprise 70th birthday party for none other than Daniel T Ward, well known in Peebles for many reasons including Peebles RFC player, colts and youths coach, long time member of Peebles Silver Band, founder member of Peebles Jazz Festival, Warden of Neidpath, the list goes on. We hope he had a blast. Knowing Dan, he would not be speechless.
Colts fans should note that tomorrow sees Peebles again visit the capital in The Lochcarron East of Scotland League with the opposition being Edinburgh BATS.
Tomorrow Scotland play Ireland at Croke Park with a 5 PM kick off as they try to get their 6 nations campaign back on track with a win. The game will be on the big screen on the Eastgate. Come along and join the throng as we cheer on Scotland through the magic of television.
Gytes
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