GYTES GOSSIP
(PN 7 March 2008)
GYTES GOSSIP
M.A.D. Night v Melrose
Still seeking their first-ever win over the Greenyards men, Peebles
entertain Melrose at the Gytes tonight (Friday 7:30 KO).
This BSPC Border League contest is part of the re-arranged Charity Day
that had to be postponed on December 22.
While tonight’s visitors will be buoyed by Saturday’s 42-8 cup win
over holders Glasgow Hawks, not so Peebles who lost their Round 5 SHE tussle
20-38 at Haddington.
Duncan Macdonald celebrated his return to action with both of the
Red-and-whites’ tries, Donald Anderson’s boot contributing the other 10
points.
In contrast, Saturday at Neilson Park was the first time this season that both Drew Moore and Dan Boughtwood have been absent from Peebles’ ranks in the same game.
A couple of
quotes from our Director of Rugby last Saturday
When spotting his reflection in a mirror – “Is that my hair. It’s been
windy”
and “Taity’s steps must be improving as he’s not missed the salsa classes,
as I have”.
President George Shaw “I thought that we played well, and the guys that stepped in to cover injuries and non-availabilities put down a strong marker, and in Dale Clancy we have someone that can cover the scrum half position very well.”
One benefit of their cup exit however is that Peebles can now focus on
their remaining BSPC games. After Melrose tonight, they’re away to Langholm on
March 15. (The details of Kelso’s visit to the Gytes are still to be
confirmed.)
And of course there’s the matter of Peebles’ final two Premier III
fixtures on 22nd and 29th March.
Organisers of fans’ transport for the Murrayfield Wanderers game on the
22nd have asked that potential bus travellers should notify John Swanson of
their intentions now please.
It’s been noted that in Premier III only Gala remain in this season’s
cup following Saturday’s exit by Livingston, Morgan, Dunfermline, Berwick,
Perthshire and of course Peebles.
Shield news however is that Irvine and Ardrossan are through to Round 2,
Murrayfield Wanderers having lost while Kirkcaldy and Ellon had their games
postponed.
Despite Saturday’s disappointment, there’ll still be a couple of
Peebles players with a personal interest in results: they’re back row heroes
Andrew and Donald Sangster whose boyhood club Caithness have progressed to Round
3 in the Bowl courtesy of a 31-12 win over Strathmore.
Peebles’ Seconds will be at Hay Lodge Park tomorrow when the Corus men entertain Perthshire 2nds for the second time this season, having narrowly beaten them 22 points to 15 at the start of October. Kick off time to be confirmed –See team list in Peeblesshire News, on the web site, or Eastgate notice board.
The Colts/Development team will be on the road to Haddington in the Lochcarron East of Scotland League, where the Bryant Homes men will want to better the 1st team result of the previous week. KO details to be confirmed. See team list in Peeblesshire News, on the web site, or Eastgate notice board.
Whilst the Scottish team succumbed in Croke Park, the Scotland U19s triumphed in Milan, winning 32 points to 10. Although our own Ryan McConnell was initially credited with the only forwards’ score, it was eventually confirmed that his back row team mate, Ryan Wilson had scored. Gytes Gossip has learned that Ryan was only denied his own score by a matter of inches. So another good tick on Ryan’s rugby CV, and we hope he goes on for more.
.. and talking of internationals, the club will be showing Ireland v Wales, KO 1.15 PM and the Scotland v England Calcutta Cup KO 3.15 PM on the big screen in the Eastgate Clubrooms on Saturday and France v Italy at 3.00 PM on Sunday. Contact Gary Anderson for hospitality options.
And finally, David Paton was at last week’s game on crutches, but is hoping to return to action soon. Drew Moore and Neil Cruikshank are also both expected to return from injury soon whilst Dan Boughtwood’s hand currently in plaster following an unusual compound dislocation of his digit finger, hopes to be back in action for the final two league games on 22nd and 29th March.