Gytes Gossip

Tomorrow Glenrath Farm Eggs sponsored Peebles are at home again – this time to face Murrayfield Wanderers who lie just above Peebles in the table by dint of a better points difference. The players and coaches are again hoping for a large crowd to encourage the team and spur them on to another win – the match kicks-off at 3:00pm. The match is sponsored by The Jerseystretchers a group of ex-players and loyal fans of Peebles RFC who as their name suggests are well acquainted with good beer and good food both of which will be in ample supply in the clubrooms tomorrow.

The seconds sponsored by FIRST XV and rugbystuff.com are on the road to Hawthornden for an RBS Reserve League East 1 fixture against Lasswade 2nds – kick-off is 3:00pm for travelling fans.

The Colts supported by BARC have arranged a friendly fixture this weekend against Selkirk Youth Club at Selkirk – kick-off is 3:00pm for travelling fans.

This coming Sunday - 9th September - the club under-16 side has a Border under-16 league fixture at home to Berwick under-16s – kick-off is at 1:00pm down at the Gytes.

Last Saturday Glenrath Farm Eggs sponsored Peebles hosted old foes Haddington for their first home match in the new RBS Championship League B – the match being sponsored by Jim and Fiona Currie who entertained a large number of friends and office bearers from the visiting club for the pre-match buffet lunch. Having suffered at the hands of Musselburgh the week before, the boys were determined to make amends in front of their own crowd. After a good start Peebles caused one or two hearts to flutter at times when chances went a-begging but came through in the end by 30 – 18 – the winning try coming courtesy of Neil Hogarth in stoppage time with the last move of the game. A barnstorming performance by Matt Carryer, who played like a man possessed, in all phases of the game be it big hits, scrummaging or big ball carries, all topped off with two tries, earned him the Peebles ‘Man of the Match’ award. A good result for the ‘Gytes Men’ but there are still a number of rough edges to be smoothed off – and a number of players on the injured list to return to the fray – hopefully for tomorrow.

The seconds sponsored by FIRST XV and rugbystuff.com travelled down to Riverside Park for an RBS Reserve League East 1 match with Jedforest A – unfortunately losing an entertaining encounter by 28 – 31.

The Colts supported by BARC were in action at Hay Lodge Park last Thursday evening when they played host to Biggar Colts – losing an open and entertaining game 28 – 14.

On Sunday the club under-16 side were at Hawick in action against the local Albion under-16s in the Border Under-16 league - unfortunately they lost heavily by 62 – 21.

The club is still looking for sponsors – especially for the senior players if you are interested in becoming a club sponsor please contact either

Gerard Bony - e: gerard.bony@btinternet.com t: 01721 723977 or

David Swan - e: swansnest@lineone.net t: 07976 774279

Both of whom can provide you with details of the packages which are available or look up sponsorship on the club website.

During September the Eastgate Clubrooms will be the venue for a coffee morning on Saturday 29th from 10:00am till 12 noon - usual stalls - The Christmas Lights Association will be raising funds to ensure that Peebles has its usual colourful display over the festive period – members are asked to support this event.

Tuesday saw the start of a new jive course in the Eastgate Clubrooms run by Le Roc – contact E-mail: chalky@lerocscotland.com web www.lerocscotland.com

Fixture cards and membership cards are now being delivered to all members who have paid or pay their subscriptions. For those still to pay, forms are available from the Eastgate Clubrooms, Membership Secretary or download from the PRFC web site www.peeblesrfc.org.. Supporting Members are required to show their membership card at the Gytes to gain entry on Saturdays; otherwise they will be charged the standard admission due as will those who have not yet paid, so don’t forget to bring your cards.

Booker Wholesale at Galashiels is again the Border League Sponsor in which Peebles have already played their first fixture, a high scoring game against Melrose. As part of their sponsorship, Booker will welcome members of all the Border League Clubs at their premises in Galashiels. All you need to take advantage of their wholesale prices is a current PRFC membership card and a current PRFC fixture card. The quicker you pay your subscription, the quicker you will be able to take advantage of this special exclusive offer to Border League Clubs and their members.

This season, Thomson’s Catering Van will be on site at the Gytes for every 1st team home game with their wide selection of hot filled rolls and hot & cold beverages.

A new rugby course is starting in Peebles for children aged 2-5 years old under the watchful eye of Kymm Anderson.

Rugbytots was started in 2006 to fill a gap in the child development sector by using Rugby specific skills to aid in the development of young children. Kymm is former 1st XV player Scott Anderson's wife and is currently undertaking a coaching qualification so the "tots" will be in great hands. The programme has been designed to develop your child’s physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as gently encouraging rugby specific skills such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try and much more. A taster session will be held at the Gytes on Sunday 23rd of September:-

Juniors: 9.15am - 9.45am, 2 - 3.5 years old, Seniors: 10am - 10.45am, 3.5 - 5 years old

The Autumn course will then kick off on Saturdays starting on Saturday 29th September at the same times and place as above running until 03.11.12. Classes are restricted to a maximum of 12 and are £6.00 per child.

To find out more please visit rugbytots.co.uk Rugby Tots is not directly affiliated to Peebles RFC but should be a great way of introducing your kids to rugby at an early age, Peebles Piranhas cater for children from P1 - P7.

The Old Parish Church was well-filled on Tuesday morning when the funeral of Stewart Aitchison – who so tragically died on 24th August – took place. Members of a number of Borders clubs who knew Stewart from his playing and coaching days were in attendance as well as a large number of locals and a big contingent from Peebles RFC. Following the service Stewart was laid to rest in Peebles Cemetery where a large crowd was also in attendance.