Match Day Programme PL V Glasgow Accies, 3 Dec 2022

Wee message from our President ……..

Welcome to The Pennypit for today’s National League Division 2 fixture. A warm welcome to our visitors from Glasgow Accies. It’s always great to be back home at The Pennypit. Let’s roar the boys on today. Big shout out too for our 2nd XV who make the short trip to Watsonians; looking for another big performance. Thank you to everyone who supported last Saturday’s Quiz Night. Johnston put in a huge shift creating the rounds. Congratulations to ‘The Broons’ who won. Not long now until our Christmas Night (17 December). Please secure your tickets at the bar or via our socials.

Our friends at Trailer Trash are back pitchside today with their amazing burgers. Hot drinks are available from our own PL Pitstop.

Our U16s girls are off to Finals Day again this year. All the action will be at The Oriam tomorrow. Very best of luck to everyone. Here’s to another great day of rugby at The Pennypit. Please join us back at the clubhouse afterwards.

Simon Fairbairn

Luke Reynolds sponsored by Archie McEwen 1 Philip Farren

Raymond Mackie sponsored by Dynamic Property Solutions 2 Tom Blackhall

Harris Weir sponsored by The Weir Family 3 Dominik Grzymkowski

Chris Dixon Sponsored by Joe Ray 4 Max Hutcheon

Jack Pollard sponsored by T.ward Shipping Ltd 5 Kane Greggain

Murray Ferguson available to sponsor 6 Harry Briggs

Eck Allan sponsored by WBA BB Criminal Defence Solicitors 7 James Evans

Jack Gordon (C) sponsored by Pat & Gerry O’Brien 8 Matthew Holland

Dale Gordon Sponsored by One For The Road 9 Benjamin Molloy

Scott Clark sponsored by East Air Conditioning 10 Conor Niblock

Nathan Ross available to sponsor 11 Jack McCready

Blair Robertson sponsored by Brian Robertson 12 Gregor MacEwen

Fraser Falgate Sponsored by The Muppets 13 Mosa Al Bedri

Finlay Hughes sponsored by Dynamic Property Services 14 Colin Taylor

Ali Steele sponsored by Stan Murray Zmijewski 15 Ross Cowan

Paul Dixon sponsored by Colin & Anne Marie Dixon 16 Jack Seviour

Lachlan Graham sponsored by ‘THE’ Ladies 17 Declan Papadakis

Scott Brown Sponsored by The Brown Family 18

Aaron Morton available to sponsor 19 Finlay Neilson

Our thoughts are with the family & friends of the late, great Doddie Weir.

NEIL CLYDE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

I played my first game for PL rugby club in 1984 at the age of 15 on the wing for the 3rd XV against Royal High at the Jock’s Lodge pitches. I remember it well, as I was still at school and thought all my Christmases had come at once when the card came through the post on the Friday (yep selection cards were posted out to all 5 teams!). I continued playing for the first XV on and off up until 2004, when I retired from competitive rugby. A few years were spent on the touchline next to Rod Allan, but for the sake of my hearing I had to take up another role and have been strength and conditioning coach for the club for the last 4 seasons. I played my final game last year (against my better judgement) so I think after 38 years it’s time to hang the boots up or perhaps burn them, just to make sure…

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE

On behalf of all senior players and our coaching tea, I would like to welcome you to Pennypit Park. Last season was a real crazy one. Coming back after COVID, no team really knew where they stood. After a long discussion our key aim was to survive in the league given a few players and coaches had moved on. That suddenly took a turn after a great win against promotion favourites, Stew Mel and we embarked on a 7 game unbeaten run. This really showed what great character and team spirit we had last season. Unfortunately, we just missed out on promotion but finished strongly in 5th with some great wins to remember.

This season we will be looking for a higher place finish and hopefully pushing for promotion. We have had outstanding commitment from the boys at training and great to see some familiar faces return to the club with a good number of colts coming through. We’ve set our standards and team goals about where we want to be and get to over the next few years. I feel this really showed against premiership Musselburgh; taking the win in the Jardine cup. This meant a lot to us and the club. We also have a great coaching environment with Steedy, Clydie, Davie and Brady continuing their roles also the bonus of spud (John Anderson) & Blair Cowan helping with scrum, lineout and breakdown work, and Fraser Woods coming in as our media manager and fellow team manager. The work these guys have put in should not go unnoticed. It has been nothing short of outstanding.

We are mainly a very young team with some experienced heads which is great, but more importantly we have a lot of boys who are hungry to learn and improve. We are pushing hard to get out 2 competitive teams this year and looking to give you all something to cheer about . As always, your support it’s massively appreciated, and we would all love to see as many of you down at the Pennypit on match day.

Thanks again,

Jack JACK GORDON

Proud sponsor of Jack Pollard

The very best of luck to our girls U16 squad at Finals Day tomorrow. #eastlothiangirlsrugby #oneclubonecommunity #driveonpl

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FOR THE SEASON

Welcome back to Preston Lodge and the Pennypit as the 2022/23 season gets underway. After a glorious summer I think everyone is ready to get back to a bit of rugby A new season to build our hopes for the coming campaign and look forward to all the best this great game of ours can deliver.

Last year yielded a fifth place finish in the league which after two seasons lost to the pandemic was a great result; we started out focusing on simply securing our place in the league and ended up delivering a great string of results with many memorable games on route against some very tough competition. At no point though did we look in danger of dropping and instead at points the prospect of promotion was tantalisingly close.

This season we find ourselves in great spirits with high hopes for the campaign ahead. A lot of hard work and prep has already been invested so we’re all primed to dive straight into the campaign ahead. Mark Steedman has stepped up to the Director of Rugby role, we’ve expanded our coaching team and a lot of hard yards have been put in the training field. Again, we continue our programme of investment in the game with new rucking shields, turtle pads, crash pads, step ladders and even GPS all lined up to help us get the best out of training. This has undoubtedly helped all our teams train harder and more effectively and our senior team has never been in better shape. The road ahead is looking positive.

However, before the season properly gets underway, it goes without saying, a huge thank to you the many, many people for all the support they give in making the club what it is. To our generous sponsors, a hard working committee, the volunteers and parents who give up time to help out and of course all the players from the youngest mini to the oldest senior player To you all, you have my deepest thanks. Without your tireless support and contribution, none of this would be possible.

So here’s to the season ahead, with high hopes, big ambitions, and a big does of optimism for what this year’s campaign will bring.

Simon Fairbairn

Sunday morning at The Pennypit is the place to be for fun, engaging rugby sessions. Sessions are open to all kids P1 P7 and help build teamwork, communication, co ordination, balance, throwing, catching and problem solving.

Follow our socials, @prestonlodgerfc, @plpirates for full details. Most sessions are 10.30 11.30 am, Sundays at The Pennypit. Drop us a message anytime at prestonlodgeminirugby@gmail.com

Mini Section

Davy & Lynsey Scott

Mini Rugby Convenors

Rugby Development Officer

The youth boys’ programme is now in full swing as is the mini section. All squads are back at training and The School of Rugby at the high school has restarted. We have a major increase in numbers for The School of Rugby across all age groups which is fantastic. We plan to run programmes at the primary schools as soon as possible. Each age group now has a programme to work on this term leading up to Christmas.

Some of our boys are currently playing at representational level with East Lothian Falcons. One of the lads is currently with the Scotland U18 squad which is a fantastic achievement. Our aim for the season is to keep developing skills and increasing numbers within age groups.

The School of Rugby programme continues in partnership with Preston Lodge High School. This is a long established relationship on which we continue to build. Anyone looking to join the squads or get involved with the School of Rugby can drop me a message at plrfcdevofficer@gmail.com.

Dom Coertzer

VOLUNTEERS

A huge thank you to everyone who offers their help at Preston Lodge RFC. It takes a huge effort to manage a rugby club & it’s impossible without you. Please give us a shout if you can help in any way.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership packages are available now. Drop Carol Quinn a message with any queries, plrfcmemberbership@gmail.com. Please ensure you send Carol a completed form to help ensure your details are up to date and we comply with data protection issues.

SPONSORSHIP @ PLRFC

Debbie Hare our Business Development Manager, plrfcbusiness@gmail,com is always happy to discuss our sponsorship package We can all do our bit by networking across our personal and professional contacts.

BOOKING THE FUNCTION HALL

The clubhouse can be booked for a variety of events including birthdays, engagements, weddings, baby showers, gender reveals and many more. Drop our diary coordinator a message at plrfcgrangebookings@gmail.com

Book seats on the away team bus via our Facebook page or speak to Gemma.

PLRFC ON TOUR

Did someone say road trip?

Proud sponsor of Scott Clark

Jack Gordon (C)

Finlay Hughes (VC)

PLAYER SPONSOR BOARD 2022/23

Pat & Gerry O’Brien

Dynamic Property Solutions

Jack Pollard T ward shipping Ltd

Luke Reynolds Archie McEwan

Blair Robertson Brian Robertson

Paul Glynn

Morgan Foulner

The Glynns & Guineys

Prestongrange Decor

James Johnstone Rod Allan

Jordan Hare Shampoodles Dog Grooving

Raymond Mackie

Dynamic Property Solutions

Paul Dixon Colin & Anne-Marie Dixon

Scott Thomson

Signature Security Solutions

Scott Clark East Air Conditioning

Jamie Gallagher

Frank & Gillian Gallagher

Ryan Clark Karen & David Clark

Scott Brown Sheila & Billy Brown

Allan Whittingham

Joe Ray

Jack Quinn Dean Quinn

Eck Allan WSA BB Criminal Defence Lawyers

Cameron Simpson

J Hastie & Son

Blair Cowan East Air Conditioning

Ciaran Foulner

Harris Weir

Chris Dixon

Ali Steele

Prestongrange Decor

Weir Family

Joe Ray

Stan Murray Zmijewski

Dale Gordon One For The Road

Gus Hillhouse

Fraser Falgate

Tam Jardine

The Muppets

Lachlan Graham ‘THE’ Ladies

Proudly sponsoring

Scott Thomson

GIRLS’ RUGBY AT PRESTON LODGE RFC

Our girls continue to grow as a squad playing across U14, U16 & U18 age groups. This is one of the fastest growing areas of the game. Last season our U16s made it all the way to Murrayfield as Scottish Cup finalists .

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!!

The squads generally train Mondays & Wednesdays. Drop the coaches an email for further details eastlothiangirlsrugby@gmail.com

Proud sponsor of Jordan Hare

Proudly supporting Preston Lodge RFC & Proud sponsor of Morgan & Ciaran Foulner

SATURDAY 03 DECEMBER 2022

CARTHA QUEENS PARK RFC 2:00 PM LASSWADE RFC DUMFRIES SAINTS RFC 2:00 PM BOROUGHMUIR KIRKCALDY RFC 3:00 PM FALKIRK RFC NEWTON STEWART RFC 2:00 PM BERWICK RFC PEEBLES RFC 3:00 PM HAMILTON BULLS PRESTON LODGE RFC 2:00 PM GLASGOW ACCIES

SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2022

BERWICK RFC 43 – 26 PRESTON LODGE RFC BOROUGHMUIR A – A KIRKCALDY RFC Injury

Match has been abandoned, match has been rescheduled to 04/02/2023 FALKIRK RFC 75 18 CARTHA QUEENS PARK RFC GLASGOW ACADEMICALS RFC13 7D UMFRIES SAINTS RFC HAMILTON BULLS 11 – 30 NEWTON STEWART RFC LASSWADE RFC 13 – 7 PEEBLES RFC

CURRENT LEAGUE TABLE

Team Played W L D F:A Diff TB LB Points

Glasgow Academicals RFC 10 8 2 0 293 : 127 166 5 1 38

Falkirk RFC 10 8 2 0 325 : 181 144 5 0 37

Peebles RFC 10 7 3 0 252 : 181 71 5 2 35

Newton Stewart RFC 10 7 3 0 235 : 136 99 6 0 34

Berwick RFC 10 5 5 0 240 : 237 3 4 2 26

Preston Lodge RFC 10 5 5 0 233 : 245 12 5 1 26

Kirkcaldy RFC 9 5 4 0 241 : 246 5 4 0 24

Dumfries Saints RFC 10 5 5 0 191 : 200 9 2 2 21

Lasswade RFC 10 4 6 0 156 : 186 30 1 4 21

Cartha Queens Park RFC 10 2 8 0 205 : 335 130 4 2 14

Boroughmuir 9 2 7 0 122 : 278 156 2 1 11 Hamilton Bulls 10 1 9 0 163 : 304 141 2 2 8

DIVISION 3

SATURDAY 03 DECEMBER 2022

CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC 12:00 PM

CORSTORPHINE 2ND XV

CURRIE CHIEFTAINS 3RD XV 2:00 PM WALKERBURN RFC PENICUIK 2ND XV 2:00 PM ROSS HIGH 2ND XV WATSONIAN 3RD XV 2:00 PM PRESTON LODGE 2ND XV

SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2022

CORSTORPHINE 2ND XV 0 – 28 WATSONIAN 3RD XV

Insufficient players home Corstorphine sanctioned 4 points for 6th non fulfilment

CURRIE CHIEFTAINS 3RD XV 28 – 0 HADDINGTON A Insufficient players away

DALKEITH 2ND XV 0 – 28

CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC Other Dalkeith conceded league match due to ineligible 1st XV players and awarded point as friendly played.

LISMORE 2ND XV 19 – 52 PENICUIK 2ND XV

PRESTON LODGE 2ND X V97 – 12 WALKERBURN RFC

Team Played W L D F:A Diff TB LB Points

Currie Chieftains 3rd XV 8 7 1 0 350 : 80 270 7 0 36 Preston Lodge 2nd XV 9 7 2 0 388 : 108 280 7 0 35

Watsonian 3rd XV 9 6 3 0 291 : 202 89 7 1 34 Haddington A 10 6 4 0 267 : 194 73 6 0 32

Penicuik 2nd XV 9 5 4 0 265 : 211 54 5 1 30

Edinburgh Northern 2nd XV 9 5 4 0 229 : 201 28 5 1 30

Caledonian Thebans RFC 8 4 4 0 145 : 229 84 3 1 24

Dalkeith 2nd XV 10 4 6 0 207 : 284 77 5 0 23 Ross High 2nd XV 6 4 2 0 238 : 111 127 4 0 22

Walkerburn RFC 8 2 6 0 175 : 453 278 4 0 17

Lismore 2nd XV 9 2 7 0 112 : 307 195 2 0 6

Corstorphine 2nd XV 9 0 9 0 14 : 301 287 0 0 7

Teams split after 10 fixtures into top 6 and bottom 5 for a further round of fixtures

MAN OF THE MATCH Sponsor 2022/23