Match Day Programme PLRFC V Newton Stewart, 12 Nov 2022he title of your publication

Wee message from our President ……..

Welcome to The Pennypit for today’s National League Division 2 fixture. A warm welcome to the players, coaches, committee and supporters from Newton Stewart RFC.

It is fantastic to have both of our senior squads at home this week with the 2nd XV also in action against Currie Chieftain’s at Meadowmill. The boys have been working hard in training. Here’s to some great rugby at both venues today.

Wednesday saw a really good game for our U15s who welcomed Edinburgh Vikings to The Pennypit. It was a close game with Vikings just edging it by a point. Last weekend our boys youth squads were in action against Lasswade. Friday our U18s enjoyed a great win at The Pennypit. On Saturday our U15s were impressive with a big score and our constanty growing and improving S1 squad just lost out in a tight game.

Today we are joined by our mini section. Huge thanks to Davy & Lynsey our Mini Convenors, the coaches, Gemma Johnstone and all the parents/carers for their hardwork with the kids. Please make a huge noise today for the minis. The numbers continue to grow and the kids have a fantastic time on Sundays.

Please join us back at The Clubhouse today where our very own Lewis Robertson will be preforming. You can also keep an eye on The Autumn Internationals. The Club will be open tomorrow for the Scotland v New Zealand match from 1.30pm-7pm.

Trailer Trash join us again today with their amazing burgers. Our own PL Pitstop can offer you hot drinks, including hot chocolate with all the trimmings!!

Here’s to another great day of rugby. Please join us back at the clubhouse afterwards.

Simon Fairbairn

Harris Weir sponsored by The Weir Family 1 Adan Old

James Johnstone sponsored by Rod Allan 2 Ross Campbell

Paul Dixon sponsored by Colin & Anne Marie Dixon 3 Liam Brawls

Lachlan Graham Sponsored by ‘The’ Ladies 4 Mark Craig

Jack Pollard sponsored by T.ward Shipping Ltd 5 James McMiken

Scott Brown Sponsored by The Brown Family 6 Calum Gaw Eck Allan sponsored by WBA BB Criminal Defence Solicitors 7 Jamie Smith

Jack Gordon (C) sponsored by Pat & Gerry O’Brien 8 Mark McCornick

Cammy Simpson sponsored by J Hastie & Son 9 Robbie McCornick

Dale Gordon sponsored by One For The Road 10 David Gaw

Nathan Ross available to sponsor 11 Robert Service

Scott Clark Sponsored by East Air Conditioning 12 Jack Gaw Fraser Falgate Sponsored by The Muppets 13 Gregor Gaw

Finlay Hughes (VC) sponsored by Dynamic PropertiyServices 14 Jamie Muir

Alistair Steele sponsored by Stan Murray Zmijewski 15 David Adams

Luke Reynolds sponsored by Archie McEwan 16 Ronan McDonald

Jordan Hare sponsored by Shampoodles 17 Dafydd Gwynne

Murray Ferguson available to sponsor 18 Ben McMiken

Gus Hillhouse Sponsored by Tam Jardine 19 Martin Wallace

Mini Section

A big shout out to all our minis, their families and the coaches who make Sundays at The Pennypit a great place to start your rugby journey. They join us today to support our seniors.

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

Davy & Lynsey Scott Mini Rugby Convenors

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

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

CHRISTMAS STOCKING FILLERS

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

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2022

PRESTON LODGE RFC 2:00 PM NEWTON STEWART RFC DUMFRIES SAINTS RFC 2:00 PM BERWICK RFC

KIRKCALDY RFC 2:00 PM GLASGOW ACADEMICALS RFC

CARTHA QP 2:00 PM BOROUGHMUIR PEEBLES RFC 3:00 PM FALKIRK RFC HAMILTON BULLS 2:00 PM LASSWADE RFC

SATURDAY 05 NOVEMBER 2022

BERWICK RFC 15 17

GLASGOW ACADEMICALS RFC Re scheduled from 10.9.22 (All League Rugby Suspended) FRIDAY 04 NOVEMBER 2022

CARTHA QP RFC 32 17 HAMILTON BULLS Re scheduled from 10.9.22 (All League Rugby Suspended)

KIRKCALDY RFC 33 12 DUMFRIES SAINTS RFC Rescheduled from 1.10.22 (Dumfries non fulfilment) BOROUGHMUIR 15 – 21 PEEBLES RFC Rescheduled from 22.10.22 (Waterlogged Pitch)

Team Played W L D F:A Diff TB LB Poi nts

Peebles RFC 8 7 1 0 223 : 140 83 4 0 32

Glasgow Academicals RFC 8 6 2 0 218 : 113 105 4 1 29

Newton Stewart RFC 8 6 2 0 185 : 91 94 5 0 29

Falkirk RFC 8 6 2 0 222 : 141 81 3 0 27

Kirkcaldy RFC 8 5 3 0 234 : 184 50 4 0 24

Berwick RFC 8 4 4 0 185 : 184 1 3 2 21

Preston Lodge RFC 8 4 4 0 173 : 182 9 4 1 21

Dumfries Saints RFC 8 4 4 0 157 : 175 18 2 1 16

Lasswade RFC 8 2 6 0 122 : 167 45 1 4 13

Boroughmuir 8 2 6 0 115 : 226 111 2 1 11

Cartha Queens Park RFC 8 1 7 0 135 : 253 118 3 2 9

Hamilton Bulls 8 1 7 0 140 : 253 113 2 2 8

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2022

CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC 2:00 PM ROSS HIGH 2ND XV WATSONIAN 3RD XV 2:00 PM DALKEITH 2ND XV

WALKERBURN RFC 2:00 PM CORSTORPHINE 2ND XV

PENICUIK 2ND XV 2:00 PM HADDINGTON A PRESTON LODGE 2ND XV 2:00 PM CURRIE CHIEFTAINS 3

SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER 2022

LISMORE 2ND XV 55 17

CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC Re scheduled from 22.10.22 (Thebans dispensation)

PENICUIK 2ND XV 66 – 14 CORSTORPHINE 2ND XV Re scheduled from 10.9.22 (All League Rugby Suspended)

EDINBURGH N 2ND 28 0 PRESTON LODGE 2ND XV Insufficient players away Re scheduled from 10.9.22 (All League Rugby Suspended)

HADDINGTON A 28 – 0 DALKEITH 2ND XV Insufficient players away Re-scheduled from 10.9.22 (All League Rugby Suspended

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

CURRENT LEAGUE TABLE

Currie Chieftains 3rd XV 6 6 0 0 303 : 49 254 6 0 30

Haddington A 7 5 2 0 229 : 132 97 5 0 26 Preston Lodge 2nd XV 7 5 2 0 260 : 77 183 5 0 25 Edinburgh Northern 2nd XV 8 4 4 0 201 : 201 0 4 1 25

Watsonian 3rd XV 7 4 3 0 176 : 139 37 5 1 24

Dalkeith 2nd XV 7 4 3 0 144 : 141 3 4 0 21

Penicuik 2nd XV 7 3 4 0 179 : 182 3 3 1 20

Caledonian Thebans RFC 6 3 3 0 107 : 184 77 2 1 18

Ross High 2nd XV 5 3 2 0 193 : 101 92 3 0 17

Walkerburn RFC 6 1 5 0 135 : 356 221 3 0 11

Lismore 2nd XV 7 2 5 0 93 : 227 134 2 0 8

Corstorphine 2nd XV 7 0 7 0 14 : 245 231 0 0 0

MAN OF THE MATCH Sponsor 2022/23