Hamilton rugby kids try summer camp

Aug 20 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Rugby Club’s annual summer camp took place last week and the 75 youngsters attending enjoyed their last few days of freedom before returning to school.

The three-day summer camp is now in its third year but for the first time was organised by development officer Jared Tuoro from New Zealand, who was joined by a number of volunteers from the first and second XVs.

Commenting on the event Jared said: “The weather on the first couple of days was not that great, but it didn’t dampen the youngsters’ enthusiasm although I think they were glad of the hot meal provided in the clubhouse.

“The youngsters ranged in age from eight up to 16, and each age group were able to take part in various activities aimed at developing their skills, confidence and fitness.

“The fact that on the final day the sun came out was a bonus and ensured everyone went home with a glow on their cheeks.

“I was pleased that so many of our younger senior players volunteered their services, as it not only ensured that we were able to offer more activities but it meant that each age group could move through the day while being properly supervised.

“An added benefit was that the players now know a number of the youngsters and hopefully they will remain involved in their training during the year.”

HAMILTON’S senior players continued their preparation for the new season when they were joined at Laigh Bent on Saturday by West of Scotland and Coatbridge side Waysiders/Drumpellier.

Despite the weather conditions all three clubs found the exercise beneficial, with Hamilton coach Ian Morrison grateful to his counterparts for agreeing to the joint session.

He said: “We were disappointed when our game against Darlington was cancelled and thought we would have an idle Saturday, or at best a training session.

“However, at this stage of our build-up it is important that our preparations have the necessary physical element and that we get as near match conditions as we can.

“The session on Saturday allowed all three clubs to try out various structures and game plans, and hopefully this will help us in the weeks ahead.

“This Saturday is the last one before the season proper gets underway, and as it is a local derby with East Kilbride I am sure it is the test we need before our first league game against Ardrossan Academicals on August 29.”

HAMILTON youngsters were involved in the Glasgow Under-16 Pathway game between Glasgow Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors at Biggar.

Chiefs are made up from the very strong Lanarkshire player base at this age group, and no fewer than 10 of the 22 present were from Hamilton.

In the starting XV were tight-head prop Darren Carr, hooker Calder Dallas, No.8 Jamie Patterson, scrum-half Martin Kennedy, standoff Andrew Wilson, inside-centre Scott Murray and winger Marc Rodgers.

Providing cover from the bench were loose-head prop Douglas McWhirter, standoff Scott Whiteside and centre Matt Potter.

Martin Kennedy marshalled his forwards well during the game and set up a try for Calder Dallas, with Andrew Wilson unlucky not to convert as the wind pulled his kick just wide.

Dallas got another try, and Wilson converted one as the Chiefs won 36-10.

The last two Under-16 Pathways fixtures are against GLasgow Schools at Anniesland on Sunday, and Glasgow Giants on August 30 at Hamilton (to be confirmed). Kick-off for both games will be noon.

IN other club news, Ross Inglis has been confirmed in the Scotland Under-18 squad, following a training camp in Spain during the summer.