Mini-rugby marvels finish with a trophy

May 22 2008 By Sandra Walls

STRATHAVEN’S mini-rugby squad ended their season in style as they lifted the East Kilbride Minis Rugby Tournament championship trophy.

Strathaven Mini Marvels won their category (for P1-P3) last Saturday.

The tournament took place at Calderglen Country Park and operated at five different age levels between teams from Strathaven, East Kilbride, Cambuslang, Ardrossan and Alan Glen’s.

Taking centre-stage was the Calcutta Cup, the trophy awarded in the annual Six Nations battle between Scotland and England. It was proudly on display on a Saltire-draped table, courtesy of the Scottish Rugby Union.

In fact, the Strathaven P1-P3 Minis were so inspired after posing for photographs beside the Calcutta Cup earlier in the day that the Mini-Marvels went on to present some dazzling displays of rugby, before lifting the tournament trophy.

Strathaven P1-3 coach Gillian Lamb said: “The children played their hearts out today, every last one — we are so proud of them.

“The result bodes really well for the future of minis rugby in Strathaven.”

In the Primary 4 tournament, only two teams, Strathaven and East Kilbride, competed.

Two matches were played, one of which ended in a hard-fought draw.

East Kilbride won the second match to lift the P4 trophy.

In the P5 tournament, four teams — Strathaven, East Kilbride, Cambuslang and Ardrossan — entered but, again, it was down to local rivals Strathaven and East Kilbride to battle it out for the honours.

In an exciting head-to-head, it was East Kilbride who proved to be the victors, and the Strathaven Bravehearts settled for the runners-up position.

At P6 level, Strathaven defended their title from last year’s EK Tournament, where the same youngsters had emerged then as P5 champions.

After taking Cambuslang by a three-try margin in their opening match, Strathaven faced tournament hosts East Kilbride.

This proved a tougher match but the Strathaven lads battled through to go into their final match against Alan Glen’s, with both teams on full points.

In a defensively-dominated finish, Alan Glen’s took the honours, and the trophy, by just two tries to one.

The P7 tournament was contested between Strathaven, East Kilbride and Cambuslang.

Cambuslang were deserving victors.

David Crawford, communications officer for Strathaven Rugby Club said: “Judging by the quality of the Minis’ rugby display at the tournament, it is quite possible that one day, some of these players may get their hands on the Calcutta Cup again — at Murrayfield or Twickenham.

Strathaven Rugby Club welcomes new youth players at all age levels and ability.

Many of the club’s best players came along to the club with little or no knowledge of rugby, but just with a desire to find out more, to get fitter and to meet new friends.

Anyone interested is strongly encouraged come to one of the training sessions.

For more information contact the membership secretary Liz Murphy on 01357 529845 or e-mail elizabeth.murphy06@btinternet.com.