Annan face new season challenges

Aug 8 2008 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

WITH THE 2008-09 season almost here Annan RFC pre-season training is well underway.

Coach Paul Buckley has been putting the senior players through their paces and is looking forward to the challenges that await in Division 1 of the S.H.E. National Leagues.

He said: “With Violetbank being unavailable throughout the summer due to remedial works to the pitches, the wide expanses of the Everholm have been put to good use.

“Training numbers have been topped up by enthusiastic Colts, giving them an appreciation of senior rugby skills and fitness level.

“The senior teams will focus on building on their 2007-08 performances, looking for improvements in all aspects of our preparations for each game to ensure we are as competitive and consistent as possible,” commented Paul.

Club captain Paul Carruthers will lead the club for his third consecutive season.

Club President Don Barty is also looking forward to the new season. He said: “ Let me start off by congratulating our friends at Galabank on their admission to the SFL and if we can get off to a flyer at the beginning of the season like they have, then everyone will be delighted.

“ The players, coaches and supporters will be looking forward to the first league game on August 30 – it’s a long, long close season – and this season will bring new challenges.

“Last season, Annan RFC finished in its highest ever position, third in National Division One, so that is a clear benchmark and a tough one to follow – old rivals Langholm and league newcomers Dumfries and Howe of Fife will be more than keen to make it tough for us.

“Having lost Under 18 ace Alex Dunbar to Selkirk (and the SRU National Academy) and Steve Kelly through retiral, it’s going to be up to even more ‘young guns’ to step up to the mark.

Mark Clark has been in Valladolid in Spain on a strength and conditioning camp with Scotland Under 17s and the coaching staff have been impressed by the hard work put in by other young members of the squad.

As a completely amateur club, and one which relies almost exclusively on home-grown talent, we need to continue to grow the game at youth level and encourage as many youngsters as possible to “get active” – at Secondary and Primary school level.

“We are, of course, extremely grateful to all our sponsors and are delighted that Magnox North have stepped on board as our major club sponsor, for the 17th consecutive season.

“As Annan Rugby Club enters its 40th season, we look forward to seeing old and new friends at Violetbank – the home of Annan Rugby.”

Annan’s league season kicks off on Saturday 30th August with an away trip to take on RHC (Royal High Corstorphine) in Edinburgh. Annan’s first home game at Violetbank is on September 6 against East Kilbride. Season tickets at a cost of £20 will be available to buy from August 17.

Violetbank tournament

Annan host their annual 15 a-side tournament at Violetbank on Saturday, August 16 with guest teams from Dumfries, Newton Stewart, Netherhall, Upper Eden and the hosts.

The tournament organiser James Mason is currently trying to recruit some additional teams with three teams having called off. The gates open at 12 noon and as well as the rugby there is also a bar and barbecue. Admission £3.