Accolade for Dumfries RFC

Jun 12 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

CELEBRATIONS of Dumfries RFC’s sixth successive league promotion were boosted this week by the £1,000 Scottish Hydro Electric’s last club of the month award for the season.

During April, Dumfries’ 1st XV cruised to victory at home over East Kilbride (28-0) and away to Cambuslang (7-29) before putting in a solid performance against Peebles – a side two leagues above them in Premier Division Two – before eventually going down 7-17.

In addition to the on-field exploits, the club’s success behind the scenes in developing the game throughout their region is key to the monthly award heading to Park Farm – with the senior side’s performances often attributed to the wealth of talent in the youth sector.

Dumfries U16s reached the final of the U16 Youth Cup held at Murrayfield in March with many of the players involved making the step up to representative rugby, forming a significant part of the Glasgow South regional team.

Glen Tippett, regional development manager of Glasgow South, praised the work of those forming the development structure at the club.

He said: “The expansion of the youth section at the club is evident with the midis section growing threefold over the course of the year, from 20 to 60.

“Congratulations must go to dedicated club development officer, Will Duncan, the two SVQ community coach students – one of whom, Daren Cruikshank, recently received the SVQ of the Year award – and the host of dedicated and often unsung volunteers at the club.”

Mr Duncan, expressed the importance of the youth set-up at the club.

He said: “The systems in place ensure the constant development of the club particularly as we rise up through the leagues and the pressure on the club to perform intensifies.

“One of the most promising aspects in Dumfries’ development is the core of youth players rising through the ranks at the club and we have created a Youth Academy to educate elite players in the U15 to U18 categories on lifestyle, strength and conditioning, nutrition and ball skills.

“The make–up of the current first team is an example of the successes of this development process. When the 1st XV lined up against Peebles in the semi-final of the Scottish Hydro Electric Shield competition, 18 of the 19 players in the squad were Dumfries born and bred.

“With the introduction of the Dumfries and Galloway Development League next year, many more schools will be competing in the surrounding area with Dumfries Rugby Club representing the pinnacle of rugby success in the region.”

Douglas Flowers, sponsorship account manager for Scottish Hydro Electric said: “The club’s dedication to developing young players, coupled with their league success made them stand out candidates for the April award.”