Please don't wear 'blades'

Montrose Junior Rugby would ask that our players don't wear boots with 'blade' studs when playing rugby. Whilst they may provide additional grip in some conditions, we have become aware of a number of injuries caused by this type of boot.

From the IRB/SRU viewpoint, there is no ban on the use of blades, but boots have to be 'safe' in the referee’s opinion. However, we would rather not take the risk and ask that you don’t wear them for training or matches.

Normal rugby or football boots with aluminium rugby studs are ideal. There are studs available for sale from the club.

Brilliant Team Performance at Brechin

14 Montrose players headed through to Brechin to play in the S1/2 fixture. Brechin has a very capable and experienced squad so this was never going to be easy. Brechin loaned two players, Ian Smith and Alex Steven, to make up our squad to play 15 a side. They both put in excellent performances and should be congratulated for their effort.

Brechin won the toss and chose to play down hill for the first session. From the whistle, there was an obvious determination from Montrose both in the tackle and defence.

Into the second session, Montrose started to clear out the rucks better with strong driving from the forwards. This meant that the backs were getting cleaner and faster ball to start to test the Brechin backline. However, Brechin continued to lead through strong forward play and some strong individual running.

Heading into the last session, Montrose were behind by a try. The team dug deep and showed steely determination and excellent skills to release key players to score some excellent tries. Brechin scored a try in the dying minutes and after the conversion kick was made, the final whistle was blown.

A cheer went up from the Montrose side as they had won by 3 points - Brechin 33 : Montrose 36!

The whole team contributed to this memorable win and there was excellent agressive running from Sean, Jack, Jasper, Daniel and others. However, the man of the match, awarded by a well-informed spectator, went to Findlay Christie.

This has set a new standard for the S1/2 squad and all of the players should be very proud of their performance. Their skill and teamwork were excellent and spectators from both sides commented on how they enjoyed the match.

Winning Squad:

J. Boyle, L. Greive, D. Murray, J. Grant, J. Rogers, J. Anderson, D. Duplexito, J. Grove-White, S. Dalgarno, T. Watson, S. Watson, F. Christie, D. Waghorn, A Robertson, I. Smith and A. Steven.

Coach:

S. Grove-White

Training Cancelled - 25th Jan

Sorry but due to the horizontal rain, cold temperature and the strong winds, we have decided to cancel training today. See you all at training on Tuesday at 18.00 - Please bring a friend!

Next week is a development match in Brechin (subject to the weather). You can get directions here. Please meet at Union Park at 10.30 or Brechin at 11.00 for an 11.30 kick off. We should be done by 12.30 and Brechin will provide a post match snack for all players. If anyone can’t make it, call Lisa or send an email.

Development Officer at Training

This Tuesday saw Stewart Ross, the Angus Rugby Development Officer, come to Montrose to support the S1/2 training. This was really appreciated by all of the boys and the coaches.

Thanks Stewart - you are always welcome at Montrose!

Bring along your friends

The commitment from everyone at training is great. However, it is clear that we need more players. This will make training more fun, help to get real games at training sessions and improve the squad's overall performance.

Please encourage all of your friends to come along to training and give rugby a go. It doesn't matter if they haven't played rugby before - everyone is welcome! Also, if they can only make either Tuesday or Sunday, that is fine too.

If you have any ideas on how to recruit more players, please carry on or let one of the coaches know. We are looking into organising a prize for the player who encourages the most people to come to training (more than once).

Rugby Foundation Coaching / Referee course

The next foundation course is on Sunday 22nd Feb in Arbroath(9.45 to 4.30).This is open to all mums, dads, players (over16) and helpers. You do not need to have any previous knowledge of rugby and you wont be committing to coaching every weekend if you do the course!
Please get in touch if you would like an application form(montroseminis@tiscali.co.uk) or contact Stewart Ross ( Angus rugby development officer) on RossS@angus.gov.uk for futher information.

Sponsorship Money

Can anyone who has not handed in their money, please do so this sunday (11th Jan) to Lisa. Thanks.