Lochaber S3/4s travelled to St Andrews on Sunday 12th December to participate in a Regional Game Play Event, arranged by Caledonia Midlands. The squad played three 30 minute matches in perfect weather and underfoot conditions, on full size pitches.

The squad consisted of seven S4s and seven S3s, and playing at U16 level, at a venue more than three hours drive from Fort William, were prepared for a tough day. However in the first match, which was 13-a-side, the stronger Lochaber runners ripped Alloa / Bo’ness apart, 6 tries to 1. Their coach later explained that his team could only train on a type of Astroturf on which rugby tackling was not allowed, and it showed. The second match against Dunfermline, who had a well-drilled squad of twenty-eight, was 15-a-side and completely different, with Lochaber bravely trying to contest, but ultimately leaking at least 7 tries. A weary Lochaber fronted up again for a third 13-a-side match against Montrose (only 2 of the 7 teams had to do this), and with most of the squad carrying niggling injuries, were again well beaten 10 tries to nil.

As was to be expected, all of the S4s in the squad acquitted themselves well, with Captain for the day, flyhalf Stuie MacLennan, and second row forward Archie Campbell, standing out. Archie C is a strong, fit player who was indefatigable – certainly one for the future. The S3s in the squad struggled to be competitive, however front rowers Cody Mackay and Callum McCaig both put in solid shifts.

While Lochaber were well beaten in their last two matches, they never at any stage gave up, and it was easy to observe by the aftermatch handshakes etc, that they had well and truly earned their opponents’ respect. The squad indicated after the last match that they really enjoyed their day, and back at the clubhouse, Ruaraidh Fothergill finished off with three rousing cheers for organiser Stevie and bus driver Charlie. Well done all.