Hard Fought Victory Sees Linlithgow Progress in SHE Bowl

The pre-season friendly against Trinity turned out to be an excellent guide to form, as this was another close-run match!  Click here for photos.  In the end, Linlithgow did enough to win, but the cost was high with a nasty accidental injury to scrum-half Mikey Walker, who broke his jaw.  Our best wishes are with Mikey for a comfortable and speedy recovery.

The 2nd XV secured full points from their league match against Lismore, despite only drawing 18-18 in Edinburgh, as the home side started the match without a competent front row, leading to uncontested scrums from the off.

Linlithgow 3rd XV lifted their performance in a 'bounce match' against Stirling County U20s.  Stirling County have consistently finished at the top of the Scottish U18 age-group rugby for the last few seasons and their U20 team is an attempt to retain their talented youngsters within the club.  On this evidence, they have a very rich seam of talent!  The 'old boys' of the 3rd XV, giving away about 20 years a man in age, put up a stuffy performance and only let the game run away from them in the fourth quarter.  The final score was 38-5 to the visitors, Smudger chipping in with a try after sustained pressure from the home side.  

Fine Home Wins for Linlithgow Academy Seniors

The two senior school teams ran up a combined total of 101 points in victories over North Berwick teams on Saturday.  Earlier this season, Linlithgow Academy had travelled to North Berwick to play their 2nd XV and had come away with a 3-0 defeat.  However, on home soil and after sprited resistance from North Berwick in the first half, Linlithgow Academy hit a groove, running out fine winners with some flowing rugby and scoring 52 points into the bargain.  The Linlithgow Academy 2nd XV ran in 49 points in a win over North Berwick 3rd XV.  The Linlithgow team contained four S3 players, all who played well in a strong team performance.

The ever-improving S2 team travelled to North Berwick and came away with an excellent win.

(NOTE:  North Berwick 1st XV are a significant force these days and their school turns out 3 senior teams each weekend.) 

Three Home Matches in March

The remaining competitive fixtures for the 1st XV are shown below.

Top of League Clash Postponed

This Saturday's (23rd February) top of the table clash with Linlithgow 2nds scheduled to travel to Forrester has been postponed.  The 2nds have won 15 of their 19 games and sit on 49 points, one behind Forrester FP 2nd XV, who won the match at Mains Park earlier in the season by the score of 20-14.  Last Saturday's 22-22 draw against 4th placed Stewarts Melville 3rd XV was the latest in a series of fine results for Scott Oliver's young team.  Photos (not for the faint hearted!) can be accessed here.  You can view the current league table here and the season's results using this link. 

Performance Delivers Result

What a difference a week makes in rugby!  Last week, Linlithgow travelled to Broughton in the SHE Cup and were well beaten by the team two divisions lower.  This week, Linlithgow travelled to Peffermill to play a team (Edinburgh University) one division higher and came away with a deserved victory in the SHE Bowl.  The final winning margin of 6-5 belies a dominant pack performance and the fact that Linlithgow had two tries disallowed and several mauls collapsed just short of the Uni line.  It helped having the handful of returning Welsh tourists (particularly inspirational captain Matt Dixon) back in the team.  However, it also illustrates the fact that there's not a huge difference between mid-table NL1 and NL2 and upper-table NL3 and East District 1.  

Remaining competitive fixtures for 1st XV (KOs at 3pm unless otherwise stated):

Linlithgow Slip Up - Well Played Broughton

A stuffy performance from a strong Broughton pack knocked Linlithgow out of the SHE Cup at Broughton on Saturday 9th February.  Click here to see action shots from Broughton's 24-13 home victory.  The victory gives Broughton a home tie next week against GHA, while Linlithgow travel to Peffermill to play Edinburgh University in the SHE Bowl on Saturday 16th February.

Take Your Pick:  Wales, Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Linlithgow! 

Only one match at home this weekend and that involves the school senior team who take on Robert Gordon's (not their 1st XV thankfully!).  KO is at 11am at Mains Park.

The club tour to Wales will take a good number of players and members south this weekend, leaving only one senior fixture - the Scottish Cup Round 3 re-scheduled tie away at Broughton.  Please note that this match is a morning kick-off, getting underway at 11-30am  (The rescheduled NL2 away match at Kilmarnock has now been put back, as the Cup takes priority). 

S1s and S2s make the trip north to Aberdeen to play Robert Gordon's on Saturday - look out for the early departure!  The Minis fixture at Livi is not now taking place - so a home practice will take place, while the U15s and U16s are at RHC.  For all fixtures this weekend click here.

PS  The SRU have now agreed to Highland's request (fully supported by Linlithgow) to re-schedule the postponed home NL2 match to Saturday 8th March.  The match will KO at 11-30am to allow players and spectators, who wish to, to attend both this match and the Scotland home match against England (KO 3-15pm).  It makes a lot of sense as a number of the Highland club will be making the journey south anyway on that date - so it saves them an extra trip.  We look forward to welcoming Highland RFC on that day and those not going to Murrayfield are more than welcome to stay at Mains Park and watch the match on the big screen.

Magnifique!  Vive le Rugby!

Read all about 'le match' as visitors AS Minorange (from Linlithgow's twin town of Guyancourt) took on a Linlithgow Select on Sunday morning (3rd February).

Communications Update to Members

Click here to view a mid-season update for all club members from the Executive Committee.

Cracking Win Against Third Placed Team

Linlithgow 1st XV continued their winning ways with a fine 26-5 win over third placed team, Forrester.  Photos from the match, taken by our intrepid snapper, can be viewed through this link.  This week it's Cup business, with an away tie at Broughton RFC, while the 2nds travel to Lasswade on league business.  On Sunday morning a Linlithgow XV will host AS Minorange from Guyancourt - over on a twinning visit linkled to the French international.  You can view all this weekend's fixtures through this link.

Kilmarnock Force the Date

The rescheduled NL2 league match against Kilmarnock will go ahead on Saturday 9th February, despite the club's plea for a change of date as it clashes with our long-established trip to Wales (Pontyates RFC).  League rules require both clubs to agree on a date and Kilmarnock have not shown us any consideration and have failed to offer an alternate date.

Fine Win in Far North

Last Saturday (19th January), Linlithgow 1st XV made the big trek north to Caithness and came away with a fine 13-3 win in blustery conditions.  Well done to Graham McKenzie, who rose from his sick bed to play half a game and score the match's only try.  It was first game back for long-term injured captain, Matt Dixon, and vice-captain, Scott Waddell and both are delighted to be back in the groove.  This Saturday (26th) the 1st XV host Forrester at Mains Park in a National League 2 match.

The 2nd XV continued their fine run of form when they swept away the Edinburgh University students 48-0 at Peffermill.  This week they are on the road again - this time at Forrester.

Glenalmond School Match now at Linlithgow

The match between Linlithgow Academy and Glenalmond College (Saturday 19th January) will now be played at Linlithgow.  Kick-off will be at 10-30am.

Brave Performance in Plate Semi-Final

It wasn't to be, as Linlithgow Academy 1st XV just came up short in a brave semi-final defeat to Kelvinside Academy in the Bell Lawrie Cup on Wednesday (16th January) afternoon at Lower Mains Park.  Click here for a full match report.  After a brilliant cup run, there had been high hopes for the home side, but Kelvinside proved too strong on the day and deservedly move forward to the Bell Lawrie Plate Final, where they will probably play Queen Victoria School from Dunblane.

Also today, Merchiston College (earlier winners over Linlithgow in the main cup competition) booked their place in the Bell Lawrie Cup Final (defeating Heriots 27-3), where they will play George Watsons' College.  The final will take place at Murrayfield on Friday 25th January, with a 7-30pm kick-off.  Entry is free.

Heading for the Far North

All club matches are away from home this weekend, with the 1st XV making the long journey to Caithness in the far north of Scotland.  Even the school senior teams are on the road, with 1sts and 2nds away to Glenalmond College.  The S1s, S2s and S3s provide some home entertainment, as they welcome Dunfermline HS.  For this week's fixtures click here.

Big Turnout for Farewell to Mark McGowan

There was a big turnout today (10th January) at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh to say farewell to youth coach Mark McGowan, who died suddenly over the holiday period.  The entire S3/U15 squad was there to support fellow player Gavin McGowan and his family.  All our thoughts and best wishes are with Arlene, Gavin and Rachel at this time.
(Posted:  10th January 2008)

1sts Washed Out but 2nds and 3rds Both Win Big

It turned out to be a fruitless trip to Kilmarnock for the 1st XV on Saturday (5th January) as, on arrival, the Kilmarnock pitch was waterlogged!  If we thought we were hard done by, spare a thought for the referee who had travelled up from Liverpool for the match, as part of a referee exchange programme!

While the 1sts were spending their Saturday afternoon cruising central Scotland in a bus, the 2nds and 3rds both saw lively action on the pitch and both came away with excellent victories.  Pride of place must go to the 2nd XV who defeated Edinburgh Accies 3rd XV by the score of 23-7 at Raeburn Place.  A win against Accies is good anytime or anywhere, but to beat them in their own backyard is especially noteworthy.  Accordinging to scrum-half Andy Wylie it was a tremendous team performance, with some great tries (4 in total, including a peach from Grant Gardner) and some resolute defending.

The 3rd XV were at home and beat Forrester 3rds by a comfortable margin.  The return of Bill Taylor, after a lengthy injury absence, was a welcome boost, as was the pace and fitness injected into the team with four Linlithgow Academy players getting a run out.  It's very much part of the plan to gradually introduce 6th year players to club rugby and, with Academy coach Jon Blundell on hand, the right development opportunities can be effectively managed.  Ewan Murray, Stuart Bell, Logan Black and Andy Blundell all featured in a team which inevitably revolved, literally and figuratively, around the efforvescent Gordon Jesty!  

More action shots from the Livi match now available - click here. 

Action from New Year Match at Livingston

Two of our novice photographers were on hand to capture some of the action - nothing too complicated though!  Click here to check it out.

Dixon and Reid Set to Return for Kilmarnock Match

After lengthy injury lay-offs, both captain Matt Dixon (below right) and Corey Reid (below left) are set to return to the Linlithgow 1st XV side for Saturday's NL2 league match at Kilmarnock.

Academy Cup Festive Cracker

Another cracking Boxing Day match was played out at Mains Park.  Click here for report and photos.

Cracking Match at Glensburgh

Linlithgow 2nds had to fight hard to scrape a come from behind 28-23 win against Grangemouth at Glensburgh on Saturday 22nd December.  A big travelling support, including most of the Linlithgow 1st XV cheered on Colin Blair's men in what was a pulsating match.  Click here for more photos.

Home Draw for Bell Lawrie Plate Semi-Final

Linlithgow Academy have been handed a home semi-final tie against the winner of the Kelvinside Academy v. Carrick Academy quarter-final.  We will have to wait a couple of weeks to find out the opposition, as the outstanding QF is not scheduled to be played until 9th January.

Academy Cup KO 1pm

The Annual Boxing Day clash for the Academy Cup, held between the current school XV and recent former pupils, will kick off at 1pm on Wednesday 26th December.  The earlier KO time is to allow time for the host of substitutions expected while still allowing the match to finish in daylight hours!!

Current school team captain Andy Blundell will welcome Stuart 'Chunk' Cunningham, last year's school team captain and this year's FP captain, to Mains Park for the annual Academy Cup clash.  Both captains come to the match of the back of recent successes.  Andy has just led his school team to the Semi-Finals of the national Bell Lawrie Plate competition, following a 27-17 win over Wallace HS, while 'Chunk' was voted Linlithgow 1st XV 'man-of-the-match' in the club's National League 2 win over Allan Glen's (32-5) on Saturday.

Wee Reds Party at Murrayfield

Read all about the Minis Christmas visit to see Edinburgh Rugby beat Leinster.

International Tickets for 2008

Unfortunately demand for tickets for the England match exceeds supply.  The good news is that allocations for other matches will be met.  Read more.

Bonus Point Win!!

Linlithgow claimed a big bonus point win with the last play of the game today (Saturday 15th December), after fine work by man-of-the-match Stuart 'Chunk' Cunningham.  The 32-5 win over Allan Glen's at home, added to last week's away win at Glasgow Accies, has done a huge amount for team morale and has been achieved without a significant number of key players.  What is known only too well by the coaches, but not realised by many others, is that Linlithgow has been operating for the last few weeks without a whole 'Missing XV' of players.  This includes both captain and vice-captain, plus a number of other influencial players. 

Well done to the fit players for their performance and well done to the walking wounded for being there to cheer on their team-mates.

Linlithgow Academy Through to National Semi-Final

Congratulations to Linlithgow Academy U18 who have qualified for the Bell Lawrie Plate Semi-Finals, following their win over Wallace HS in the quarter-final.  More news to follow...

Seconds in the Spotlight

This week's match report features the 2nd XV match against Lismore.  Read all about the 'Red' in the scrumcap.

U18s Shine Under Lights at Strathmore

Earlier this evening (Tuesday 27th November) Linlithgow Academy U18s progressed to the Quarter-Finals of the Bell Lawrie Plate beating a Forfar Academy / Webster High School composite XV by virtue of a superior try count (2-1) after drawing the match 14 -14.  Our intrepid reporter (NC) reports that the team played really well with tries from Logan Black and Euan Murray.  The match was played under the lights at Strathmore RFC in Forfar.  A fuller match report will appear later on the LA Seniors page. 

Linlithgow Academy U18 have been drawn at home for their Plate Quarter-Final and will play the winner of the Shetland Schools v Wallace HS tie, which is still to take place.  The Quarter-Finals are scheduled to be played by 15th December.

U15s Run Comes to an end in Bell Lawrie Cup

Linlithgow Academy U15s slipped out of the Bell Lawrie Cup after a comprehensive defeat to a Madras College side that they beat comfortably earlier in the season. This disappointing result followed a series of good performances in the competition.  

Linlithgow do the Double against Grangemouth

There twice the cause to celebrate at Glensburgh on Saturday (10th November) as the visiting Reds 'did the double' over near neighbours the Grangemouth Stags.

More action photos.

Fireworks Continue as Academy Light Up Bell Lawrie Plate

Someone forgot to tell the Linlithgow Academy players that Fireworks Night was 5th November, as the team turned in an explosive display to rocket to a 39-0 win over a plucky Annan Academy.  Linlithgow sparkled throughout the game, scoring 7 tries without reply in a match that was contested in a fierce but fair manner.

Linlithgow turned around 19-0 up, thanks to tries from Ally Walker, John Brown and Logan Black, two converted by Andy Blundell - one from each touchline!

Four more tries were to follow in the second-half, from Peter Shepherd, 'Samson', Seb Russell-Smith and Tom Walton.  Well done to Annan Academy, who kept playing with great spirit right to the end.

Linlithgow Academy now progress to the next round of the Bell Lawrie Plate, which will be drawn shortly.

The U15s Bell Lawrie Cup match will now be against Dunfermline High School and is likely to be played on Thursday 15th November at Lower Mains Park (3-30pm KO).

Early Kick-Offs from This Week

Don't get caught out!  With the reversion to GMT, all senior match kick-offs have gone back to 2pm from this weekend through the rest of the winter.

Away Draw to Broughton in SHE Cup

Linlithgow have been drawn away to Broughton in the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup Round 3.  The match is scheduled for Saturday 2nd February 2008.

Gold Glove for Youkilis

Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox has been selected as the first baseman on the 2007 American League Gold Glove Team, it was announced today by the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company.  Youkilis becomes just the second Red Sox first baseman to ever earn a Gold Glove, joining three-time recipient George Scott (1967; 1968; 1971). The voting is conducted by American League managers and coaches.

In 2007, Youkilis became the first qualifying first baseman in American League history to compiling a 1.000 fielding percentage as he handled 1,080 total chances without an error in 135 games/124 starts. San Diego's Steve Garvey, who handled 1,319 errorless chances over 159 in 1984, is the only other qualifier ever with a 1.000 fielding percentage at first base. Youkilis' 135 consecutive errorless games in 2007 were an American League record.

Mini Tournament an Outstanding Success

Read all about a superb Mini Tournament on Sunday 7th October.  Big thanks to Edinburgh Rugby's Greig Laidlaw and Craig Hamilton who came along as part of Edinburgh's community programme.

Craig Hamilton

Greig Laidlaw

Bell Lawrie Business

School 1st XV play Merchiston Castle School on Thursday 11th October at Mains Park (KO 4-30pm) in Round 2 of the Bell Lawrie Cup, the same day that the Academy U15s travel to Buckhaven HS in the same competition.

Check out all the fixtures with this link.

Website on New Server

After a couple of weeks of problems, our website has been moved to a new server and initial response times have improved dramatically.

Linlithgow Minis Pierre Cloupet with Scotland's Chris Paterson at the World Cup warm-up match vs South Africa

Two New Features

You can now view photos from the Youth Rugby Summer Camp and from senior and school pre-season matches in the photo archive, or by using this quick link.

You can see this week's scheduled fixtures on the Rugby Information page, or by using this quick link.  The aim is to update this page weekly, sometime midweek.

Attention All Club Members:
Membership Renewal and Player Registration

Those still to renew their membership and players still to complete their registration will find the necessary forms on one of the player Notice Boards in the hallway outside the kitchen.  If you have renewed and are still awaiting your membership book, ask at the bar - books are in the cupboard under the till.

Membership charges are:

Micro Player £10
Player U23 (ie from Minis to U23) £25**
Senior Player £50

Family (no adult player) £60
Family (with adult player) £70

Social member £35

Once again we are seeking to encourage Family membership – it represents excellent value!

** there is also a £10 travel levy for school players


Non-Playing Members

We will have forms available in the Club. For those who cannot manage along, we will post out membership renewal forms. We are trying to get the system as slick and smooth as possible.

Calendar for 2007/8

Latest News

Linlithgow Rugby Club maintains a dual website to meet members’ needs. Match reports, news items and results are held on the club’s SRU website, which can be accessed from either the link below, or by using the ‘CLUB ON SRU WEB’ button from the main menu.

• Link to News Stories and Features

Here are some of the most recent stories posted on our News pages:

o  Linlithgow Minis at Forrester Tournament (14 May)
o  Andy Irvine in Linlithgow to launch Youth Trust (7 May)
o  Linlithgow’s Young 7 Enjoys Collecting Silverware (2 May)