County rugby stars of tomorrow show their potential in festival of sport

Nov 6 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

TOMORROW’S rugby stars from West Lothian were in action recently as they contested the Bell Lawrie Schools Cup at both under 15 and under 18 level.

Both sides were entered as Deans Community High School but featured players from James Young, Deans, Whitburn, Armadale, St Margaret’s, Broxburn and Inveralmond.

On Thursday the 15s took on a very strong and experienced side from Langholm Academy in the first rugby game played at Whitburn's new rugby pitch.

Despite losing, the side gained a lot of experience from the game and they now face a mixed Currie and Balerno side in the bowl competition.

Encouragingly the team contained a number of players who have only started playing rugby at Whitburn Academy's after school club over the last year and they all performed with good skill and aggression in the match.

On Friday the under 18s also lost this time at Craigmount High School in Edinburgh.

They again contained a number of players who are new to rugby and it is very encouraging to be able to enter teams at both age groups.

Also on Friday there was an S1/2 Festival held at Livingston Rugby Club with over 45 players attending from Broxburn, Deans, St Kentigerns, Whitburn and Armadale.

The Festival was a great success with the players receiving coaching on how to tackle and pass, then participating in small sided games. The coaches, players and teachers all had a great afternoon.

Livingston's under 15 and under 16 sides both lost to strong Musselburgh sides at the weekend.

The games were a good test for the Livingston players as the Musselburgh side are undefeated so far this season.