Rugby Club Issue 70 | Page 28

Newton Stewart FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Newton Stewart RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB N ewton Stewart RFC has enjoyed a fantastic season this time around with their first team clinching promotion to National League 3. We recently caught up with Club President Jamie Hyslop to gain an insight into what has been behind their recent success. Success He told us, “The mood within the club is extremely positive and upbeat. We have just completed the most successful season in the clubs short history (NSRFC was formed in 1984). The 1st XV have secured promotion to National League 3 – our highest ever ranking. Losing only one league game all season. They also won the local Moffat 10’s tournament and the Annan 15’s tournament as well as the Spice Cup which is an annual fixture against local rival Wigtownshire RFC. The U18’s won their West U18 League, in their first year of participation, losing only one game. They are also in the final of the West Regional U18 shield. For the first time we also have U14 and U16 teams competing in their respective leagues. The mini section continues to grow, and they have attended a number of festivals locally, along with our own festival which we hosted at Bladnoch Park. The minis also played a fixture against Stewartry under the floodlights on the 3G pitch.” The Future “We will be sending teams to local 7’s tournaments and supporting the U18’s in their shield final. The club dinner will be on 20th May and we have the original ‘kilted kiwi’ Sean Lineen speaking. Youth rugby is absolutely pivotal to the continued growth and improvement at the Club. All our players live and work locally and the large majority have all progressed through the age –group rugby at the club. For the past six years we have part- funded (along with the SRU and the local Council) a Rugby Development Officer (DO). His name is Jamie Muir. The DO delivers rugby in the local Primary Schools and the Secondary School. This has resulted in a significant increase in young people participating in rugby (there was previously little or no rugby provided in the Primary Schools). The Club is now starting to reap the benefits of the DO appointment six years ago. The Hansen Company CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS PROFESSIONAL, PERSONAL & PROMPT SERVICE OFFERING: Accounts Preparation Corporation Tax Auditing Payroll Tax Planning VAT Bookkeeping Funding Packages Business Planning Planning Accounting & Management Training 29 Queen Street, Newton Stewart 01671 402341 Corporate Strategic [email protected] 28 Issue 70 The Challoch Inn, Bridge of Aldouran, Leswalt, Stranraer 01776 704706 [email protected]