Helensburgh Advertiser | Sport

Wednesday, 19th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 18th May, 2006 09:58

Burgh the brave

By Helensburgh Sport Scene

Rugby club win tournament

AFTER 11 months of planning and more than a few sleepless nights, the 26 tourists of Helensburgh Rugby Club's first ever overseas tour set off from Glasgow Airport last month on a whirlwind adventure.

The club had the honour of opening the tournament against Malta A, the national side.

Before the game an engraved plate, donated by Helensburgh Trophy Centre, was presented to the Maltese captain.

The Burgh boys saw some good running from forwards Alex Roberts and James Miller, but despite their efforts the Maltese scraped a narrow five points victory.

An hour later the lads were up against 'Old Leamingtonians' in the second game. This was a seesaw battle with tries from centre Alistair Cairns and second row Craig Wight, but the English won by two points after a dubious try was awarded deep into injury time.

Tour coach Steve Gard rallied the players for the last game of the day against the big lads of Tarletton Terriers. Strong running from wings Elliot Meadwell and 'Yogi' Crossland, combined with ferocious tackling from Gordon Brown and Kieran Fraser, led to an eight point victory.

After an eventful Saturday night, Helensburgh Rugby Club looked like struggling on the second day. Although the lads started strongly against the Welsh bruisers Bugbrooke, they quickly ran out of steam and only heroic defending from Oz Melbourne and captain Andy Hodgson kept the valley boys from crossing the line.

The plate final saw Helensburgh face the Terriers again and this time the Scottish Lions were rampant.

With Owen McInroy throwing in, Chico cleaned up in the line-outs.

Joe Benton linked the forwards through Chris Black who ghosted through the defences.

Michael Lindzee-Gordon, spurred on by an opposition challenge, used his silky skills to dance through the 'Terriers' backs almost at will. Some say they even saw Phil Rogers passing, but the sun was shining and it could have been a mirage.

At full-time Helensburgh were plate winners on their first tour.

Many friends were made on this tour, both off and on the pitch. It showed what happens when rugby teams from all over the globe come together in friendship.

Thanks go to Malta A, Malta Marauders, Ayakos Nikolaois Stags, Bugbrooke, Old Leamingtonians, Tarletton Terriers and Pembroke Dock Quiks for all the memories.

Thanks also to Helensburgh Trophy Centre, The Royal Bar, Hart Insurance and several of the rugby club patrons for their support.

Congratulations to Craig Wight, top try scorer on tour, and the 26 tourists who made Malta XVs 2006 the success it was: Andy Hodgson, Oz Melbourne, Gordon Brown, Steve Gard, Neil Sloan, James Miller, Joe Benton, David Skipper, Phil Rogers, Douglas Benton, David Petrie, Craig Wight, Kieran Fraser, Chas Miller, Jason Feltham, Andrew Crossland, Ronnie McGeachy, Mark Tyson, Alex Roberts, Dougie Bennett, Elliot Meadwell, Alistair Cairns, Owen McInroy, Chris Black, Michael Lindzee-Gordon, Ross Gibson.

Planning for Portugal 2007 is underway. Interested parties can sign up at the rugby club.

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