School sport: Millersneuk net best in west accolade

Bishopbriggs-based coach Allwyn Crawford, centre, is flanked, from left, by Greg Lawrie, Rachel Love, Oliver Black and Kirsty Shu

Millersneuk Primary School’s Rachel Lowe, Kirsty Shu, Greg Lawrie and Oliver Black are the proud winners of the West of Scotland Primary Schools County Finals.

The tournament is in its fourth year, and the Lenzie school quartet won the East Dunbartonshire qualifier at Milngavie before going on to triumph in the West final. The overall numbers keep rising and this year over 300 children took part.

In the finals, Millersneuk Primary overcame closest rivals St Joseph’s Primary School by just seven points and it is the third time that an East Dunbartonshire has won the title.

The tournament is organised by Active Schools Co-ordinators, Sports Development Officers and coaches from local tennis clubs. Allwyn Crawford, who coaches at Bishopbriggs, is the mentor to the Miillersneuk pupils.

“Allwyn is brilliant, taking the children after school, said head teacher Greg Caldow. “The team is made up of two club members and two others and we were delighted to win the East Dunbartonshire title and then go on and win the final.”

Tennis Scotland development manager, Mike Cohen, added: “The Primary Schools competition is a great event to attract children from a young age into tennis.

“Mini Tennis for this age group can be played in a small gym hall or dining area so it is ideal for Primary Schools. Tennis has never been more in the spotlight and with Andy Murray winning Wimbledon this year it certainly has raised the profile of the sport and our schools, clubs and coaches have a great opportunity to take advantage of the interest children are now showing in tennis.”

WEST OF SCOTLAND PRIMARY SCHOOLS COUNTY FINALS

Millersneuk (East Dunbartonshire) – 173 points; St Joesph’s (East Renfrewshire) - 166; Caldercuilt (Glasgow) - 141; Ardgowan (Inverclyde) - 128; Broomhill Primary School (Glasgow) - 120; Gavinburn (West Dunbartonshire) - 100

Football: Forth Valley sides excel in national cup fixtures

The senior Forth Valley against West Lothian launched this season’s TSB National Trophy competition – but it was match that failed to produce a goal.

It all came down to a penalty shoot-out on the astroturf at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling – the outcome only required in the event of a tied position at the conclusion of the group stage – and then the goals poured in.

Forth Valley scored all ten of their spot-kicks while West Lothian had their last effort saved by the home keeper.

At the start of a new session, the tie was played under the watchful eye of a whole bunch of Scottish Schools’ Football Association national team selectors. It was the home side Forth Valley that had the best chances but no one could make the vital breakthrough.

Both teams will look to improve their performance next time out, but there were a few individual performers who caught the eye of the selectors in attendance.

In contrast, the Under-15 game contested at the same stadium saw Forth Valley dominate the game and they scored six goals without reply.

An excellent first-half saw wide forward Callum Morrison (Alva Academy) score a superb first-half hat-trick which put the home team well on the way to victory.

In addition. Forth Valley keeper Ronan Fallens (St.Modan’s HS) had an excellent first-half to keep West Lothian at bay.

Kieran Murphy (Alva Academy) scored the fourth goal after 15 minutes of the second-half and then substitute Kyle McLean (St.Mungo’s) netted a late double.

Rugby: School break creating havoc with cup fixtures

It is regarded as the best month for playing rugby, but much of October has become a wasteland for schools matches as asynchronised holidays of different lengths result in a fixtures nightmare for organisers of the game at this level.