Rugby is thriving at North Berwick

THEY may still be waiting for their first win of the season – the fixture list has been especially unkind this year – but rugby at North Berwick HS is thriving thanks to a coaching combination of parents, teachers and the school's sports co-ordinator, Claire Parry.

"We have a culture of rugby and hockey at North Berwick HS and these are the sports the boys and girls want to play," says Parry. "We are currently turning out eight XVs on Saturday mornings and rugby is thriving."

Coaching the 1st XV are Mike Debusk, the former Boroughmuir winger, who played for Edinburgh and had a Scottish trial, and Mike Sumner, who are assisted by fellow parents Graham Elliott, Ken Lauder and Geoff Hailstones, who look after the two other senior sides. Ronnie Jefferies, Alan McDonald and Gordon Hamilton are the teachers who also help out.

"It's been a tough start for the boys as we've played such strong sides as Watson's, Glenalmond, Strathallan and Glasgow HS," said Debusk. "We lost six of last season's pack and some of the backs, so we've got a very young team who are having to learn very fast."

It does not get any easier as North Berwick play Merchiston Castle at Colinton Road this afternoon (4:30pm), but Debusk is confident the side will improve with every game.

"We were able to cope with most schools last season because we had an experienced side, and it will take a wee while for the new boys to find their feet."

North Berwick are being given a stirring lead by Stuart Smith (16), a former winger, but now a very effective lock, while Debusk's son, Matthew, is being fielded at stand-off.

Another school where there is a feelgood factor about rugby is Peebles HS, where the driving forces are PE teachers David Changleng and Richard Lacon.

Changleng, Scotland's leading match official, who will spend the next two weekends officiating in France – in Montpelier and Biarritz – is putting out five sides on a weekly basis and is delighted with the response he has received from his boys.

"We have quite a few from last year's third-year side who toured Canada and they are coming along well," he said.

Captained by flanker Robbie Paterson, Peebles are looking forward to their opening game in the Bell Lawrie Scottish Cup – against Kelso HS at Poynder Park on 21 October.