Rugby: Poignant gesture as Preston Lodge land monthly prize

Preston LODGE have been named RBS Scottish rugby club of the month, with president Shona Brash immediately dedicating the award to a long-serving club member whose funeral took place this week.

The late George Gillan was recalled by Mrs Brash, who said: “We have agreed that the award will be dedicated to a much-loved member of Preston Lodge. This award is a fitting tribute to all the hard work our development officer [Dougie Thomson] and all our volunteers put in. Without them we wouldn’t have a club.

“Our main aim at Pennypit Park is to provide the best support we can to every player in every team, so it’s been wonderful to see four of our colts being selected for the first XV this season so far.

“It’s absolutely awesome, we are stunned, delighted and honoured to have won.” The award carries a £1000 prize and comes only a few weeks after Preston Lodge won the RBS East Division One title in unbeaten fashion having achieved a four try bonus point in 14 of the 15 games.

To clinch their first title in 35 years – other promotions have been as runners-up – Currie won 18-16 at Duns with Paul Voy taking his try tally to 12 which was one behind Darren Eales. Another try scorer that day was Greg Kinross and the touchdown contributed to him being the club’s top league scorer with 138 points.

As well as the success of the first team, Preston Lodge run sides in all age-groups and fulfilled good disciplinary criteria having picked up only one yellow card in January.

• MUSSELBURGH begin their bid for the Scottish under-16 cup against Perthshire at Stoneyhill on Sunday, kick off 1pm.