The new season is well underway with enticing prospects at all levels of the game. Both of Scotland’s professional teams have made encouraging starts to their Pro 14 campaigns with Glasgow Warriors, in particular, putting in some spectacular performances. With Samoa, the All Blacks and Australia all visiting Murrayfield this Autumn we have some great international matches to look forward to.

More locally our 1st XV have got into their stride in BT West League Division 2 and will reckon to climb the table over the next month or so. In a vital development for the Club, we have just about managed to re-establish a 2nd XV so that new, older and occasional players can stay involved. If you would like to join us (or fancy Skippering the team) please get in touch.

The Midis have successfully embarked on their ambitious programme playing in the Scottish Schools’ Barbarian Conference turning out five age group teams almost every Saturday – and playing some stiff opposition. Results have been mixed, of course, but this is a remarkable achievement and a credit to the players, coaches, Club and School.
The Minis are also well underway with healthy numbers of boys, girls and coaches enjoying their Sunday sport. The first local primary schools’ Tag Festival, organised by Steven McCooey, took place last Friday at BHS and was a great success.
But these things don’t just “happen” they all required commitment, organisation and graft so a big shout to Sandy Cuthbertson, Dougie Spence, Bruce Mearns and helpers for a) installing our magnificent new floodlights on the training area (a VERY long-held ambition!) and b) measuring and lining all THREE pitches at Fintry for the coming season.
We hope you find THE SNIPE a useful digest of SRFC Club news and please take particular note of the items on Fundraising, Membership and Social Events.

Dave Beaumont – President

WHAT’S GOING ON? OCTOBER 2017

Pitchero website https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/strathendrickrfc/

Sat 30 Sept S1, S2, U15, u18 vs Marr College

Sat 30 Sept 2ndXV vs Paisley (A) (no 1st XV fixture)

Sun 1 Oct Minis – Linlithgow (A)

Sat 7 Oct S1, S2, U15 – Half Term

Sat 7 Oct U18 – ITALY TOUR

Sat 7 Oct 1st XV vs Birkmyre (H)

Sat 7 Oct 2nd XV v GHK Students (H)

Sun 8 Oct Minis – West of Scot (A)

Sat 14 Oct MIDIS: Half–Term

Sat 14 Oct 1st XV vs Clydebank (A)

Sat 14 Oct 2nd XV vs Clydebank (A)

Sun 15 Oct Minis – coaching (H) HT

Sat 21 Oct Midis – no fixtures

Sat 21 Oct 1st XV v Loch Lomond (H)

Sat 21 Oct 2nd XV vs Garnock (H)

Sun 22 Oct Minis vs GHA (A)

Sat 28 Oct S1, S2, U15, U16, U18 vs Jordanhill College (A)

Sat 28 Oct 1st XV vs Millbrae (H)

Sat 28 Oct 2nd XV no fixture

Sun 29 Oct Minis – Waysiders (A)

U18s TOUR TO ITALY

The eagerly anticipated U18s TOUR is upon us with the party of 40 boys, girls and coaches flying out to Venice on Friday 6 October for four days. They will enjoy a coaching session with Marco Bortolami, watch the Treviso vs Southern Kings Pro 14 game and play matches against regional sides. Brilliant!

Have a FANTASTIC time people: play well, enjoy yourselves and stay safe!

FUNDRAISING

Many large companies operate community funding schemes these days, often supporting sport or youth activities, so we try to apply for these whenever possible to help supplement much needed Club funds.

We NEED YOUR HELP with two of these schemes. Firstly MITSUBISHI are sponsoring Scottish Rugby and have a scheme providing kit and equipment to schools and clubs. To help us claim this we need at least x10 members simply to take a Test Drive in a Mitsubishi (with no further obligation!). If you could help please contact Nick Hawkins

AVIVA (insurance and asset management) are running a sizeable community funding competition for which we are going to submit an entry. BUT we would get a guaranteed donation of £200 if our application is submitted by an Aviva customer or employee and we would increase our chances of winning if we apply through an insurance broker or financial advisor. If you can help please contact Nick on 07860 700928 or nick.hawkins01@btinternet.com.

VACANCY: we have an urgent need for someone to operate as Treasurer for the Juniors’ Sections – for further details please contact Club Treasurer garyfheron@btinternet.com

ASK THE REF

Last season The Snipe ran a series of articles on our “Local Heroes”, hardworking members of our Club. This season, with the kind co-operation of local WSRRS Ref Andy Summers, we are going highlight some useful aspects of the Laws of our game.
Are there any issues related to the Laws of Rugby that you have queries or questions about? If so drop a line to nick.hawkins01@btinternet.com and we’ll see if Andy can help.

REFS NEEDED – do you know our game but do not play? We urgently need match officials for Midi and 2nd XV games: please contact nick.hawkins01@btinternet.com

MEMBERSHIP

With such a lot of activity going on and investment in our facilities (flood lights, kit and equipment) the Club needs all the financial support it can find.

MEMBERSHIP FEES are now due so please pay as soon as possible, if you haven’t already. Membership forms for Senior, Social and Midi members are on the Information / Documents section of the Club website www.pitchero.com/clubs/strathendrickrfc
And the Minis membership form is part of the Parents’ Pack

Please note: from this season each Junior membership incorporates one adult social membership (for good club governance) so the parent / guardian’s details are required on the Membership form.

SOCIAL

Here are SRFC social events dates for your diary: further details to follow

Sat 9 December – RACE NIGHT
Sat 20 January – BURNS NIGHT
Sat 17 February – MR. STRATHENDRICK
Sat 3 March – ANNUAL DINNER DANCE
Sat 19 May – CAR TREASURE HUNT