Minis in Fintry action
May 8 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday
AROUND 1000 descended on Fintry last Sunday when Strathendrick RFC Minis Section ran its third annual charity rugby festival.
Around £3000 was raised from the event for three local hospices.
Some 400 children from P3-P7 from across the west of Scotland ran, tackled and scored tries in the culmination of the club’s successful 2009 season.
To cap the day off Scottish internationalists Johnnie Beattie and Richie Vernon from Warriors came and boosted the children’s morale, chatted to the youngsters and signed innumerable strips, balls and water bottles.
The charity festival was in aid of three local hospices – Strathcarron Hospice in Denny, Robin House run by CHAS in Balloch, and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.
Teams from Allan Glens RFC, GHA, Glasgow Accies, GHK, Lenzie RFC, West of Scotland, and Strathendrick, battled it out in fast and furious rugby.
West of Scotland won the cup for the most tries scored for the third year in a year, and Glasgow Accies were awarded the accolade of the Most Sporting Club, as voted by the coaches and players.
Organiser of the event Iain Somerville said: “Despite the economic downturn, which meant we lost some major sponsors, we raised a considerable sum, as well as ensuring the children and spectators had great fun, playing and enjoying good rugby.
“Every child went home with a water bottle and many won great raffle prizes, including a signed Scotland shirt, so everyone was a winner. It’s a fitting end to a successful rugby season.

This article was originally posted on 9-May-2009, 17:24 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 9-May-2009, 17:25.