The countdown is on to Dalkeith Rugby Club’s attempts to add more lustre to an already gilded season with their colts taking on either Berwick or Murrayfield Wanderers in the final of the East Youth Shield at Murrayfield’s back pitches on Saturday 23 March – kick off at 10am.
Already in this their 125th season Dalkeith have won East Division Two (see picture) on the way to being named the region’s Community Club of the Year in Scottish Rugby awards.
On the individual front Stevie Halliday was nominated Volunteer of the Year in the same community prize giving..
Paying tribute club president Jamie Simpson said: “Stevie has contributed a huge amount not just in 2023 but for a very long time from playing, (being) club captain for a number of years then President.
“From 2023 he has been focused on shaping the future of the club as Director of Youth Rugby, coaching our under-18’s and establishing our ladies team.”
Just before Christmas Stevie’s under-18 charges reached a first national final – the SRU Youth bowl – losing out to Musselburgh after a series of wins.
Jamie added: “The club aims to make rugby available for all, by making memberships affordable and organising a bootbank.
“Our School of Rugby at Newbattle High allows kids to try the sport who may never have had the opportunity. The club has seen huge growth in mini and youth rugby, with girls’ rugby in particular growing significantly.
“We fielded our first under-18’s in over 10 years and reached the club’s first ever national final. We launched our first senior women’s side in over 15 years with 20 active players loving playing rugby and feeling a big part of the club while competing well in the Aspire league.
“In winning the East Division Two league title we had the best defensive record in Scotland.”
That achievement was based on a points differential of + 380 with only 136 points conceded in 13 matches (one defeat).
The Dalkeith Ladies are also due in action this weekend entertaining Fraserburgh on Sunday in the National Bowl League.
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