WEEKLY BULLETIN

7.02.2024

Afternoon Folks,

Hope you’re all staying warm this bright wintery day!

Last week was a busy week in the club rooms. On Wednesday night there was a Burns Supper organised by the Melrose Primary School to inform people about their fundraising appeal to improve the playground area at the school.  On Friday we had Rugbytots in the 1877 – lots of 2/3 year olds running around and learning core rugby skills – they are an enthusiastic bunch! It was a quick turnaround to get the hall set up for the Dodcast Live, a lovely night with Gary Armstrong, Lisa Thomson & Dougie Vipond all being interviewed by Bruce Aitchison. After that, we showed the France v Ireland game on the big screen! On Saturday the U18 Wasps were at home to Alnwick & then there was a 40th Birthday party in the hall – so a real variety of events going on!

The 1XV were away to Watsonians this week, Watsonians haven’t lost at home this season, and this match saw that winning streak continue – it was a close run thing, but it was not to be for the visitors. For Iain’s match report, please follow this link. Thanks to Malcolm Changleng for the photos!

Training activity has ramped up this week with the Southern Knights starting back. This season the team is being led by Scott Wight – Attack Coach, Iain Chisholm – Defence Coach, James Head – Lineout Coach with Doug Crawford coming in as Knights General Manager. Core contracted players have been joined by a group of players making up a wider training group from local Border Clubs Hawick, Gala, Kelso, Jed-Forest, Peebles, Selkirk, Melrose, and Musselburgh. It’s certainly an inclusive & Borders wide squad. These players will be training alongside the SRU Academy on Monday evenings going forward. So, if you fancy watching their progress as the nights get lighter and hopefully warmer, you’re welcome to come and watch training!

This weekend see’s the 1XV having a break, their next game is on the 23rd away to Selkirk, Friday night and the Storm are in action against Kelso Sharks – they are away to Kelso with a 7:30pm kick off. On Saturday the U18 Wasps are away to Carlisle Colts – kick off is 2pm, and finally the U16 Wasps are home to George Watsons with an early start - a 10:30am kick off. Best of luck to all of them!

Last week’s results:

1XV - Watsonians 28 : 25 Melrose

U18 Wasps 26 : 55 Tynedale

Sad news…Wattie Todd

Everyone at the club was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of club stalwart Wattie Todd, who died on Saturday. Wattie was involved with Melrose Rugby most of his life, as a player then later as 1XV Team Manager. He was a keen supporter of the club, and in his later years, could often be found in the stand with his grandson Robbie, taking notes on the Melrose team to pass on to the coaches & managers. Wattie was a well-respected & universally liked member of the Melrose Rugby fraternity and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, Gillian, Lynda, John, Amy & Robbie – Funeral details for Wattie can be found HERE

Jim Rae…

We’ve been notified by a member of the club with more sad news, Past President of Aberdeen Grammer & Border man Jim Rae recently passed away, although brought up mostly in Aberdeen, Jim returned to the Borders frequently, to read more about Jim CLICK HERE

That’s it for this week, if you’re off to Murrayfield to watch Scotland take on France – enjoy it!

Warm wishes

Hilary