P6 training for the Jed Sevens will be held at Poynder Park at 7pm on 7th of May. On Jed Sevens day (10th May) the bus will leave Kelso High School at 1pm and the boys will play between the semi's and the final.
The 2008 Ayr Tour proved a big hit again with this years players coaches and parents all enjoying themselves. After a late start from Kelso we arrived in Craig Tara slightly late for our food and after an unfortunate debate we got ourselves sorted out and down to the chalets to bunk-in. Then it was off to the Atlantic arcades and fun whilst the adults enjoyed a chat over a shandy.
Saturday saw us fed and off to Marr where we saw some old friends again and the boys played their rugby. The weather was mixed with some heavy showers but this didn't dampen their spirits. We were again done proud by Marr with special thanks to Dougie and Wallace.
Then it was back to Craig Tara and swimming, go karting, football and 10 pin bowling for the boys. Saturday night was spent at the arcades and Atlantic family showbar with coaches donning their "loud shirts". Some late night feasts were had by the boys and then to bed.
Sunday was more karting, swimming, footie, bowling and then it was back to The Stair Arms for our post tour dinner after which the boys got their player of the year awards.
p3- Mark Hill
p4- Stuart Banks
p5- Robbie Thomson
p6- Mikey Horsburgh
p7- Ryan Jarvis
p7- Player's Player - Sean Thorburn
Our P7's that have done so well throughout the year are moving up and we will miss them, especially their Irn Bru antics!! They said their farewells and made some very heartfelt speeches that gave us all some lumps in the throat. Three coaches have hung up their boots this year: Colin Gillie,Stuart Ford and Maria Waldie. They all have served the Cougars well and we wish them all the best in their retirement homes! Presentations were made by both The Cougars and also some of the parents to thank them for their efforts. The p7 lads will do even better when they hit Kelso high School as the good squad foundations are there already in their team, so good luck boys!
The Gala Tournament is on Sunday 20th April and the bus leaves KHS at 11.30am for a 1pm KO. This is a long day so please bring along your waterproofs as it looks like being cold if not wet too.
For all those going on the Ayr Tour, the bus will leave at 5pm sharp on Friday 25th April from KHS. So please be on time and we'll have a great weekend!
The game against Selkirk on Sunday 13th April has been cancelled and will be replaced by coaching at Poynder from 10.30-12.00. Paper copies of the Ayr information sheet will be given out to those who are paid up to go on tour after the coaching.
The Ayr Tour information sheet is now available and can be downloaded here.
Larger versions of the photos below from the Newcastle Falcons training day are available now in the picture gallery.
On Sat 5th April the bus leaves from KHS at 1.30pm for The Newcastle Falcons training day. Please bear in mind that this will be a long day and all boys should bring waterproofs and a change of clothing. Return is estimated at 23.30 - 24.00 and as a result Sunday coaching has been cancelled.
On Sunday 30th March Bus leaves for Duns at 10.00am to play p3,4,5&6,7. Please take waterproofs as it's usually Baltic!
Kelso Tournament snaps have added to the picture gallery
Training is at Poynder at 10.30am on Sunday 16th March, players must bring Ayr Tour forms, Newcastle forms and payments please. Boys, remember to ask your coach how they got on at the race night!
The Melrose Tournament is on Sunday 9th March and the bus leaves KHS at 10.00am sharp for an 11.00 am kick off. This will be a long day so remember to bring waterproofs along.
For Langholm away on Sunday 2nd March the bus leaves Kelso High School at 9.50. Please bring your waterproofs as this is Langholm where it rains as well as pours!
Remember to hand in Ayr Tour and Newcastle Falcons consent forms ASAP
P1 to P7 will travel to the Jedburgh away game on Sun 24th Feb. Bus leaves Kelso High School at 10am.
On Sat 5th April the Cougars have the chance to go to a Training Day and Night Match at the Newcastle Falcons. This will be a great experience for the players and we're sure this is going to be a popular event. More details will be provided nearer the time but any player wanting to attend must complete the consent form that can be downloaded here.
The infamous annual Race Night will be held in the Rugby Club on Sat 15th March 7pm til late! Get your tables booked quickly - tickets priced at £10 are available from Stuart Ford and normally go fast! More details are on the offical poster that can be downloaded here.
All players that want to go on tour to Ayr must complete a consent form and return to Wullie Mallen or any coach by 24th February 2008. Cost is £20 for kids and £25 for adults and cash/cheques must be submitted along with the consent form which can be downloaded here.
On the 17th of Feb 2008 we will now be travelling to Stewarts Melville RFC at Inverleith in Edinburgh (EH5 2DW - map) along with Gala and Portobello. The bus will leave at 10am from the High School for a 12noon KO. Please bring your waterproof jackets as it will be a long day.
The game against Selkirk at Kelso on Sunday 3rd Feb is off due a waterlogged pitch and there will be no coaching taking place. The next coaching will take place on 10th Feb at Poynder, 10.30am as normal
Coaching on Sun 20th Jan has been moved from indoors to outdoors at Poynder at the usual 10:30am start, weather permitting!
The Boroughmuir Tournament scheduled for Sun 13th Jan has been cancelled due to pitch flooding and will be replaced by coaching at Poynder at 10:30am.
P3 to P7's will travel to the Boroughmuir Tournament on 13th January 2008. The bus leaves Kelso High School car park, meet at 11.00 AM. The mini tournament starts at 1.30 pm and finishes at 3.30pm. Please provide a packed lunch and all players should have new mini cougars waterproof coats on. A high energy biscuit bar may be provided by the Club so please ensure any player allergies have been notified to the Club.
P1 + P2 will be coaching at Kelso Rugby Club 10-11am with Willie Mallen.
Coaching will restart on 6th January, indoors if needed, between 11.00-12.00noon and on the 20th between 10.00-11.00am
On Sunday 9th December can all mini Cougars be at Poynder for 10am sharp as we have our guest Gregor Townsend coming to coach us on Sunday morning. Also on the 9th Dec is the Christmas Party in the Clubrooms at 12.30pm for fun and games til 2.30pm.
The tuck shop rota for Jan to April 2008 is available now on the Tuck n Teas page.
We look forward to a Pro coaching session from Gregor Townsend of Scotland and British Lions fame on Sunday 9th of December. Gregor has a wealth of Rugby knowledge and a talent for imparting that on coaches and players alike.
P7s are to play Jedburgh P7s at 14.30 on Sat 3rd November as a curtain raiser game before the First team kick off. All Kelso Cougars are invited to come and watch both games for free and support the Club.
Kelso were at Jedburgh Tournament on Sunday where P5 and P7 played very well, won all their games and lifted the cups for Kelso Cougars .They played great rugby and were a joy to watch, well done lads! Dougie Wood - Convenor. Pictures are posted to the gallery.
A photo gallery has been added starting with the Ayr Tour of 2006. Click on Picture in the side menu. If you have pictures you want posted click on Webmaster and send by email.
The away game against Dunbar and Portobello is cancelled and will be replaced by coaching at the usual time.
For the Melrose game on 16th September - Meet at 09.45am at Kelso High School and bus leaves at 10.00 am sharp. The Penicuik Tournament has been moved from 23rd to 30th September, meet at Kelso High School at 09.15 and bus will leave at 09.30 sharp. Sunday 23rd will now be coaching at the usual time.
Gregor Townsend coaching session will be rearranged to a later date post World Cup.
Player registration forms can be dowloaded here.. Forms must be completed to ensure medical details are known for the safety of players.
On 13th September from 18.30 onwards Dentist Paul Dunmore will be at Kelso Clubrooms for Gum shield fittings. The price is £17.50 and includes the original moulding and comes in a choice of colours (for those who are fashion conscious). All players are urged to wear a Gum shield as protection against dental and gum injury! Fitting shall commence with youngest first upwards.
On 6th September from 18.15 onwards Dentist Paul Dunmore will be at Kelso Clubrooms for Gum shield fittings. The price is £17.50 and includes the original moulding and comes in a choice of colours (for those who are fashion conscious). All Mini Cougars are urged to wear a Gum shield as protection against dental and gum injury! Fitting shall commence with youngest first upwards.
On 30th September (provisionally) Scotland and British Lions Legend Gregor Townsend will be with us for a top flight coaching session. Gregor has played top level rugby and is now widely regarded as one of the best coaches in Scotland. He will be on hand for our session and some photos afterwards. This session is made possible by the generosity of the modest Mr Neil Thomson for which we are very grateful.
We need volunteer Coaches to come forward and a coaches Foundation Course is being run on 12th & 19th September at The Greenyards. All interested should contact our YDO Stewart Milne on 07764 759258. Stewart is also arranging a level 2 course in October and Dr Ian Fingland will be at the Kelso clubhouse on September 2nd at 11.00 to help coaches through the Disclosure Scotland procedure. Anyone interested please contact Dougie Wood 07970 009371.
We also need Ladies who can help with tea`n`tuck, please contact Caroline Brown on 07809 206964, the more the merrier.
On 6th September from 18.15 onwards Dentist Paul Dunmore will be at Kelso Clubrooms for Gum shield fittings. The price is £17.50 and includes the original moulding and comes in a choice of colours (for those who are fashion conscious). All Mini Cougars are urged to wear a Gum shield as protection against dental and gum injury! Fitting shall commence with youngest first upwards.
There will be a parents meeting after coaching on 2nd Sept at 12noon in the clubrooms this will include a Lost and Found property. We also ask any parents whose child's Boots/Shorts/Gloves etc are too small for their own child to bring it along for the use of the younger Mini Cougars. This not only clears space at home but makes the best use of equipment that has simply been outgrown. Please only bring items that are in good condition.
P7s will be playing Jed in their annual fixture before the Sevens final, come down and give them some early season support.
Can any parents of children involved with the Mini Rugby please bring along any bottles of any description to help raise funds for next season. All help on the Saturday will be much appreciated. We aim to put up the stall at 10.30am Sat 11th Aug and any willing bodies are welcome! Bottles can be dropped into Dougie Wood @ Wallace Of Kelso, Bowmont Street, Kelso.
Training for next season will resume on Sunday 26th August 2007, 10:30am to 12noon. All kids are welcome and we encourage them to bring along any pals that may be interested in having a go. If you fancy a rewarding role in coaching or parent helping please get in touch on the Contacts page or contact any current coach. All training and child protection procedures will be provided by the club.
Once again, as the season draws to a close, we loose some key people from the team. Roger Berret became convener at the start of this season but looked like he'd been doing it for years. He brought enthusiasm, commitment, hard work and, most of all, fun to his year in charge ably assisted by son Michael (P7). Four of our experienced coaches are also moving on so we thank P7 coaches Andrew, Alan and Brian for their time and commitment. David and Carol Ritchie and family are emigrating to New Zealand in the Summer so we wish them all the best and safe journey. David has coached many age groups over the years and was Match Secretary this year. Carol has organised the Tuck 'n Teas which ensured that kids, parents, coaches, guests and visitors were fed and watered over the year. We thank them both for their commitment.
The P6 squad were involved in a tight battle with Jed between the Jed Sevens Semi's and Final. Both teams went close with Kelso stopped inches short of the winning try late on. The guys played well on a cool wet day and were rewarded with the medals for greater effort shown.
The P7 squad won their 3rd tournament of the year at Gala after an epic final against Melrose winning in sudden death extra time with a try from Ali Johnston. The win was a reverse of the group stage match between the two where Melrose, who looked far stronger than at the Border Minis tournament the previous week, won comfortably.
The P7's squad narrowly lost out to Hawick Schools in the final of the Gala RFC Mini Maroons Border Minis P7 Tournament at Netherdale. In the group stages a tough 2-2 draw with Langholm was followed by a narrow 4-3 win over Melrose, after a tremedous second half revival, and a comfortable win over Selkirk. In the final Kelso took an early lead but a strong Hawick side held their shape well and ran in two tries to take first prize with a 2-1 victory. Well done to both teams and the final was a great advert for Mini Rugby on the main Netherdale pitch before the Borders v Ulster Magners League match.
The Ayr Tour Information Sheet can be downloaded here.
P7's will be playing in the Border Mini's P7 tournament on Fr 13th April at Netherdale KO 4:30pm.
The format is 2 pools of 4 teams with the winners of each pool going into the final that will be played at 7pm, just before the Borders v Ulster at 7:30pm.
Squad sizes are limited to 12 players and normal SRU P7 rules apply. All selected players to be at Netherdale by 4pm latest to ensure a proper warm up.
Parking
Please park in the Heroit Watt University car park and NOT the main Netherdale car park.
Snack
A snack tea will be provided to all players after they have finished playing their games.
Reivers Game
All players are welcome to stay on and watch the Reivers game. A ticket will be provided to each player for admission to the game.
Any adult also wishing to watch the game will have to purchase their own ticket(s) which will be available from the ticket booth in the car park.
We are relying on parents to bring the players to Netherdale, there is NO bus arranged. If you have transport problems please contact any of the coaches below.
Alan 223499, Andrew 440744, Brian 440768
Bus leaves Kelso High School at 11:45 am. Due to the large number of players from the Cougars taking part, and given the limited spaces on the bus, it would be helpful if those travelling parents could take one or two players with them. Please inform their relevant coaches regarding transport arrangements.
P7 - 10-a-side : squad size to be maximum of 14
P6 - 8-a-side : squad size to be maximum of 12
P4 - P5 : squad size of 12
P3 - are welcome to attend as long as they do not mind being mixed with other teams to give them the experience of a tournament situation.
P1 - P2 : Whilst it is difficult for them to take part, there may be an opportunity for them to participate in some coaching at Netherdale and therefore should they wish to attend then they would be made welcome.
Following the coaching session on the 15th there will be an Ayr tour meeting in the club rooms at 12:30 pm. At least one member of the tourist's family should attend, as this will be the only opportunity prior to the tour to receive all the necessary information. Anyone who has not paid the tour fees by 8th April will not be eligible to go.
Well done to the P7 squad who took their first Borders tournament win in Melrose with some fine team performances.
Bus leaves Kelso High School car park at 10:00 am sharp on 18th Feb, all age groups travel.
Some parents may still not have had the opportunity to collect a form for the tour, please ask Roger or a coach for the necessary paperwork or download the consent form here.
Raffle prizes can now be handed in for this event. Apologies to many people who missed out on obtaining tickets. The popularity of this evening, as fore warned, means that maybe, for next year, we should use Murrayfield to squeeze in the extra 60,000.
Whilst it is impossible to contact 77 players on a Sunday morning when the weather creates a problem, the coaches do all that they can to ensure that everyone is informed. They, like the rest of us, have better things to do. This is why Radio Borders are contacted as soon as possible. In the past, this has proven to be the most effective way of reaching the majority, but if anyone should be in any doubt over the next few weeks then feel free to phone me. Alan Hutchison regularly updates our web site, where all information can be obtained including Ayr tour consent forms etc.
The game with Selkirk on Sun 4th Feb has been cancelled due to a frozen pitch, see you at coaching next week.
The game with Peebles on Sun 28th Jan is cancelled. This game will be replaced by outdoor coaching at Poynder Park, usual time 10:30am-12noon.
All 150 tickets for the race night (cheese and wine) event have now sold out. Please note a change in start time to 7pm for 7:30 pm start. All ticket money needs to be paid by Sunday 25th Feb and can be given to Roger or any coach.
All players that want to go on tour to Ayr must complete a consent form and return to Roger Berret or any coach by 18th February 2007. Cost is £25 for kids and £30 for adults and cash/cheques must be submitted along with the consent form which can be downloaded here.
Any adults planning to go on this trip who do not have a Disclosure Scotland certificate for the purposes of Mini Rugby should see Ian Fingland after the coaching session on Sunday 21st January, (upstairs in the club rooms from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm) to complete an application. Please bring; Birth certificate, Driving licence, household utility bill, a note of your previous addresses over the past 10 years. (Applications can take up to 3 months to process.)
The race night (cheese and wine) event will take place in the club rooms on Saturday 17th March, 7:30 pm for 8:00 pm There is a limit to just 150 tickets and are priced at £10. However, as over 60 tickets have already been pre-booked, it would be prudent to order them sooner rather than later. You do not want to miss out on this night as there is nothing like it south of Wick.
Hopefully, after the indoor coaching on Sunday 21st January, we can hold a short meeting for all coaches available, in the club rooms if they are open. Should the club rooms be closed, then it will be held in the Black Swan, Red Lion, White Swan, The Waggon, and The Cobbles!
Unfortunately, due to the numbers wishing to buy tickets for the Scotland v Wales game, it would not be financially viable for us to buy tickets and hire transport at the prices offered. Anyone who is still keen to go should contact the S.R.U. direct.
Thanks to all the P 6 and P 7 players and adults who took part in the recent fund raiser at Somerfield. Enough funds were raised to confirm our payment for our tour and maybe to supply the players with an extra Mars bar for the journey to Ayr (but only one between two)
The infamous annual Race Night will be held in the Rugby Club on Sat 17th March. Get your tables booked quickly - tickets priced at £10 normally go fast! More details to follow.
The first coaching of 2007 took place today but not quite as planned. The games hall was locked so a good turn-out of kids played round robin touch rugby behind the pitch at Poynder.
Once again Somerfield Supermarket, Roxburgh Street, Kelso, have kindly allowed the Mini Rugby P6 & P7 players to assist the store in packing customers bags at the checkout on the days leading up to both Xmas & Hogmany. In return for this service the players usually receive generous tips, all of which are collected to raise funds for the Tour to Ayr in April 2007. Below is a rota for the players. As you will see the players will do up to 3 stints of up to 4 hours overall.
Click HERE for the pdf version.
After some fun coaching involving rugby rounders and various exercises, all rushed to get to the party. Sevens teams of eight that included one Kelso first team player (thanks guys!) and one team of eight baddies (coaches!) competed as rugby nations for the top prize. Two broken chairs later (kids, not coaches or players!) and, after much fun, Italy were victorious. Santa brought some seasonal excitment and the coaches and first team players musical chairs was as competitive as you would expect! Some other highlights were players fancy dress, Eck's lipstick and a whale slide in the balloon race! Thanks to parents, players, coaches and all who helped.
Kelso Mini Rugby re-starts after the Xmas and New year break on Sun 7th Jan 2007 in the Games Hall at Kelso High School (12noon-1pm) for indoor coaching.
The Xmas party will take place on 10th Dec 2006 following the coaching session. (Coaching 10:30am-12noon, Party 12noon-2pm)
P4, P6 and P7 only will be travelling to Duns on Dec 3rd, there will be coaching at Poynder for the remaining age groups as normal. Please be at the High School car park for 9.45am, kick-off is 11am.
P2/3 to P7 will be travelling to Selkirk on Nov 19th, there will be no coaching for P1's. Please be at the High School car park for 9.45am, kick-off is 11am.
We would like to remind parents to supply food for home game according to the list at the foot of the tuck and teas page.
The staff shop have kindly offered to open for this game on 29th Oct. there is an extensive range of excellent items - well worth a visit.
Thanks to all that took part in the sponsored bike ride, the kids had a great day with a send off from John Beattie and Gary Parker in Kelso Square (picture to follow). Please remember to hand in your sponsor money by 5th November to ensure you have the chance to win the rugby shirt.
Tickets will be available to see the above match on Sat Nov 18th 2006 at Murrayfield. Ticket order forms with money (adults: 15 pounds, kids: 10 pounds) need to be handed to Roger Berrett or any Coach by Sun 15th Oct.
The ticket order form containing full details can be downloaded here
The annual fund raising sponsored bike ride will take place on Saturday 21st October 2006. Meet in Kelso Square at 10 am to set off for Floors at 10.30 am and returning to the rugby club at approximately 12.15pm.
The full sponsor form including event details can be downloaded here
Additional sponsor sheets can be downloaded here
All teams that played at the Penicuik tournament won their age groups. Well done and great efforts from P4, P5, P6 and P7.
P7's will play Jed during between the semi's and final of Kelso 7's on Sat 12th August.
Training for next season will resume on Sunday 27th August 2006, 10:30am to 12noon. All kids are welcome and we encourage them to bring along any pals that may be interested in having a go.
As this season draws to a close, four of our experienced coaches are moving on so we thank Cliff, Brian, Allan and Maria for their time and commitment over the last five years. Also leaving us is Elaine, who has ensured that kids, parents and coaches were fed and watered over the year - surely the most important job of all!
If you fancy a rewarding role in coaching or parent helping please get in touch here or contact any current coach. All training and child protection procedures will be provided by the club.
Updated 1 May 2008