With preparations almost complete for the forth coming season, it is perhaps a good time to reflect on the pre-season warm-up. An invitation to Perthshire Rugby Club was taken up and a squad travelled to Perth on 2 August where it was our first exposure to the new ELV's.

After almost 100 minutes of rugby, with only a short break between matches, the squad recorded vicories over both Perthshire and a composite 1st and 2nd Aberdeen Grammar FP team.

The following week saw Ardrossan visit West Lodge, again the team recorded a victory. This weekend saw 22 players travel to Stckport Rugby Club, formally known as Davenport, who were promoted this year as well. It became evident even in the warm up, that WHITECRAIGS might have bitten off more than they could chew with this fixture! With an experienced and huge pack servicing an experienced back line, two of whom had transferred from Manchester, the opening 10 minutes left you wondering if a cricket score was to unfold. However, once the team had shaken off the bus journey, they played 90 minutes of some of the hardest rugby they have encountered to date. It would be reasonable to judge Stockport, in terms of Scottish rugby, as being a Premier 2/3 side. To our credit, the score ended at 6 tries to 4 in favour of Stockport but we certainly ended the stronger.

We received many plaudits fom our opposition who were great hosts and took the time to pass on their experience to some of our younger players. In return our players admitted they had never been hit so hard!!!!!! Particularly at the breakdown! The rest of the evening was spent relaxing and resting the bodies (battered and bruised) at the hotel. The entire team was a credit to the club and behaved impeccably. A big thanks to Graeme H, The Colonel and Gerry for their assistance and support.

With our associated club Ayr meeting us next Tuesday night at Ayr, we are as ready as we will ever be for the forth coming season and anybody who wants to see the Stockport game see me as|I have a quality DVD of the match.

Coach