OPTIMISM is the order of the day at Berwick rugby club with everybody looking to build for the future following two poor seasons.
The philosophy of being at the centre of the community and focusing on development has been at the centre of anything Berwick has done since its foundation in 1926. And after coming back from the dead – reforming in 1968 after closure during the war – director of rugby Dougie Hall is looking to make sure Berwick RFC doesn’t need the kiss of life.
New players have joined and Ged Thomas has taken over as head coach. Coming up from senior rugby at Wakefield, Thomas is one of the most senior coaches in the area this season.
Individual success has already come with Ian Moody and Arron Hall touring Ireland with Newcastle Falcons and Max Learmouth gaining his Scotland Under-17s cap. Hall is looking to build on it.
“After two bad seasons of being relegated and finishing third bottom the club is definitely on the up in all its sections,” said Hall. “We have lost some players to other clubs but we now have a young squad starting to grow up and physically mature. We would not stand in way of players who have left as they need to move to bigger clubs to progress. As everyone knows we have a superb youth policy but there’s no point in having it if we don’t have the loyalty.”
The forwards coach is Steven Gilchrist along with former club player Robbie Redpath who has had spells with Newcastle Falcons academy and the Borders as a fitness coach. Captain Colin Young is now a senior player in the club with Robert Haggerston returning from Melrose to become vice captain.
Scottish Premier Three is a hard physical league with lots of travelling, and the club hope to turn Scremerston into a fortress in the coming season. “There is still a great need in club for help and assistance,” said press officer Steve Newman. “So we are looking for anyone who has been involved to help and contribute to the club’s progress.
“The club caters for people of all ages but we are particularly proud of our youth section run by Andy Martin and his team. This has recently expanded to include a thriving girls’ squad, many of who we hope will join our ladies’ team. We have always regarded ourselves as an integral part of the town. We’re a family club and hope we can continue to foster links with business and schools in the borough.”
The club is also running two other teams. The second side – the Bears – will be managed by Grant Younger, with the team being captained by Richard Hume. Mattie Cooper captains the third team, the Badgers – side open to anyone who wants to either get into the game or return after taking time away.
