Rugby Club ISSUE 87 | Page 68

Inverleith FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Inverleith RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Inverleith RFC enjoyed a fine campaign last time around as they won the Tennents East Region Division 3 trophy. Rugby Club Magazine caught up with Club Representative Andy McCulloch ahead of the new season to see how they are getting along. Andy told us, “I have been touring with Inverleith RFC since the mid-90s (I was with Forrester Rugby Club for 20 plus years during this time) so I knew all of the committee and most of the players. Around nine years ago I was asked if I wanted to join Inverleith and try to form a 2nd XV as at the time they had no 2nd XV which meant that there was very little 1st XV back up. I started preseason at Inverleith in 2011 but unfortunately snapped my bicep which was going to sideline me for most of the season after the operation so I put the move on hold. “I then officially joined Inverleith around March 2012. I brought a few guys with me and we very quickly formed a 2nd XV who played friendlies that season. Our 1st XV gained promotion that year, narrowly missing out on winning the league due to losing our last league match. What attracted me to Inverleith was the friendly atmosphere which took rugby seriously with friendship and comradery a very close second. “Although when I joined I specifically asked not to be on the Images courtesy of Andy McCulloch Originally from Perthshire, Angus Crabbie was encouraged to join the club by friends and played his first game in 1994. He told Rugby Club Magazine, “I have played many positions over the years but my main position is scrum half. Unfortunately, I had to hang my boots up last season due to a serious concussion. “I can’t speak highly enough about the guys performance last season; the difference seemed to be in attitude and playing to the final whistle, demonstrated by many small margin victories. I had the privilege of captaining a successful Inverleith side back in the day and have always enjoyed my time with the club. Inverleith is a fun club that encourages enjoyment and this makes us attractive to anyone wishing to join. My son Ross, who is 7, plays for Ross High Rhinos and they have a truly excellent setup which I feel should be taken note of by other clubs. Inverleith RFC are in an area congested with many other clubs but still hold their own with certainly some of the best facilities available in Scotland. Best wishes to everyone for the new season.” 68 Issue 87