Teams try their hardest: An excellent turnout of sides makes for a busy tournament for youngsters

Rugby

LANGHOLM Lions and Cubs hosted a festival at Milntown on a beautiful sunny morning last Sunday.
Langholm Blue P2/3s had nine players and five games so they were in for a busy morning and the whole squad applied themselves brilliantly.
First up was our “freens” from up the road, Hawick. This was a closely-contested game which went right to the wire. Hawick edged the game 2-3.
Tries were scored by David Goodfellow. A tough test for the first game but the team showed little sign of rustiness.
Next were our even closer “freens” Langholm Red. Playing against their teammates with maybe a little inside knowledge, they were pipped 2-3 again. Tries scored by David Goodfellow, a theme which would follow all morning.
The third game was against Dumfries. Langholm Blue were into their stride and played free flowing rugby, with strong running and great interplay.
This resulted in a 5-3 win for the home team. Tries scored by David Goodfellow x4 and Roan Jamieson.
Against Annan there was no let-up in intensity from Langholm and they quickly raced into a four-try lead before the interval.
Annan came back into the game, scoring four tries, but another two tries in the second half gave Langholm the win 6-4. Tries scored by David Goodfellow.
The fifth and final game was against the impressive Jed outfit, one of the strongest teams in the event.
It was a tough encounter and one Langholm struggled with. A lot of tired legs and minds after a long morning of rugby took its toll on the team.
But that “never say die” attitude has kicked in and they scored a try with the last play of the game which was thoroughly deserved. The score was 1-5. Try scorer David Goodfellow.
A great day was had by all. Thanks to all the helpers, volunteers and special mention to Scarlett Crossan Brown who did a sterling job refereeing her first matches.
Squad: David Goodfellow, Ava Cubbon, Roan Jamieson, Blake Divers, Lucy Smith, Bonnie Rose, Josh Ritchie, Harry Thompson, George Dowson.
P2/3s
The P2/3 Langholm Reds were first up against Annan, losing a tight game 5-4. Next for them was Langholm Blue and the Reds won 4-2.
A good Jed team were too much for the Reds and they ran out easy winners 5-0.
Dumfries were next up and the Reds started quickly, scoring first, but conceded four tries without adding to their tally.
Last up was a skilful Hawick team and the Reds lost 3-1. Although they won only one game, they cannot be faulted for their commitment and effort in all the games.
It was the first tournament for three of the squad and coaches are pleased with the way everyone got stuck in.
Langholm Reds: Charlie Kingstree, Erin Grant, Hamish Laing, Darragh Williams, Emily Rome, Euan Hogg, Evie Richardson, Rudy Dirom, Max Phillips.
The Langholm P4/5 Lions were in a fortunate position to field two teams with 14 boys and girls desperate to play rugby in perfect weather.
The Lions played against Hawick, Jed, Dumfries and Annan. Both teams were rotated evenly to give enough of our players plenty of game time and rest between ties.
Every youngster showed great enthusiasm to get involved and had a great day out with plenty of tackles made, tries scored and laughs along the way.
Most of the ties for both teams were close encounters, with victories, draws and losses during the day. Everyone has shown great improvement as the season has progressed.
Overwhelmed
The coaches are overwhelmed with the numbers attending training and festivals, so long may it continue and there is always room for more.
There was another tremendous effort from the P6/7 squad, unbeaten in their five matches. With only nine players, the lads played every minute of the games, winning three and drawing two.
The teamwork was the most pleasing part of their play, leading to tries from great handling and interlinking.
Jayden McVittie scored against Annan A to get them off to a winning start 1-0.
Against Annan B they won 3-2 with tries from Mark Goodfellow, Layton Foster and Jack Hotson.
There followed a hard-fought draw against Jed and Glen Jamieson scored to level it at 1-1
Dumfries B were proving a handful for other teams but the lads played well to gain a 1-1 draw, Mark Goodfellow scoring the try.
The lads finished with a win against Dumfries A. Try scoreres were Jack Hotson and Layton Foster, to win 2-0. Well done to all the lads.
Team: Archie Dowson, Jayden McVittie, Ross Hislop, Glen Jamieson, Mark Goodfellow, Layton Foster, Charlie Cuthbertson, Aaron Wood, Jack Hotson