Rugby
The SRU has declared the current rugby season null and void with no promotion or relegation from any of the premier, national or regional leagues.
Langholm RFC is disappointed about the decision but is already looking forward to next season’s challenge of
securing promotion from East League 2 to 1.
Catriona Bell, club secretary, said: “After Scottish Rugby’s decision to declare the 2019-20 domestic rugby season null and void, the club is disappointed but accepts the decision, given the current climate, which puts things into perspective.”
After a heavy defeat away to North Berwick in the opening game of the season, the squad regrouped and turned things around.
It won 10 and drew one match out of the 15 games played, including an unbeaten run at home.
After the Christmas break, the weather put paid to a number of fixtures and the return fixture away to Leith would be a top-of-the-table clash to guarantee promotion for one side.
While it is frustrating for both teams that the fixture, twice rescheduled previously, could not be fulfilled, it is a similar story in Scotland and the wider rugby world.
A league restructure at the end of the 2018/19 season when only one team was promoted, with Langholm finishing second, was disheartening.
But the results show the coach and players took this in their stride and were out to prove themselves.
Catriona added: “The challenge is now on to come back next season and go one better and secure promotion to East 1.
“It will be tough; there is no doubt about that but there is a great atmosphere among the players and in the club generally at the moment and we hope we can take this forward into next season as the club approaches its 150th anniversary.”
Off the pitch the club has been recognised for the hard work of its volunteers, successful youth programmes and the recently-introduced veterans’ touch rugby.
It was awarded the Tennent’s community club of the season for the East Region. This follows the nomination for local club of the year at the Daily Record Scottish sports awards.
Catriona said: “It is unsatisfying that the rugby season has been curtailed but the club would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the players on a successful season on the pitch and thank the coaches, backroom staff, committee, volunteers, members and supporters for their support over the season.”
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