Kelso recognised for performance and development

Kelso have been awarded the fourth BT Club of the Month for the 2016/17 season.The club’s 1st XV recorded three bonus-point victories in the month of December, which rounded off a nine-win sequence in BT National League Division 2 since September.Kelso’s 1st XV currently sit second in the league with the club’s 2nd XV also recording three bonus-point wins to see them second of their respective league in December.The women’s squad have performed well across scheduled development games and are looking forward to playing club matches later this season.Kelso’s youth section continues to thrive with the U18s proving to be a promising side within the Border Semi Junior League and there are over 100 minis playing rugby on Sunday mornings.The appointment of a Club Development Officer has boosted age-grade rugby and strengthened connections between the Borders club and local schools in the area.Kelso’s President, Jim Hewitt, said: “The club were delighted to receive BT Club of the Month.It is testament to all the hard work done by the coaches and the players, winning increases confidence and with continued hard work, there is no reason why we can’t continue.”Kelso have also developed strong relationships off the field, growing their match-day experience for all involved at the club.Hewitt added: “Off the field, lunches at the home games have been very busy, our recent sponsors day attracted over 250 people and all the hard work by the committee and volunteers is greatly appreciated.”Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland international hooker, Ross Ford, presented his former club with their BT Club of the Month Award during a recent visit earlier this month.”To commemorate Ross Ford’s 100 caps we made a special presentation of a self portrait.Ross is a model professional and any young person regardless of their involvement with sport would be well advised to look at how he conducts himself on and off the field.”In winning the award, Kelso will receive a prize to the value of£1000, through a 12-month BT Sport subscription and£200 cash. They will also win a table for 10 at the Scottish Rugby Club Awards Dinner, and will be subsidised£500 for travel expenses to this event. Kelso will also be on the shortlist for the BT Club of the Year award, to be announced at the dinner. To submit your BT Awards nominations for the month of January, visit: http://www.scottishrugby.org/clubnominations.