Wigtownshire’s 24 hour touch

Wigtownshire Rugby Club took to the field to play a marathon ’24 hour touch match’ on Friday 9 July at London Road Playing Fields, Stranraer. A total of 935 tries were scored when the final whistle sounded after 5.30pm on Saturday with a “Guess the Number of Tries Scored” competition helping to raise funds for the club to promote and support rugby locally.Every section of the club participated in the event, which was set-up as part of Wigtownshire’s contribution to this year’s Royal Bank of Scotland RugbyForce, the grassroots partnership between RBS and Scottish Rugby which aims to encourage participation in the sport and bring clubs together for the coming season.Wigtownshire, who play in BT West Division 3, raised over£2000 as a result of the competition, sponsorship (Douglas Engineers, Glenluce) and donations. Coaching co-ordinator and event organiser, Eddie Stevenson, said: “It was really great to see every section of the club coming together and enjoying themselves by playing the game.”Mini Coach, Gordon Keith, added: “Seeing the little ones on the park, playing against and with 1st team players was wonderful. The youngsters were having a ball.Mums carrying little ones and joining in, dads talked into having a go, it was a chance to get people involved.”Club President, Arthur Henry, said: “This was a great event and not even the weather could dampen spirits on the day. It just proves what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.””Guess the Number of Tries Scored” competition winner: Eddie Stevenson (934)