The award, and the £1000 prize, commends the club’s on and off-field performance in the month in which North Berwick’s 1st XV won both of their December games by around 30 points with an unblemished discipline record to satisfy two of the three award criteria.

In addition to their table-topping 1st XV league performances, North Berwick have been applauded for extensive rugby development run in partnership with North Berwick High School which, as result, is among the top rugby playing schools in the country, regularly reaching the quarter and semi-final stages of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools’ Cup.

And the well structured club-school relationship is certainly not a one sided affair.

Playing numbers at the rugby club have doubled over the past four seasons, going from a single 1st XV to regularly fielding a 2nd and 3rd string sides while the school benefit from volunteer coaches regularly delivering sessions at the school for a shared benefit.

Head of PE – and the man in charge of Rugby at North Berwick High School – Ronnie Jeffries, paid tribute to his local club for their part in his school’s success.

He said: “Working together is the key to our success. We benefit from a great minis section at the local rugby club and the help of parent’s who have completed Scottish Rugby coaching courses.”

Club stalwart and director of rugby, Ken Macaulay was the first in the club to qualify with the UKCC level one coaching course in 2007 and, since, a further nine in the club have achieved the same certificate.

“Our youth model has proved to be very successful and is now bearing the fruit in terms of the performances on the pitch by home grown players. We’ve basically doubled the number of adults playing rugby in the town and this is directly attributable to the way the model is working,” said Macaulay.

“More guys playing rugby has really brought about the success in the pitch – judged by the games won but getting guys playing the game is a success in its own right.

“The partnership with the high school has been established for best part of ten years with parents and members assisting teachers on a weekly basis.

“We’re delighted to have won the award, as it’s just nice that our hard work is recognised because the success is down to a lot of people working very hard on a volunteer basis. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and everyone at the club can take great pride in this award.”

Speaking at Recreation Park, Scottish Hydro Sponsorship manager, Douglas Flowers, said: “Teamwork in all corners of the country between rugby clubs and schools supported by Scottish Rugby, Scottish Hydro and Local Authorities is the key to maximising the opportunities for young people to participate in this great game.

“Today’s example of that in action is certainly worthy of winning December’s club of the month award.”

• The Scottish Hydro Club of the Month award is based on three key criteria – performance, growing the game and discipline.
• The award is determined by a Scottish Rugby panel after nominations from Scottish Rugby Council members, Rugby Development staff and the rugby community.
• The winning club receives £500 from Scottish Rugby, £500 from league and cup sponsor, Scottish Hydro, and a commemorative certificate to mark their award.

2009/10 Scottish Hydro Club of the Month Winners
September - Dalziel
October – Orkney
November – Greenock Wanderers
December – North Berwick