| Peebles rugby club have been awarded the first Club of the Month award of the 2010/11 season and the £1000 prize. The club received the commendation for their on and off-field performance in September having enjoyed an impressive start to their Scottish Rugby Premier 2 campaign, their 1st XV winning four from four. | | | 
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| www.peeblesrfc.org | Peebles receiving their Scottish Rugby Club of the Month cheque | | | |
Club President, Lindsay Laird, said: “We consider ourselves very fortunate to have recruited our new coach, Gary Parker, who has worked very well with Gerry McGuiness since his arrival – it’s fantastic to have two coaches of such a high calibre at the club. “Our Colts are doing extremely well too, thanks to their coaches, but also because the youngsters are working hard to be part of a successful set-up. “As a result of the success, the number of supporters attending matches is increasing week after week as people turn out to see a winning side play entertaining rugby.”
| David Changleng, PE teacher at Peebles High School |
On top of their impressive league form, which places them in the all-important top four ahead of the division split in November, Peebles have been applauded for their extensive rugby development which combines the efforts of dedicated club volunteers, jointly funded development officer (DO), George Blair, and a crucial relationship with Peebles High School. Their shared success is best illustrated by the fact that all but one of their 19 1st XV squad players hail from the town as products of their inter-linked youth set-up. Laird added: “We have a great relationship with our DO, who works with the local primary schools, to give the pupils a flavour for the game at an early age. This dovetails well with the work of David Changleng at Peebles High School where strong links are established with the club. “We’re extremely pleased to be recognised with the award because we’ve been working hard for a number of years and this is a product of the whole thing coming to fruition.” John Davidson, Premier 2 representative on the Scottish Rugby council, said: “Peebles are very deserving of this award by putting their faith in a community based youth development policy. They are now enjoying the rewards on and off the field by increasing their local support, sponsorship, and their ability to attract a high-calibre coaching staff.
“The Peebles 7s are now one of the best family fun days in the Borders, further demonstrating the club’s commitment to a justly proud Peebles community.”  | As Club of the Month winners, Peebles are now automatically short-listed for the Club of the Season award which will announced and presented at the annual Scottish Club Rugby Awards Dinner, held at Murrayfield on Friday 20 May, 2011. | For further information please contact the Murrayfield Experience office on 0131 346 5250 or
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| The Scottish Rugby 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 club receive a £1000 cheque from Scottish Rugby and a commemorative certificate to mark their award. |
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