Helensburgh Rugby Club Festival Fun

SPORTS fever took over the town at the weekend as hundreds turned out for Helensburgh Cricket and Rugby Football Club's festival of fun.

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With 7s and 10s rugby on offer on Saturday, and the Helensburgh Minis Festival on Sunday, players, families, and supporters from near and far got involved during the sunny weather.

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Sponsored by KC Sport Management, Sportz Journey and Abbott Risk Consulting, the weekend saw more than 40 teams from across Scotland take to the club’s six pitches.

KC Sport Management 7s and 10s Festival

Saturday’s festival was a true rugby spectacle, featuring a diverse mix of age groups and competitive formats.

For the first time, the event included U14 and U15 10s tournaments, adding an exciting new development opportunity for young players.

Alongside them, the U16, U18 and adult 7s tournaments brought pace, power and no shortage of thrilling moments.

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Clubs from near and far descended on the area, including Rugby Legends, Birkmyre, Earlston, Pink Fairy Armadillos, Glasgow Caledonian University, Munsters Inc, Stirling County, Ardrossan Accies, Cambuslang, Garrick, GHA, Loch Lomond, Strathaven, West of Scotland, Biggar, Clydebank, Greenock Wanderers, Bishopton, Dalziel, GHK and Lenzie.

In a dramatic finale, Birkmyre lifted the silverware once again, making it two years on the bounce as festival champions.

The day was made even more special by the presence of Allan Lawson, former Scotland international scrum half, who presented the winners with their trophies and offered encouragement and wisdom to the next generation of players.

Sunday’s Minis Festival: Future stars in the spotlight

The excitement continued on Sunday as Primary 1 to Primary 7 teams from Oban, Strathendrick, Dalziel, Garrick, Mid Argyll, Greenock, and Clydebank gathered for the Helensburgh Minis Festival.

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The emphasis was on social and development rugby, and the smiles said it all. The day concluded with Garnock lifting the main P7 tournament trophy, capping off a joyful and spirited event for the youngsters.

Both days were underpinned by a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Market stalls, sizzling BBQs, outdoor bars, face painting, bouncy castles, and community engagement from the Helensburgh Fire Brigade made the event a hit for all ages. 

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At the heart of the weekend was a deeply personal and emotional dedication to Ollie Curtis, a much-loved member of the Helensburgh cricket and rugby community who sadly passed away in February.

The club honoured Ollie’s legacy by raising funds for the Hearts & Balls Foundation, a charity that supports seriously injured rugby players.

The newly introduced Player of the Tournament award, given in Ollie’s memory, was presented to Alistair Rogers, who exemplified the same drive, joy and sportsmanship that Ollie brought to every match.

Don’t miss out on family-friendly touch rugby, launching Friday, May 23 at 6.30pm, running for 12 weeks – it’s free to all ages and abilities, and the perfect summer activity for families and friends.

The club is also keen to support the wider community and invites groups, charities and event organisers to use its pitches and facilities for music events, social gatherings or fundraisers.

Article: Helensburgh Advertiser: https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/25160621.helensburgh-cricket-rugby-football-club-festival-fun/