Welcome
WELCOME
The First XV currently play in the SHE Premiership 3. The club also runs a Second XV and an "Occasionals" team which is played by the more mature player. Youth rugby is not forgotten, the Howe runs a Colts, Midi and Mini teams.There is currently no ladies team. Players and supporters are very welcome at the Howe of Fife Rugby Club.
Check out all of NEXT WEEKS GAMES here.
The rugby pitches are at Duffus Park, where the club have the following facilities:
The Club House is based in the centre of Cupar and offers many facilities including a Large Bar, Function Suite with bar and catering run by professional staff. Seminar/Meeting/Dining facilities are available to cater for a wide variety of needs, together with free WiFi access and private parking to all members. Please contact Lorna Lidderdale on 01334 652 819 for further details.
There is always a great range of Entertainment at the Clubhouse, details of which are updated regularly so please visit our 'Entertainment' page on a regular basis so you don't miss out.
SEASON 2010 - 2011 FIXTURES
| 1st XV Fixtures.doc | |
| 2nd XV Fixtures.doc | |
| COLTS_1ST_XV_FIXTURES.doc | |
| COLTS_2nd_XV_FIXTURES.doc | |
| COLTS_U16_FIXTURES.doc | |
| S3_FIXTURES.doc | |
| S2_FIXTURES.doc | |
| S1_FIXTURES.doc | |
| MINI FIXTURES.doc |
PRE SEASON WARM UP MATCHES
| Saturday | 31st July | Kirkcaldy | at | Beveridge Park |
| Wednesday | 4th August | Joint Training Games with Kirkcaldy and Dundee High against Edinburgh Rugby | at | St Andrews |
| Saturday | 7th August | Stewarts Melville | at | Duffus Park |
| Saturday | 21st August | Murrayfield Wanderers | at | Duffus Park |
Edinburgh Rugby Summer Coaching
Edinburgh Rugby is coming to St Andrews University on Wednesday 4th August 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm for Primary 4 - 7 kids both boys and girls. Edinburgh Rugby coaches and players will deliver two hours of fun games and skills to the children who will then have the opportunity to have pictures and autographs taken with the players and coaches.
This is open to players and children of all experience whether this is your first time with a rugby ball or if you are a member of a rugby club.
Just fill out the application below and return to Paul Hunter.
| Application.pdf |
1st and 2nd XV Pre-Season Training
In response to requests from players we have arranged specific Strength & Conditioning work in the gym with a qualified strength & conditioning coach.
starting from this Thursday at 6.00pm & every Tuesday, Thursday thereafter. This for those already lifting & for those who wish to start.
Rugby pre-season training will start with a session on Thursday 1st July then Tuesday 6th & every Tuesday, Thursday,Saturday thereafter.
Preference from those I have spoken to is STARTING at 7.00pm during week & initially at least STARTING at 10.00 on Saturday mornings to leave the afternoon free.
Stress STARTING at - this means down changed & ready to go for 7.00 & 10.00 respectively please, if we start on time we can finish on time.
First League game at the moment will be on 28th of August subject to any changes agreed at the SRU AGM later this month.
We have the following warm up games arranged in preparation for that;
31st July - Kirkcaldy at Beveridge Park
4th August - Joint training games with Kirkcaldy & Dundee High School against Edinburgh Rugby at St Andrews.
7th August - Stewarts Melville at Duffus
21st August - Murrayfield Wanderers at Duffus
Any queries please get back to Garry.
Colts Pre-Season Training
Pre-season training commences on Tuesday 29th June, 2010 at 7.00 at Duffus Park. The meeting is being held early in order to catch everyone before we all start going on holiday. ALL Under 18 players are asked to attend this session which will consist of a short meeting to discuss the plans for the coming season followed by a LIGHT fitness assessment session.
It is important that EVERYONE attends this session so please spread the word!!
Under-16 Pre-Season Training
Under 16 Pre-Season Training (S4) will commence on Thursday the 8th of July. 6pm at Duffus Park. All boys should attend, if able.
Howe Merchandise Clearance Sale Now On
Grab yourself a bargain now - In order to continue with the Howe merchandise re-vamp, there is now a clearance sale on current stock. You can visit Reekies Country Store or their website, Howe Rugby Merchandise. There is also a clearance rail situated in the Clubhouse.
Howe U16 28 - Clackmannanshire 5
Howe U16 completed their third game in a week by taking on Clackmannanshire last Saturday in the semi-final of the Caledonia Cup. Injuries were taking their toll with McAndrew, Wilson, Miller & Martin all out. In stepped David Niven and Dylan Groat into the squad from the U15s.
Howe got off to a sluggish start against an aggressive Clacks team who were fielding 4 district players in their squad, two of whom were their centre pairing.
It was Howe, however, who opened the scoring halfway through the first half, with Cameron Fenton driving over the line after some excellent close quarter work by the Howe forwards. Stand-off, Angus Guthrie, duly converted.
Clacks were still playing plenty of their own rugby and the strong midfield of theirs was causing Howe some problems. Howe, however, managed to break through at the halfway line just before half-time and flanker Andrew Steven in good support sped down the touch line, heading off the last defender to take a 14-0 lead into the second half following the conversion by Guthrie.
It was Clacks, though, who came out of the blocks more aggressively following the break, scoring a try in the corner which they failed to convert. Score now 14-5 and this game was by no means over. Howe, although looking tired, rose to the challenge and again scored a well worked forwards second try through Cameron Fenton, who was working as hard as anyone on the field. Guthrie missed the conversion. This was followed shortly afterwards by another try from George Horne, now playing at stand-off which was this time successfully converted by Guthrie.
Howe were now comfortably leading 28-5 and some fresh legs relieved some tired legs with both Under 15s Groat & Niven coming on to get some valuable game time and acquitting themselves extremely well.
Howe now take on Orkney in the final this Sunday at Station Park, St Andrews. Kick-off 10am.
Preparation training for all boys on Saturday morning from 11am to 12.30 pm at Duffus Park.
HOWE U16 WIN NATIONAL BOWL FINAL - Howe 38 v 3 Hamilton
Having won the U15 Bowl last year, Howe U16 travelled to Stirling last Wednesday keen to make it back to back wins in the final of the U16 National Youth Bowl Final against Hamilton RFC.
Howe got off to a determined start and had all the territory in the first 15 mins, camped in Hamilton’s 22. Eventually stand off Angus Guthrie received the ball from a quick tap free kick and stepped his way between two defenders to score under the posts which he duly converted.
Howe continued to exert the pressure in Hamilton’s half, culminating in winger Jack Todd intercepting a pass and again driving underneath the posts. Angus Guthrie converted.
Hamilton however dug deep and came back at Howe with a period of pressure of their own but could only amass 3 points from a penalty taking the score to 14 – 3 at half time in favour of Howe, much to the delight of the travelling support who were holding their own in the stand.
Howe came out of the blocks in the second half and continued to put Hamilton under pressure in their own half.
An ensuing scrum to Howe on Hamilton’s 10m line allowed Howe captain Ryan Pentland at No. 8 to pick up and go on the blind, feeding scrum half and vice captain Murdo McAndrew to speed his way to the corner. Guthrie narrowly missed the difficult conversion from the side-line.
No sooner were Hamilton recovering from this when man of the match Luke Mair, Howe full back, burst through the midfield of Hamilton and fed Cameron Fenton, a very mobile prop in support, to crash over the line. Guthrie failed to convert.
Howe were now playing most of the rugby, although Hamilton continued to defend well, but again the pressure told allowing McAndrew the opportunity to break from a ruck on their 22 and hand-off the last defender to score under the posts. Guthrie made no mistake this time and duly converted.
Following some mazey trademark runs from winger Jack Todd, who was once again outstanding, and replacement stand off George Horne, Ryan Pentland crashed over for Howe’s sixth try taking the final score to 38 – 3, following the conversion by Guthrie.
Back to back wins in the National Bowl is no mean achievement and the boys thoroughly deserved their applause from the travelling supporters as they collected their medals and trophy. Well done the Howe! And thanks to the supporters!
HOWE U16 MAKE SEMI-FINAL OF STIRLING TENS
A squad of fifteen players travelled to Stirling last Saturday to take part in the Stirling Tens competition .Howe were missing regulars Calum McBain and Alastair Wilson , both out through injury .
Howe started well beating both Clackmannanshire and Boroughmuir in the first two games and then met West of Scotland in the final pool game , which then proved to be a very exciting affair with final score being 22- 22 . Winger Jack Todd was outstanding in this particular game scoring two tries .
West went through on overall try count as the winners of the pool to take on Glasgow Hawks in the other semi whilst Howe went into semis as the runners up of the group to play Stirling ,the tournament favourites and Scottish Cup winners , in front of a large home support .
The semi proved to be another very exciting affair with a determined and spirited never say die Howe leading by two points through tries from Luke Mair (2) and Lewis Crichton , until the very last play of the game when Stirling after many phases eventually scored under the posts to win by five points . Howe were beaten but certainly not disgraced with Stirling breathing a sigh of relief but eventually going on to comfortably beat West in the final . Howe had ultimately only been narrowly beaten by one team in a competition where all the teams were invited on the basis that at this age group they were in the top 8 in Scotland.
Howe Colts Take on the Prince of Wales School, Vancouver - Tuesday 16th March
Photo shows boys from the Howe with the Vancouver Visitors
Howe Colts hosted Prince of Wales school from Vancouver over two nights last week. The Canadian visitors had been on tour in England and Scotland for two weeks before arriving in Cupar. Their previous matches had seen them play against a variety of teams and winning one match out of 4 before arriving in Cupar. All players were hosted by Colts section players and friendships struck. The boys visited North East Fife and Dundee over two days taking in local tourist attractions . Following a day of sightseeing, a match was played under the Duffus lights on Tuesday evening. Both teams agreed to play a match of 3 periods, two of twenty minutes and one of 30 minutes to allow game time for all players of varying abilities. Howe kicked off downhill and got into their stride early by taking a score within the first two minutes. This had a strong effect on the Howe lads and they settled into a good rythym of fast , rucking play with speedy transfer of the ball across all team members. This made for a highly exciting first period during which the boys added another 4 tries from forwards and backs . Michael Ridley and Angus Liddle made the most of the freedom they enjoyed by galloping frequently into the opposition territory and a special mention should be made for Rhu Paul’s ability to drive the opposition backwards in the tackle, hence helping secure possession in 50:50 situations. The Canadian boys also stuck in well with some robust tackling and a few excellent breaks by their backs. Handling errors and a difference in ability at ruck time was the key difference between the teams. Continuity for Howe was key and apart from a few sloppy mistakes in passing, this was a strong period of play. Dom Martin, as he has all season, played an excellent captain’s game and led by example. His line breaks and off loads at pace threatened time and again and, crucially, the running lines of his various centre partners helped Howe penetrate into the opposition territory time and again. The second period allowed Howe’s other players time on the pitch and, again, the lads aquitted themselves against the Canadians who made great efforts to play handling rugby, with some attractive lines of running. The scrum and lineout play of both teams was secure with hot competition in both again leading to excellent competition for the ball. With several of the younger Colts seeing action the highlights of this period included great tackling by Luke Mair, some excellent breenges by Ryan Pentland, accompanied by Calum McBain. Howe conceded a couple of scores during this period which was well deserved by the Vancouver lads who struck some good continuity together to score under the posts. After a sook on the water bottles (!) and a breather, the last period ensued with Howe well ahead in scoring terms. The pace of the game began to show on Howe’s fitness levels with several players needing some revival but the visitors played their hearts out in this final 30 minutes. The Howe boys took a lot from this period as well with the off loading and support play being great to watch. The enthusiasm in running the ball at every opportunity led to some “harem scarem” moments but luck played it’s part as well in the scoring. Prince of Wales got a well deserved try after a Howe error in trying to be too fancy in the 5 metre area of the opposition try line. The Canadians showed great adventure with a strong line break by their No.10, who fed his backs - the left winger was then off like a bullet from a rifle! Several despairing lunges and half hearted tackles later (9 in total) he scored a fabulous try, having run the length of the pitch. No more than was deserved and a hard lesson in limiting mistakes. The Howe boys fought back and scored their own try minutes later. Play see-sawed with both sides trying to play attractive rugby with Prince of Wales scoring last, again, deservedly from a soft penalty conceded by Howe in their own 22. The kick at goal failed and Chris Williams, referee, blew for full time. Howe ran out eventual winners by 46 – 26 in what was a great advert for youth rugby. All players, coaches and parents then retired back to Howe clubrooms where an exchange of gifts and speeches took place. A very large thank you is due to all Howe parents and hosts for taking such excellent care of our visitors and showing them some Howe hospitality. On behalf of the Colts players a warm thank you is also extended to club president Neil Strachan for being the go between for visitors and club alike. A lot of work went into this visit and all Neil’s efforts were much appreciated.
MEMBERS NOTICE
Proposed Change of Opening Hours
Sunday Evenings
It has been noted that there are many Sunday evenings where no Club members have been using the Club facilities.
In an effort to reduce operating costs the Committee proposes that from the 14th March 2010 that the Clubrooms are closed from 7.00pm on Sundays, unless prior arrangement has been made with the Club Manager.
The Committee would welcome your comments on this proposal and I can confirm that these will be given serious consideration before any changes are implemented.
Please let me have any views/comments you have in writing.
Alistair Paton
Secretary
BOOK NOW
Scottish Rugby's UKCC Level 1 will be hosted at St Andrew's University on
Friday 26th March 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday 27th March 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 28th March 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The cost of the course is £30 (reduced from £84.00). Additional support can be applied for through Fife Council Sports development grant. (Application attached)
Please complete the attached application to book your place on the UKCC Level 1 now!!!
Qualification Aim
UKCC Level 1 Descriptor:- ‘Deliver aspects of coaching sessions under direction,’ E.g. Coach players with guidance from a Head Coach, Coaching co-ordinator or NGB scheme Qualification Objectives
On successful completion of the L1CCRU, you should be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to safely organise and supervise rugby union activities, including small and conditioned games
- promote and establish working relationships and high standards of behaviour with players, coaches, parents and officials in the overall development of rugby union
- demonstrate an understanding of:
- generic coaching skills
- rugby specific coaching skills, including handling, tackling, contact & continuity, 5 ‘man-scrum,’ and line-out throwing & support techniques.
- coach and player development
- good practice in club management and coaching
- health and safety
- working with parents, attitudes and ethics
- basic laws of the game of rugby union
- demonstrate an ability to identify and adapt rugby union activities and sessions for a variety of different age group
Qualification Outline
The course operates either as a two day course or an induction evening followed by two (shorter) days. The course is primarily practical based, and you will be given several opportunities to coach and develop your coaching throughout the course.
The L1CCRU sits at Level 1 of the National Qualifications Framework. It is explicitly linked to the Sport & Recreation National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the Level 2 Technical Definition for Rugby Union. The NOS for Sport & Recreation have been developed by people from the industry with a vast range of knowledge and experience. The standards provide a benchmark of good practice for coaches, teachers and instructors.
Assessment
Assessment is competency based allowing you to be continually assessed & receive support & action planning throughout the course. There is also an open book multi choice test.
Prerequisites
Candidates are required to be 16 years of age or over before they can be registered for the qualification.
RugbyReady. All coaches must provide evidence of having completed the IRB RugbyReady self-check test prior to attending the course. Coaches will not be registered and will not complete the qualification with-out this certificate. Please log on to the RugbyReady website here http://www.irbrugbyready.com/irbrr/en/home.jsp
Please send in a photocopy of your certificate with your application form.
As of the 1st September all coaches who wish to attend a UKCC Level 1 qualification must have attended either a Founation (6hr) course (no later that January 2009) or a new Rugby Ready Practical (3hr) course - both courses are free of charge.
Should applicants have no coaching qualifications, an SRU licence which has expired, or a valid Level 2 Children's Licence, entry will only be to Level 1 only.
Application
Course costs £30.00 inc VAT for Scottish Rugby Club Coaches and Affiliated School Coaches. The cost of these courses are subsidised by Scottish Rugby to support those growing our game. Coaches working in Wales and England are required to pay the same price as in their home union (WRU-£100, RFU -£100)
Coaches receive a Level 1 Coaching Resource Pack, Coaching DVD & Laws Book
Completed Application Forms must be attached with a Cheque made out to Scottish Rugby for the above amount. Please send in applications (including cheques) to Jennifer Dailly, Coaching Administrator, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ.
Rugby's Strong in Fife
Paul Hunter
Fife Rugby Development Officer
Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre
Pit Road
Cowdenbeath
KY4 9NN
Office: 01383 602393
Mobile: 07852587067
e-mail: paul.hunter@fife.gov.uk
"Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence."
LOOKING FOR A JOB IN CUPAR? .....
Well, why not join our friendly team at the Howe of Fife Rugby Club.
For details of all our current vacancies, please see the 'Club' page.
OPEN THE BOX - EVERY SATURDAY at 9PM
........AND WIN CASH!!!!!!
JAMES JOHNSTON WON THE PRIZE FUND OF £50 ON SATURDAY 21st - CONGRATULATIONS!
KEYS REMAINING: 12
Welcome to the Club House's new weekly game, giving you the chance to win some serious cash
How does it work? ...
Raffle tickets can be purchased for £1 per strip from the Club House all week. The more you buy, the higher your chance of winning ..... obviously!
Every Saturday at 9pm, the person with the winning raffle ticket will then choose a key at random, from a bag of 12. Only one key opens the box and if you're lucky enough to pick the right key, the Prize money in the box is yours. If the correct key is not chosen the prize money continues to roll over each week until the correct key is chosen.
Please keep an eye on the website and Club House notice board for the latest prize amount!!! and remaing keys
Please note that if you are not in the Club House at the time the ticket is called, you will forfeit and all prize money will roll over to the following week.
Good Luck!
LEARN TO DANCE AT THE HOWE OF FIFE RUGBY CLUB
Ever wanted to try dancing lessons? Well, now’s your chance ….
Learn to Dance "Strictly Basics Partner Dancing" with professional dance instructor Elaine Douris.
For Full Details Please Click Here
Kettle Produce Sponsor the 1st XV Shorts
Local company, Kettle Produce have provided the Howe of Fife 1st XV with shorts for Season 2009-2010. Our photograph shows Kettle Produce's Financial Director, Liz Waugh, presenting the shorts to Captain, Ewan Jack, Vice Captain, Chris Mason with VP, Bill Robertson and VP, David Harley, and the 1st XV looking on.
Howe Appoint New Clubhouse Manager
After the retiral of Margo Wilkinson, the Howe of Fife have appointed Lorna Lidderdale as their new Bar & Clubhouse Manager.
Says Lorna:- "I am delighted to be appointed as the Club’s new Bar & Club House Manager, and am greatly looking forward to the challenges ahead.
I have worked in the bar industry now for 13 years. This, together with my experience in sales & marketing, catering and business management (not to mention the pleasure of successfully running the bar & club house at Southwell Rugby Club in Nottinghamshire), I am very confident that, with the support of the Committee, Members and existing staff, we can maximise the Club’s full potential and also make it the number one local resource for social and corporate events."
SHE Cup - Sunday 1st March - Howe 7 v 38 Edinburgh Accies
With Scotland v Italy at Murrayfield last Saturday it was Sunday duty for Howe with further Premier 1 opponents in the shape of Edinburgh Accies the reward for the previous weeks sterling efforts in beating Glasgow Hawks.
Conditions at Duffus were near perfect as Referee Ted Coutts assisted by Touch Judges Oswald & Anderson prepared to get things underway.
With Player, Black & Drummond all out injured and Ross Aitken absent on Scotland U-19 duty, against the Italians at Lasswade, it was Henderson father & son at prop either side of Fox-Clark, Steedman & Turpie in the boiler house & Messrs Crawford, Wilson and Mason the breakaway trio.
Lathangie & Iain Aitken at halfback, Jack & Wardlaw at centre, McLean & Imrie on the wings and Daly at Full back completed the line up. McNab, McGowan & Smith filled the bench.
Howe got of to a roaring start as they pounced on a handling error in the Accies backline for Wardlaw to score a kick & chase effort with only a minute gone, Aitken converting . If Accies were not already "up for the game" this gave them a wake up call and they responded after only 13 minutes with a strong run through the centre for a score under the posts which was easily converted. Howe buckled down and defending the breakdown well & with the scrum secure & lineout functioning well had their share of possesion but could not add to the points. It was Accies again on the scoresheet when they drove over from short range after moving the ball wide. The conversion made 14-7 in their favour as the teams changed ends.
Howe were still in the game at this stage but only seven minutes in to the half a good line from their outside centre Coupar saw him in under the posts with an easy conversion stretching the lead to 21-7. A rash challenge on the scorer in-goal also saw Wardlaw incur the Yellow Card from Mr Coutts and Howes backs were to the wall. Quick possesion and good movement of the ball wide saw Accies gain two more scores while Howe were a man short and a 33-7 lead. Despite all the eforts of a plucky Howe side they were chasing the game and despite some good efforts & close calls were unable to add to their tally. As Howe legs tired Accies ran in another , unconverted, try as the final whistle sounded for a final score of Howe 7 Accies 38. The score did not reflect the effort & sheer guts of the Howe effort and all 18 players who took part should be commended, Accies new they had been in a game and had been made to work hard for their win. Playing two Premier 1 Teams in succession was always a big ask especially with players missing & others carrying the knocks from the previous week. Back to league business then for the Howe with Royal High/ Corstorphine at Duffus on Saturday at 3.00pm. Hopefully most of the large crowd will return to cheer on the boys as they attempt to continue their unbeaten run in the league.
Hawks Taken Out of The Cup - Saturday 21st February
Howe of Fife put three-times former winners Glasgow Hawks out of the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup at Duffus Park today with an inspired performance spiced with invention, intelligence and resolve.
This was a thoroughly well-deserved triumph for the leaders of National League Division One. They may have looked slighter of frame than their Premiership One visitors but their strength and technique at contact left Hawks disgruntled and their offloads in the tackle were an absolute joy.
Hawks made surprisingly little use of the pace at their disposal out wide and looked to this observer as if they expected their hosts to buckle in the face of percussive forward rumble. When Hawks were coming off second best in that particular arm wrestle they ought to have had the wit to adapt.
Instead, it was the confidence with which Howe went about their duties that became the story of the match.
Six of the Howe side were part of the Bell Baxter/Howe of Fife combo that won the Schools and Youth Cup double two seasons ago and even without the likes of openside Chris Fusaro, full-back Peter Horne and flanker Michael Fedo who are making headlines at higher levels, the graduation to the adult game is proving equally relentless.
John Lathangie, part of the Howe coaching team, said the pre-match instructions had been “just to have a real go at them. We just wanted to play our style of game and keep the ball alive.” And what a heart-warming show we got as a consequence.
Howe took the lead through an Iain Aitken penalty, the full-back miscuing his second attempt on the quarter-hour after Hawks’ prop Nick Cox had been sin-binned for persistent team infringement.
Though short-handed, Hawks scored a fine counter-attack try off turnover ball in their own 22, where No 8 Grant Strang – who remained a lone composed figure for Hawks throughout – fed Jonno Wright for the winger to romp in. Stand-off Michael Rainey converted but that was the first and last time that Hawks led.
Just short of the half-hour, Howe replied with some blistering continuity and tackle offload to enable flanker and captain Pete Black to scuttle over. Iain Aitken converted.
The game was coming to the boil now but when Hawks lock Matt Whittleston inexplicably delayed a pass that had simply to go through hands for try to scream out in neon lights, it was Howe who illuminated matters with Rory Drummond’s interception.
It seemed initially that the winger had miscalculated by not pinning his ears back and going for the line. His coolness, however, and some adroit linkage enabled right wing Andrew McLean to dispatch Iain Aitken for Howe’s second try which he converted himself for a half-time advantage of 17-7.
Howe were down to 14 men by the interval when lock Terry Turpie was sin-binned on the intervention of touch-judge Jim Oswald and Hawks exacted retribution right from the restart with some wide spread, the injection of pace from substitute full-back Robbie Hair and Peter Jerecevich’s shrewd use of the narrow side to see Ally Maxwell thunder over.
Cue for more of the same? Well, no, as Howe continued to offer more. On the hour, as the script would have suggested Premiership fitness would have begun to tell, it was Howe who got their pick and go flowing. They opted to scrum rather than go for goal from a close-range penalty and though they were thwarted on that occasion, they remained unperturbed as stand-off Ross Aitken followed his older brother Iain on to the try sheet jinking over for brother to convert and give the home team a 24-12 lead.
The Aitken show continued with a 66th minute penalty and though Hawks did pull back a 72nd minute try through substitute front-row forward John Maclay – following a penalty which saw Howe lock Graeme Steedman yellow-carded – there just didn’t appear to be the appetite from the visitors to stage a fightback, such was the comprehensive energy and passion that Howe had brought to the match.
Howe Presented with the SHE Club Of The Month Award - December 2008
For the second time in a year Howe of Fife RFC have been awarded the Scottish Hydro Electric "Club of the Month Award"
Video Highlights of Howe v Dumfries, 27th September
Highlights of Saturday's match are now on www.scottishrugbytv.com
Membership Forms Have Now Been Posted
Membership forms have now been posted. All memberships should be paid for on or by the 31st of October. All memberships paid after this date will be subject to the Club's £15 penalty. If you have not received your Membership Renewal for Season 2008/09 please email Barbara Wardlaw or call her on 01334 652187.
Edinburgh Borderers Invitational
Last Saturday six Howe Players were selected to play for the Invitational side Edinburgh Borderers. This team with a rich history of Rugby played Kinross firsts and despite being down to fourteen men for the majority of the match finished victorious, winning 43 – 7. Pictured (L-R) J. Smith, T. Turpie, C. Mason, E. Alexander, S. Player, G. Steedman.
Howe Win National League Division 2
Howe 1st XV picked up the National League Division 2 Cup on March 29th at their home ground at Duffus Park, Cupar. They went on to win their last league match against Alan Glens which left them unbeaten in the league this season.
Video Highlights of Howe of Fife v Hillhead/Jordanhill
Highlights of the 15th of March game are now at www.scottishrugbytv.com
Seats are available for the bus to Forresters on this coming Saturday. List up in the Clubhouse.
Scottish Success for Howe Boys in Italy
Three of last years Howe/Bell Baxter Cup winning side helped Scotland U-19's to a superb 32-10 victory against Italy U-19's in Parabagio, Milan last Saturday, 23rd February.
Pictured are L-R Peter Horne, Chris Fusaro & Stevie Wilson. All three now have National Academy contracts. The squad, coached by Peter Wright and Graham Shiel, played some superb Rugby in near perfect conditions in the Parabagio Stadium near Milan. They outscored the Italians six tries to one in front of a large crowd including a good number of Scottish parents & relatives who made the journey to offer vocal support from the Stand.
Howe Lads Lead Scotland Under 18s to Victory over Italy
Rory Drummond, Michael Fedo and Ross Aitken after Scotland's Under 18 victory over Italy 14 v 5 at Kelso. Ross Aitken converted both tries, Michael Fedo was named as Man of the Match
National Sports First Aid Course - January 2008
Coaches, parents and club members recently took part in a sports injuries first aid course at Stratheden Hospital. The course was organised and run by Dave Davies in conjunction with Hampden Sports Health and Injuries Clinic. All participants had to pass theory, CPR and a gruelling practical test before gaining their certificates. All passed. Thanks to Dave for seeing them all through.
Howe of Fife RFC - Press Release - January 17th 2008
“Howe of Fife RFC deplores the unilateral decision of the Championship Committee of the SRU yesterday to disqualify the Howe team from the Youth League Cup.
As defending champions every effort was being made to fulfil the quarter-final tie against Hawick Wanderers that had been postponed twice (most recently on 12th January) due to weather conditions. A midweek fixture in Hawick on Wednesday 16th January was mooted, but logistically was impossible to fulfil given School and work commitments of players and coaches.
The Howe proposed playing at Murrayfield as an alternative, with which Wanderers appeared sympathetic, but regrettably the SRU could not make any of its back pitches available. The tie could have been played at Hawick this Saturday coming, weather allowing, but for reasons best known only to certain officials, the Howe were told, on less than twenty-four hours notice, that it must play at Hawick on the evening of the 16th or face disqualification. The spin circulated by the SRU to justify it decision that the Howe refused three alternative dates is wrong, reflects badly on those officials concerned, and does Howe of Fife a grave injustice.
The scheduling of the fixture list for this competition by the SRU must be called into question. It was perfectly foreseeable that to attempt to play the quarter-finals, semi- finals and the final all in January was potentially fraught with difficulties. The Howe is firmly of the view that the SRU should have had contingency plans in hand to overcome the problems of bad weather. It did not and its officials have offered little or no help to the Clubs in their attempts to fulfil the fixture. The consequence was the prospect of the victor having to play the semi-final and final within one week. While far from ideal this appears to have been unacceptable in certain quarters (not Hawick who have been honourable in all their dealings with the Howe over the fixture) and that school of thought has been reflected in the actions of the SRU officials concerned, despite a clear precedent.
In January 2007 the majority of the Howe’s Youth squad was required by the SRU, despite pleas for flexibility, to play the semi final and final of the Youth League Cup with one week of their victory (in the colours of Bell Baxter) in the Bell Lawrie Schools Cup. The Howe rose to that challenge successfully. Why then this year has the SRU denied our boys a similar opportunity of success in exactly the same circumstances?
Howe of Fife RFC has long been committed to the development of Youth Rugby at all levels. It has achieved notable successes, particularly last year, that provide a springboard for the growing of our game, in line with Scottish Rugby’s goals. As Scottish Hydro-Electric Club of the Month for November 2007 we take seriously every opportunity to advance our young players’ development. “Throwing matches” through alleged intransigence is not part of our ethos. The actions of the SRU in the last twenty-four hours in relation to the Youth League Cup will have nothing other than a negative impact on the Howe’s efforts to recruit more players, coaches and volunteers in the future.”
