The very successful 7th Scottish Golden Oldies Rugby Festival took place on Saturday 18th July, at the Home of Kinloss Eagles RFC, Kinloss Barracks and 18 Clubs were represented. The Festival commenced with a rather poignant moment, when a Minute’s Silence was held for the Late John Solomon, a Player with the Brechin BRUCE Team who was intending taking part in the Festival, who tragically collapsed and died whilst Hillwalking in Edinburgh, five days before the event. Piper Bob Dunbar, then played a Lament before all present gave a spontaneous Round of Applause.
Cllr Allan Wright, convener of the Moray Council, welcomed all present and wished all the Teams an enjoyable day. The Festival Ambassador – Col Tom Marsden – welcomed all involved to Kinloss Barracks then officially Kicked Off the Festival, before joining his Team mates in the Kinloss Eagles RFC for the Opening Match.
Whilst adhering to the IRB Laws, Golden Oldies Rugby has some variations –
- There is Unlimited Substitution
- Games are played over shorter time periods
- Over aggressive Play is NOT condoned
- Golden Oldies play in ‘ Festivals ’ not ‘ Tournaments ’
- Age is shown by the colour of shorts Players wear……over 60’s cannot be Tackled
- Golden Oldies Rugby is played in the Ethos of – Fun, Friendship and Fraternity
A large crowd of supporters and spectators enjoyed all the Games and also the various Displays and the Catering and Beer Tent Facilities…..and on completion of the Matches, the Scottish Golden Oldies Rugby Annual General Meeting was held. Following the Business matters, the Committee for the coming year was elected –
President Dave McDonald Vice President Dave Carnegie
Secretary Katie Barnett Treasurer Don Burns
Area Representatives from around Scotland were also re – elected.
