The Gryphons
2nd Viking Golden Oldies Rugby Festival
Orkney Rugby Football Club
Saturday 17th October
Orkney RFC are delighted to announce that they are to host the 2nd Viking Rugby festival.
Getting Here
For details on transport and accommodation in Orkney, please visit www.visitorkney.com. Orkney RFC have negotiated rates with the Kirkwall Hotel, £80 per night for a double or twin room, or alternatively £60 per night for single occupancy. Cheaper alternatives may be available.
Internal Transport
Teams and individuals can be met from the ferries or airport by prior arrangement.
The Venue
King George V Memorial Playing Fields are situated are adjacent to the local sports centre, Pickaquoy Centre, and the rugby club. We have three pitches available with changing facilities for six teams within the clubhouse, with potential for more changing arrangements within the Pickaquoy Centre.
Costs
All external travel and local accommodation costs are the responsibility of the travelling teams. Cost for Games/ Buffet/ Meal/Entertainment etc will be £40 per person. Cheques should be made payable to Orkney RFC.
The Games
We anticipate fifteen or twenty minute halves, dependant on numbers and weather. We envisage being able to field three teams and can alter these, if required, to play one competitive team, one semi- competitive and one strictly social side. This will be structured to suit the visiting teams requirements. A self-service buffet will be available throughout the day and the club bar will be open for refreshments.
Format
Team Registration 0930
“Opening ceremony” 1030 , Kirkwall City Pipe Band to lead.
Tournament Kick Off 1100
Buses will be arranged at approx 1600 – 1700 to return players to their accommodation.
Referees
Any visiting referees will be most welcome as the majority of local referees will be hoping to play at the tournament. Please indicate on Entry Form if you will be travelling with any referees.
Programs
A Match Day Program will be available on the day, if you wish to include a team photo, and/or a small write up about your side, we will be delighted to include this. A program will cost approx £2.00 on the day however.
Post Match Entertainment
A dinner will be held at the Masonic Hall, Kirkwall , 1830 for 1900 start, this will include speeches, presentations and a raffle for club shirts, ties, drink etc. This will be followed by a dance to a popular local band, The Birsay Boys, who will play a mix of Scottish and contemporary music.
Sunday 18th October
A “Survivor’s game” is proposed for those “die hard” rugby players, whilst the rugby club bar will also be open for those who wish to have a more relaxing afternoon! A tour bus and driver will also be available for those that wish to visit the many sites of interest on the Orkney Mainland. A selection of Orkney produce will also be on sale at the rugby club.
Departures
As with arrivals, delivery to your departure point can be arranged by prior approval.
GOLDEN OLDIES FESTIVAL Perth 19th
April Fred Crowe, 1
week short of his 71st Birthday played in Purple Shorts (GO
Rule Not to be touched or obstructed in any way) but was
straight into the first maul which confused the referee,
this continued through the day as Fred made some crunching
tackles. Fred was the oldest player in the festival
unfortunately he missed the presentation - he was in his
favoured place - the bar! With free Famous Grouse Whiskey all afternoon, a good
day was had by all with only a few knocks to Fergal
and Ronnie (I've got a Digger) from Arbroath. Photographs to follow:
Strathmore Gryphons played 3 matches,
all in glorious sunshine on rock solid dusty pitches against
some well drilled opposition with the odd dubious 'over' 35.
First up were the Forth Valley Fossils followed by
Dunfermline and Blairgowrie.
In the spirit of Golden Oldies there are no
scores kept, suffice to say we did win the toss on all three
occasions.
Howe of Fife 23 - 20 Strathmore
This fixture was lucky to go ahead after the Howe' had a number of late call offs and made up their team with a couple of teenagers who inflicted most of the damage on the 'blacks' who themselves were depleted but Fred Crowe and Deek 'Fat Boy Slim', Road Runner and Vice President Bob Baldie stepped in to fill the gaps.
Grahame Low's Birthday Match
Aberdeen Strollers made the journey down the A90 to celebrate Grahame Low's 60th Birthday, a good game was followed by a great barbecue, piper, belly dancer, barbecued dumpling, Scotland winning against the Irish and finally France beating England - it couldn't have been better even if the rain had gone off!!
