Whitecraigs promoted

RUGBY in the southside has never been more competitive now all three local clubs will be in the premier league next season.

Whitecraigs' 22-0 win against RHC earned the squad promotion to Premier three — the same league as Cartha Queen's Park.

This means the team will take on the Dumbreck side in home and away fixtures next season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile local rival GHA continues to fight for a move to premier one, the very top of Scottish club rugby.

Head coach Jim Henderson paid tribute to his players who have now been promoted three times in as many seasons.

He told The Extra: "We have waited 13 years for this since the new club opened and it's all been worthwhile. We have achieved what we set out to do".

Cartha coach Gary Grant is excited by the prospect of a local derby and predicted: "This rivalry will encourage both clubs to step it up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We are looking for a new injection of players. We've always been in front of them and we want it to stay that way".

Cartha number eight Nicol Smylie has moved between the clubs in recent years.

He now plays for a Cartha team which has a back row full of ex-Whitecraigs' talent, including Ross Gilles and Andy Crozier.

The 28-year-old told The Extra: "I'm still friends with a lot of the boys at Whitecraigs. There might be a bounty on my head next season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It will be serious fun playing against them. We are similar teams but we have the edge because of our experience".

Former Cartha centre Ryan Moffat (26) now plays for Whitecraigs and will turn out against his former club with a heavy heart.

The police officer added: "It will be difficult for me to play against such good friends but it will be all business. It's our answer to the Old Firm fixture.

"The premier league is a much higher standard but the end goal is to continue improving and gain promotion to face GHA in league two".

Related topics: