The weekend ahead at Anchor promised to be an exciting one with the 1^st and 2^nd teams playing at home together for the first time this season!

The 1^st XV entertain Braidholm RFC, whom they have already beaten narrowly at their home ground in Giffnock… a game expected to be filled with end to end action and dominated by the back row and emerging scrum half Scott Glover.  Players to watch out for are young winger, Martyn Holman who has scored in all three of his last outing with the 1^st XV and younger still full back, Mark Alexander… solid in attack and defence.  Newcomer to the club, South African student Simon Knott impressed at Moffat last week and retains his well earned place on the wing.

Paisley looks forward to having the much wanted back row combination of Judge, Dillon and Dodd together for only the second time this season, with Jonno Murrell adding mobility and pace from the front row.

Stepping up this week from the 2^nd XV are second row Alan Kennedy whose lineout jumping has impressed so far this season in the 2^nd XV league, along with captain and hooker Paul Johnstone, standing in for injured ex-captain Fraser Ross. Prop Gary McNaught returns from injury this week into prop, allowing stalwart Iain “Chocky” Livingstone to bulk up the second row.

Gavin Newlands at stand off, along with Joel Dunnett and Michael King in the centre are expected to be on the ball on Saturday, bossing the middle of the park.  Newlands will be looking to make a career first, and go TWO WHOLE GAMES without abusing the referee!

Paisley’s bench looks as strong as ever this week… with veteran utility back Scott Grieve providing cover all over the pack, centre Greg Wilson – recently returned from a long spell of recurring injuries, and Scott “Twinkle Toes” Sutherland providing forward cover.

Notable absences include second row Murray Lowe, animal forward Stu Farley and centre Allan McMillan, all of whom have commitments elsewhere in the country at present, along with the hard working and infringing Neil Ritchie, and flanker Michael Somerville – both of whom are suffering from injuries. These missing players emphasise the strength and depth currently at Paisley RFC. 

Paisley’s 2nd XV take on Strathclyde Police this weekend in the 2^nd XV league.

Fielding one of the strongest sides of the season, expectations are high, and competition is hotting up for 1^st XV places.  Players to watch out for include newly converted stand off Ryan McCready… formerly of the back row and little Ryan “Rhyno” Rawes, returning to the club, slimmer and fitter, after a year’s absence.

Much anticipated is the return to the playing field of father Colin Reekie and two sons Robbie and Fraser, all of whom have been valuable players to Paisley RFC over the last several years.  We can only hope they are willing to battle to regain spots in the 1^st XV.

Both games kick off at 3pm, the clubhouse will be open form 1pm, with the bar available before and after the game… during if you speak nicely to Jinky!

Come out and support your local rugby team!!