BIRKMYRE Rugby Club from Kilmacolm are celebrating after they were awarded the prestigious Team of the Month award by the SRU.

The award was made to club secretary Jamie Moglia at the recent Scotland v South Africa game at Murrayfield in front of the entire crowd.

The club were awarded the prestigious honour for the month of October, with the game's governing body making their selection from all rugby clubs across Scotland.

The award scheme has been running for over five years and Birkmyre are only the second western regional club to be selected during its existence.

The award carries a prize of £1,000 to help the club with its ongoing expenses, but club bosses say the recognition of hard work by players, coaches, officials, parents and sponsors has been equally gratifying.

Following promotion last year, the senior first XV - under coach John Black and captain Gareth Henry - were undefeated throughout six league games in September and October, putting them at the top of the league.

Many other factors were taken into consideration by the SRU in honouring Birkmyre. They were: l The club had a good disciplinary record during the period in question.

l By installing their own floodlights, with the help of Scottish Rugby's club facilities fund, the club are able to provide winter training for their senior players, the junior section and for the local school, St Columba's, when required.

The lights were installed by club president Willie Carruth with voluntary assistance from friends of the club.

The SRU noted that in addition to the excellent new gym and changing facilities provided by Inverclyde Leisure, there is 'a standard of amenities that many a club from higher divisions would aspire to provide for their players'.

l The SRU also noted the club have a strong involvement in the community, noting the annual Christmas dance in Houston's River Inn attracts in excess of 200 people.

They also commented on the ongoing sponsorship which the club provides to the local Inverclyde 3K race in September.

l The ever-successful and growing mini and midi sections within the club were another major factor which influenced the judges.

Across the age ranges, there are over 120 young members who frequently compete successfully against clubs of a higher stature.

The involvement of parents, both current and past, have taken this junior section to a level where the senior club will soon be able to benefit from a crop of young recruits.

The liaison with the local development officer Ian Foster has helped with the recent formation of an under-15 team.

Ian has also helped facilitate joint teams with Greenock Wanderers to make sure young people in this community who want to play rugby get every opportunity to do so. The club have also liaised with Paisley Rugby Club in a similar venture.

l The efforts made by the club to attract younger players was also noted. At present, the following players who are under the age of 21 regularly appear for the first XV: Christopher Carruth, David Carruth, Ruaridh Pinkerton, Jonathan Cawte, Micheal Degnan, Martin Whyte, Callum Hall, Brendan Reddy and Dougie Gillespie. The club's main sponsor is the River Inn and manager Jason Andrews recently donated strips for the club's senior team.

Other leading sponsors are En Zead Joiners, Link Cable Assemblies, Adam Smith Landscaping, Tilecraft Services and Smith and Galbraith Builders. The club would again thank all these companies.

President Carruth was delighted to see the club recognised in this way, but says the award is a result of the efforts of the club as a whole and not those of just a few individuals.

He said: "To take the club from a level three years ago when we were unable to field a league team on two occasions to where we are now is a fantastic achievement. It has only been possible thanks to the commitment of all. This is not the end result, but a reminder we need to keep pushing the bar even higher.

"Players are now being attracted to the club because they can see an opportunity to play and enjoy rugby at a decent standard and we want to make sure we continue to grow and provide this service." Weather permitting, the club are scheduled to play McLaren at home on Saturday, before heading to Carrick the following week. All games kick off at 2pm.

If anyone wants to join the club or wants any more information, please contact Peter Haveron on 07815 090839, or come along to training any Tuesday at the park at 7.30pm.