Rugby: Josh is the wizard of Oz as he leads mini-marvels to triumph

Jun 3 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

DALZIEL mini-rugby club travelled to Helensburgh last month for the final tournament of the year played in excellent weather conditions.

The P4 side travelled with eight players (Zac, Dominic, Orlah, Ellis, Abigail, Liam, Zac, Rurahi and Lewis).

They played Uddingston in their first match but lost five tries to nil but made up for this by defeating Arrochar 6-3.

Despite being ahead at half time against Ardrossan in the next match they fell away and lost 5-3.

The results meant the P4s finished in third position out of six.

Over the season the P6 side has become a formidable team to play against and they saw off the early competition winning all three games to top the group (Uddingston 11-0, Ardrossan 11-2, Cartha Queens Park 7-0).

Josh Ireland, playing his last match before moving to Australia, was in top form as he ran in six tries in the first game against Uddingston.

In the final they met Birkmire and with the help of influential pair Alistair McFarlane and Josh Ireland they secured a 5-2 victory in a hard fought contest.

The P6 side finish the season with three tournament victories out of five festivals, finishing runner-up in the other two.

Dalziel went down 4-2 to local rivals Uddingston in the P7 tournament before drawing with Allan Glens 2-2.