Dalziel RFC ring the changes

Aug 17 2011 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

Dalziel Rugby Club

DALZIEL RFC have been dealt a blow following the news that stand-off Ross McAulay has left the club to join West of Scotland.

McAulay joined from Calder RFC in 2008 and was first-choice number 10 at Dalziel for most of the past three seasons.

His younger brother Jamie has also joined West, the flanker having made 13 first-team appearances last term.

Centre Fraser Stangoe will not be returning to the club, with work committments taking him east, where he is expected to turn out for Dunfermline.

Forward Andy Hill, who left Dalziel for Glasgow Hawks, last season has rejected the chance to return to the Motherwell club, opting to ply his trade at local rivals Hamilton instead.

As reported earlier this month, highly-rated prop Steven Findlay is training with the Hawks with the hope of securing a permanent move should he force his way into the first-team picture at the Premier outfit.

Coach Davie Wilson has moved quickly to strengthen his squad, bringing in centre Grant McCallum who played at Dalziel when a youngster before going to university in Edinburgh and taking up hockey.

Wilson has beefed up his forward pack with the signing of second-row man John Morrissey, who joined Glasgow Hawks from Shannon in 2007 before taking time out from the game last season.

Former Glasgow under-18 lock Kris Hughes has joined Dalziel from Cambuslang.

Flanker Douglas Picken will be at Dalziel this season, having been out of the sport for seven years.

Coach Wilson, a PE teacher, knows Picken from the player’s time as a pupil at Kelvinside Academy.

Meanwhile, last year’s club sponsors Europa have confirmed they will continue their sponsorship of the club this year, once again pumping £10,000 into the coffers.

Club vice-president Rod Harris said: “This is a major boost to the club which will allow us to maintain our commitment to coaching, training, equipment and facilities.

“In addition to this, some 60-plus players were asked to secure their own sponsor and this has also been accomplished.”

Matt Brown, who recently completed his UKCC Level 1 Coaching Course, has been appointed Head Coach for the under-18s.

Matt has support from a number of committed parents and it’s hoped he will be supported by two senior players looking to pass on their skills and knowledge.

Harris added: “The club is clearly not resting on its laurels but is still ambitious to progress at all levels.

“There will be continued support for youth development as our success has long been underpinned by skilful players emerging from our youth system.”