W/D lose out in battle of the boot

Nov 30 2011 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

Craig Collin

THERE was a battle of the boot as Waysiders/Drumpellier suffered a 9-6 defeat to Newton Stewart on Saturday.

Craig Collin’s men made their longest away journey of the season for the RBS West Division One clash at Bladnoch Park.

But a hard-fought fixture ended with victory for the Reds with David Power’s two penalties unable to prevent a ninth reverse of term.

W/D stay above bottom spot, however, following struggling Stewartry’s 32-10 loss at East Kilbride.

A gap of seven points exists between the Langloan outfit and the men from Castle Douglas who are propping up the rest.

It’s the final fixture of 2011 for W/D this weekend – and it couldn’t be tougher.

League leaders Glasgow High-Kelvinside bring a perfect record of 12 wins from 12 games to Coatbridge but Collin is looking for a strong display from his side.

W/D’s 2nd XV are also in action this Saturday and face Uddingston in their latest Reserve League West Pod C contest.

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to former W/D president, committee member and captain Davie Robertson.

Club stalwart Davie sadly died at the age of 65 on Saturday night.

He played for the club for a number of years and was a valued committee member once Waysiders and Drumpellier came together in 1993.

In 2006, a charity match was arranged to celebrate Davie’s 60th birthday involving players both past and present.

This year, another charity game was organised for Davie turning 65 with the man himself scoring the last try of the match.

For the past few years, he has been the linesman at most senior fixtures, strolling up and down the line and enjoying some banter with everyone on the side.

W/D president Mick Gollogly spoke for many when the contribution Davie made to the club.

He said: “Our thoughts are with Davie’s family at this time.

“Davie was a true gentleman and a great guy to know and have at our club. He will be sadly missed.”