FOOTBALL and rugby fans in Helensburgh and Rhu are looking forward to their first competitive fixtures of the new year this weekend - if the winter weather holds up.
Rhu Amateurs will make a second attempt to play their Scottish Amateur Cup fourth round tie at home to Easterhouse FA this Saturday, January 13, after their first attempt last weekend fell victim to the frozen temperatures.
The tie is due to kick off at 2pm at Ardenconnel Park, and the clubhouse bar will be open from 1pm.
The club issued an appeal on social media for a big crowd to cheer the team on as they aim to extend their stay in Scottish amateur football's premier tournament - a competition Rhu won way back in 1967 when they beat Penilee United in the Hampden Park final.
Big day on Saturday as The Rhu look to keep the cup dream alive when we welcome very tough opponents in @EFA_SMAFL for a massive @ScotAmFA 4th Round tie at Ardenconnel 2pm kick off.
— Rhu Amateur Football Club - Official account (@AmateurRhu) January 12, 2024
A big crowd would be appreciated@scottish_aff @CaledonianAFA @helensburghadv @ftsc0res pic.twitter.com/TAOl6QzEI9
Meanwhile, Rhu’s over-35s are still looking for more players to add to their squad for the new Football Central Over-35 League seasion, begining in March.
If you’re interested, call Sam Gemmell on 07738 953810 or get in touch via the ‘Rhu Amateurfc’ page on Facebook.
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Elsewhere, after more than 25 players took part in their New Year’s Day friendly fixture, both of the combined Lomond-Helensburgh rugby teams are due to be back in action this Saturday.
The clubs' first XV are due to travel to Coatbridge this Saturday, January 13, to face Waysiders/Drumpellier in West Division 2.
Kick-off at Drumpellier Park is at 2pm.
And after an encouraging start to the season in the West Region's reserve development, the Lomond and Helensburgh second XV begin 2024 with a home fixture against Kilmarnock 3rd.
That game takes place at Ardencaple and kick-off is also at 2pm.
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