Champion Warriors scheme members, West of Scotland, were named today as Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month for January.

West have seen an explosion of interest from youngsters in their catchment area around Bearsden and Milngavie to such an extent that their mini, midi and youth sections boast some 250 playing members.

At first XV level they are able to tap into the vast international experience of three men who have served Scotland and the British and Irish Lions during distinguished rugby careers – coaches John Beattie and David McLean and irrepressible hooker Gordon Bulloch.

Bulloch, the former Scotland and Glasgow captain, is clearly enjoying his return to the club scene.  “West are a vibrant club and very welcoming and that’s important, when, like me, you have a young family.  I’ve enjoyed some great times through rugby and although it sounds a cliché, it’s great to give something back to the club that I first played for in the 1990s.”

During January, West won all three of their games to cement their position at the top of Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division 2, accounting for Aberdeen Grammar Rugby, fellow promotion challengers, Biggar, and Hamilton.  West’s discipline has been good all season.  No player has been sent off and they had only one yellow card in January.

Their second XV posted away wins against Dunfermline and GHA in January and are currently sitting top of their league with a very healthy points differential and their third XV, playing the same open brand of rugby, are third in their league but with three games in hand.

At youth level, West’s S1 team have a 100% record with 16 wins out of 16 while their under-15s, under-16s and under-17s are all still vying for honours in the Glasgow Cup competitions.

The nominations panel recognised the quality of West’s performance during January but also drew attention to their efforts to grow the game.

Anna Crampin, Scottish Hydro Electric’s Sponsorship manager, said; “Anyone who’s been down to Burnbrae will notice immediately the buzz about the place and also the fact that there’s a wide variety of age groups drawn to the West club.

“During January, West enjoyed an important victory over their nearest challengers Biggar and will be going all out to win promotion in the weeks ahead.  West of Scotland are worthy winners of the Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month for January.”

West will receive a commemorative certificate and cheque for £500.

Club of the Month is judged on performance, discipline and growing the game.

Previous winners of the Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month this season were:

September – Isle of Mull
October – Boroughmuir
November – Howe of Fife
December – Falkirk

West of Scotland are members of the Champion Warriors scheme - click here for more information on how your club can get involved.