The Caledonia Reds were relaunched at the weekend with a victory and the determination to stay in the focus of the future of Scottish Rugby.
A select side of players from the club game defeated a strong Co-Optimists team 26-17 at Duffus Park in Cupar in front of a crowd of 700 in what was the first game under the Reds banner for more than a decade.
Tries from Howe of Fife’s Iain Wilson, Danny Levison of Dundee HSFP and Steven Aitken of Aberdeen Grammar, with three penalties from Fraser Lyle provided the scoring for the Reds, while flying Glasgow wing Carlin Isles was one of the select side’s try-scorers.
The Reds were formerly the pro-team representing all of Scotland north of the Forth until a reorganisation of Scottish professional rugby in 1998 saw them merged with Glasgow.
The team was relaunched by players and supporters as part of a groundswell of support for the launch of a third pro-team or the re-establishment of the old district championship format.
Former Scotland captain and Reds product Jason White was head coach of the team drawn from major clubs in the district and from leading club players who had their rugby origins within Caley region.
Assistant head coach Colin Robertson said that it had been a hugely beneficial exercise for players and those hoping to keep Caley on the Scottish rugby agenda.
“First and foremost it was just great to see the famous Caley Reds representing our rugby region again after so many years,” he said.
“It was important we won in a high tempo game against a Co-Optmists side stacked with quality players and a few pros.
“Our players were determined to perform and we were proud of what was an organised and committed performance in front of a great crowd.”
The Reds have organised a second match against a Newcastle Falcons XV, to be played at Prestonpans this weekend because of travel arrangements.