HILLFOOTS RFC kicked off their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Lenzie Rugby Club in the blistering sun.

The Foots had intended to host a pre-season tournament, with three other teams joining them in a round robin format.

Unfortunately, the other two teams pulled out late the night before, but Hillfoots didn’t let that deter them from a fantastic day of rugby.

Gavin Spowage, senior rugby manager at Hillfoots, said: “We had hoped to get a tournament going with four teams in total but we had to go with just two teams on the day.

“It was absolutely fine in the end and I’m thankful to Lenzie Rugby Club for coming through and we all got a good game of rugby.

“This was our first pre-season game as we prepare for the season starting at the end of August.”

In the end, Lenzie walked away with the win, carrying on a historic relationship between the two clubs.

Festivities carried on after the match, with the Spowage family providing food and drink for players and spectators.

There was a great sense of community spirit as the two teams mingled with one another at the end, with organisers delighted at the clubs buying into the event.

“That’s what rugby is all about,” Gavin continued. “We got something useful out of it as well trying out new systems, new players, so it was good for them to get to know each other as well.

“We’ve got two more pre-season games coming up and then the first league game is at the end of the month.

“We’re feeling really positive. We’re in a competitive division but we expect to be one of the better teams in that division.

“We’re looking to win the league, that’s our target for this season and hopefully have a good cup run as well.”