RUGBY players from Inverclyde proved they are ‘summit’ special after swapping pitches for peaks to reach the top of Ben Nevis.

Greenock Wanderers first team players recently scaled Britain’s highest mountain to help fund a challenge tour in Orkney next month.
Around £1,000 has been raised to date.

Ten players – Martin Lavelle, Colin Bradley, Netana Quirey, Neill Tannahill, Micheal Duddy, David Smith, Callum McLean, David Beattie, Murray MacDonald and Cameron Docherty – all completed the hike.

There was also a special mascot with them on the journey, their very own rubber duck decked in Wanderers colours.

Neill said: “The idea was to raise money for Greenock Wanderers and to raise our profile a little for recruitment.

“The funding is specifically for the tour match we have in Orkney in September and to take some of the cost away from the club.  

"As you can imagine, taking a squad of 22 guys all the way to Orkney for one match is fairly expensive. 

“We took 10 bodies up Nevis, all of whom made it. 

“The majority are pushing for 1st XV positions this season. We have raised close to the £1,000 mark already and are looking to extend this as much as possible.”

The club is also on the lookout for new players ahead of the start of the season from micros right through to senior level.

Pre-season training is well under way ahead of the start of first team’s season on August 27 against Livingston at Fort Matilda in round one of the BT Scottish Cup.

To donate to the team visit www.gofundme.com/2dsyet8

Men’s training is 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday at the club and at 7pm on Wednesday and Friday for the women’s side.

For more information visit www.greenockwanderers.co.uk