ALMOST 100 new rugby recruits from eight Inverclyde schools got together to give the sport a try - and had a ball.

A recent camp was held at Fort Matilda, home of Greenock Wanderers, in a bid to encourage more children to take up the sport and a total of 96 budding players showed up.

The initiative provided one of the very few full contact rugby tournaments in Scotland for pupils of primary school age.

It initially started in Inverclyde at P6 level before being rolled out to other age groups here - and has proved such a good model that it will now be replicated in other districts around the country next year.

The schools that took part in this year's contest were Kilmacolm, King's Oak, Gourock, St Andrew's, St Patrick's, Moorfoot, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay primaries.

In the end third place went to Inverkip, runners-up were Moorfoot and - for the second year in-a-row - King's Oak secured first place.

The school managed an impressive run of victories on the day plus a draw with Moorfoot. Brendan McGroarty, Inverclyde rugby development officer, was delighted with the effort all the players put in and declared himself impressed with some of the tough tackling and rapid running that was on display.

He was also pleased to see so many newcomers to the sport getting involved.

Brendan, who is also Wanderers' vice captain, said: "Greenock Wanderers would be delighted if even a fraction of the 96 young rugby novices were to consider joining the club, as everyone on the day seemed to really enjoy themselves despite a bit of rain.

"Many teams had some Wanderers/Birkmyre talent in their ranks but the majority were brand new to the experience.

"A big well-done to all the kids who took part, as rugby isn't the type of sport for the faint-hearted, and the kids got stuck in." Next year the players will get the chance to play in Inverclyde's first P7 league structure.