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Sport Clydesdale

Service to Sport Award

Friday night's Clydesdale Sports Council Awards dinner also saw the 2007 Service to Sport Award presented to John Lawrie by the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils administrator David Arnott.

Mr. David Arnott, Administrator of the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils presents the Service to Sport Award to Mr. John Lawrie for outstanding Services to Biggar Rugby Club over the last 30 years.

John enjoyed a successful Junior football career with Kello Rovers and then Arniston Rangers, before joining a growing number of converted ex-footballers taking up the sport in 1977 with Biggar Rugby Club, which was formed in 1975.

He immediately made an impact with his game sense, skill level and his overall enthusiasm for sports.

On the pitch he was a great grafter and his leadership and motivational skills were self-evident.

And after a short while playing rugby he was elected as club vice-captain in season 1978-79, then Captain in seasons 1980-82 (3 seasons).

With his playing days over, he was quick to take up conching and took joint responsibility for the Colts with the late Rod Craise, this being a particularly effective and successful partnership.

Boys were coached to play a hard, yet open brand of rugby but all also learned much about life and its ups and downs!

Many of these young members have since progressed to senior rugby and have formed the backbone of the club ever since.

In 1991/92, John became the club's vice president, and after two seasons in this post he became President for season 1993/94 and 1994/95.

Few would have ever expected to see Kelso's Eric Paxton or ex-Melrose man Gary Parker take charge at Biggar, but this has much to do with John's straight talking approach and to the respect he engenders from those he meets.

John has been ever-present on the touchline at 1st 15 games and was quick to offer help to the 2nds this season when they were without a coach.

A Biggar man, John has done an incredible job at Biggar Rugby Club over the last 30 years and well deserved the Special sportscotland/SALSC Service to Sports Award.

Lanark Gazette
Thursday 13th March 2008

Posted : 27/03/2008