WITH their league and cup fixtures now at an end for 2024, the attention of Greenock Wanderers' players and coaches is now turning to the club's annual Boxing Day match, writes John Dyer.

This long established popular fixture at Fort Matilda allows players and spectators to forget the tension of league rugby and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere amongst former players and spectators returning home for Christmas.

The match is fiercely contested for bragging rights and also for the Boxing Day Trophy, donated by director of rugby John Dyer.

This year the teams have a different format with the under-30s taking on the over-30s. Jack McDaid, co-captain of the first XV, is looking after the under-30s and Murray McDonald will lead their older clubmates.

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The U30s are very strong in the pack with first XV players Scot at hooker and a back row of Hopkins, Murray and McDaid.

In the backs Boag is at stand off, with Houston and Stone in the centre and Baxter and Jackson on the wings.

David Smith, who is studying at St Andrews University, makes a cameo appearance at full back.

Greenock Wanderers' Boxing Day match will see an under-30s team take on their over-30s clubmates. (Image: alex craig) The over-30s also have a strong pack, with Strachan, Brown and RHU making up the front row, while the back row has Vize accompanied by stalwarts Abernethy and Robb.

Veteran McDougal is at scrum half with former president Kevin Murray at stand off, Marturano and Ellis on the wings and evergreen Tyley and Frizzel at centre; the team is completed by rugby league convert McFerren at full back.

Former Wanderers coach Lang will be on the bench, with an array of talent waiting to come on from the sidelines to make an impact.

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This much-anticipated extravaganza is being refereed by club member and U16s coach Bryan Reddy, who will have a difficult job on his hands to control the enthusiasm of both sides from boiling over.

Kick-off on December 26 is at 2pm.

Greenock Wanderers' club sponsor is MMSEARCH; the ladies' sponsors are Straps of Gourock and Brow House Cosmetics.