HELENSBURGH Rugby Club’s recent positive momentum was stalled somewhat on Saturday as coach Davie Calderwood was unable to select 15 fit players for the Greens’ trip to Strathaven.

An unprecedented spate of injuries over recent matches – in particular to front row players – meant the Burgh had to forfeit the match and suffer a three-point deduction to their hard-earned tally so far.

A club spokesman said: “The club is pretty threadbare across the front five, which is such an important part of the team, in that it creates the platform for first-phase ball.

“With injuries racking up, we had no option but to declare our inability to field a front-three and were penalised in line with SRU league policy.

“The lads playing in those positions are giving their all, but are finding it hard going against what always seems to be bigger opposition.

“While injuries can happen anytime, we seem to have more than our fair share at present.

“Helensburgh RFC would welcome any new players to come down to Ardencaple and play for the club, but front and second row players – the bigger the better! – would be especially timely.”

This Saturday, Helensburgh hope to entertain league leaders, Lenzie, who consolidated their position at the top of the table with a 24-3 home win over Cumbernauld, with spectators asked to note that kick-off is 2pm.

This Saturday’s other West Regional Division 2 fixtures are as follows: Uddingston v Millbrae, Loch Lomond v Paisley, Oban Lorne v Bishopton, Clydebank v Wigtownshire.