Published: Tuesday, 19th January, 2010 11:33am

Paterson aims to kick Gala into the record books

HE is officially the best goal kicker in the world. But now Scotland's record points scorer Chris Paterson is aiming to kick Gala Rugby Club into the record books.

He is supporting his hometown team's bid to beat the world record for the most number of successful conversions by a team of 15 players in one hour.

Haddington RFC's under 16s currently hold the title after scoring 374 kicks in 60 minutes in November 2008.

However, the Border club's under 16 side, Gala Red Triangle, are confident of beating that record - by fielding a number of the club's former international stars.

As well as Paterson, who kicked off his career at Gala and now plays for Edinburgh, the club have also won the support of former internationalists Peter Dods, Arthur Brown, Michael Dods and Gregor Townsend - who now coaches the national side.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph this week, event co-ordinator Bruce Robertson said: "It's going to be a big event and with the calibre of our kickers I think we could be successful.

"Chris Paterson is the most accurate kicker in the world. I've spoken to him and he is going to come down on the day if he is available. If not, he has offered to come down and coach the kids beforehand.

"Haddington are the current world record holders with 374 kicks in an hour but I've done my calculations and I think we could get 900 kicks in an hour - and if we can be successful with half of them then we will have a new record."

And he added: "We'll certainly give it a real good effort."

The world record attempt will get underway before Gala's home game with GHA at Netherdale, Galashiels, on Saturday, February 20.

To qualify for the Guinness Book of Records, officials from the Scottish Rugby Union have been asked to adjudicate.

The rules state that kicks must be taken from three positions along the 22-metre line. They may only be taken after the previous attempt has finished and a signal given.

Each individual kickers must take a kick from the three positions. The balls used must be of match size and standard and kicking tees are permitted.

Local businesses and organisations have been invited to sponsor a ball at a cost of £20 each, with money raised being split between the club's youth development and the charity Hearts and Heroes - which helps injured sportsmen and women and their families living in Scotland.

The event coincides with a charity lunch organised by the club's ladies section, and a rugby tournament for primary seven pupils across the Borders in memory of former Gala YM player David Loughton, who tragically died of cancer.

Robertson, who revealed the 1977 Principals from the Braw Lads' Gathering have sponsored the first ball, said: "The event is aimed at raising the profile of the club, as well as raise some money for charity."

And he added: "If Gala was to score the world record it would undoubtedly put the town on the map."

To show your support and sponsor a ball send a cheque for £20, to Bruce Robertson, 17 Market Street, Galashiels, TD1 3HA. Cheques should be made payable to Gala Red Triangle.