After a slap up meal, inspiring and humorous speeches, team bonding and a raffle, the squad members were given socks with the Gala Red Triangle and their respective high school colours, as well as framed photographs of their performance on the field.

Ian Millar, Gala Rugby Youth Development Officer, said: “The players are finished with mini rugby now and are moving on to high school, where hopefully they will continue to play.

“Tonight has been fantastic. It means a lot to the kids, and seeing the smiles on their faces is great.

“We hold these dinners to celebrate the five years the kids have been involved with Mini Maroons and to wish the all the best as they move on to the next level of their rugby career.

“A special thanks once again to the Mini Maroons, Gala Rugby and Meigle Colour Printers, without their generous support this event could not take place.” The Mini Maroons are Gala RFC’s mini level rugby club, which aims to introduce Primary 3 to 7 age boys and girls to rugby in a fun and friendly environment.

One of the players, Caelen Maciver loves the Mini Maroons so much that he travels all the way from Peebles to Galashiels to play.

The P7 Priorsford Primary pupil said: “I used to play in Peebles, but then I came here. I really like it, there are good players and it’s good fun.” Iain Montgomery, a P7 coach, revealed that the highlight for the squad was winning the final tournament.

He said: “We’d like to say thank you to the parents and kids for their co-operation and friendship over the past five years.

“It’s been good seeing them grow up and develop. We’ve encouraged skills, participation and sportsmanship - all the good things to do with rugby.

“The highlight has been winning the final tournament - we do allow all kids to play, but winning at the end was important.” Coach Andy McAdam added: “It has been an excellent evening.”