BIGGAR and Lanark rugby clubs' joint venture with the Bill McLaren Foundation culminated on Saturday evening resulted in a magnificent dinner at Lanark Auction Market.

With over 350 guests there was a real buzz in the Hall as the top table arrived.

Much of this was due to the appearance of Australian World Cup winner and special guest David Campese, a legend of world rugby identified by Bill McLaren's as being his favourite player.

The evening matched up to the pre-event hype and went really smoothly, this a tribute to the efforts of all who were instrumental in its organisation. Top of this list are the members of the Foundation, Linda, Alan and Lindsay Lawson, John Thorburn and Emma Campbell with much support from Lanark RFC's President Iain Hughes and Biggar RFC's Sponsorship and fund-raising guru Gordon Young. All contributed SO much to ensure the event ran as planned.

MC for the evening was Al Kellock of Glasgow and Scotland fame who hosted the event perfectly while welcomes were provided by club presidents Iain Hughes (Lanark) and Al Stewart (Biggar) and also by Bill's daughter, Linda Lawson.

Grace was delivered by Derek McGuiness.

The Auction was expertly handled by local auctioneer Willie McCulloch with Campese providing an insight into his career as a rugby player, including some thought provoking opinions about the modern game. Al Kellock also provided a Q and A session with SRU President Ed Crozier and with Campese.

Comedian Scott Glynn provided the comic entertainment. A comprehensive vote of thanks was expertly delivered by Biggar vice president Aird Jardine .

It was unanimous, however, that this was indeed a very special night and one which – like Biggar's Anniversary Ball in August – could be repeated.

Many thanks to everyone who assisted in any way to make the evening a success, principally to those who supported the event and dug deep into their pockets to become involved in the fund-raisers and Auction.

Thanks too to the band of Biggar youngsters - Rory, Rowan, Cameron, Niamh, Amy and Kim - who assisted with the collection of items from the tables.

Alan Lawson, was in touch with the clubs, expressing their thanks for making 'last night so memorable'. He stated: “As club events go there won't be much better and it was substantially down to your passion for the event and for your hard work in getting so many people to come and support this joint dinner.

"The fact that your two clubs worked together should act as a beacon for other clubs to do the same and we as a rugby charity would love to be the glue that brings clubs together in tough times and binds their friendship for the good of the game."