Strathmore Rugby Club is celebrating a triumphant season with news a ‘win-win’ off-field partnership is to continue. The Forfar outfit topped a memorable season with league promotion for its unbeaten first XV. Strathie was also named the SRU’s Community Club of the Year. And hospitality guests watching the action at Inchmacoble Park have given a massive vote in favour of the club’s Game 4 The Game partnership with local sporting estates. Angus Glens initiative puts game on the menu For the past two seasons, the tie-up with Angus Glens Moorland Group has brought game meat to the very heart of club activity. More than 700 meals including venison, pheasant, partridge and duck were served up in this season’s hospitality. The popularity of the game option on the menu rose from 72% to 78%. Players also tuck in to post-match meals of the protein-rich fare. Strathie business development consultant Nick Welsh said: “This partnership is a win-win for everyone. “We always want to support local suppliers and serving local game from right here on our doorstep is a fantastic way to do that. “The fact game is now the top choice whenever it’s on the menu is exactly what we hoped for. “Our philosophy is very much ‘Put the best in, get the best out’. “We are seeing the impact of our strong community spirit and great food in terms of our results on the pitch. I’d like to congratulate the players on this superb season.” Local estates involved in all aspects of Strathie success Danny Lawson, head keeper at Glenogil Estate, said: “It’s been brilliant to work with Strathmore Rugby Club. “Gamekeepers and families here on the estate have all been encouraged to connect with the club. “We congratulate Strathmore first XV on their promotion. “We are committed to supporting Strathmore into a third year with venison, partridge and pheasant from the overlooking hills.” The weekend was a chance for the club to toast its own success. Strathie Sharks under-16s also won both their league and the National Bowl final, and the under 18’s finished runners-up in a highly competitive league. In addition, Strathie RFC was voted Community Club of the Year as part of the SRU Centenary of Murrayfield celebrations. The club works with Strathmore Community Rugby Trust through its rugby academy, which includes education on nutrition. Game 4 The Game coordinator Ruth White said: “Inchmacoble is surrounded by sporting estates and looking out onto the hills of the Angus Glens. “Gamekeepers and rural families are included in the membership, from tiny tots taking part in Strathie Pups rugby sessions and kids joining the junior club, Strathie Sharks, all the way through to gamekeepers who have run out in Strathie colours. “Community is at the heart of everything the club does and one of the aims of Game 4 The Game was to consolidate connection with the rural community. “Building stronger connections between estates and their local community helps boost pride in the area and sustain rural jobs. “Could there be any meal in the UK with lower food miles? We are winning on all fronts.”