IT’S THE SAND NATIONAL

BOYD UP Training is no picnic for Connor

- BY ALAN ROBERTSON

SADDLING UP Talbot players train on the beach with horse riders looking on

HORSES trotting behind them, dog walkers and even a family huddled round on picnic chairs a few feet away ona freezing January day.

Life isn't going to be abeach tomorrow at Rugby Park but that hasn't stopped sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot preparing onone.

The West of Scotland outfit have gone almost a month without a game due to call-offs so have spent the first two Saturdays on Irvine Beach training instead.

Photos of them pounding the sand were met by some with the cynicism of a photo op ahead of a glamour showdown with Celtic.