Selkirk Sevens convener John Rutherford believes eight teams have a chance of winning tomorrow’s tournament, including the hosts.


The Scotland cap is promising an afternoon of quality rugby on the field, and plenty of entertainment off it.

Alongside the Souters are a contingent from the west rarely seen on the Borders sevens circuit.

Premiership and Scottish Cup champions Ayr are joined by Glasgow Hawks and Hillhead/Jordanhill, while Falkirk are also welcomed to Philiphaugh.

As ever, the Borders will be well represented with Melrose leading the Kings of the Sevens table, while Watsonians will fancy their chances of reclaiming the Selkirk title they won last year.


Rutherford said: “Apart from Melrose Sevens, I think we have the strongest draw on the Borders circuit.

“Ayr reached the semi-finals at Melrose Sevens, while Glasgow Hawks are the National League champions and potentially have a very strong sevens team.

“Hillhead/Jordanhill played last year and add to the Glasgow influence, while Falkirk have a number of New Zealanders, but will be an unknown quantity.

“We have seeded the draw so that the better teams are likely to meet each other in the quarter-finals.

“I really do believe that seven or eight clubs could win the tournament.”

Selkirk Sevens also have a new sponsor this year in Lawrie’s Garage of St Boswells and its general manager Craig Anderson says the firm is delighted to be involved.

“We are very proud to be sponsoring the 2013 Selkirk Sevens as it is one of the most popular and keenly contested tournaments on the Kings of the Sevens circuit,” he said, having presented a cheque to the club last Thursday.

Lawrie’s Garage will have several of its cars on display at the Selkirk tournament.

Rutherford added: “Running a successful sevens tournament is a massive undertaking, and the support of Lawrie’s Garage has given this year’s event a terrific boost.

“As the penultimate event in the Kings of the Sevens series, we are expecting an exciting afternoon of rugby. It promises to be an unforgettable day.”

The popularity of the event is highlighted by the corporate hospitality being sold out.

A hog roast will keep hunger at bay, while the marquee will play music throughout the afternoon and host a free disco at night.

Selkirk Sevens draw (first tie 2pm): Gala v Heriot’s; Edinburgh Accies v Hawick; Selkirk v Falkirk; Glasgow Hawks v Kelso; Watsonians v Hillhead/Jordanhill; Ayr v Berwick; Melrose v Peebles; Jed-Forest v Langholm.

This article was posted on 10-May-2013, 07:09 by Hugh Barrow.