A colourful procession of 14 European countries marched into the Heriots Rugby Club led by a Scottish Pipe band this morning in Edinburgh to begin the Maclay Murray & Spens 6th European Championships.

Tournament hosts, Scotland started the tournament in fine fashion with a comfortable win in the Men’s Open over France 8-4 while the Women held on for a hard fought win over arch rivals Wales to win 3-2. Invitational side the New Zealand Academy Mixed who have been travelling and conducting coaching clinics in Asia and Europe were far too strong for a lack lustre France who couldn’t compete with the Academy’s speed and the Academy ran away 20-0.

2004 European Champions England began their Open Men’s quest to regain the European Trophy with a convincing wins over Guernsey and France while in the Women’s grade defending champion England swept aside France and a Scotland 30’s side in preparation for tomorrows rounds.

With countries such as Switzerland, Ireland Belgium and Holland competing for the first time in the European Championships, the depth of teams and interest shown from European nations is increasing and bodes well for the future.

Round robin play starts on Saturday at 9.00am (UK time) and on Sunday concludes with the Mixed Final at 2.00pm, Womens at 2.50pm and the European Men’s Championship Final at 3.40pm. For full results please click the link below

This article was posted on 21-Jul-2006, 21:55 by Hugh Barrow.