CALA Melrose 7s 2007 - Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Top Teams coming to the Greenyards for CALA Melrose Sevens
Top southern hemisphere Club UNIVERSITY of FREE STATE –The Shimlas - from Bloemfontein in South Africa are set to compete in the 117th playing of the World famous Melrose Sevens on 14th April, where they will be joined by NEWCASTLE FALCONS from England’s Zurich Premiership and OXFORD UNIVERSITY.
The Shimlas will be making their second appearance at the home of Rugby Sevens after a semi-final defeat last year to Heriots FP. They will be trying to take the trophy back to South Africa following Newcastle Falcons win in last years final against Heriots FP. The UNIVERSITY of FREE STATE is one of South Africa’s oldest universities, celebrating its centenary in 2004. Free State Cheetahs shared the 2006 Currie Cup with the Blue Bulls. The University has provided many Springboks, including Andre Joubert, James Dalton and the current scrum half, Michael Claassens. The former Proteas cricket captain, Hansie Cronje, was educated at UNIVERSITY of FREE STATE.
NEWCASTLE FALCONS plan to field a top-quality development side in their third appearance at Melrose Sevens, having beaten Heriots FP last year in a pulsating final, they will be keen to take the Ladies Cup south of the Border for a second time. The Falcons are no strangers on the Borders Sevens circuit having won several of the tournaments in recent years.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY make a welcome return to the Greenyards after fantastic showing last year when they came back from three tries down to beat the SCOTTISH THISTLES. OXFORD UNIVERSITY has been a breeding ground for a number of international players, including Scotland’s Simon Danielli and Ireland’s David Humphreys.
Top Scottish Clubs appearing will be GALA, HAWICK, JEDFOREST, KELSO, LANGHOLM, PEEBLES, SELKIRK, BOROUGHMUIR (Winners in 2002), CURRIE, HERIOTS, WATSONIANS, ABERDEEN GS FP, AYR, DUNDEE HS FP, GLASGOW HAWKS, EDINBURGH ACADEMICALS (in their 150 anniversary season) and hosts MELROSE complete the 20 team draw.
Melrose’s Sevens Convener, Ian Cooper, says he is delighted at the calibre of the sides his Committee has been able to attract to this year’s tournament. “With UNIVERSITY OF FREE STATE eager to match the achievements of Stellenbosch in the past, together with strong sides from OXFORD UNIVERSITY and NEWCASTLE FALCONS I feel that any one of a dozen other sides are capable of winning the tournament, I believe we can look forward to yet another outstanding afternoon of top quality Sevens rugby.”
Gerry More, Managing Director of event sponsors CALA Homes (East) Limited, said:

“The CALA Melrose Sevens is a fantastic event, which is renowned for keeping spectators on tenterhooks right up until the last minute. With the exceptional standard of teams taking part in this year’s competition, I am sure this will be as exciting a tournament as ever.”

Prize Money
Prize money will again be on offer with the coveted Ladies Centenary Trophy and £5,000 going to the tournament winners; the Sanderson Salver and £3,000 to the runners-up; £700 to each of the losing semi-finalists, and £300 to each of the 4 defeated quarter-finalists. The Tournament will also feature in the Border Clubs “Kings of the Sevens” competition.
Tournament Officials
The 117th CALA Melrose Sevens will be supervised by a team of 6 top Scottish referees – Rob Dickson, John Steele, David Changleng, Malcolm Changleng, Iain Heard and Andrew McPherson, supported by 8 touch-judges and in-goal-area judges to be appointed by the Borders Referees Society Appointments Panel from qualified referees from within the Borders area.

This article was posted on 22-Mar-2007, 11:47 by Hugh Barrow.