THE draw has been made for the Davidson Chalmers VETS Tournament which kicks off on Friday, April 8, with holders Melrose drawn against Orkney and the Cayman Islands in the first round.

The other first round matches comprise Tynedale (Northumberland), Islay and Glasgow Legends (Glasgow Hawks); and Hamilton (South Africa), Morgan Academy and the Auld Reekies (Edinburgh clubs).

The tournament consists of teams of ten players, with clubs eliminated being entered into subsidiary Bowl and Plate events. Last year the Davidson Chalmers Cup was won by Melrose, the Bowl by Madras College, and the Plate by Glasgow Hawks.

The veterans' tournament, now in its fourth year, is expected to draw in supporters from Scotland, the rest of the UK and overseas, with many supporters staying on for the main event the next day.

Spectator entrance to the Davidson Chalmers VETS Tournament is free, with free car parking. There will be bar and catering facilities, and the first match kicks off at 12 noon.

Andy Drane, Partner of Davidson Chalmers, said: "We are fully committed to working with all the organisers of the Melrose Sevens including Melrose RFC and EventScotland to make the Vets tournament an opening celebration of the Melrose Sevens weekend.

"The results of the draw guarantee some very interesting rugby on Friday and it's very pleasing to see so many new teams this year. Veteran rugby is an increasingly popular part of social rugby and there is no better place to play than Melrose, the home of Sevens."

In the QUBE GB Melrose Sevens, top Scottish club sides will take on invitational teams Hong Kong Scottish, Waikato from New Zealand - and Hamilton from South Africa, who are returning to defend their 2010 title.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: "The draw for this year's Melrose Sevens shows the reputation of the event and that teams from all around the world are eager to come and play in Scotland, the perfect stage for rugby events with its rich history around the sport. As we are in the year of Active, it is wonderful that we will have so many teams in both the main draw and veterans competition playing this year and inspiring others to have a go too."

Tickets for the 128th anniversary QUBE GB Melrose Sevens (Saturday 9th April), priced from £20, are available at www.melroserugbyshop.co.uk or direct from the club, and concessions are available. You can also join the thousands of fans who are following the tournament on Facebook or at the vets twitter @melrosevets or go to www.melrose7s.com Alternatively, get updates via SMS by texting follow Melrose7s to 86444.

This article was posted on 6-Apr-2011, 13:08 by Hugh Barrow.