THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

Rugby: Hosts Muir look to increase trophy haul in sevens event

Published Date: 29 April 2011
By COLIN RENTON
Boroughmuir will be looking for a second tournament win in less than a week when they host their annual sevens at Meggetland tonight (first tie 6pm, admission £5).
'Muir won the Stirling County trophy last weekend with a squad that combined experienced individuals including skipper Malcolm Clapperton and former pro Ally Warnock, with emerging talent such as Ross Neil, Jordan Webster and Matt Walker.

And they will field a similar combination tonight, when they bid to retain a title they won last year by seeing off Glasgow Hawks in the floodlit final. The success of that experimental switch from a Saturday slot has persuaded the club to repeat it in the hope of attracting strong teams and a sizeable crowd.

'Muir spokesman, Gordon Grant said: "It seemed to hit a chord last year attracting people locally and tapping into a time when no one else has rugby on. It also means we can get four excellent referees because they have no other commitments."

The hosts have been drawn in a pool with Napier University and Edinburgh University, who showed with their recent performance at Gala Sevens that they will be no pushovers.

Meanwhile, a team led by former 'Muir scrum half Andy Knight will have the honour of playing as Bruce Hay Chiefs in a pool that features Edinburgh Accies and Lismore. In the other pools, Watsonians have the task of halting Stirling County and Cartha Queens Park, while Stewart's Melville will be looking to down Glasgow Hawks and oust Preston Lodge.

Matches will be played on two pitches, with the group winners contesting the semi-finals, while runners up play off in the plate competition.

The silverware battle reaches its climax at 9pm with the presentation followed by live music in the Meggetland clubhouse.

This article was posted on 29-Apr-2011, 12:21 by Hugh Barrow.