Peeblesshire News | Sport | Clubs stay in the cup

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Friday, 11th July, 2008 23:55

Clubs stay in the cup

Comments (0)

Print Article

BORDERS clubs are believed to have pulled back from the brink of pulling out of next season’s National Cup competition.

THE Border League met on Wednesday night at Netherdale to discuss the options.

And the Peeblesshire News understands that they will play in the tournament next season.

League secretary Ally Forsyth said that a press statement would be released after further talks with the SRU over the fixture schedule.

A year ago, the clubs pulled back from the brink of a similar decision that would have a huge impact on the competition.

But faced with rising travel costs, poor gates, and no prize-money – as well as a threat to the sevens due to cup dates in April – clubs were giving serious thought to their own future in the tournament.

But it would appear that some compromise has been reached.

After their success last season, it is known that Melrose supported a move to play in the cup. But Gala were among the clubs mandated to drop out of the competition.

Clubs preferred to opt for a local cup alongside the Border League – matches which will draw bigger crowds and reap financial rewards.

The format for next season’s Border League, which will include Haddington for the first time, was also due to be finalised on Wednesday night.

Comments