Peeblesshire News | Sport | Peebles ready for action at the opening Kelso Sevens

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Friday, 15th August, 2008 11:44

Peebles ready for action at the opening Kelso Sevens

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THE rugby season gets into full swing on a serious note this weekend with the opening sevens tournament.

Only three months after collecting the Kings of the Sevens title for the second year in a row at the Jed tournament, Selkirk will take the field in the Build Center Kelso Sevens at Poynder Park tomorrow, Saturday.

The Souters, who face Border League newcomers Haddington in round one, are in the opposite half of the draw to their main rivals, Watsonians.

The Myreside club, coached by former sevens supremo Andrew Ker, are in the opening tie against Gala.

Peebles face Hamilton, hoping to make a name for themselves on the sevens circuit, in the penultimate tie in round one.

The full draw is (first tie 1.30 p.m.):

Gala v. Watsonians.

Jed-Forest v. Langholm.

Edinburgh Accies v. Stewart’s Melville FP.

Kelso v. Hawick YM.

Haddington v. Selkirk.

Melrose v. Berwick.

Hamilton v. Peebles.

Hawick v. Earlston.

Meanwhile, clubs are also prepariong for the 15-a-side season with Gala taking on West of Scotland at Netherdale on Saturday while Melrose hosts Rotherham tonight, Friday , weather permitting.

Biggar are believed to be close in signing a new coach after the departure of Aaron Collins.

But officials will not be releasing name until the deal is signed and delivered.

Meanwhile, just over a year since the closure of the Border Reivers, Edinburgh Rugby has decided to brings its players to the Borders for a training session at The Greenyards.

Tuesday’s training session also featured ex-Greenyards favourites Rob Moffat (coach) and players Mark Robertson and Calum MacRae.

Moffat said that the event would aid the development of the town’s young rugby enthusiasts.

He was also a former coach of the original Reivers along with Tony Gilbert.

Coach Andy Robinson was quoted in the Scotsman newspaper as saying: “It is about showing our faces in the Borders where we do have some supporters and we would love to have more.

“It’s not about replacing the Borders team or anything like that. I would like to have more supporters from Glasgow and across Scotland.”

That’s like asking Peebles supporters to go and support Biggar or Gala fans to leave Netherdale for Mansfield Park.

Interestingly, Brian Kennedy, owner of Sale Sharks, has called on the SRU to create a third pro club.

And this is a man who stood down from the SRU board to concentrate on Sharks.

Back at the Greenyards, Moffat said: “Craig Chalmers, Bryan Redpath, Graham Shiel, Doddie Weir, all these guys became international players and Melrose is still producing good young players,” he said.

Sadly not for Border Reivers, though.

Peebles Rugby Club have asked for any budding journalists or long-time fans of the game who wish to write up match reports for the Peeblesshire News to get in touch.

Small expenses will be paid and all enquiries are welcom at the Peebles club.

Those who are interested should contact Jim Currie on 07742919694.

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