THE first Kings of the Sevens series to be played in August has been hailed a “real success”. 

The event, which used to take place in April, was moved to the summer to give more people the chance to see it in warmer weather.

Speaking in last week’s Peeblesshire News, Peebles RFC’s secretary said the move was “a bit of a gamble” but the club “had to try something different”.

But the gamble seemed to pay off as over 1,000 fans crammed into the Gytes on Saturday to watch the rugby, enjoy the hospitality and see the much anticipated Red Arrows roar across the Peebles sky.

Keith Fisken, Peebles RFC’s business development manager, told the Peeblesshire News: “We were really lucky with the weather, had a really healthy crowd and got some good feedback, which is great because it is the first time we have had this format.

“There was a positive atmosphere and the quality of the rugby was very impressive. It was a real success.

“This has definitely given us something to build on. To have it on the first Saturday in August has helped. It was a lot harder to have it on a Sunday in April. The weather isn’t as good then and it’s certainly harder from a playing perspective. In April a lot of players are carrying injuries from the season and are just generally knackered. In August they are a lot fresher and and can try tricks during the games. It was fun rugby on Saturday and I think everyone felt liberated,” he added.

Keith also said one of the main challenges the club had to overcome was making people aware of the event.

“Overall I would say the event was on par with April, which is good because the main challenge was to get the town used to it and we’ve had to work very hard to do that. It has been a positive change.

“The must have been 1,200 to 1,500 people there so it was very busy and we are really pleased.

“The Red Arrows were fantastic. The skies were a bit darker so you could see the colours well. We have to give a lot of credit to Eric Ward, who is associated with the club, as he arranged it. I also have to say a big congratulations to Melrose. The final was of the highest quality and they are deserved winners.”