Shogun put rivals to the sword to secure Melrose Sevens title
There’s a new name on the 1883 Centenary Trophy with Shogun picking up the prize for winning the most famous rugby sevens tournament in the world.
It was third-time lucky as they defeated South Barbarians 21-5 to lift the Melrose Sevens trophy after finishing runner-up the last two years. Shogun went into the half-time break with two tries from Matt Davidson and Jordan Edmunds, both converted, the difference between both sides.
Scott Bickerstaff pulled a try back for South Baa-baas but a third try from Will Glover opened up a gap which turned out to be the final score. Earlier in the day, the holders Monaco Impi’s were dumped out of the tournament in the second round by another invitational team, OG7S. Earlier in round one, we were treated to a display of Champagne rugby by the Monaco side when they rolled over Glasgow Accies 38-0 but it was the OG7S who advanced to the quarter finals to face Lion 7s.
Also in the quarterfinals, surprise package Currie went out to Durham University 36-0, South Barbarians knocked out Hearts & Balls 38-7, Shogun disposed of Selkirk 38-5 and OG7S, containing Old Grovians players from England, lost to Shogun 28-0.
In the semi-finals, it was one-way traffic in both games. South Barbarians made light work of Durham University 32-7 before Shogun destroyed OG7S 28-0 to set up an eagerlyanticipated final contest between the two best sides in the competition.
In the women’s tournament, it was a win for Shogun, who dominated the final with a comprehensive 43-7 victory over Hammerhead 7s, with Grace Crompton receiving the Player of the Tournament award, giving Shogun an impressive double. It was a very wellattended event, the showpiece of Borders Rugby but there have been concerns in recent times that guest teams have been dominating the event with local teams struggling to get into the latter stages of the tournament. Selkirk were the only local team to make the quarter-finals and were outclassed in their match.
There will be a review of the make-up of the Melrose Sevens moving forward and tournament director Phil Morris confirmed that they will listen to all feedback and make a decision over the coming months.
On the pitch, the quality of rugby was on another level. At least a dozen internationals from across the world from both the men’s and the women’s game were in attendance and it showed. Spectators enjoyed a nine-hour feast of rugby played in all conditions, including a storm halfway through the tournament, which was a tremendous advertisement for the abbreviated game.