Murrayfield Wanderers claimed their third 7s trophy in a row when they deservedly won the inaugural RedsFest 7s Tournament at Mains Park. They had previously won both the Penicuik and the Musselburgh 7s before going on to make it three wins in a row at Mains Park.

In Pool A, the Linlithgow 7 won all three matches running up an impressive 128 points with none conceded. In Pool B Murrayfield Wanderers (MW) and MisFits drew 17-17, both winning their other 2 matches. MW went through as pool stages winners as they had a superior points difference over the 3 matches.

View the pool results and tables below:

This pitted MW against Leith in the first semi-final, with the home team against the MisFits in the second. MW were comfortable winners of the first semi and then the home team were just pipped by a single score by a very experienced Misfits team led by club member David Goudie.

The final was another very close affair with MW emerging as the victors by 21 points to 17 after a well contested match. In the consolation Plate event, the Linlithgow President’s 7 overcame Napier University to ensure that at least one trophy remained at Mains Park.

Thanks go to all of the participating teams for their support of the tournament and also the team of officials who gave their time and effort so willingly.

President Jean presented the trophies to Murrayfield Wanderers 7 (Cup) and President’s 7 (Shield) and also the Player of the Tournament (Glass Beer tankard) which was awarded to Lachlan Lee of Murrayfield Wanderers.

Footnote – the Misfits

Four of the Misfits team were no strangers to Mains Park, having all started their playing days for the Wee Reds and Young Reds. Veteran and current Reds player Mark Green featured along with three relative youngsters (David Goudie, Simon Thomson and Ali McKinnon) who are shown below (circled) in a photo taken at the Currie Mini Tournament in the year 2000. This was the Wee Reds P7 team that also featured current Reds powerhouse Ross Martin and Ross Doneghan, brother of current Reds’ player/assistant coach Michael, who went on to play English Championship rugby with both Rotherham Titans and London Scottish.

Photo shows Scotland’s Glenn Metcalfe with the Calcutta Cup and the Wee Reds P7 team:

Standing from left – John Anderson, Calum Grant, Simon Thomson, Ali McKinnon, Ross Martin, (Glenn Metcalfe), Euan Marshall and David Goudie. Kneeling from left – Neil Richardson, Ross Doneghan, David Long and James Walton.

Selection of Tournament Photos

Once again we are grateful to Club Photographer Graham Black for covering the Tournament. You can view his full range of photos on the Club’s Facebook page.