Perth Academy rugby sevens

Apr 16 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH Academy hosted their annual rugby sevens tournament and nine teams travelled to Perth to join in celebrations marking the 50th year of a tournament sponsored by Perth-based firm Legends of Sport.

The U18 players were joined on the touchlines by Edinburgh pro rugby players Craig Hamilton and Ryan Grant, along with guest, Scotland legend and Grand Slam winner David Leslie.

David was accompanied by Harvey Wright, former president of the SRU, as a guest speaker at a special lunch hosted by Academy rector Andrew Smith.

1st XV Cup Final

PA Blues “A” 19

Madras “A” 28

THIS seemed like a dream final for the Blues having played some outstanding rugby in the pool matches and now with the chance to celebrate the 50th year by winning the tournament.

Things started well with Callum Roberts securing the ball from the kickoff and off loading to scrum half Lewis Murrie who dive passed the ball out wide launching Stewart Seaton and Jack Steele up the left wing making a good 70 meters until being forced into touch. But it was Madras who drew first blood as a great break by their standoff cut the Perth defence and despite Mark Jacksons valiant cover tackling could not catch him. Things went further downhill for the Blues as elusive runner and danger man Ross Nicol turned his ankle and had come off, as madras ran in a second try.

Stevie Gray was putting in some awesome hits in midfield and forced a turnover that got the blues back on track with Jamie Ironside hitting a good angle and feeding Stewart to score. Both sides were playing good sevens moving the ball well but despite further Academy tries from Jordan Thompson and Jack Steele it was not to be as Madras matched these with well deserved tries to retain the trophy. But it was a fantastic effort by the Academy to reach the final boys who can now look forward to their Canadian tour.

Other results: Portlethen Academy 26 Blairgowrie High School 0 and Crieff High 21 Perth Academy Blues “B” 19.

Throughout the tournament a team of younger Academy players worked tirelessly as ball boys and touch judges with former pupils Michael Sinclair and Tom Bury ensuring things ran smoothly at the pitch side and score table. Tom, who currently plays in the Scotland rugby sevens team competing in the IRB World Sevens Series, had plenty of top tips and encouragement for the boys.

Following the conclusion of the finals David Leslie and Rector Andrew Smith presented the medals and trophies to the winners and runners-up.

Following the presentations tournament organiser Craig Mueller-Ahsmann asked David to give a tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren.