Hamilton u-16s second in junior sevens contest

May 15 2008

HAMILTON Rugby Club sent an under-16 team to the Glasgow Sevens tournament at Cartha Queen’s Park.

The young Bulls were too strong for most but ended up runners-up.

Hamilton dumped an inexperienced Duncanrig side 59-0 in their opening round.

They then beat Strathaven 40-7, despite a spirited performance by their opponents

East Lothian side Haddington proved a tougher nut to crack in the semi-final but Hamilton won 26-10.

Boroughmuir stood between Hamilton and the trophy but this time the Bulls had met their match and the Edinburgh side ran out 26-10 winners.

Ross Inglis and Grant Sneddon collected their runner-up medals before joining the senior squad.

With six of the nine-man squad under-20, and only two over 21, this was the youngest team Hamilton had ever put out for a major tournament.

Despite losing in the first round of the main tournament to Stirling County, the squad played some promising sevens rugby.

On Sunday, the S1s travelled to Bishopbriggs and returned with the inaugural Alan Glens Sevens trophy, in what was their first competitive sevens tournament.

The 12-man squad saw off competition from Strathkelvin, St Roch’s and Alan Glens to reach the final against Hillhead/Jordanhill.

Hills had beaten East Kilbride, Paisley and Lenzie in their group and were considered favourites, but Hamilton punched above their weight by winning 11-7. The successful squad was: Liam Bell, Craig Cuthbertson, Jamie Graham, Ross McQueen, Mark Paterson, Stuart Murray, Kyle Reid, Adam Ryan, Craig Skilling, Nicholas Stannage, Elliott Thomson and Murray Whitelaw.

Tournament rugby continues this weekend when Hamilton take part in the Lanarkshire Cup at Cambuslang on Saturday.

This 15-a-side tournament is in aid of young Cambuslang player Ciaran Pryce, who was seriously injured during a game.

On Sunday, Hamilton host the Lanarkshire Sevens.

This event, aimed at players aged 20 or under, is sponsored by Hamilton Sports Council and the Scottish Rugby Union. Kick-off is at noon and entry is free.