Helensburgh Rugby Club: Sevens tournament hailed a success

Helensburgh Rugby Club and Loch Lomond RFC hosted the Ardencaple Hotel Sevens Festival with eight teams from across the west of Scotland and the Royal Navy.

Cumbernauld, Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), two HMS Queen Elizabeth teams, Lenzie, Lomond-Helensburgh, Oban, and V Boats (HMNB Clyde), all took part at the Rhu Road Higher grounds.

Rugby sevens action in Helensburgh on May 27

Rugby sevens action in Helensburgh on May 27

The battle for the Sevens Cup started at 1pm with home side Lomond-Helensburgh, taking on GCU. Making a strong start, the hosts were up at half-time, but a stronger GCU side overtook the score line during the last minute to secure their first win.

The organisers told the Advertiser: "Throughout the day, fierce competition erupted as the pool stages continued.

"Teams were fully focused on the tough rugby competition. Helped along by a roaring crowd from across the west of Scotland, the supporters were not disappointed with the fast-paced rugby on display throughout the day.

"A BBQ was available, and live music kept them entertained."

A club member added: "Overall, what a day. I had tears of joy in my eyes by the end of the night.

"The club has been down for years now, and it finally feels like we're on the rise again. So, thank you to everyone for making that happen.

"Days like today show that, on and off the field, things are positive for the future."

Organisers hailed the rugby sevens festival as a success

GCU ended up at the top of Pool A, followed by Lomond-Helensburgh, with Lenzie and All About the Tackle at the top of Pool B.

The wooden spoon was won by Win or Lose, Here for the Booze.

Third place resulted in a 19-19 draw between Oban and Cumbernauld, resolved by teams nominating their "strongest socialite to demolish a lovely pint". Oban won.

Lomond-Helensburgh faced off against All About the Tackle for second place and that ended in another draw, this time 24-24. The hosts claimed the winning plate. And their number 9 player was awarded The Ardencaple Hotel player of the tournament.

The final was between GCU and Lenzie, with GCU claiming the No Limits Brewing Cup with a 34-12 final score.

Organisers hailed the great day of rugby and turnout, with the day ended with local band Jakits Fur Goalposts providing entertainment into the night.

A club representative said, "It has been an amazing day at the club. Not only did hundreds of spectators, members, and teams come along to watch some great rugby, but the club atmosphere has been revitalised."

"We have been on a downward spiral in recent years, but with the support of Loch Lomond RFC, the 1st XV achieved promotion last season into West Division 2.

"We have an exciting year ahead with a new enthusiastic committee in place and new coaching teams, including the return of Bill MacDonald as senior men's head coach and the introduction of Iain Fletcher as senior men's assistant coach.

"This year, we aim to continue building on our strong minis and youth sections, but also build on the reintroduction of girls and women's teams, as well as a men's 2nd XV.

"Thank you to all the teams, referees, members, and spectators for creating a fantastic event.

"And thank you to the event sponsors, The Ardencaple Hotel and No Limits Brewing, who donated the winner's prize.

"Thanks also to the event DJ for providing a good range of music throughout the day and to local band Jakits Fur Goalposts for providing the end-of-the-night entertainment."

Currently, the club's girls and women's training takes place every Monday from 6:15pm to 7:30pm. For more information, please contact the club via the website. Details below.

On Friday, June 2, from 6.30 to 7.30, the club's Summer Touch program returns over June, July, and August.

It is open to all ages, genders, and abilities. For more on the three touch rugby options, visit www.helensburghrugby.co.uk.