BP SHETLAND MIDSUMMER RUGBY SEVENS

The BP Shetland Midsummer Rugby Sevens gets underway on friday (12th june), with the annual mixed touch tournament. All male and female players including all juniors and their families are invited along for a fun evening, with the famous BBQ and Beer tent and bar open until 9pm. Tomorrow and Sunday it is open until 6pm.

The tournament proper gets underway on saturday, with registration at 11am sharp. Despite the Credit Crunch, this year’s tournament looks to be the biggest for some time, with around 100 players, which has delighted organisers John Roy Nicolson and Bryan Leask of Shetland RFC. Mr Nicolson said that they had worked hard to secure more teams from the mainland for this year’s event, which has paid off. Unfortunately perennial favourites Greenock RFC are unable to make it, due to the current financial climate, but Orkney, who won the event last year are hopefully coming, although they have ruled out another trip in the Dunter III.

The new boys this year are two teams from Arbroath, who won an agonisingly narrow victory against Shetland in the Scottish cup back in November. Most of the players in these squads however, are Royal Marines from 45 Commando based at Condor outside Arbroath. They have recently returned from active service in Afghanistan and were desperate for some rugby. Mr Nicolson explained that they were really keen to come to Shetland and were looking forward to getting out on the pitch and socialising with the locals while here.

The other teams confirmed, are Aberdeenshire and the Shetland Exiles, led by Shetland RFC cultural attaché Jimmy Smaile. The exiles may however, have more cheerleaders than players, so former exiles may be brought in to make up the numbers.

At a local level, interest has been high, last years wooden spooners, the Shetland Recreational Trust, have apparently been conducting secret training sessions, Clickimin Manager Robert Geddes, would not confirm when interviewed, if he had been passing on his vast knowledge to his staff, possibly because he felt it could damage his reputation as Shetland’s Sevens guru.
Delting are the new team in the block, and so far are keeping their game plan and squad pretty quiet. What is known that young Shetland players Ian Nicol and Iuan Webb are at the forefront of getting the squad together and have collared Scalloway express, Aaron Leask for the team, they could be dark horses.

The North Zetland Vets, led by John Roy Nicolson featuring Derek Ross, Martin Sidgwick and the over forties, will no doubt play a tight game based around their experienced pack of three. They will be a team that could cause upsets on the peerie pitch.

The Shetland Colts, consisting of various fit young wipper snappers, with speed most of us cannot remember possessing, will make up for their lack of experience with unbound enthusiasm. Look out for the outrageous side stepping Niall Christie.

Last years third placed team; the Shetland Barbarians will look to up the ante this year, with stalwarts Stewart Jamieson and Lincoln Carroll. They have recruited footballers, Stuart Smith, Bruce McCulloch, Connel Gresham and former Shetland keeper Paul Grant.

The Shetland select squad has had to do without guru Geddes this year, as well as Lewis King and Shane Jamieson who are playing in the Football junior inter-county next week. However, Captain Matthew Nicolson has put together an interesting squad, who should push for honours tomorrow, with Kristian Fraser, Stewart Mouat, James Sinclair, Peter Sidgwick and Maurice Williamson leading the charge.

Club spokesperson John Roy Nicolson is excited about this year’s event and is anticipating a full weekend of action, beginning tonight with Touch, the Sevens tomorrow and ending with the survivors match on Sunday. He was quick to praise all those involved in organising the tournament especially the sponsors BP Sullom Voe and their Partners who over the years have continued to support this unique event and without whom, it would not take place. Also thanks to Northlink Ferries, who are charged with bringing players safely to Shetland and back again.