The BP Sullom Voe Mid-Summer Rugby Sevens took place over the weekend, although the weather resembled winter rather than mid-summer on Saturday. The traditional touch match took place on Friday night, with senior players mixing with juniors, who were able to show their skills amongst the big boys.
There were eight teams competing for the BP Sullom Voe Trophy, including last year’s winners, Arbroath and Aberdeenshire, winners of the 125 Shield last year. There were fewer teams from the mainland this year, which in part, was due to the rugby season being dragged out due to weather. However, with six local teams competing, the numbers were the same as last year. With the wind chill making it very uncomfortable for spectators and those players not on the pitch, there were many winter coats and hats that had obviously been dragged out of the cupboard for the occasion.
The matches were 7 minutes each way, which, for some players, was a long time in the shortened version of the game. In group A Shetland Select easily accounted for the plucky SRT, the Misfits, and Arbroath to top the group. Arbroath finished second with the Misfits third. The SRT were much improved this year and vowed to lose the tag of perennial wooden spooners. However, after finishing at the bottom of the group, it was looking likely that they may get the threepeat.
The winners of group B were the impressive Aberdeenshire, led by the imposing Duncan Coull who was pipped for player of the tournament by the much quicker and slightly more photogenic Paul Harrow, who was also top try scorer of the tournament. Second place went to the Shetland Baa Baa’s meaning they secured the Murray Anderson Memorial trophy for best local side for the third year running. The Shetland Colts finished third in the group after defeating Delting, who were set to face the SRT in the Wooden Spoon playoff.
The semi finals were both one sided, with Shetland Select defeating the Baa Baa’s 38-0 while Aberdeenshire dispatched Arbroath 43-5 in the other. Unfortunately, that was not the end for the losing semi finalists, who were asked to play each other for the Plate.
In the Wooden Spoon final, the SRT went down to Delting 22-15. Outstanding for Delting was Iain Nicol while Kyle Duncan was a handful for the SRT.
IN the 125 Shield final, the young Colts defeated the aging Misfits, 19-10, another exciting and close game, with Callum Williamson catching the eye for the Colts and Joe O’Connor, looking slightly out of place amongst the Misfits.
In the Plate final, Arbroath triumphed over the Baa Baa’s, with special guest JR Nicolson playing like a man half his age for Arbroath, while two who were less than half his age, Brett Haining and Shane Jamieson putting in good performances for the Baa Baa’s.
The final, between the Shetland Select and Aberdeenshire, was closer than it should have been, with the Select team, although dominant almost letting Aberdeenshire into the match through some poor tactics. Shire, to their credit, made the most the opportunities and scored three tries. However Shetland did get it together and eventually won 26-15, with Maurice Williamson and Stewart Mouat looking good for the local side. The BP Sullom Voe Trophy was inaugurated in 2009, so 2010 was the first time Shetland was able to win it. Tommy Clark, who praised the players for their commitment and commented on the numbers of local players taking part, presented the impressive trophy on behalf of the sponsors.
Club President Forbes Hogg presented the other trophies and praised the players and organisers for another successful tournament. He also thanked referees, Paul Woods, Chris Hamer and Daniel Meadows, as well as the staff of the Clickimin Centre and Northlink Ferries, for their continued support of the club.