Ardvreck 7s

Won our group beating Sedbergh 2, Strathallan and Craigclowan

Lost in the Quarter Final to Loretto

We were missing five boys for the Ardvreck 7s this year, for a variety of reasons, so this meant that we had an inexperienced team of seven heading up to what was a sun drenched Autumnal morning. Although we had no high hopes of winning, it would all be good for improving our rugby skills, and the boys were determined to do their best and who knows what might happen!

Our squad of seven was immediately depleted with Monty feeling under the weather when he arrived and Dexter feeling the effects of the car journey on winding roads, so the omens were not good when we started warming up for our opening group game against Sedbergh 2. It was lovely to meet our friends from Cumbria having welcomed them to Cargilfield on Friday for our 1^st and 2^ndXV matches, but right from the off we dominated possession, kept our shape and scored five excellent tries. A win! Next up was Strathallan and this was a much tighter affair. Although we kept possession well and went ahead, Strath had some good runners and managed to draw level, but this galvanised the boys and Theo went over in the corner in the final minute to win the game. Two out of two, and it was great to see the team growing in confidence and showing real determination and self belief, even if we were playing very direct sevens rather than the fast wide game Cargilfield are more renowned for! Our final group game was against Craigclowan, and very ki9ndly Sedbergh lent us a player due to Monty feeling unwell. They were a tenacious side, but we hassled and harried in defence, forcing handling errors, and we went two tries up with not a lot of time left. However, Craigclowan came back and having scored one, they then scored in the corner in the final play only to miss their conversion attempt, so we had won 3 out of 3 and topped the group. What a terrific effort from the side and I was so pleased with their effort, the skills they showed and the never say die attitude which has been a hallmark of our 15-a-side game so far this season.

The Quarter Final against a big and physical Loretto team was a step too far, but we had definitely over achieved and the team can be very proud of the rugby they played on the day.

We have everyone back and fit for our next game against Aysgarth from North Yorkshire on Thursday. It should be a cracker!