Match report: Birkmyre at Helensburgh 7s

Birkmyre picked up their second piece of silverware this season on Saturday by adding the Helensburgh 7s Trophy to that of the league title which they won earlier in the month.

The Kilmacolm side were pitted against 7 other sides from across the country, initially competing in two groups of 4 before the knockout stages. Birkmyre could not have got off to a better start as they blew away what would end up being wooden spoon winners, Lomond Helensburgh second team, by 53 points to nil.

Tougher opposition awaited in match two against HelensBros which finished in a 24-24 draw. However, they clinched top spot in the table with a convincing 29-12 victory over their old league rivals Irvine, 29-12. Birkmyre’s youth, skills and fitness were key attributes in helping them score a “barrel load” of tries and progress to the knockout phase.

In the quarter final they came up against a Barbarians side whom they comfortably dispatched 49-5. The semi-final was a much tougher affair against the fit and physical navy side from HMNB Clyde. Despite this, Birkmyre secured a victory 39-17.

The final was against Aberdeen University who were another young and fit side. Birkmyre set the tone early however, running in a try from the kick off. A second was on the board very quickly thereafter to open up a 12 point lead. Aberdeen Uni came very close to a scoring on the stroke of half time, however the Birkmyre defence held strong. The match could still have gone either way however the Inverclyde side won the try count 3-2 in the second half to see off their opponents and secure the victory 35 points to 12.

Birkmyre Squad:- R Espie (Capt), D Cruickshank, A Peacock, A McKay, T McGeoch, M McGeoch, L Higgins, A Ajikobi, T McKeown, Q Murphy, C Marr, L Nicholas, F Raynar.