GALLERY: Huge crowd enjoys Peebles Sevens

Rugby fans flocked to Peebles on Saturday as the first round of the 2019 Kings of the Sevens tournament took place at the Gytes.
Friends enjoy a prosecco with a pitch-side view.Friends enjoy a prosecco with a pitch-side view.
Friends enjoy a prosecco with a pitch-side view.

It was the second staging of the summer tournament after last year’s change of date, which club secretary and sevens organiser, Jim King, has proved popular.

“Numbers-wise we had a great turn out,” he said. “Our decision to move from our traditional date of April into August has proved a success financially and rugby-wise too.

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“Because the weather was good we got a good turnout. The later we have them in the year the better chance of getting a good day.

Picnics are order of the day for spectators around the pitch.Picnics are order of the day for spectators around the pitch.
Picnics are order of the day for spectators around the pitch.

“Clubs like Peebles rely on the sevens income as a massive boost to the revenue stream.

“Every other club is the same.”
Off the pitch entertainment included a visit from Border Segways and a government ‘Safety on the road’ campaign aimed at young drivers.

“We almost had two clashes of personality there,” Jim joked, “but both were well supported by the public.”

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The public bar was also kept busy, as was the So Stobo marquee, where ladies enjoyed a more decadent afternoon. The two were separated by the sponsors area, which housed around 200 club supporters, including Sir John Campbell, who was presented with a life membership to the club.