Teams turn out for Border Park 10s rugby event

Border Park RFC hosted its annual Rugby 10s tournament, which saw a total of 12 teams from both sides of the Scottish Border contest the competition.

The popular event was revived three years ago, and Border Park were looking to make it a hat-trick of wins, following back-to-back victories in consecutive finals against Jed Forest RFC in the past two tournaments.

However, this year, victory went to Percy Park FC, who defeated Tynedale in the final.

The tournament has become increasingly popular for teams to travel to, so much so that for the first time, a second pitch was required. This was set up on the village green courtesy of club stalwarts Stan and Keith Robson.

The 10s was closely contested with the top two teams in each group going through to the semi-finals. Group A, made up of Border Park, Langholm, Ryton and Percy Park was topped by the latter, with Border Park finishing second. Group B was won by Tynedale, with Morpeth runners-up, Ponteland and Jed-Forest made up the remainder of the group.

The first semi-final was a local encounter, with hosts Border Park up against Tynedale, who just edged it to make it to the final.

Morpeth and Percy Park went head-to-head for the remaining place in the final, with Percy Park coming out victors in another close match.

When the final kicked off, the scorching temperatures were taking their toll on the players, and it was Percy Park and their strong squad who came out champions on the day.

The 10s was once an annual highlight in the local rugby calendar, but fell out of favour before Border Park RFC underwent a revival in more recent years.

Border Park’s director of rugby, David Batey, said the event was well supported by players, officials, supporters, and a team of volunteers who made a valuable contribution to what was a successful day for all involved.

He added: “A brilliant day was had by all with a big thank you to all volunteers and helpers on the day, who made it all possible.”