Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens Festival P6 mixed Rugby

Squad:
Alistair Higgins, Finlay Adam, Alan Cousar, Sean Fisher, Matthew Wilson, Dylan Thomson, Josh Boulton, Scott McKenzie, Harry Govver, Ewan Morgan, James Keenlyside.

The squad were invited to take part in the seven's mini festival on the back pitches at Murrayfield. The squad met at McKane for an 8.30am departure. The boys were in strong voice and entertained the travelling support on the bus. We arrived at a very blustery Murrayfield to a scene of P6 and P7 players from 25 clubs from across Scotland. However it was the New Zealand seven’s team in the warm up area who caught their eye (or was it the mum’s??!)

Dumfries Saints 1 v Dunfermline 1
The pitches were a full half size pitch so were bigger than the boys were used to, however they rose to the occasion. An early break from Dumfries allowed them to score first however this spurred the boys into action and they quickly settled into their game, shipping the ball out wide to the wing allowed Dylan a run into score the equalizer. The games were only 8min long with no break and it seemed to pass in a flash.
Try Scorer: Dylan

Dundee Eagles 0 v Dunfermline 4
The only team of the day that Dunfermline had met before and Dundee had proved tough opposition on their previous meeting. However the Dunfermline boys were enjoying the big pitches and demonstrated some superb support play and passing skills. The first try of the game from Sean was disallowed as there was a foot in touch, but a few seconds later that was rectified and Sean scored. This was followed by two more tries as a result of excellent passing and support and finally Finlay made a break from the centre and ran into what seemed like a hurricane force wind, with a Dundee Eagle on his shoulder, Finlay offloaded to Alan who touched down for the try.
Try scorers: Sean (2), Alistair, Alan

Cartha QP 1 v Dunfermline 1
Within a few minutes of the game starting, some excellent ball handling and passing in the middle of the field saw James make a break from midfield to charge into the corner and score. Cartha replied with the equalizer. Dunfermline had most of the possession but they seemed to revert to a tighter game with less passing and could not get through Cartha’s defensive line.
Try Scorer: James

Bishopton 0 v Dunfermline 4
The final game of the day saw the boys return to form with excellent passing, support play and some great tackles. Matthew opened the scoring and tries followed from Alistair and Sean. This game was stopped early by the referee due to injury and that brought the Mini’s festival for Dunfermline to a close.

In between the games the boys headed to the stadium to watch Scotland make it through to the Bowl final where they were beaten by Kenya. They saw the Shield and plate final and left three quarters of the way through the cup final thinking that Australia had it in the bag only to find out when they got home that South Africa turned the game around in the final play of the game.

Oh yes! Then there was the parade where the boys got to don their wigs (from Andy Morgan’s private collection) and flying the flag for Dunfy paraded past the East Stand!

All in all it was a fabulous day, the boys behaved and played brilliantly and we hope that they all enjoyed the experience. Thanks to all the parents who travelled to support the team and were battered by the wind and rain. My only regret for the day is that I wish now that I had got the sun cream out of the bag - terrible burnt head and face!!