Deeside RFC hosted their annual U18’s seven aside rugby tournament last Saturday 18th April, on Aboyne Green, with a total of nine teams taking part.  The tournament was organised as two round robin leagues, and the organisers had to do a quick reshuffle as a team from Garioch failed to show.  Nonetheless, the tournament kicked off at 10.40, with local team Aboyne Academy versus Moray on pitch one, and Aberdeenshire versus Grammar A on pitch two. 

 The other local team in the tournament from Banchory Academy were next up on pitch 2 with a game against Westhill Academy.  Both of the local sides won their opening games, Aboyne beating Moray 4 tries to three, and Banchory beating Westhill, 8 tries to 3.  A total of seventeen games ensued in the round robin stage, which at 14 minutes each notched up almost four hours of sevens rugby with a grand total of one hundred and thirty seven tries to entertain the crowds.  In league one, Aboyne scored 20 tries and conceded 11, while in league two Banchory scored 13 tries and conceded 18.  The tournament finished off with the knock out stage of semi-finals and final.  Aboyne were unlucky not to make the knockout stage having drawn their final pool game against Mackie RFC, which meant that Moray who had also won two games went through on points difference together with Grammar B who came top of league one by winning three out of their four games.  Grammar A and Banchory went through from league two.  In the two semi-finals Banchory beat Grammar B, and Grammar A beat Moray.

  After a long but very enjoyable day of 7’s the final between Grammar A and Banchory kicked off at 15.45.  Both teams showed no signs of fatigue and Banchory scored the opening try, with a quick change of pace.  Grammar A, however proved to be the stronger side overall and cane out winners, 6 tries to 1.   In terms of local rugby it is clear that both Aboyne and Banchory academies can field teams capable of holding their own with the top club sides in the area.  Overall the tournament was a great success, thanks to sponsor Bancory Contractors and thanks to all the volunteers who helped before hand and on the day, Deeside RFC wishes to thank all concerned for their efforts. 

The next event in the club rugby calendar will be Deesides ‘Captains versus Presidents’ match, which will be played for the Nigel Wilkinson Memorial trophy. Current plans are to play this match on Saturday the 9th of May on the Green in Aboyne, KO around 1pm.