New Gala Sevens date 'not ideal'

Published 10 Aug 2010 15:31 0 Comments

GALA sevens are again on the move. After last season's tournament on a Saturday in May, the 2011 event will be staged on Sunday, April 3, as the first of the ten Border tournaments.

Speaking after last week's annual general meeting, the re-elected President, Colin Playfair, said that there were benefits from Gala taking that date, which is part of the reorganisation of the Border sevens, bringing them all into the end of season slot.

"While it's not ideal we know that the alternative, into May, means that both players and spectators are sick of rugby by that time."

A special sub committee is being formed to bring new ideas into the Gala sevens format, with the possibility of pools.

During his presidential report, Colin Playfair said that Gregor Hunter, who has been given a place in the S.R.U. National Academy, would have to be available for Division 1 rugby next season.

"This is a ridiculous rule. Surely a player would develop better playing first team rugby in Premiership 2 than sitting on the bench or playing out of position in a Premiership 1 team? "

He will be the third player lost to the club after the departure of Mike Christie, emigrating to Australia, and Graham Speirs, off south to pursue his studies. Speirs and Hunter were Gala's top two scorers last season.

Last year's captain Opeta Palepoi will again lead the side, with George Graham and Scott Nichol in charge of the coaching. A major effort will be made to ensure promotion and this was essential if the club were to attract top quality new players, said the President.

Some members doubted the wisdom of the club supporting the new Premiership league structure, which will see a reorganising of the divisions at the end of October. Fears were expressed that failure to get into the top bracket would have a serious effect on sponsorship.

Treasurer Andrew Wayness, who was re-elected, reported that gate receipts were down due in part to no Cup games being played at Netherdale, but the sevens had shown an increased surplus. Gala's new joint secretaries are Duncan and Helen Scott.

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