18 May Biggar Bag the Shield
On Sunday 17th May, SAYFC kicked off the new year of National Competitions with their National Rugby 7s Tournament, held at Peebles Rugby Club.
6 teams took part in the competition on the day, going toe to toe in a tightly fought league with plenty of close match ups providing great entertainment for the support on the sideline.
After battling through the league stages and finals, eventually it was the team from Biggar YFC who stood victorious in the May sunshine, another shield win for a side who are no strangers to this particular National title.
We caught up with player and club vice-chair Finlay Crozier to get his thoughts on the day; he remarked on local rivalries and complimented the team’s final opponents Ayrshire District:
“Yeah, it’s brilliant. It’s great to come down here and do a number, on this ground especially with the rivalry with Peebles. Ayrshire are a brilliant team, full of great players, and it’s been good to get the win for us. Nice to get the trophy back in Lanarkshire.”
He also spoke about the benefit of getting involved in team sports through Young Farmers:
“It’s a great chance to for making friends. You know, I’ve made a lot of my close pals through the football, rugby and hockey and different things. So, if I had one message for everybody it’d be get involved with as much as you can in these kinds of things.”
As stated before, it was the team from Ayrshire District who claimed second place, their second year in a row getting their hands on the blue certificate. A great achievement from the team. Third place went to Lesmahagow YFC, who dug deep to overcome last year’s champions and local favourites Peeblesshire JAC in a tough third/fourth playoff.
Player of the tournament went to Biggar’s Robbie Orr, the big man recognised for his efforts across the park throughout the day.
SAYFC’s National Competitions Chair, Ewan Aitken, summed up the day:
“We were delighted to see our national competitions get underway for the 2026/27 year at Peebles for our National Rugby 7s. Well done to all teams for putting on a great display of talent and competitiveness and a big well done to Biggar for coming out on top after a closely fought final with Ayrshire with Lesmahagow taking the 3rd place spot.
Big thanks to Peebles rugby club for providing the venue, refs, first aiders and for their hospitality throughout the day.”
The association would like to thank all of those who came along on the day; the players, supporters and our young farmer stewards. With a special thanks to Peebles Rugby Club for being such generous hosts, providing the officials, first aid and refreshments for the tournament.
