Sevens

On the whole Fantasy Bob is finding the current absence of all top level sport of little concern.  As sports have become overly dominated by financial considerations and retreated behind pay-walls his once obsessive interest has waned.  But there is one top level event which should have happened today and which he will miss greatly. The Melrose Sevens. 

For many years he and Mrs FB have taken their place in the centre stand at the Greenyards and Mrs FB has even been spotted by keen TV watchers as she beams in the background to pictures of agonised coaches on the touchline.  It is a great day out - an iconic setting (blessed in recent years by sunhine), a good humoured crowd out to enjoy all in front of them.  Non-stop and compelling action from 11am to 7pm.  Good honest endeavour.  Rare skills and occasional bloopers.  This has been a top level event in which the grass roots level of the game are show-cased.  Guest teams from the higher levels may go on to win the trophy but they are not given an easy passage.

The Greenyards on 7s day -
the commentators always point
out the backdrop of the Eildons

This is an event organised and managed by volunteers - the unavoidable cancellation will bear hard on them for all the long hours they have put into preparation.  This year in particular for big changes were afoot.  With the introduction of semi-professional rugby in Scotland and the continuing growth of Sevens on the international stage, Melrose took a bold step to push the tournament to the next level.  A 4 day Festival was on offer with different competitions and lots of socialising.  A gleam in the eye is the possibility of attracting a World Sevens event.  Why not?  Traditionalists did of course look askance and were horrified.  It'll never work they moaned into their beer.  We shall never know - or at least we shall have to wait to know.

In the absence of the event itself FB, would like to share some footage of one of the stars who lit up recent tournaments.  He certainly quickened Mrs FB's pulse on many occasions.  Not that FB was jealous for his pulse was racing too.

Austin Lockington, a South African who made his home in the Borders  and for many years thrilled Melrose supporters everytime he got the ball in his hands.  His sidestep was as devastating as anything in the game at any level.  He could go off either leg - sometimes both at the same time.  The sevens were his platform.  Today his day.

Lockie was also a cricketer of some talent - his side step being particularly useful in avoiding his  batting partner in the quick single.

Now rumoured to be enjoying life in Australia - but fondly remembered by all at the Greenyards.

This link will take you to some footage of his magic.

Lockington bobbing and weaving