Townsend helps Islay Star to win veterans’ event

ISLAY Star, featuring former Scotland players Gregor Townsend and Gavin Kerr, lifted the Cup at the Davidson Chalmers veterans tournament in Melrose yesterday, defeating the hosts 31-7 in the final.

The sun shone for most of the day on the Annay Road pitches as the tens teams of over-35s battled it out in pools and then the knock-out stages.

Islay Star, a team made up thanks to links forged between Islay and Gala Star over the years at the annual Islay Beach Rugby event, progressed safely through their pool with wins over Tynedale and Orkney.

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They then saw off Millbrae in the semis before the big one against Melrose, who featured a number of ex-internationalists such as Doddie Weir.

Islay Star came out of the blocks flying, building up a 31-0 lead before Melrose scored late on.

The captain of Islay Star, Kenny Carter, said: “It was a tremendous day and I really would like to thank Melrose and all the volunteers for putting on such a great event.

“Last year when we came here we got to the semi-finals, so this year it was pleasing to go that one step further and to beat the home team in the final that makes it that bit more special.

“It was great to have guys like Gregor and Gavin turning out for us and they probably gave us a bit of fitness that we needed, but the whole team played well. I think everyone involved had fun and we hope to return again next year to defend our title.”

In the Plate final, the Hong Kong Veterans defeated defending champions Morgan Auld Blacks 21-7 and, in the Bowl final, there were further overseas winners when the Cayman Harlequins saw off the GHK Myths 17-12.