Edinburgh side win 50th Orkney Rugby Sevens

Hearts and Balls — an Edinburgh-based side — lifted the Orkney Sevens Cup for the first time.

Orkney were denied a dream win in the 50th tournament, falling at the final hurdle for the third consecutive year, on a cold and blustery, but dry, festival of rugby.

The Edinburgh side, with the likes of Tom Croy and Liam McArthur in their ranks and led by former ORFC player and development officer Bruce Ruthven, won 24-12.

The Exiles won a one-sided plate final against the Hobblers.

Fourteen sides — four of them being visiting sides — had entered the competition.

Meanwhile, an Amy Walker inspired Orkney Dragons side won the first ever women’s sevens tournament, beating Inverness Craig Dunain ‘A’ 17-7.