Mammoth weekend of sporting action as rugby and hockey competitions take place

One of the highlights of Orkney’s vibrant sporting scene returns this weekend as the Orkney Rugby Club Sevens celebrates its 50th tournament.

Teams entering the main men’s tournament currently stands at 14, while the day — described as a “festival of rugby” by organisers — will also see Orkney Rugby Club’s youth sections display their skills.

In addition, for the first time ever, there will be a women’s sevens tournament. A visiting side from Shetland, with two from Inverness, are set to join the home sides in the round-robin competition.

It will be a jam-packed day for the club and the Orkney public at Pickaquoy, with four visiting sides set to take part in the popular men’s competition. Defending champions Peebles will not have the opportunity to defend their crown, with North Berwick, Grangemouth, Heriots and Hearts and Balls — an Edinburgh-based charity side — making up the travelling sides.

They are set to join ten home sides in the competition, due to start at 12.30pm at the Pickaquoy pitches.

The women’s tournament, also held at Pickaquoy, is set to begin at 1pm, while the youth’s will play throughout the morning, starting from 10.30am.

Away from the rugby action, Orkney’s hockey players will compete for the Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Several local sides are entering the fray, as well as Edinburgh CS Ladies, who will play in Orkney for the first time.

Kirkwall Ladies are gunning for a third straight triumph in the competition, which is due to start at 11am at the hockey pitch at Pickaquoy.

Sunday will see a mixed hockey tournament take place at 11am, at the same venue.