Borders rugby gets internet channel
An Internet television channel dedicated to Borders rugby has been created by Stuart Cameron and been launched this week. 'Borders Rugby Television' opened with a ten-minute round-up programme, and continues to produce a weekly show focusing on the nine main clubs in the area, and junior sides.
The project has been created by Cameron, who has been running Scottish Rugby Radio for three years, and an experienced broadcaster he has lined up a number of well-known rugby figures to help with the coverage, including Richie Gray of STV's recent Scotsport Rugby Sunday programme.
"The technology is here to produce quality pictures on computers that will get better and better. The coverage rugby gets in the Borders is first class and the envy of clubs outside the area, but with the launch of Borders Rugby Television we can add another dimension to that coverage, and the TV side is just a part of what we'll be doing," says Cameron.
The project has won the backing of the Scottish Rugby Union and Scottish Hydro Electric, the national leagues sponsor, and as well as the weekly programme featuring match footage and tries, the Borders clubs will have their own TV channel and news pages on the website.
Cameron says: "This is primarily aimed at those interested in Borders rugby here and across the world, but hopefully it can provide a template for others to take and run with in other areas."
Borders Rugby Sevens
The Scottish Borders is truly home to Rugby Sevens - the game being invented by Ned Haig in 1883. Ned (born Jedburgh, 1858) was working as a butcher in Melrose, while playing for Melrose Rugby Club when he came up with the idea of hosting a one day rugby tournament to raise funds for the club. The games were shortened from the usual 80 minutes to 15 (seven minutes for each half with one minute half-time), and teams were reduced from 15 to seven players.
(Above. The Greenyards main stand http://farm2.static.flickr.com)
The first ever Rugby Sevens games was played at The Greenyards, the home ground of Melrose RC, on 28 April 1883 - as the main attraction of a sports day that also included running races and ball kicking events.
With the games being played at a frantic pace, the tournament was an instant success - and the other Borders club all set up their own tournaments. These tournaments are collectively known as 'The Borders Sevens Circuit', and unsurprisingly, it's the oldest Sevens circuit.
Download: http://www.youtube.com/bordersrugbytv
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/bordersrugbytv
http://www.scottishrugbyradio.com/scameron.htm
Source: http://sport.scotsman.com
Source: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/outabout/specialinterest/rugbysevens/index.html