Scotland 7s impress at third Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s

Scotland 7s had their best finish in an HSBC Sevens World Series event for five years today.The Scots finished the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s in fourth place, claiming 15 circuit points and jumping up to 10th in the tournament rankings.First they qualified for their third ever Cup semi-final and then reached a third place play-off.  The last time they got this far was in London in 2009 when a third place play-off match was not played.Scotland will play South Africa, France and Portugal in next weekend’s London 7s, the conclusion of the 2013/14 HSBC Sevens World Series.The Scots opened day two of their home tournament, the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s with a 12-7 victory over South Africa.  They then missed out on their first ever place in a Cup final after being defeated by Canada, 7-10.The day ended with a close-fought match against Fiji, which saw the south-sea-islanders win 17-10.Head coach, Stephen Gemmell, said: “I’m massively proud of the players, they have stood toe-to-toe with the best teams in the world this weekend.We have shown with the right selection we can compete at the highest level of international sevens and that the players will rise to the challenge.  The crowd this weekend have also been fantastic and pushed us on.”It was disappointing to end the day with two losses but these players have put their hands up for Commonwealth Games selection, which I will announce on 21 May.”The Scots opened day two with a resilient victory over South Africa, second in the circuit rankings, 12-7.It was a phenomenal defensive showing and similarly to the Australia tie on day one, their opponents scored earlier but then were denied any leeway for the remainder of the tie. On the scoreboard in the first match was Scott Riddell who was the player of the team this weekend and Richie Vernon. Colin Gregor converted one try.Game two and it was a close match with Scotland’s Commonwealth Games opponents Canada.  At half-time the scoreboard was still blank, but a precise and physical Canadian team fought hard to claim their first ever place in a Cup final. Riddell impressed as Turnbull notched 150 triesRiddell was the sole try scorer in this match and Gregor converted.Finally, changes were made for the last match as Colin Shaw, Michael Maltman, Chris Dean and Andrew Turnbull were handed their first starts.  Once again at half-time there was deadlock at five-all. However, in the second half, third-placed Fiji did enough to seal the win.  Scoring in this tie for Scotland were Dean and Turnbull.  Turnbull claimed his 150th World Series try with the touchdown.Scotland now head to London for next weekend’s final leg of the 2013/14 HSBC Sevens World Series (10-11 May).Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s – day oneScotland 19-7 AustraliaTries: Scott Riddell, Colin Gregor and Lee JonesConversions: Colin Gregor (2)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Richie Vernon, James Eddie, Colin Gregor, Nick De Luca, Scott Wight and Lee Jones.Replacements: Colin Shaw, Chris Dean (both 10mins), Michael Maltman (11mins), Alex Glashan and Andrew Turnbull (not used).Scotland 26-0 USATries: Lee Jones (2), Nick De Luca and Chris DeanConversions: Colin Gregor (3)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Richie Vernon, James Eddie, Colin Gregor, Nick De Luca, Scott Wight and Lee Jones.Replacements: Colin Shaw, Andrew Turnbull, Chris Dean  (all 10mins), Alex Glashan and Michael Maltman (both 11mins).Scotland 33-12 SpainTries: James Eddie (2), Richie Vernon, Colin Gregor and Andrew TurnbullConversions: Colin Gregor (4)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Richie Vernon, James Eddie, Colin Gregor, Nick De Luca, Scott Wight and Lee Jones.Replacements: Colin Shaw (8mins), Andrew Turnbull, Chris Dean (both 9mins), Alex Glashan and Michael Maltman (11mins).Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s – day twoScotland 12-7 South Africa (Cup quarter-final)Tries: Scott Riddell and Richie VernonConversion: Colin GregorStarting team: Scott Riddell, Richie Vernon, James Eddie, Colin Gregor, Nick De Luca, Scott Wight and Lee Jones.Replacements: Chris Dean (11mins), Colin Shaw (13mins), Andrew Turnbull, Alex Glashan and Michael Maltman (not used).Scotland 7-10 Canada (Cup semi-final)Try: Scott RiddellConversion: Colin GregorStarting team: Scott Riddell, Richie Vernon, James Eddie, Colin Gregor, Nick De Luca, Scott Wight and Lee Jones.Replacements: Colin Shaw (9mins), Andrew Turnbull (13mins), Alex Glashan, Michael Maltman and Chris Dean (not used).Scotland 10-17 Fiji (third place play-off)Try: Andrew TurnbullConversion: Colin GregorStarting team: Scott Riddell, Colin Shaw, Michael Maltman, Colin Gregor, Andrew Turnbull, Chris Dean and Scott Wight.Replacements: James Eddie (10mins), Alex Glashan (12mins), Richie Vernon, Nick De Luca and Lee Jones (not used).