Barbie and sunshine define Mull sevens 2024
’The worlds most sociable sevens’ was back on Saturday as Garmony hosted the 37th staging of the iconic Mull rugby sevens.
This year’s edition of the island event was celebrated as the 30th since the introduction of men’s and women’s brackets in the same sevens tournament, which Mull began back in 1994.
Unfortunately, due to all too common issues with transport being hit by ferry troubles, not all of the 24 teams scheduled to play could make it, even though CalMac tried to remedy the issue by hiring Coastal Connections.
The attendees did not let that damper their spirits however, as hundreds of players and supporters turned up to a sunny Garmony.
Temperatures reached the balmy 20s, but luckily for the players, there was a calming breeze to cool them down as they strutted their stuff on the field.
The women’s tournament saw valiant performances from all the teams, but in the end came down to Hearts and Balls versus Cartha, the two teams who were simply too quick for the others to catch.
In the group stages Hearts and Balls had shown defensive resolve and attacking prowess whereas Cartha used quick breaks very effectively.
But Hearts and Balls showed why they are the reigning champions, with a stunning final performance that saw them rack up a 29-0 victory after concedding just once over the whole day.
The men’s tournament was a fierce battle, with one Mull player having to exit with a chipped tooth and another suffering Achilles tendon issues.
Mull ended up collecting the wooden spoon, but as always with a smile, and managing to give every team something to worry about.
Heart and Ball’s men looked like they would wipe the floor with every team as the women did, but fell to a staunch defence from Highland, with the cagey affair ending 0-7.
Oban put in a spirited performance in their semi final too, but were eked out by Boroughmuir in a match that ended 14-12.
For the final few games, some famous outfits started to poke their heads through the tent, as Kens and Barbies began to descend on Garmony for the Barbie-tastic evening dance.
The pink party watched on as Highland and Boroughmuir played an exciting end to end final, but at the whistle the flares were red and green as Highland retained their Gruline Cup with a 22-14 win after a flurry of late tries.
The day ended with the Barbie-themed dance, a timely spin on the popular fundraiser of previous years.
Celebrations carried into the early hours, as Craignure was serenaded by the chants of rugby players from the top deck of the ferry as it pulled away.
The day ended with the award ceremony, with prizes for best West Highland team won by Oban’s men and women.
Other awards included most sociable team, won by an elated Cartha and a Crief team already in costume for the Barbie ball.
The women’s player of the tournament went to Briar McNamara of Hearts & Balls, while the men’s award went to Patrick Atkinson of Boroughmuir.
Finally, the Angus MacColl Trophy for best local player went to Lauren Cameron.
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