Minority sports have something that football doesn't. They can stage a finals day incorporating as many rival teams as they wish, and create a fabulous day our rather than an afternoon of confrontation.

Ice hockey used to have its Wembley Weekend, a traditional end of season gathering which drew 10,000 supporters to London regardless of whether their team made it.

Rugby has its Finals Day at Murrayfield; an event which gives the sport a chance to come together for a great day out.

The 2008, and possibly last event, was special for Kirkcaldy who had two teams competing.

On the back field, the ladies stormed to victory in the SWRU Womens' Bowl Final, thumping Glasgow Uni's students 36-5.

It was an easy win for the ladies, and their succession of tries allowed the MC to vary the selection of goalscoring theme tunes from "Amarillo" to "Fame.''

The feel-good factor was certainly evident as the announcer beckoned for Glasgow to report to the pitch, adding: ''Being students, they are late ...''

Introducing a former referee to make a presentation she added: ''Unfortunately he's wearing trousers today so we can't admire those lovely refereeing legs.'' It was hard to imagine Dougie Donnelly saying such things about Hugh Dallas.

On the pitch it was more serious, and there was a clear gulf in class between Kirkcaldy and Glasgow as they notched early tries to keep one half of the scoreboard ticking over. At half-time it was 29-0. It was also game over.

Julie Sanaghan and Annabel Sergeant tormented the Uni side while Kate Latimer had the best of the lineouts, but, all in all, it was a solid team performance which ensured victory.

While the ladies played, the concourse was buzzing with groups of fans enjoying a superb day out.

The traditional rugby uniform – kilt and hiking boots – was much in evidence, along with what looked suspiciously like a WAG or two dressed to kill. Didn't know rugby had WAGS ...

The beer stalls were busy – well, this was a rugby day out – but it did seem the lager was cheaper than food; a cheese baguette and bottle of water was £6. Had it been tasty it might have been easier to swallow ...
The atmosphere in the stadium was superb.

Kirkcaldy ran into opposition in insprational form and by the time the ladies had completed their celebrations, hopes of a Fife double were receding.

Finals Day underlined rugby in Scotland still has a strong heartbeat. To even think this may be the final finals day seems crazy. When hockey ditched Wembley it lost something special. Rugby shouldn't make the same mistake.


Match reports of both matches on page 34 of this week's Fife Free Press