Trio still in sevens race

Published on Friday 13 May 2011 14:48

SELKIRK have set up a possible repeat of last year's finale in the BSCP Kings of the Sevens, winning their own tournament last week to take the race for the coveted sevens crown to the wire.

The Souters have moved up to third in the table courtesy of their final defeat of holders Melrose at Philiphaugh. Melrose, however, did enough there to take over the top spot from Jed-Forest with the mighty Jed still lurking handily in second spot as they prepare for their own and the season's final event.

Melrose, Hawick, Peebles and Selkirk have all now won their own tournament and while there are always sides who spring surprises having now found their sevens feet, with Hawick and Watsonians ones to watch, there is no doubt that Jed will be among the bookies' favourites to follow suit and again claim their own trophy.

If they do so, they will win the Kings' crown even if Melrose reach the final as there are currently only two points between them, and ten on offer for the winner and just seven for the runner-up. Only Melrose, Jed and Selkirk can win it now.

Jed and 'Rose have been kept apart in the draw, with Melrose in the top half which would hand them an extra 15 minutes rest before the final should they get there. But Selkirk are also in the top half, and if they overcome Berwick and the winners of Watsonians and Gala, and Melrose see off Edinburgh Accies and either Hamilton or Peebles, Riverside would witness a repeat of last year's final in the last four this time around. It went to extra-time in 2010 with Melrose eventually pipping Fraser Harkness' Selkirk side in an enthralling climax to the tournament and season.

Jed-Forest Sevens Convenor Jim Thompson said: "We had such an exciting final last season … it looks like it could be just as close this year."

PD&F Ltd Jed-Forest Sevens: (first tie 1.30pm) Hamilton v Peebles, Melrose v Edinburgh Accies, Watsonians v Gala, Selkirk v Berwick, Haddington v Langholm, Jed-Forest v Stewart's Melville, Heriot's v Kelso, Hawick v Boroughmuir.