Comeback is on cards for Dalziel as Melrose aim to defend title

Melrose talisman John Dalziel could make a surprise return in today’s Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens at the Greenyards. The 35-year-old Scotland Sevens cap has been out of action since Boxing Day after he injured his collarbone for the second time this season. He was expected to miss the whole of the Kings of the Sevens circuit, but The Scotsman understands he is hopeful of lining up for the home club this afternoon in front of the crowd of more than 15,000.

His inclusion would be a big boost for Melrose as they look to retain the Ladies Centenary Cup with his link-up at kick-offs with Andrew Skeen and Scott Wight likely to be a key factor.

Dalziel was part of the Melrose squad that secured a famous victory 12 months ago, the first for the hosts in 13 years, and the final against South Africans Hamilton will go down as one of the greatest ties in the tournament’s history.

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Melrose won that one 31-26 with Allan Dodds scoring the clinching try and, looking back on that day, his brother Graeme said: “It was just incredible. Being a local guy I was brought up on the Melrose Sevens and its traditions and to be part of the squad that won it really was something special. We played some good sevens that day and will be looking to replicate that this time around.”

Along with Dalziel’s likely appearance, Melrose have been also boosted by the release of Wight by Glasgow Warriors, but his role in the team may be slightly different this time around.

He is known as a stand-off/playmaker in the abbreviated form of the game usually, but today may be in the forwards alongside Dalziel and Graeme Dodds because Andrew Skeen, an experienced Scotland Sevens man, will be in the playmaker position. With Callum Anderson having moved on, the starting wing slot in the team looks set to be taken by the equally speedy Fraser Thomson, with Allan Dodds also involved.

Graeme Dodds continued: “Our team has slightly changed from last year, but our second VII is strong too, having beaten Singapore and Hong Kong Scottish in practice matches this week and there is real competition for places.

“We know it will be tough to retain the trophy, though, with Saracens and London Scottish set to be quite strong and we are only thinking about our first match against Dundee HSFP or Whitecraigs.” If, as expected, Dundee HSFP come through that first-round tie with Whitecraigs, they could pose Melrose a few problems, especially with Scotland Sevens player James Fleming involved.

Of the other Scottish sides to look out for, Jed-Forest will be on a high after winning the Gala Sevens last week and, in Darren Gillespie and the Young brothers, Gregor and Lewis, they have three up-and-coming sevens exponents. They await the winner of the Currie-Stirling County tie.

On their day, Hawick and Selkirk can never be discounted, while Heriot’s looked good in reaching the final at Netherdale seven days ago. Watsonians will give a run out to

George Watson’s

College schoolboy

Dominic Johnston, son of former Scotland centre David.

And Kelso’s Haig brothers will be on a high ahead of their first-round tie with Gala, Andrew and Alan playing just days after the former’s partner Sarah gave birth to Angus who is the great, great, great, great nephew of the inventor of the game of sevens, Ned Haig.

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The four ‘visiting’ teams this year are Hong Kong Scottish, London Scottish, Singapore and Saracens.

The Hong Kong Scottish team are led by former Melrose winger Dave

Whiteford and he is joined by ex-Scotland Sevens cap Dave Tait, former Stewart’s Melville duo Niall Shannon and Murray Allan, James Murray, Ian Wilson, Mike McKee, Kiwis Caleb Kahupukoro and Will Whetton and Fijian Tomasi Lawa. Interestingly, Whetton’s father Gary is a former captain of the All Blacks.

London Scottish’s squad is set to involve Scotland Sevens and Melrose player Mark Robertson, while Singapore have had a week in the town to prepare. Saracens are likely to be strong and are managed by local boy Kelly Brown.

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