Hawick take the Langholm crown

Hawick took the Borders bragging rights at Milntown yesterday when they won the Langholm Sevens for the second time in three years by beating Melrose 31-10 in the final.

It was Hawick’s second sevens success in a week after winning their own event and got their Kings of the Sevens chase back on course.

Hawick’s aggression and firepower turned the final their way in the second half. Ross Ovens and Rory Hutton exchanged tries before Fraser Thomson gave his side a 10-5 interval lead in an exciting first half. But Hawick stepped up a gear and took control in the second half to add tries through Neil Renwick, Bruce McNeil, Greg Cottrell and Lee Armstrong.

The Archie Smith Memorial Cup for the Player of the Tournament was won by Cottrell.

The Kings title was opened wide as the leaders, Jed-Forest, crashed out to Hawick in an absorbing quarter-final which saw Renwick score the crucial try. Hawick had edged home against a stubborn Watsonians team thanks to late scores from Cottrell and Gary Johnstone. Gala reached the semi before Andrew Skeen orchestrated a Melrose victory.

The tournament was watched by one of its biggest crowds and the Kings series now moves to Peebles today where the hosts defend the cup.

RESULTS: First round: Peebles 31 Musselburgh 7, Melrose 33 Berwick 13, Gala 31 Hawick YM 5, Kelso 17 Edinburgh University 12, Langholm 5 Carlisle Barbarians 43, Watsonians 17 Selkirk 15, Hawick 36 Edinburgh Accies 12, Jed-Forest 24 Dumfries 10.

Quarter-finals: Peebles 17 Melrose 24, Gala 36 Kelso 14, Carlisle 5 Watsonians 10 (aet), Hawick 22 Jed 17 (aet).

Semi-finals: Melrose 26 Gala 17, Watsonians 21 Hawick 33.

Final: Melrose 10 Hawick 31.