Jed crowned Kings but Watsonians spoil party

JED-FOREST lifted the Borders Kings of the Sevens Series yesterday after their closest challengers, Melrose, were knocked out of the Selkirk Sevens by Kelso in the quarter-finals.

“I am really pleased for the boys. They have worked hard all season and deserve the title,” said coach Kevin Amos.

There was praise, too, from Melrose winger Fraser Thomson, who missed the competition due to injury. “It’s congratulations to them. They have been the most consistent team on the circuit this season.”

Jed had won the Gala and Berwick events while Watsonians were winners at Peebles and Kelso. At Philiphaugh yesterday it was the Edinburgh side and Jed who contested the final, for the third time in four tournaments.

But Watsonians spoiled the party by winning 49-19. They led 19-7 with tries from Rory Steele, Mike Ker and Tom Hart before Lewis Young hit back on half-time for Jed. In the second half, Paulie Tuala (2), player-of-the tournament Scott McKean and Jack Ferguson put the result beyond doubt. David Gobby and Darren Gillespie got late consolations, but it was too little too late.

Jed-Forest: D Gillespie, M Weekle, G Taylor, R Goodfellow, I Chisholm, R Hogg, L Young, G Young, C Gillon, D Gobby.

Watsonians: M Rennie, T Hart, P Tuala, J Ferguson, M Ker, R Steele, S McKean, D Johnson, B Walls, C Smith.

First round: Heriot’s 45 Langholm 12, Jed-Forest 29 Edinburgh Accies 5, Gala 21 Peebles 17, Hawick 34 Hawick YM 5, Watsonians 24 Falkirk 12, Melrose 33 Edinburgh Univ 7, Kelso 29 Berwick 7.

Second round: Heriot’s 10 Jed-Forest 33, Selkirk 24 Gala 7, Hawick 12 Watsonians 24, Melrose 21 Kelso 22.

Semi-finals: Jed-Forest 21 Selkirk 17, Watsonians 24 Kelso 14.

Final: Jed-Forest 19 Watsonians 47.