Melrose aiming to close gap in Selkirk Sevens

Melrose will have to do without playmaker Andrew Skeen when they take part in the Selkirk Sevens this afternoon looking to close the gap on Kings of the Sevens leaders Jed-Forest.

After their win at the Earlston event six days ago, Melrose are nine points behind Jed in the standings with today’s tournament and the Riverside Park club’s sevens next Saturday to come.

With ten points going to the winner this afternoon at Philiphaugh, Melrose will be hoping for victory, but Skeen – player of the tournament at Earlston – has been called up by Scotland Sevens to play at Twickenham.

However, other players such as Bruce Dick, Bruce Colvine and Joe Helps have shone in recent tournaments and will be looking to keep their good form going.

Melrose are in the bottom half of the draw along with the likes of Watsonians – twice winners on the circuit this term.

In the top half of the draw, Jed could be set for a tricky quarter-final with Heriot’s while the hosts open up against Biggar.

Selkirk Sevens draw (starts 2pm): Heriot’s v Langholm, Jed v Edinburgh Accies, Selkirk v Biggar, Gala v Peebles, Hawick v Hawick YM, Watsonians v Falkirk, Melrose v Edinburgh University, Kelso v Berwick.