Hawick win sixth sevens in a row

HAWICK scored an amazing sixth win in a row at their own sevens on Saturday at Mansfield Park, boosted by the fact that they beat arch-rivals Gala in the final to secure what president Rory Bannerman said was a “fantastic achievement”.

The hosts overturned their defeat by Gala in the Kings of the Sevens series two weeks ago at Netherdale with strong running and stout defence. “The boys worked very hard on defence, which was absolutely brilliant,” said coach Rocky Johnstone. “We were more physical this time [than at Gala]. We took control of that area and that was a big difference.”

The teams turned round at 7-7, but Hawick went on the rampage, Neil Renwick completing a hat-trick of tries along with touchdowns from John Coutts and Keith Davies to add to scores from Lee Millar and Grant Somerville.

Hawick were seldom troubled as they defeated Peebles, Watsonians and Heriot’s on their way to the final while Gala accounted for Edinburgh University, Kelso and Jed-Forest.

Dutch visitors, Rugby Mad, arrived only in the morning and it showed in a 40-15 defeat by Edinburgh Accies while the other guests, Ponteland, crashed out to Watsonians.

Meanwhile, Watsonians hit the sevens season in style with a thumping 50-12 win over Melrose in the final of the Berwick tournament yesterday at Scremerston. Gala still lead the Kings table with 23 points from Hawick on 17.

Hawick Sevens Results:

First round: Gala 33, Edinburgh University 0; Kelso 28, Hawick YM 19; Jed-Forest 31, Berwick 0;

Selkirk 24, Melrose 15; Hawick 26, Peebles 5; Watsonians 41, Ponteland 0; Heriot’s 22, Biggar 7; Edinburgh Accies 40, Rugby Mad (Holland) 15.

Second round: Gala 17, Kelso 12; Jed-Forest 15, Selkirk 12; Hawick 24, Watsonians 14; Heriot’s 33, Edinburgh Accies 28 (aet).

Semi-finals: Gala 19, Jed-Forest 7; Hawick 35, Heriot’s 19.

Final: Gala 17, Hawick 31.

Gala: G Young, George Graham, C Robertson, C Auld, L Millar, B Murray, Gary Graham, C Keddie, E Dods.

Hawick: S Graham, K Davies, R Scott, G Cottrell, R Hutton, S McLeod, N Renwick, G Hogg, G Anderson, J Coutts.