SELKIRK moved into the sevens’ record books – and not just because they lifted the Langholm trophy on Saturday at Milntown for the first time since 2013.

It was because the Souters became the sixth different club to win a Kings of the Sevens tournament this season – joining the ranks of Melrose, Watsonians, Harlequins, Gala, and Jed-Forest in what coach Graham Marshall described as a sterling performance.

The Philiphaugh side defeated Watsonians 24-21 in a thrilling final to leave the city club 16 points clear in their quest for its first Kings title despite losing three finals in a row following defeats at Hawick and Berwick.

Selkirk tottered on the edge late in the tie as their opponents hit back from 7-24 at the interval.

But referee Ross Mabon’s whistle ended the anguish before everyone headed up the A7.

“We started slowly in the first tie, but gradually got better. Watsonians are a good seven and we played really well against them,” Marshall said.

“We hung on really well in the end and to get a win is fantastic. You need team work to be successful and the confidence comes from winning tie and the 20-minute final is good for fitness.”

Selkirk were in the driving seat at the break, but despite losing Reiss Cullen to the sin-bin for blocking Tythan Adams, Watsonians fought back to leave Selkirk defending well to take the cup.

Selkirk raced into an impressive 24-7 half-time lead with tries by Darren Clapperton (2), Euan Macdougall, and Ciaran Whyte to a Rory Drummond touchdown.

After the interval, Cullen, Ali Harris and Jack Ferguson cut the deficit, but Selkirk hung on the final minutes.

The Archie Smith Memorial Trophy for the player of the tournament went to Selkirk’s Ross Nixon.

Selkirk reached the final with wins over Earlston, the Powerbombs and Jed-Forest, Kings holders, who had been taken to extra time by Gala while Watsonians defeated Hawick Linden, Dumfries and Melrose.

Two clubs, Biggar and Peebles, withdrew due to league business while Melrose fielded a depleted side because of the cup final - and sparked discussion again over too many one-sided ties and too many tournaments.

That is not to deter from Selkirk’s success; perhaps time has come for a major rethink, but with four tournaments to play, Watsonians lead the table on 47 points followed by Melrose 27, Jed 23 and Gala 22.

Results

First round. Berwick 0, Powerbombs 55; Earlston 0, Selkirk 44; Pigbarians 12, Jed-Forest 38; Hawick 19, Gala 22; Watsonians 42, Hawick Linden 0; Austin Friars FP 14, Dumfries 24; Langholm 21, Kelso 17; Melrose 29, Edinburgh Accies 0.

Second round. Powerbombs 5, Selkirk 36; Jed-Forest 31, Gala 26 (after extra time); Watsonians 33, Dumfries 14; Langholm 7, Melrose 21.

Semi-finals: Selkirk, 32, Jed-Forest 12; Watsonians 35, Melrose 7.

Final: Selkirk 24, Watsonians 21.

Selkirk: E. Macdougall, C. Whyte, J. Welsh, M. Davies, R. Nixon, D. Clapperton, T. Adams, F. Anderson, C. Marshall, G. Craig.