IT was a Gala day in style at The Gytes when the Netherdale club strengthened its position at the top of the Kings of the Sevens table with a 29-24 win over Watsonians after extra time in the Peebles final to score its first win there since 1961.

Supporters found it hard to believe that it had taken over 50 years to lift the cup again with the records being set sprawling as the Maroons emerged from the shadows of the Premiership disappointment and showcased their sevens potentials.

Gala captain Alan Emond said the pain of defeat to local rivals Hawick was a key factor in his side’s desire to reach another final.

The Maroons went down 19-24 against Hawick in the final of the Langholm Sevens on Saturday, but roared back to claim a dramatic extra time winner against Watsonians, and bag their first Peebles Sevens victory since 1961.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice in Langholm,” he said. “We were angry at that, but we knew we had a chance to put it right in Peebles.” Straightforward victories against Selkirk and Orkney in the early rounds set up a semi final encounter with Peebles, and Emond was full of praise for the hosts.

“We were a wee bit rusty in the opening games, there were some changes to the squad and we struggled for rhythm in the earlier rounds.

“But that game against Peebles set up up perfectly for the final. They played well, they really took the game to us. It was a tough semi final, and we knew that going into it. Peebles always play well at their own tournament, the home advantage lifts them. “So I think we raised our game for that and that momentum carried us through into the final. And what a way to win!” Peebles’ Sami Raitaou was delighted with his sides march to the semi finals. The fleet-of-foot Fijian was at the heart of everything Peebles did well, as they made light work of Howie of Fife and a Presidents Select Seven to set up the showdown with Gala.

“We played well, that first game against Howie gave us a platform and we grew in confidence from there,” he said. Peebles’ second row Kenny Clyde felt his side exceeded expectations by making the semis, but was still disappointed not to make it all the way to the final.

“You can always look back at what could have been,” he said. “There were a couple of decisions that didn’t go our way, but take nothing away from Gala. They are just a really good outfit. Well drilled, good in defence, good in attack. They were just a class above on the day.

“The opening matches were cagey, but we were able to start well and then kick on in the second half. That was good preparation for Gala. And we needed that, against a really good side. They aren’t top of the table in the Kings Sevens by accident.” Orkney faced the longest journey of any of Sunday’s participants, and the islanders started confidently, beating Biggar in Round One, before bowing out to Gala in the second round.

“It was tough for us,” admitted Orkney Sevens’ Convenor, Ian Rushbrook. “We arrived in the Borders on Friday, ahead of the Langholm Sevens the following day. We met Selkirk in the first round of that competition and we were a bit rusty, because our 15s have only just finished last week. So we haven’t really had any opportunity to do any running with the 7’s prior to this weekend. But we put on a good display against Biggar. I think we surprised them.” Peebles President Gordon Brown felt the tournament got the final it deserved, even if there were a few pangs of regret it wasn’t his side fighting it out with Watsonians for the honours.

“We did very well against a phenomenal Gala side, and I thought we gave them a few anxious moments in the second half of that semi final,” he said. “That said, it was a great final, one of the best I have seen. It was a fitting end to a great day of rugby.

“We were a bit unlucky with the weather, as we have been for the past few years. But the quality of rugby on display was exceptional.”