MELROSE won the first sevens tournament of this season's Borders Semi-Junior Kings of the Sevens Series at Peebles on Sunday.

For once the rugby weather gods decided to smile, and instead of experiencing four seasons in the one day, which has been the norm in recent years, the spectators' main concerns were dehydration and sun stroke.

Throughout the pool stages it was abundantly clear why the Borders Semi-Junior League is rated as one of the most competitive set ups in the country with three of the four semi-finalists coming from the region.

The hosts, who were determined to make up for what has undoubtedly been a disappointing season, came flying out of the blocks quickly knocking Tynedale off their stride and winning their opening tie by 31-12.

With two hours between their matches the coaching staff made the most of the wait, repairing more than a few broken bodies and ensuring that the key words for any Sevens tournament mainly 'Patience and Possession' were to the fore.

The second match for Peebles was against Selkirk YC and in keeping with previous encounters this was another tough one but the lads persevered running out winners by 17-7.

Their semi-final tie which pitched them against last year's winners Crusaders, was certainly not the walk over for the visitors that some people anticipated and the Wee Pees gave their absolute all, losing two key players to injury... and going down by 7 points to 14.

The final was a fiercely fought affair between Crusaders and Melrose and with the full time score sitting at 19 point apiece, the contest moved into extra time, Melrose picking up the silverware courtesy of a golden try.

The next Borders Semi-Junior League 7s tournament takes place at Hawick on Saturday - first tie kicking off at 1.30pm.