GALA won the Earlston Sevens on Sunday at The Haugh, but could not stop Watsonians lifting their first Kings of the Sevens title with two of the 10 tournaments still to play, writes Atholl Innes.

Watsonians were beaten by Gala in the semi-final and had left the ground by the time the Braw Lads defeated Jed-Forest 33-10 in the final.

It followed Watsonians capturing the Kelso Cup on Saturday, Jed again the losers in the final, for their second success in the series to add to their four runners-up spots.

But the overall victory will have delighted coach Andrew Ker, who had seen his side win at Gala and Kelso, but lose out on three successive finals at Hawick, Berwick and Langholm.

However, their consistency and dedication to the series throughout the season was rewarded with the trophy, which will be presented after the final tournament on May 13 at Jed.

Watsonians had to wait for the title after they were thwarted by Gala in the semi-finals following their success in the Kelso tournament 24 hours earlier after defeats in their previous three finals.

Gala proved too clinical for Jed, despite being without the injured Rob Louw.

It was three-try scorer Paul Henry who collected the Player-of-the Tournament award.

Other tries were scored by Dwayne Burrows and Craig Robertson, with Robbie Yourston and Robbie Shirra Gibb replying for Jed.

The final, in which Melrose’s Nyle Godsmark replaced Lewis Young, also produced a bizarre incident when Robbie Yourston scored a try, which was awarded by the referee, before changing his mind. He then consulted a touch judge at the other end of the field and re-awarded the try.

In the same game, Jed lost Chris Gillon with a leg injury and the game was held up for several minutes.

But overall, Gala were physically stronger and took their chances, the 21-0 half-time lead proving insurmountable and Gregor Hunter kicking the vital conversions.

“The boys played really well,” said coach Chris Dalgleish.

“I thought that defence was the key and superb all afternoon. I was chuffed to bits with the way the boys played.”

First round

Selkirk 15, Powerbombs 26; Watsonians 41, St Boswells 0; Gala 59, Duns 0; Hawick 38, Liberton 0; Kelso 29, Hawick Quins 21 (aet); Jed-Forest 31, Peebles 7; Earlston 5, Edinburgh Accies 22; Melrose 57, Berwick 0.

Second round

Powerbombs 14, Watsonians 24; Gala 36, Hawick 0; Kelso 19, Jed-Forest 36; Edin Accies 5, Melrose 35.

Semi-finals: Watsonians 12, Gala 21; Jed-Forest 19, Melrose 15.

Final: Gala 33, Jed-Forest 10.

Gala: H. Borthwick, D. Burrows, L. Craig (Duns), A. Turner, G. Hunter, G. Speirs, P. Henry, G. Young, C. Robertson, R. Combe.