A warm sunny day was the setting for the 2011 Earlston 7s. With a large crowd in attendance and a party atmosphere the rugby certainly took its toll on the players as the day wore on. However, in a repeat of their success at Kelso Melrose won the title for the second year in succession, defeating Watsonians in the final.
On a glorious sunny day at Scremerston Jedforest defeated Selkirk 31 - 12 in the final to lift the Berwick trophy.
The first round of the Kings of the Sevens was won by Melrose who defeated Heriots in the final.
First round: Selkirk 15 Ardrossan 5, Haddington 5 Edinburgh University 35, Heriot\'s 56 Langholm 7, Hawick 19 Gala 17, Edinburgh Accies 7 Jed-Forest 17, Kelso 7 Falkirk 15, Watsonians 0 Peebles 17, Berwick 0 Melrose 45.
Second round: Selkirk 33 Edinburgh University 12, Heriot\'s 33 Hawick 12, Jed-Forest 14 Falkirk 12, Peebles 0 Melrose 39.
Semi-finals: Selkirk 0 Heriot\'s 26, Jed-Forest 17 Melrose 24.
Final: Heriot\'s 12 Melrose 45.
Heriot\'s: C J Osazowa, L Seydak, J Bulumakau, G Wilson, M Learmonth, J Kohn, G Bryce. Subs used: A Spence, M Nimmo.
Melrose: J Dalziel, J Murray, G Dodds, S Wight, A Dodds. S McCormick, C Anderson. Subs used: C Jackson, F Thomson, G Runciman
Borderers shine at Murrayfield - The Scotland 7s team, captained by former Jed player Greg Laidlaw had their best result of this seasons IRB 7s series at the weekends Emirates Edinburgh 7s. Ex-Melrose player Mark Robertson helped himself to 3 tries during the tournament and Selkirk\'s (soon to Edinburgh pro) Lee Jones made a telling contribution during the competition, former Gala player Roddy Grant was considered by many as "Man of the Tournament" and Ex Hawick man John Houston, who was often the playmaker.
One blip against England in the Cup quarter final could not detract from what was a vastly improved performance with the home nation producing some sparkling sevens throughout the 2 days. To be victors over Fiji, South Africa and Argentina, all within the space of 24 hours, was a major achievement, and a boost for new Scotland 7s coach, former Melrose and Scotland Internationalist, Graham Shiel. Commenting from the touch-line Shiel said Tuesday was the start day for his new role and he was really looking forward to the challenge. Winning the Plate competition resulted in Scotland finishing in 5th place overall.
Playing in glorious sunshine the Gibraltar Asset Management Melrose Sevens provided a spectacle both on and off the pitch. The rugby was outstanding whilst the military presence was much appreciated by the packed Greenyards. Adding to this the Fancy Dress, after Event Party, Vets Tournament and wind down Jazz Lunch all added to make it a memorable weekend.
