Triumphant villagers go to town at Linden Sevens
The eight competing teams were split into two groups of four with the top two qualifying for the semi-finals. Pool A was topped by Selkirk who won all three of their games with Berwick runners-up. Pool B was won by St Boswells, also with a 100% record, followed by the host side who pushed the villagers all the way in a narrow 21-22 defeat.
The Linden got off to a flyer in their semi-final against Selkirk, Stuart Williams scoring from the kick-off and he followed up with another try soon after. Kirk Ford’s conversions put the Linden into a 14-0 lead and things could have been even better when Greg Thomson kicked ahead and won the race to the ball but crucially the try was ruled out for a knock-on. Selkirk got on the scoreboard just before half-time and added two second half scores to squeeze home 17-14 in a tie which could have gone either way.
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Hide AdThe second semi was even closer as St Boswells pipped Berwick by a point winning 15-14 to put out the cup holders.
In the final Selkirk appeared to have emptied their tank as St Boswells launched into some excellent sevens running hard, looking for space and supporting the ball carrier. They were the best side on the day and romped to a 50-5 victory to claim the trophy. Tries were scored by Ian Dautry, Ryan Hogg, Dean McCracken (2), Ben Gilchrist, Steven Hill, Garry Douglas and Adam Haig with conversions by McCracken (2), Hill, Douglas and Haig.
Linden President John Tait presented St Boswells with the Life Members Cup and the medals, sponsored by the family of the late Billy Russell, past-President and Life Member, were handed over by his son Barry.
The player of the tournament trophy donated by Moira Black was presented by the tea lady extraordinaire to the referees choice, Ryan Hogg of St Boswells.
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Hide AdHawick Linden wish to express their thanks to all clubs who supported the event, the referees, Moira and her kitchen staff, George Harrow & Son, the Russell family as well as everyone who helped on the day.
St Boswells: C. Brown, I. Dautry, G. Douglas, B. Gilchrist, A. Haig, S. Hill, R. Hogg, G. Lothian, D. McCracken, A. Williams