Kelso claim own sevens title with Selkirk upset

IT MAY be too early to suggest that a new Kelso is emerging as a major threat on the Borders sevens circuit after their win on Saturday in their own Wolseley UK Build Centre tournament.

However, coached by former sevens supremo Adam Roxburgh Kelso played with all the attributes of a side capable of dethroning Selkirk, Kings of the Sevens for the past two seasons but defeated 21-15 in the final.

"We had the nucleus of the side from last year and I think we had a lot of confidence from playing so well last year," said Roxburgh, referring to a Berwick Sevens final win over Selkirk.

Kelso had earlier defeated the Kings of the Sevens runners-up last season, Watsonians in the semi-final while Selkirk were comfortable against Haddington, Melrose and Hawick.

Kelso's fitness levels were epitomised when, with two players on the ground injured, they still conjured up a try in the final while they also had to come from behind after tries by Neil Darling and Fraser Harkness gave Selkirk an early lead.

Sean Common's try and conversion cut the deficit by the interval before Darren Gillespie scored. Darling's second try reclaimed the lead before Mikel Eel Hartley's score and Common's third conversion swung the game in Kelso's favour.