EARLSTON took the honours at the Scottish Borders District Union Sevens at Riverside Park on Saturday, with a thrilling extra time victory over Berwickshire rivals Duns in a pulsating final.
Earlston took an early 12-0 lead, however Duns battled back and at the end of normal time the sides were locked at 19-19. Extra time proved just as thrilling with both teams creating chances before Earlston clinched the title with the deciding try in the fourth minute of extra time.
To reach the final Earlston had been pushed all the way by Melrose Storm in their pool, eventually running out 22-19 winners in the crucial match between the sides. Duns had a more comfortable passage to the final, easily seeing off holders Gala A, Peebles A and Kelso A in Pool B.
The two pool runners up, Melrose Storm and Kelso A met in a Plate final, with no less drama than that produced by the Cup final, as a late try and outstanding conversion saw the Melrose side pip Kelso 28-26.
Results
Pool A: Earlston 26 Selkirk A 5; Melrose Storm 36 Jed A 5; Earlston 20 Jed A 10; Melrose Storm 40 Selkirk A 7; Earlston 22 Melrose Storm 19; Jed A 7 Selkirk A 14.
Pool B: Peebles A 5 Kelso A 45; Duns 26 Gala A 10; Peebles A 5 Gala A 34; Duns 28 Kelso A 12; Peebles A 5 Duns 36; Kelso A 24 Gala A 5.
Plate Final: Melrose Storm 28 Kelso A 26.
Cup Final: Earlston 24 Duns 19 (after extra time).