It is one of the highlights of the year for Earlston, as the Berwickshire village once again hosts its annual and ever-popularsevens tournament
As usual this year’s popular competition is played on Sunday and sponsored by Live at the BAR, and the action on the pitch at The Haugh is bound to be lively.
It is now 90 years since Earlston kicked off its first sevens tournament, and it has since grown to become one of the most sociable around.
The current cup was first presented in 1935 and is reputed to be one of the most valuable on the Borders sevens circuit.
In 1984 the sevens date was switched from autumn to spring - always the Sunday prior to the first Monday in May - and has remained there ever since.
Last year saw Melrose triumph in the final against Hawick 26-17, and will be aiming to repeat the feat and close in on top spot in the Kings of the Sevens series table.
In this year’s draw, made by Earlston RFC president Stuart Matthew and treasurer David Mitchell on Monday night, the ‘Rose face Kelso, while the Teries tackle Musselburgh.
Current Kings of the Sevens leaders Gala play Duns, while the hosts have a tough task against Jed-Forest.
In addition to a great day of action, Earlston will once again host the Border Sevens Rugby Club Sprint.
The winner of the race will walk away with the Andy Darling Memorial Cup, named after the popular Galashiels businessman who helped set up Live at the BAR and who died in 2009 at the age of 42 from to cancer.
The triumphant sprinter will see his club receive a voucher worth £200, in association with Rugbystore, to be used for equipment to the benefit of their club’s mini section.
As usual the festivities will continue after the sevens final with a disco and live band, Taylor Brothers, in the tent.
Earlston Sevens (first tie 1pm): Watsonians v Berwick; Hawick v Musselburgh; Earlston v Jed-Forest; Gala v Duns; Edinburgh Accies v Peebles; Melrose v Kelso; Biggar v Heriots; Selkirk v Edinburgh University.