IT was no wonder that Watsonians coach Andrew Ker and his colleagues wore wide smiles at the end of the Border Toyota Kelso Sevens on Saturday at Poynder Park.

They had watched their side end a barren run of three successive finals defeats at Hawick, Berwick and Langholm to drive into the fast lane and collect the trophy to strengthen their interest in the Kings of the Sevens series.

Of the seven Kings of the Sevens, tournaments played, they had been in six finals, winning two, and strengthening their commitment and desire to lift the cup and the cash.

Even without Ross Drummond and Mike Fedo, on sevens duty elsewhere, Watsonians came back from behind to beat the current Kings holders, Jed-Forest, in a close final – although Jed’s final try came in the last play, and this after Willie Thomson had spent two minutes in the sin-bin.

It was inevitable, too, that a Watsonian would win the Player of the Tournament and that went to Rory Steele, who recovered from a leg knock in an earlier tie.

In an all-action first half, Chris Gillon and Scott McKean exchanged tries, and with Thomson yellow-carded, Gregor Young restored the lead.

Second-half tries from Reiss Cullen, Tom Hart and Thomson proved crucial despite scores from Lewis Young and Gregor Law.

The first semi-final was marred by an injury to Melrose’s Jason Baggott, who was stretchered off the field in the second half with Jed leading 21-7. Late scores from Robert Hogg and Lewis Young clinched a final place.

McKean gave Watsonians an early lead in the other semi against Kelso, who drew level through Lewis Wichary, but overall Watsonians were the stronger seven.

Results. Preliminary round: Powerbombs 35, Berwick 5; Earlston 5, St Boswells 20; Hawick Linden 7, Boroughmuir 41; Langholm 22, Lasswade 28.

First round: Powerbombs 14,Melrose 29; Selkirk 31, Peebles 5; St Boswells 38, Stirling County 7; Jed-Forest 26, Boroughmuir 19; Kelso 52, President’s V11 12; Edinburgh Accies 7, Howe of Fife 31; Gala 59, Hamilton 0; Lasswade 5, Watsonians 28.

Quarter-finals: Melrose 24, Selkirk 22; St Boswells 10, Jed-Forest 38; Kelso 34, Howe of Fife 5; Gala 15, Watsonians 22.

Semi-finals: Melrose 12, Jed-Forest 28; Kelso 12, Watsonians 31.

Final: Jed-Forest 26, Watsonians 27.

Watsonians: M. Bertram (A. Skeen final), T. Hart, A. Duckett, R. Cullen, A. Harris, R. Steele, S. McKean, W. Thomson, A. Davidson, J. Ferguson.