Watsonians take trophy after thriller

Watsonians retained the Gala sevens title with a thrilling 33-28 victory over Edinburgh Accies in the final, writes Atholl Innes.

Watsonians, runners-up in the Kings of the Sevens series last season, proved just too strong for an Accies side contesting their first Gala final.

In an even first half, two tries from Reiss Cullen and one by Scott Mckean were matched by scores from Jamie Sole and Jamie Winks. Mckean stretched Watsonians’ lead on restart before Ben Appleson converted his own try. The play ebbed and flowed as Accies chased the game, with Jack Ferguson and Appleson exchanging the final scores before time ran out on the gallant losers.

In the first of the semifinals, Accies had powered to a win over Kelso with two tries from Winks as they ran in five scores. Watsonians dominated last season’s Kings winners, Jed-forest, scoring six tries, two from Mckean.

The Bowl was won by Boroughmuir, who beat Gala and the Plate title went to Melrose, winners over Peebles.