Hawick opened their Kings of the Sevens campaign for 2023/24 with a terrific showing at Peebles Sevens on Saturday.
Having been unable to field a full strength Seven for most of the Spring circuit due to their Premiership and Cup exploits at the end of last season, it was good to see the Robbie Dyes back in the zone and competing in a final again.

Being drawn against Melrose & Berwick in theit pool, Hawick opened by dispatching Melrose with a disciplined and physical performance, restricting the Rose to one try while scoring three themselves in a 24-7 victory.

Berwick next, and although putting up a valiant effort, the East Coast outfit succumbed to a full force performance from Hawick, the final score 47-0.

In the semifinal Hawick faced a classy looking Hearts & Balls squad, and once again an organised and physical defensive performance had the invitational side floundering. Three tries from the Greens, all converted by captain for the day Kirk Ford saw them into the final 21-0.

The final promised to be a cracker and it lived up to its billing with two Border sides Hawick and Kelso going toe to toe.

The first half of the final was keenly contested however Hawick took their chances, while shutting Kelso out, and they managed to score three great tries through Andrew Mitchell, youngster Owain Gray and on the stroke of 1/2 time Kirk Ford giving them a 17-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw Hawick open quickly and Calum Renwick making a terrific break from is own 22. however with Jae Linton on his shoulder his pass was disrupted by desperate Kelso defence, when a score looked on the cards. Had Hawick scored, it was all over, however buoyed by this breakdown Kelso found a second wind and got themselves back into the game with a try, then starving Hawick of possession they nicked a second score, leaving the game in the balance at 17-14 with seconds to go.

Kelso then managed to secure the ball from the kick off and set siege to the Hawick line however the Greens looked to have forced Kelso into holding onto the ball in the tackle but the decision went the other way and from the next play Kelso squeezed over in the corner to win the day. Final score 17- 21 to the Poynder Park lads. Disappointing for the Hawick lads but a tremendous advert for what Border Rugby and Borders Sevens can bring…… 🏉💚