IT’S always a big deal when the famous South of Scotland team take to the field, and there was a huge buzz surrounding their appearance at the Braidholm 7s in Glasgow on Saturday, writes Stuart Cameron.

The team, comprising the best available talent from the Scottish Borders clubs, rarely play matches these days but in the glory days of the last century The South was a huge name in rugby circles, often playing matches against the touring sides of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and others as well as Inter-District matches against teams from Glasgow, Edinburgh and the North Midlands.

Professionalism changed the road map of rugby forever in the 1990s and games involving a full 15-a-side team dried up until recent years when The South took on The Barbarians and beat them, as well as victories against Northumberland and Caledonia.

Last year the South 7s team was re-activated and they were beaten finalists at a classy Newcastle Falcons event.

This summer The South have committed to two tournaments at Chester on June 17 and the prestigious event on Saturday in Glasgow featuring some top names from Scottish Club Rugby playing under the banner of various invitational sides.

The South won all of their three games in their Pool, coming from 0-17 down in their match against SAMH to clinch the game at the death.

They produced another comeback in the semi final when a 100 metre dash to the line by Ross Combe secured their place in the final with the last play of the game, squeezing past Commonwealth Crusaders 26-22.

The talented squad of 12 featured top names from the Borders clubs, but when you’ve come together literally on the day, it takes a while for players to gel, and it was clear by the time they got to the final they had clicked.

They were facing Minerva, who they beat 14-12 in their pool.

This was a high quality team featuring several Scottish international 7s, club and age grade players, but The South blew them away 52-0 running in eight tries to take the title.

Hawick’s Keith Davies scored a hat trick within four minutes, Kelso’s Andrew Skeen ran in for a brace and there were tries for Gala’s Dwayne Burrows, former Melrose back Robbie Chalmers and Craig Robertson from Gala.

The South: Bruce McNeil (c), Andrew Skeen (c), Keith Davies, Guy Graham, Robbie Chalmers, Craig Robertson, Rory Marshall, Mikey Davies, Dwayne Burrows, Ross Combe, Graham Speirs, Bruce Colvine.