MELROSE have started 2018/19 where they left off last season.

The Greenyards club heralded the return of rugby by claiming Peebles Sevens.

But the reigning Premiership champions were made to work hard for the silverware during a thrilling tournament at The Gytes.

After overcoming near neighbours Gala and Selkirk in the Pool, Rob Chrystie's team just edged out last season's Kings of the Sevens, Watsonians, in a pulsating semi-final.

The late call off from Biggar made Pool C a straight play-off between eventual finalists Heriot's and Edinburgh Accies, with the Goldenacre club winning by 32 points to 10.

Hosts Peebles caused something of an upset with a reasonably comfortable 14-0 victory over Kelso.

And the Pees followed up with a win over Berwick to secure their place in the semis.

Despite the large crowd's support the home team couldn't see off Heriot's to reach the showdown with Melrose in the final.

Heriot's coped well against the League and Cup champions during an exciting final, but the pace and guile of Melrose proved too much for the capital side.

And there could be no complaining as captain Grant Runciman collected the trophy.

Pool A

Selkirk 14-29 Melrose

Selkirk 22-27 Gala

Gala 7-47 Melrose

Pool B

Watsonians 26-12 Hawick

Watsonians 20-05 Jed-Forest

Hawick 12-19 Jed-Forest

Pool C

Edinburgh Accies 10-32 Heriot's

Pool D

Peebles 14-0 Kelso

Peebles 14-5 Berwick

Kelso 7-17 Berwick

Semi-finals

Melrose 19-17 Watsonians

Heriot's 17-7 Peebles

Final

Melrose 17-12 Heriot's