IT is almost a story of inevitability as Hawick swept to an incredible eighth title success in nine years at their own sevens on Saturday at Mansfield Park with victory over Watsonians.

Hawick, despite losing Greg Cottrell to injury, took the lead with a Sean Goodfellow try converted by Lee Armstrong, and their up-and-at them attitude knocked the Gala Sevens winners out of their stride

On a muddy pitch, which was not conducive to sevens rugby, on a cold afternoon, Hawick put a difficult and destructive season (particularly the floods) behind them to put the favourites on to the back foot.

Berwick, a depleted Melrose side due to the cup final, and local rivals Gala were put to the sword as the Greens stamped their own authority on the tournament.

In four ties, Hawick scored 100 points and their performances got better with every tie. “I am sure that the support will help Hawick get over the line,” said coach Nikki Walker… and they did.

Mark Bertram and Armstrong exchanged tries and Armstrong and Jack Ferguson shared the conversions for Hawick to turn round 12-7 ahead.

Hawick had dominated the first half with more possession and were again the more aggressive after the break.

Ross Graham increased the lead with a try with Ferguson in the sin-bin for a high challenge and Craig Russell put his team in control with a try converted by Rory Hutton.

It seemed all over before Andrew Chalmers and Reiss Cullen, who surprisingly came on only as a substitute, scored late consolation tries.

There was disappointment for the other Borders sides, Selkirk going out in the first tie and Melrose, despite the inclusion of the Chalmers brothers Robbie and Sam, while Gala fell quite easily to their big rivals.

Jed-Forest, losers in the finals at Gala and Melrose, were never able to generate pace on the glutinous pitch.

Lasswade withdrew to be replaced with a Hawick President’s Seven while the two Army sides were short of sevens ideas.

First round: Selkirk 12, Kelso 17(aet), Boroughmuir 7, Jed-Forest 26; Biggar 0, Edinburgh Accies 29; Hawick Harlequins 5, Watsonians 48; Berwick 5, Hawick 31; British Army 15, Melrose 7; Gala 22, President’s Seven 5; Royal Scots Dragoon Guards 5, Peebles 21.

Second round: Kelso 12, Jed-Forest 22; Edinburgh Accies 7, Watsonians 28; Hawick 24, British Army 21; Gala 26, Peebles 7.

Semi-finals: Jed-Forest 7, Watsonians 19; Hawick 21, Gala 14.

Final: Watsonians 17, Hawick 24.

Hawick: S. Goodfellow, C. Russell, D. Redpath, D. Graham, L. Armstrong, R. Hutton, G. Cottrell, K. Davies, R. Graham, B. McNeil,