With rivals Gala going into the final game of the season two points ahead of them at the top of the RBS Premiership table, their fate was not in their hands.

However, with Melrose ending Currie’s eight game unbeaten run in the league and Gala losing at home to last season’s champions Ayr, the Greenyards side finished in front - just one point ahead of their neighbours.

Beattie said: “I never expected to win, I didn’t expect Gala to get beat. We knew Ayr had a strong team but we know what Gala have done all season and we fully respect that, we fully respect how they play and I genuinely am gutted for them. It’s been a long wait for them and this was their year but I think they’ve got a strong enough squad to come back and do it again.

“In terms of Melrose, we’ve deserved it - we’ve won more games than anyone. We’ve defended really well, we’ve had some tight games and come out on top, I’m just delighted.” With a number of injuries to contend with over the course of the season and young players pushing for places in the first team, the former Scotland Sevens star revealed the title victory at Melrose had been a team effort.

And he admitted it had been a marked improvement on last year when the club only secured their place in the Premiership on the final day of the season.

Beattie said: “We stayed up on the last game of the season last year and then to turn it around, everyone’s had a bit of belief and bought in to what we are trying to do. And that I think it can only drive you forward.

“Look how many players we have used this season, where the tries are coming from are really spread across the park. It has been a whole team effort.” And, looking ahead to the Border League final and Kings of the Sevens next month, he added: “We will be looking to do well in that as well, and defend the Kings of the Sevens trophy so here we go again.”