A MAN hoping to attend this year's Melrose 7s thought he had struck gold when he found the ideal campsite for the rugby tournament.

However, when Dave Walker from Aberdeen received an invoice from the campsite in Melrose which he booked in February requesting $68 for the pitch on April 8, he knew something was wrong.

"Everything was coming together, then I got the invoice," he said.

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It was upon receiving the bill that Dave, 54, realised he had accidentally booked a campsite in Melrose, South Australia.

He told the Border Telegraph: "It was embarrassing.

"Usually tickets for the 7s are the hardest to get.

"I successfully obtained two tickets and then proceeded to look for an overnight pitch on April 8.

"I thought it was all coming together, then it wasn't.

"I knew something was awry when the invoice came through."

Border Telegraph: Dave Walker and his wife got their campervan during the coronavirus pandemicDave Walker and his wife got their campervan during the coronavirus pandemic (Image: Dave Walker)

Although he can find the humour in his mistake, Dave is hopeful that someone in the Borders may be able to help him find a solution to his 7s accommodation challenge.

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He added: "I've thought we could drive down and back home in a day, or we could get the train but it's difficult to work that out.

"A corner of a farm or field would work for us.

"I'm happy to pay cash, whisky or whatever."

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A keen rugby fan since he was a teenager, Dave hopes he'll get to see a sunny 7s tournament this spring.

"I haven't given up yet," he added.

If you can help Dave and his wife with a pitch for Melrose 7s on April 8, email the Border Telegraph at editorial@bordertelegraph.com