Students top of the class at Walkerburn Sevens

And then revealed they were blown away by the pitch perfect setting of one of the country's oldest clubs - on the Banks of the River Tweed.

The students, runners-up in the competition last year, defeated Duns 31-5 in the final to finish top of the class - and lift the silverware at the birthday bash on Saturday.

They also passed tough tests against Gala YM, charity select side Pigbarians and Biggar along the way.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph pitch-side after the full-time whistle, University captain Sam Bellhouse, who scored three tries in the final and was presented with the Davie Campbell Cup for player of the tournament in memory of the former Walkerburn Sevens convener and club stalwart, said: "It's been absolutely awesome.

"We're delighted to win the Walkerburn Sevens. We haven't really had a chance to get together as a team before the tournament because of exams." But he added: "It's a fabulous setting here on the banks of the River Tweed and we were really pleased to be invited back after losing to Melrose in the final last year." University kicked-off the final but Duns were first to score. Stephen Cooke crossed in the corner - a fitting farewell to the East League champions for the young Irishman who is moving to Malta.

However, the visitors responded with three tries in quick succession, with Bob Cuthbertson and Sam Bellhouse getting their names on the score-sheet before half-time.

Duns, who had earlier recorded wins over Edinburgh Academicals, Musselburgh and Selkirk, dominated possession at the start of the second half after the students were reduced to six men when Cuthbertson was given a yellow card for failing to release the ball.

But the National League One side, who knocked out Gala at the Langholm Sevens last month, proved too slick for their East League opponents who extended their lead with another Bellhouse try before James Niblock rounded off the scoring.

Professional footballer Steven Notman presented the prizes. The Berwick Rangers midfielder was appointed Standard Bearer elect at the launch of the 2011 St Ronan's Border Games last week.

Hosts Walkerburn were kicked out in the first round after losing 45-0 to Lasswade.

And former Selkirk captain Scott Tomlinson, who was refereeing at the event, was called up to play in a President's Select side after Murrayfield Wanderers pulled out.

Peebles, who were also in action at the Jed Forest Sevens on the same day, were also knocked out in the first round by Selkirk who were only just edged out by Border rivals Duns in the semi-final.

Biggar, meanwhile, defeated holders Melrose and Lasswade before being defeated by the eventual winners of the tournament, Edinburgh University.

But Andrew Thoms, Sevens convener at Walkerburn Rugby Club, insisted it had been a successful day. And he revealed it was perhaps just as well the hosts were knocked out early on as most of the players were needed to help in the bar!

Mr Thoms said: "One thing which always amazes me about Walkerburn Sevens is the class and teams of players that we get." And he added: "I would say all in all it has been a very successful Sevens.

"It has been a bit windy but that hasn't affected the rugby or the supporters who turned out." It was a fan-tastic occasion for a club which was almost kicked into touch following a drop in support a decade ago.

He credited the turn around in Walkerburn's fortunes to the passion of President Peter Irvine, a new marketing team and subsequent increase in sponsorship, as well as their loyal team of volunteers.

And revealed the club, whose motto is "rugby played in a beautiful setting", is looking ahead to the future.

Mr Thoms said: "We've got great plans for next season. We're recruiting quite heavily. We've already got three players under the age of 21 who have committed to the club next year. And we feel that we have a few more that we are going to get on board and we will announce them through the season.

"The coaching team is settled for next year and we are busy working on people filling positions in the committee. We are working on a five year plan on what we can do and where we can go. So things at the club are working very well.

"Peter Irvine, his passion that he wears on his sleeve, fires people up to make them go and do things for him." And he added: "It's great to have that sort of support and commitment." It is believed to be the first time a footballer has presented the prizes at the rugby sevens. However, Mr Thoms was not one to miss the opportunity.

He said: "We never know who the Standard Bearer Elect is but of course we would love to show him the error of his ways. He is more than welcome to come down here and we will give him a try out for the team next season." Edinburgh University: Callum Wiliams, Henry White, James Walkinshaw, Bob Cuthbertson, Phil Lucas, Sam Bellhouse, Rory Jones, Tom Broadhead, James Niblock.

Duns: Dale Robertson, Bert Grigg, Jamie Renton, Danny Lamb, Ged Lamb, Ryan Selkirk, Stephen Cooke, Dane Ivison, Andrew Baxter and Budge Burns.

Walkerburn Sevens 2011 results - First round: Biggar 24-14 Melrose; Lasswade 45-0 Walkerburn; Haddington 19-33 Pigbarians; Edinburgh University 19-12 Gala YM; Musselburgh 36-10 President's Seven; Duns 31-7 Edinburgh Academicals; Earlston 24-19 Hawick YM; Selkirk 12-7 Peebles.

Second round: Biggar 33-7 Lasswade; Pigbarians 7-40 Edinburgh University; Musselburgh 14-29 Duns; Earlston 10-19 Selkirk.

Semi-final: Biggar 12-26 Edinburgh University; Duns 31-17 Selkirk. Final: Edinburgh University 31-5 Duns.