MELROSE Storm retained their Walkerburn Sevens crown on Saturday, despite a few scares along the way.

The talented Greenyards second string overcame Duns in the opening round before edging past Jedforest A in a thrilling tie.

Gala YM couldn't contain the pace of Storm in the semis, eventually going down 37-5.

And it was a similar story in the Caberston Haugh final where Peebles, who had showed up well in the opening rounds, ran out of steam against the pacy Storm.

Melrose captain Donald Crawford said: "There was an early scare in the final with Peebles scoring first but we came good in the end.

"I thought we grew as the day went on, and we're really happy to back up last year's win."

Peebles saw off the challenge from Ross High in the opening round, before disposing of Earlston by 24 points to nil.

The Gytes players were also impressive in the semi-final against Haddington.

Despite scoring the opening try of the final through Cameron Thrall, a few missed tackles allowed Melrose to stamp their dominance.

Player-of-the-tournament Kieran Clark ran in three tries, Crawford and Patrick O'Sullivan both touched down twice, and Hamish Weir also ran the length of the pitch to score in the 52-5 victory.

Despite the overcast conditions and unseasonal chill, Walkerburn still attracted a good crowd.

Walkerburn RFC are looking for new players as they prepare to next season. If you are interested in playing rugby on a Saturday and enjoying a welcoming environment in the clubhouse, contact Colin McCudden 07811 257304 or Robert Haddow 07749 348045.

First Round: Walkerburn 5-48 Gala YM, Seaham 0-24 Selkirk A, Melrose Storm 40-5 Duns, Hawick Linden 17-31 Jedforest A, Earlston 17-10 Trinity Accies, Peebles 12-7 Ross High, Haddington 33-5 Walkerburn.

Second Round: Gala YM 15-0 Selkirk A, Melrose Storm 19-5 Jedforest A, Earlston 0-24 Peebles, Haddington 38-10 Preston Lodge.

Semi-finals: Gala YM 5-37 Melrose Storm, Peebles 33-12 Haddington Final: Melrose Storm 52-5 Peebles Melrose Storm: Thomas Brown, Harri Morris, Gary McWilliam, Ethan McIver, Darren King, Donald Crawford, Kieran Clark, Patrick O'Sullivan, Chris Rogerson & Hamish Weir.

Peebles: Stuart Hunter, Ruaridh Britton, George Freeman, Buster Davidson, Gregor Nixon, Cameron Thrall, David Collins, Greg Anderson & Taine Anderson