14/04/2012 Rugby: The Melrose Sevens

rose Sevens. -- Mel rose. Let's join Dougie Vipond.

This sleepy town is the home of a sporting institution. One day in

the year, up teams come to do battle for the Melrose Sevens. It

is a competition steeped in history and tradition, a tournament that

Some of rugby's greatest teams and names have graced this pitch, but

status means nothing in this tournament. Craig Chalmers' teen

took the spoils last season, the first time in 11 years that the Cup

has stayed at home. But hoping take -- hoping to take it away down

south is a young team from Saracens, coached by Kelly Brown. There is

certainly all to play for. And what they will be playing for his this.

-- what they will be playing for is this. It is one of the highlights

of the sporting and social calendars in the Borders. It got

under way this morning with the help of a pipe band. Fierce

competition on the pitch and off it to see who could come out with the

strangest uniform. Hopefully there will be no red cards on the pitch,

and none in the studio, for what is going to be a wonderful be of rugby

sevens. Alongside me we have Graham It is one of the best days in the

rugby calendar for the players, and also for the crowd. We have seen

the pictures already. There is fancy dress. People come from all

over the country to enjoy the day. We have got good weather again at

this year. It is a bit colder than last year. But it is said to be a

fantastic afternoon. Melt Rosa one last year. The first time of the

one at home it for 11 the years. -- have Melrose. He it will be a tough

challenge to win again this year. But they have got a very strong

squad, good players. I think it is a great day for Malraux's. --

Melrose. Here is what has happened Some interesting ties coming up

this afternoon. In many ways, it can be a disadvantage. All other

side on the left have already had a game. This is where they early for

all these teams are to be playing Sevens. Dundee were late getting

down here. But they have had 40 minutes against Whitecraigs. That

could be a tough game for Melrose. Daddy could be looking for revenge.

Are you going to let him away with that? Yes, the first tie is always

a tough one. The players know it will be a challenging time. They

get to the wind blown out of them in terms of getting their bodies

moving. It is always difficult for Melrose. Retaining the trophy is

their goal today. Dundee were looking good in the first round.

They have got some decent players and will threaten Melrose. But

having played against Gala last week, although they did not play as

well as they could have done, they will be up for it. Coming up live

is Watsonians against Selkirk. Let This one could be fairly

interesting? Watsonians have a great heritage here in Melrose. But

so do Selkirk. Melrose were a bit rusty early on, but they have that

game under the belt. But Selkirk have some good young players.

Selkirk, from close to hear, a borders side. They will be keen to

stay in as long as possible. Yes, I think they are quite happy with

their selection today. I think that they have got a strong side and

they are here to compete and are keen to do so. They have got a good

history in that Sevens. They are competitive in every tournament.

This is a great opportunity for them. The Kings of the Sevens is

that where all the Border's sides have tournaments. Today, it is

Melrose. In this part of the country, it is huge. For Glasgow

and Edinburgh and Dundee, it does not really come into their thoughts.

But down here, it is very important. How tufty you have to -- how it

strong do you have to be to play Sevens? It is a different kind of

fitness. A very different kind of demand on your body. You are

playing on a full-size pitch, used to have contact, -- you still have

contact. It challenges the players in a completely different way. It

highlights any deficiencies you have as a rugby player. It is a

wonderful challenge for any individual. I often wonder why

players want to do it, to be honest, because it is so demanding. But any

player would do it again. Let's go to the live action, Watsonians

against Selkirk. In the commentary box is Bill Johnstone and Doddie

Selkirk are in the navy blue strip, It is all catalyse. -- cat and

mouse. Watsonians beat Hamilton to get to this stage. Selkirk had a

And the waiters of calm in the middle, but it sometimes gets quite

frantic. He has been around a lot. He allows the game to flow. A bit

of pressure from the Selkirk side there. Lovely passing. Here is

Tuala again. Selkirk under pressure, but just playing cannily. Ross Alex

When a man goes down, the others have to protect him. Michael care

on the wing. -- Ker. I have played on the wing and in the middle. That

That was a knock-on by Selkirk. Watsonians get a foot in to the

Tom Hart to try to burst through. But he is not going to get away

from this tenacious Selkirk You can see teleworking in the

background. -- Tuala working in the background. Madame is bursting away.

He is going to get the try for Watsonians. -- Niven. That put them

ahead. Yes, you have to be brave when you are wearing pink head gear.

He got the ball away. We haven't seen this in some of the games. If

you do not have gas, you struggle The conversion that sales over.

Sterling lost to Jedforest in the first round. Here are Selkirk it

getting possession. Fraser has played for Scotland, look at home.

He is almost away. A lovely pass in That was Great by Watsonians coming

back. Selkirk had all the pressure therefore stop --. The Selkirk

This fellow and a white shirt at the pithead gear is right in there.

Mark Delaney won the race to that touchdown. He puts Watsonians

further ahead. That was a Jack Ferguson. They met to the playmaker.

A little chip ahead, ever so delicate. There was not a lot on

there. You have to take the man down. He did exceedingly well. It

is all about playing together, and that is where Watsonians, with a

game already under their belt, it is making a bit of a difference at

the moment. Just nearing the end of the first half. It was a lovely

chip Throop that did the damage. was. You can see him looking up to

see what the others are doing. Fighting back card. Look at the

wrestling that they have to do. There is a lot of close contact

One sort he is beginning to get a That gives you a chance to see the

crowd which is beginning to grow in numbers at the Greenyards. We

normally get around 12,000. They bring their picnics and they are

all well wrapped up today apart from the youngsters, who do not

seem to feel the cold. There have been a good amount of people here.

It is cold, but it is still very dry. Pressure on this man, Kelly

Brown. Good to see him back at Melrose. Missing the Six Nations

with that like injury which he sustained, speaking to BBC reporter

from the borders. He will be coaching Saracens to a run in the

last tie of this round. There is the animation of the coach. He is

in the middle of the Selkirk group of players. We will see the same

when we looked at Watsonians. They look very stern. I do not think he

needs to say very much. They are doing well, they are winning the

ball. They are doing OK at the moment. But there needs to be some

big words from the coach of Selkirk. They need to up the tempo. They

only get one minute for half-time. Then they have to get ready for

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Niall Godsmark goes on his own and that is a super dry. That gets

Selkirk back into the act. -- that is a super try. I do not know what

the Watsonians defender was doing. That has not gone over. You can see

There is Craig Chalmers. He is He has no time. He held onto the

ball for a fraction too long. was not one of his best moves. I

think we have time discussion has inspired Selkirk. -- the halftime

REFEREE: Do not tell me what to do. Sevens is hard work under any

That is a great run. I think this is Ross Nixon. He will go under the

posts for a great Selkirk try. That really does narrow the gap. The

conversion is to come. There are only two points between the sides.

That was fantastic. He came in on the angle. He was not able to be

picked up by the Watsonians The conversion is over, so it is

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REFEREE: Play on. Watsonians was unlucky. They did two tackles in

this play. You have got to make the WHISTLE REFEREE: Held up.

Turnover. It will be Selkirk's ball. We are

They are chasing the game and trying to get the little edge that

will put them ahead. We're heading towards full time, 20 seconds to go.

A winner for Watsonians. That will select for Watsonians.

WHISTLE That was hard work. Look at in getting away from the

Look at in getting away from the tackle. There we are, that is the

winner for Watsonians. They go through.

A congratulations to Watsonians. Could this be their year?

They did pick up the cup in 1996, and their captain at the time was

He feeds it to Scott Hastings. Magnificat support work. -- and a

Scott Hastings is supremely fit. It is hard work. It was fantastic, a

credit to every one of them. They fought every Insh for that victory.

I have dreamt of this since I was a little boy. I am over the moon.

looks exactly the same now. Scott Hastings in 2012 looking younger

than he did in 1996 in our commentary box. It was a happy day

for me. It is great to be back. It for me. It is great to be back. It

is great to be back commentating with the BBC. The Greenyards is

looking superb. The next tie is Melrose against Dundee. Dundee had

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a good victory in the preliminary That is the opening score. It has

been Dundee from the off. Dundee have controlled the possession.

Melrose have not touched the ball yet. That is the difference at the

level that these men are playing at. As soon as you have possession, you

must retain the ball. It was a great score and good movement.

Dundee have got to kick the ball after this conversion. Unsuccessful

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Thomson with the knock-on. Craig Chalmers demand so much from his

players. No Melrose were looking comfortable. They had won

Dundee put in Melrose under The long sprint all the way home

for Dodds. That is a story of possession once again. Difficult to

Normally a winger in the 15s game. The conversion was successful.

Melrose back in the lead. Low need to panic. There is a big crowd here,

Fleming could not get on to the ball. That was a great break. He

was strong enough to get on the outside. Just that little bit of

composure to the passing. It is tough out there. Little things like

Dalziel on the inside. A bit of a high tackle there. Back to Dodds.

That is a good angle. Out to face a Thomson. -- Frazer Thompson.

Excellent Bangor. Overhead pass it Andrew stretches of the lead.

did not rely on the line break it being a finished off. They got in

behind the supporting player. Alter that the, through that was the

reason that he scored. -- because of that was the reason that he

scored. That is a difficult line to defend. It is so late. The Dudley

defenders are struggling to pick them up. -- Dundee defenders.

support was outstanding. Melrose again successful with their second

The support from Dundee was superb. Andy Maclean him for the try.

was good play. It is difficult to keep the cover coming across. The

defence are all was under pressure. Great awareness. An important a try

at this stage of the game. Way per with the kick from out wide. --

Wyper. Melrose in the league. -- Craig Chalmers. Great celebrations

are amongst Melrose. They won last year, so a lot of pressure on the

home that team to be Team of the Ladies' Cup. Absolutely. -- home

I captained the team against Stellenbosch University. Such a

wonderful international flavour. Last year, he was a proud and

popular captain. It was a big day for the whole town of Melrose.

Fraser Thomson it scores the third try. That makes it a really tough

game up for it Dundee. He took the angle well. That move is often done

so well on the practice ground, but in competition, that is where it

Melrose are back in the game and Melrose starting to pull clear.

That is a big score. I think that concludes at this time. They looked

composed and have won the ball well. You will have to be a good team to

beat Melrose on this performance. That is reminiscent of last year.

To win possession at source is huge. When you get a possession back, it

shows how easy it is to attack at times. He took the opportunity well.

Plenty of height. This is picked up by Dundee. Lavery. Fleming will

want to make his mark. Can he find a bit of space and release the

Good cover defence from Melrose. Dundee are struggling to find ways

through their Melrose defence. They are working hard for one another.

That is hard work to break down defences like that. Melrose are

Melrose showing all the skills. They must be one of the favourite

teams here. Yes, they are looking very dangerous. All of a sudden,

there is space in behind. Great support play as well. You can see

how close the crowd are here to the playing arena. That is what makes

it such a super atmosphere. Lovely back comes into the tackle. --

A superb cover tackling from Melrose. They are defending their

line up stoutly. That was a loose pass. Sometimes when the pass is

forced, the mistakes come. Yes, it is late in the day. They guys are

working hard. Obviously, the knock Fleming had tried to find the space.

But it Melrose have defended very well. Melrose are doing the right

thing. Just giving themto operate Melrose have controlled the game.

They have not made it easy for Dundee to score at all. I know that

a Dundee have had a one time under their belt, but it is a long after

them. Right will attempt of the The final whistle blows. A

convincing Melrose victory. Melrose are now through to the quarter

finals. An excellent result there for Melrose. They will go on to

play Watsonians. Let's go to Andy That was a good start, how was the

performance? It is always hard playing against a team who already

have a time under their belt -- a game under their belt. But

hopefully, we can go on to do well for the rest of the day. Is it your

team as strong this year? We have lost a few players, but we still

have a strong team. The guys that have come eight are really strong.

The next tie is at London Scottish against Stewarts Melville. London

Scottish, such a great pedigree in his seven aside about a bit. It has

been the 22 years since they lifted There RFU names familiar in

Scottish rugby playing here. -- Angus Marton, the former

Boroughmuir captain, now playing McDonald, getting the first try for

London Scottish. We often talk Stewart's Melville falling off a

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couple of tackles, and all of a -- they are in. Stewart's Melville

have got themselves right back into the tie. Yes, I great response.

They used the full width of the pitch. It was finished well. They

add the two points. Three minutes on the clock and the scorers are 77.

-- the score is 7-7. He took a great angles year. Yes, it was a

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London Scottish are pressing and putting pressure on Stewart's

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The support is good for London Scottish. Brian Aim for the try.

That was a good try. -- Brown in for. London Scottish finished off

that well. It is a telling try, because Stewart's Melville had to

work hard to keep possession but they did not do anything with it.

There is one minute left on the clock. That is their second

converted try of the day. It was a good break. Yes, the player did

well. He is comfortable with the ball. He is composed. He manages to

manipulate the defenders. That is an important try at this stage of

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WHISTLE London Scottish have the lead with two converted tries.

It is 14-7. The action is coming thick and fast that the Greenyards.

It is a beautiful setting with the Eildon Hills in the background.

is a great day. You can look around and the surroundings were beautiful

and the weather has been kind. There was no this morning which was

a bit of a worry, but it has cleared up. Victories for Jed

Forest and Watsonians. This tie is very much in the balance. We have

Aberdeen again Singapore to come. - - against. Saracens will be led by

Kelly Brown. He yes, it is nice to see Kelly Brown back at the

Greenyards. Saracens will be an unknown quantity. I expect they

will be very good. Anyone who wears the name Saracens will be good.

you're watching this at home, you will be enjoying putting your feet

up. Get yourself a cup of tea and settled down for the afternoon. --

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Craig Jackson are showing good pace. He will extend the lead for London

Scottish. Right between the posts, making the conversion easier.

was another took the Stewart's Melville try in the first half. --

that was similar. The defence were focused on the contact and it is a

comfortable run-in. When you look down the London Scottish outfit,

there is real experience in terms of rugby sevens. They look like a

very settled side. A absolutely. London Scottish have a real history

in sevens. They have won the Middlesex Sevens for a number of

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years. There is the professional APPLAUSE That is one of the best

tries I have seen at the Greenyards this afternoon.

Well done Stewart's Melville. was well worked. They moved London

Scottish around and there was a nice little pass at the end for the

try. It was a very aggressive run. He made London Scottish make the

tackle and of a sudden they can move the ball away for a space

somewhere else. It was a lovely support angle. The player converted

his own drive. London Scottish 21, WHISTLE Good competition in the

breakdown. It was a good decision. Stewart's

Melville will know that they need possessions so they are putting in

more effort. Well done. Reilly has, of the bench for London Scottish. -

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REFEREE: Advantage. The advantages still being played.

But now Stewart's Melville has the put-in. This is in a great position.

The field is open. This is a great opportunity for Stewart's Melville

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Can he get near the posts? The conversion could come, but

Stewart's Melville have done so well to get themselves back into

this game. They are now trailing by two points. They worked hard with

possession, I thought they lost it when they threw the ball away. This

is a very important kick, it will take the tie to overtime. Trotter,

he was a try scorer, he is a hero for Stewart's Melville, but it is

London Scottish that win the tie. 21-19. London Scottish will go to

the quarter-final. They will play the next winners between Aberdeen

and Singapore. Let's go down to the touchline. I have got David Dunbar

here from London Scottish. You must be happy with that performance.

be happy with that performance. I'm pleased. It is 22 years since

we were last playing here. I am proud that boys are wearing the

logo, and the best game of the day. How important is it to get through

the first game? The we have had a long morning, we have had to watch

the first round games, so the first one was important and hopefully we

will build on that result. The best There is the first sight of one of

the visiting teams from overseas, and that is Singapore. Very much in

development with a view to the Asian Games in 2015. Here it is the

first kick of the game. We will have to see how these young

Singapore men do with the physicality of Aberdeen. They are

A very good break by Anderson. Here is the open-air for Aberdeen.

Singapore suddenly find themselves five points down. They was a real

difference in physicality. A great offload by Aberdeen, they showed

power and great scoring. There is a real difference in size, and I feel

even a minute gone, I feel for Singapore because they look the

Look at this try, total physicality. Singapore were trying to make the

tackles but they were falling off them. They don't want to be

Aberdeen, you just feel they have all the time in the world. They are

still in possession, Singapore hanging off them a little bit too

much perhaps. Douglas all the way to the touchline, traced by

Singapore, short of possession. That was all about pace, not

physicality, it was about getting the extra man. They brought the

defence in, then it was a race. Very impressive so far. It has been

a good season for Aberdeen, they have secured their status, and they

are doing well. They are obviously enjoying the day here so far.

see what he does with this one. His first attempt was well off target.

That is better, still to the left I have not seen any one here today

like that, visitor Mo he can? -- is Another Scot for Aberdeen. Another

one of these big men. The is all about possession, and Singapore

have not had any of it. When you can offload like that, it is an

easy game. Singapore kicked off and they have not have the ball back.

On the bench they are obviously very disappointed, but they have

not had possession. That his three tries in the first three minutes of

this tie. The conversion attempt was just wide, but look at the

Finally some possession for the young singer Paul men. -- Singapore

A penalty for Singapore for not releasing their tackle. A lovely

offload, but a very hard tackle again on Singapore. Knocked forward,

again, the skills breaking down under the physical pressure.

Aberdeen have are exerting a lot of pressure. There is good line speed,

physicality, good tackles. Singapore just look like they want

more time on the ball, and at this level you just don't get that time.

You do not want to be embroiled in Another chance here for Aberdeen.

The tackle just too powerful. That is another excellent try from

Aberdeen. Look at this physicality here. That is a clash of heads, it

looks bad, but he gets it away. Douglas offload sit back. Two poor

That is four on converted tries. -- unconverted. Look at that backdrop,

what a place to play rugby. They got it right, didn't they? Aberdeen

in possession, here they come again. This is Greg Ryan, in the extended

Scotland squad. He is just too powerful again. The Singapore men

are a bit too young and too light. It is a learning experience for

them, but that was another very good score. It is just a race, as

we say. He should have been tackled there. He came across but unseen

committed to the tackle. Senna Paul will be disappointed with how they

have done in the first half, but Aberdeen will be very happy. They

have been very efficient. Let's see what he does with this, he has

missed, he is at least consistent. Mario Balotelli, he is the only

person I know who has a haircut like that. Goodness me, what are

these? Super Mario Brothers. That is not fancy dress, that is

Aberdeen. Here they are at the centre of the field, just taking on

water. It is very important to keep hydrated in these conditions.

Firstly for the players, then some for us. Hit a great day for playing

rugby. It is probably 15 degrees cooler than it was last year,

probably too hot last year. There are some jackets still on.

singer Paul code giving words of wisdom to the squad. There are some

ominous clouds over The Greenyards. We have been very lucky, there has

only been one shower of rain today. He looks like you should be at the

entry for the Grand National. I think I would back someone like

that this afternoon. So here we are, just look at the sunshine beating

down on The Greenyards. Aberdeen will be very happy with the

scoreline of course, five tries to none. Singapore would just like to

get their hands on the ball, and get a try, show the work they have

put in this week. There has been a They have got somebody movement. No

real bulk. Half a tackle goes in, they feel the weight of it.

crowd are desperate for Singapore They have got much longer names of

course, some of Indian descent, some of these players are of

Chinese extraction, but the use nicknames as there descriptive

names. We are happy about that! Immensely happy! This is good play.

They kept the ball for some phases but they were not engaging Aberdeen.

They have to take it up to engage Aberdeen. They have got the extra

man, they are just not utilising him. He has tried another tactic,

Away go Aberdeen, Anderson, they will not catch him. The flying

technical teacher from Aberdeen. Yes, you have got to flip it. You

can't think about what you have got to do. It was the number for 4

Singapore. You can see it was taken by Brian. They look for too much

time on the ball, too much pressure from Aberdeen, and it was a race

for Anderson, and a good finish. Aberdeen look good, but we have to

put it in context about who they are playing. I'm not sure Singapore

are the best side that have ever come here, but it is an experience

for them. This will be part of the Olympic structure, it is an Olympic

sport, so now governments are pouring money into Melrose Sevens.

This is part of the development for Asia it in their hope to be in the

Olympics. You can see the quality, the final between Fiji and New

There are little flashes of movement, and guys who can see a

gap and go through it. Given time, some of these young men from

Singapore will be very good players. They are only 18, 19, 20. Look at

him, weaving one way, going the other. I would guess it is the

first conversion because it is right next to the post. They have

had six tries, no conversion. The tackle coming in at a wee bit late

I would say. The referee missed that, but when it came to Greg Ryan

inside, outside. Brian did his best. That is seven tries and one

Aberdeen are comfortable through. Yes, but conversions in sevens

Aberdeen will meet London Scottish No disrespect to Aberdeen, but it

would be very nice if Singapore could score. Yes, and the crowd at

the Greenyards would love it. The people here all was like the

WHISTLE That is trying No. 8. Aberdeen are winning this at a

canter against these young visitors. You can see the handling problems.

But they are trying everything in their locker, but there is a

massive difference in quality and size, experience. But they will

have enjoyed the experience. They know the history and the heritage

of the Melrose Sevens, and I am sure that they will have enjoyed

the experience. That conversion is Douglas has scored. He touches down

just behind the post. They will get the conversion. He is going to take

it himself. WHISTLE Aberdeen win by 49 points.

Singapore are out. Aberdeen go through to the quarter-final.

Throughout the whole of the Melrose Sevens, we will look across all the

action to see if we can take some cries of the day. We have some

contenders. We have almost finished the second round. This is the way

the second round. This is the way it looks at this stage. This is the

play. This one is currently in the league. -- in the lead. We will up

day that throughout the day. -- we Kelso are on the left. They are

playing Edinburgh Accies. This is the first time we have seen them

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The referee is Rob Dickson. There That was a great tackle. Very good

WHISTLE Knock-on. Come here, number seven. I think we

are seeing a yellow card for a tackle. The Kelso player has been

sent off for two minutes. We're going to get a chance to see it.

Two evenly matched sides. If the last game was a mismatch, this one

will be great. There are two evenly That is a great piece of running.

That is Callum Reid. Edinburgh Accies taken early lead. That is

despite all the pressure from Kelso. When they have got the extra

numbers, because of the sin-binning, all they had to do was keep their

composure. The winner has got the pace. No. 7. He picks it down under

the posts. When you have got the extra man, it is all about keeping

possession, because inevitably you will have space. You have just got

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The ball is going to go dead, so they will have to, all the way back.

It will be a scrummage, and it will be Edinburgh Accies who will have

the put-in. Taking can be very effective, but it has got to be

Kelso are playing some good rugby sevens, but they're not able to

This is a chance for Edinburgh Accies. It is Andrew Findlater.

That is the second try for Edinburgh Accies. Kelso will be

shell-shocked. They have had some possession, but they have not been

able to puncture the Edinburgh defence. That was a very physical.

It was all about the pace from Andrew Findlater. There is the

conversion. Edinburgh lead by 14-0. And there is the try-scorer, Andrew

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Findlater. He is a big, tall lad REFEREE: That is offside, the back

This will be another try for Edinburgh Accies. Kelso are being

outflanked, despite some hard- tackling. That was all about the

defence, because Kelso had a lot of possession, but Edinburgh Accies

showed a good physical presence. I thought at Kelso should have kicked

The WHISTLE It is have time in this tie.

We have reached the point in the competition where they have scored

88 tries. Last year it was 146. Lots more to come. We can go down

to the touchline. Thank you very much. It is a big

crowd, and the great weather. This gentleman has been here since 1987.

He has also been involved at Melrose as well. He has been the

club doctor. What are your thoughts on today? It has been a good

tournament. I am very disappointed with the guest teams, especially

Singapore, but it is very difficult for them to come to a tournament

like this for the first time, and actually progress. They were not

very big, and they were just run through. The crowd would have loved

them to score, but they did not do that. That is right. The Melrose

Sevens always get behind it the losing teams. They always want to

see one try from them. Thank you It is going to be a wonderful try

under the posts. Could this be the start of a Kelso fight back? A lot

of people will be hoping that it is. have played good rugby, the

turnover ball has been exploited, that is all. 21-five is no scorer

in rugby sevens. You can easily get that back. -- no score. You heard

He will have to go forward. They need someone inside him. It has

gone that way, this is the second Kelso try and that might be another

part of their revival. I have said it, it takes no time to get back.

You need to get tries under the post or close to them. That is what

they have done. He puts it back inside to him, and there is the

conversion sailing between the posts. Kelso had won at Melrose

three times in their history, the last time was back in 1989 - sorry,

Edinburgh are all action and vigour. They had it, they lost it, they won

Here they go, a lovely chance. The pass didn't go to hound. See the

scrap for possession. You throw yourself, you put your body on my

mind, -- on the line. It is a bit Very physical, you need every skill

in sevens. There is a little chip because he knew the support was out

wide. It was good defence, he just couldn't get the ball to hand. That

would have been a tie. They had the Read just a bit annoyed that his

hands didn't hold up under the pressure. The pass was too far for

him. If Kelso had scored, they would have tied. They need a seven

pointer to take this into extra- Almost knocked over himself!

this good work messed up by getting in the way. He has a wee smile on

There is a long run here for Minto. He has touched it down just outside

the line of the left-hand upright. The Kelso crowd are delighted, here

it is the Traille again. It was a foot race here. That was it got

busting run. This has made the conversion much harder than it

might have been. He has missed it, pulled it to the right. There is

the final whistle, so that missed conversion really deny aid Kelso

the chance to go into extra time, but you have to hand it to

Edinburgh. As the players shake hands, and some rejoice, and some

rue the fact they have been put out, we can see the scoreline, which was

Really unfortunate for Kelso. Edinburgh are through to the

quarter-finals. Now let's have a look at some of the happenings of

the Melrose Sevens. Everybody here dressing up, having a great time,

enjoying themselves. You can see it here this afternoon at The

Greenyards, everyone having a brilliant time and watching

sensational rugby. This is the last match in the second round. Scott

Hastings and Andy Nicol in the commentary box.

We will just see if Saracens come into this with the pace and

strength we expect from a professional side, although Heriots

beat the finalists last week. They have quite a few ties under their

belt coming into this tournament, whereas Saracens, this is their

They had a 15 minute walk through after training on Friday, and that

is all the preparation they have Heriots retaining good possession.

A very good defensive effort, you The Heriots working the ball to the

Heriots are having to work so hard. They are, and there is a try for

Saracens. The pressure eventually told, the mistake came, and this is

a former England Under 18 player. It came from the pressure that

Saracens put on the Heriots team. Up until then they were under

pressure, but all they needed to do was to keep it for another phase

and they might have got away. Good pressure from Saracens, and they

get there first score. They are playing a lot of rugby here. It was

an offload but never really went to hand. These guys are professional,

they will certainly be well The Saracens playing right to left

on your picture. The try-scorer takes the ball to the heart of the

defence. On this occasion, the referee saying that Saracens came

Saracens' defence is very, very good. Heriots are having to work

very hard to retain possession. Has he got the pace to go outside? Joe

Maddock, a former Bath player. Heriots have sucked all their

players into this quarter of the field. Over to Andrew Scott, and a

wonderful return pass. Heriots a' superb counter-attack, straight

into the Saracens' defence. Yes, they kept possession, which was

good. This was taken on by Andrew Scott. You thought he had been

gassed, but Joan Ruddock made great attempt. -- had the gas, but Joe

Maddock made a great attempt. match has been squared 7-7, a

converted try for each of them. conversions are so important in

The restart comes from Graham Wilson. Heriots have got the

possession. You can see how hard they are working to retain the

The there is no doubt that the Saracens will pressure the defence.

These guys are more conditioned to The gap opened for Duncan Taylor.

He has a gentle stride but it was so easy all-the-way out from the

line. Saracens extend their lead, and again the import and one, in

under the posts, and the conversion That just seemed easy for Saracens,

they didn't have to do too much. A few phrases, and then they got the

run in from their own half. This was the simple gap they opened up.

There is no step, no nothing really, it is just a foot race and the

Saracens had too much pace. That is Not releasing in the tackle, the

A quarter-final appearance beckons for one of these teams. They will

play the winner of the previous tie, which was Edinburgh. They beat

Heriots giving as good as they get. They really are doing there club

proud. It has been a good first half. There is class in the

Saracens team, but there is a lot For the two converted try see

Saracens in the lead. They are winning by 14-7. -- the two

converted tries. Saracens have got an act to follow, because the other

English Premiership sides that have come up here have been victorious.

Newcastle, Sale, and Leicester. They have got history to follow.

You can see the Heriots coach, a former Scotland international. He

is well recognised in the borders. He has also been a coach of Selkirk.

He must have played against him at rugby Sevens? Yes, he was a bit

slow! I used to enjoy playing against him. Look how close they

cried are to the pitch. There is such that this fear that the

Greenyards. -- there is such atmosphere. And no trouble. We have

seen some good games so far. I think that Saracens are one of the

WHISTLE That seemed harsh. I think he was just competing for

the ball. But the referee is right. WHISTLE On this occasion, Heriots

held up Saracens in the contact they and they have possession.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

REFEREE: Release, release! That is The referee is saying that Saracens

came straight through the middle to pinch possession of the ball. Nils

Mordt gets the try. I have been really impressed by Saracens. That

was not part of the rock. He can pick it up and go for the try. --

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

ruck. The conversion was missed. REFEREE: Advantage. WHISTLE

According to the referee, the ball was lost for doing the contact.

Fair play to Heriots, they have put in a good effort. Heriots with an

injury. I played here for Heriots a long time ago. I had one season

here and I played in the Melrose Sevens for them. We were knocked

out in the first round by London Scottish. Heriots has defended

really well. He probably had his head on the wrong side. But that is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

WHISTLE REFEREE: Release, and relied number two.

That looked like a good try from this angle. It's was a good score

from Heriots. I thought he was going to get covered, but he just

got there and no more. Ben Ransom could not get there. I thought it

was the wrong sort of guy. He almost went into touch, but he got

it down and it was a good score. Heriots are still within a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

converted bottle of Saracens. -- a WHISTLE The support is there.

Heriots back on the try scoring sheet. There is 30 seconds on the

clock, so a conversion still to come. That was a great score, but

look where it is, and they have this to equalise and take it to

extra time. This will be the last WHISTLE I am afraid he did not do

Saracens have been pushed all the way, but Saracens are into the

quarterfinal. It was a great win for Saracens, by 19-17. Heriots can

be proud of the way they have push to the English all the way in this

wonderful game. -- pushed the English. That was a great effort

from both sides. I am very pleased to have Kelly Brown with me in

to have Kelly Brown with me in Melrose. How is your injury? It is

getting there. I do not have the crutches any more. I am training

hard and I should be back for the start of next season.

Do you enjoy watching the game? no. I would rather be out there

because I feel like I cannot really affect things. But it is good to be

a pure, and it is good to sneak through the first tie. Very best

wishes. Good luck for the rest of the tournament. A thank you. Kelly

Brown, currently injured. We have The first match will be Jed Forest

Glasgow Hawks are in the red and REFEREE: Release. WHISTLE That was

a good attack from Jed Forest but nothing came of it.

Yes. Jed Forest look like the angrier of the teams at the moment.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

Jed Forest had the more sprightly The WHISTLE The referee says that

the ball belongs to Jed Forest. It has bounced. Would you give

that? De I think that the try was good. I think that Glasgow Hawks

will feel that was a little bit unfair. But it is an opportunity

that Jed Forest have taken so well. He has been given the try. There is

a linesmen in behind the goal line. Has he been successful with the

conversion? No, it has bounced off That is a close one. In the time

that the referee is dealing with, That was knocked on by Jed Forest,

so it is a scrum for Glasgow Hawks. It is 5-0 and we have played about

three minutes of this first half. He is a big man, 6 ft 2, and he can

run like the wind. Have a look at this again. It was already a

young's room that held the defence so well. -- Gregor Young's run.

has got it, what a beauty from the touchline. I hope he has his video

recorder on at home for that. This was a very nice piece of running.

Indeed it was. He ran a great line, and it gave the space he needed. An

excellent conversion from wide. It That was Ross Miller going down,

and look at Jedforest trying to win They try to get the pass in at the

corner, then with a dummy. They got valuable yards close to the post

with the touchdown. I think Gregory's -- Young assumed he was

going to go wide. This is the controversial bit, then then

There is the conversion, and so the gap narrows to five points. If the

Glasgow Hawks can get possession here, or a sudden they will be back

in the game. Seven minutes have gone, they have got one minute to

get their breath back. There is being -- Dean Kelbrick. Some of the

people bringing out the water are big names in themselves. Here they

are, the Wild West, having their picnics. Did you ever do that as a

youngster? The know, I spent most of my time watching the rugby, but

also behind the stands getting autographs of the players. There is

Kevin Amis, the coach and a marvellous sevens exponent in his

own right, in his own time. One-on- one, he was unstoppable.

absolutely, he had a great step. He was a difficult man going for the

corner. You thought you had him, then you didn't. I think they have

edged it in the first half, Glasgow Hawks have been very competitive,

but Jedforest looks very hungry. They are not allowing Glasgow Hawks

to settle at all so what will be a very interesting second half.

That was a great piece of play by the Glasgow Hawks. All credit to

Jedforest, they worked hard in defence. Although they lost

possession through the scrummage, it was not the Traille straight

from the kick-off, which could have been costly for them. They are

trying to stop the opposition, and at the same time trying to keep

Almost through, Sean Murray. A high tackle, goodness. He has got the

try so that levels the scores at 12-12 with a conversion to come.

Great attacking position from the Glasgow Hawks. The defence were

scrambling across, and the attack came on the inside shoulder. Not

the biggest player in the park but whose wiry. Well done, well taken.

He has missed the conversion, would you believe it? Quick as a flash,

Gosman gets the touchdown. They have reached 100 tries in the

competition, and here they are or in their first quarter-final

against the Glasgow Hawks. The Chisholm has it, he has got to

retain the ball. Jedforest habit at the moment. Ross Miller gets away

from Gillespie. What a tackle. Who gets the possession because this is

crucial. Glasgow Hawks have saved the try. What a tackle that was.

Our absolutely, a great piece of play. The kick-off taking by

Jedforest. The breakdown has been fierce and in this game. Both teams

have had a real go at break down and they have competed hard which

makes it difficult to win The gap was almost there. Well

tackled by Chisholm. Straight through the middle goes Ross Miller.

What a scrap this is. Jedforest are desperate for the tackle. Even if

they get it, they have and 90 me to run. This is a very physical game

in both teams. The Glasgow Hawks coach on the touchline yelling

instructions to his players. looks like they are making a change

to freshen things up, perhaps an injury as well. Perhaps it is a

symptom of the game. It has been very physical and the guys are

Gillespie is wrapped up in an all- embracing tackle. What a great

Sevens tie this is. The Crown are engrossed in this one. There is an

the Island, he has been a long serving referee for the Scottish

For what his footwork, all over the Goodfellow almost got it, one of

the heavier scrum half's. The Jedforest coach looking very

serious on the bench. The last won This has been a tough one. They

don't look too eager to have a go The pass does not go to hound.

Brilliant running, but a terrible past. Look at the tackle, that was

Gillespie. It is a tough one. Jedforest have fought hard, and

Glasgow Hawks have that possession again. That looks a long way off

side. In to touch it goes. It will be the next score that takes the

tie. This is going to be tied. Almost going to hand, but not quite.

Goodfellow has a winner's medal for every seven as on the circuit

except Melrose and he wants one. He has played scrum-half for Jedforest,

Look at this, lovely sidestepping running from Gosman. His being

traced. He is there! What the score that was. Is that the one that gets

Jedforest route to the semi-final? 17-twirl, Jedforest ahead with the

conversion to come. They have played most of the second half deep

in their own territory so they have had to fight hard for possession,

but it was a great turnover and a When you look at this again, you

see the distance he had to run. Young, no slouch. He gets the

downward pressure, there we are. would have been easier if he dived

but he focused on the line, and well done for getting there. 17-12

the scoreline, Jedforest go through to the semi-final. There we are

You had to dig very deep for that one. Credit to the voice fairness,

they got there in the end. -- boys' fitness. It could have gone anyway

there. But the fitness got us through. Thank you very much.

Watsonians against Melrose in the next quarter final. An early start.

Tuala for Watsonians. Watsonians at beat Hamilton in the opening try

and do them a beat Selkirk. -- and Illegal side entry. Melrose

attacking. Manages to offload. WHISTLE BLOWS looks like it is

going to be a yellow card. This is going to be a fantastic

Watsonians their early pressure. This is Mark Rennie. A loud blast

of the whistle. A lot of penalties in this game has so far. That was

an easy one to see. A hand in the rock, that is not allowed. -- ruck.

A bit of time wasting. Dalziel. Dodds a goes around his man.

Thompson gives us aboard. Their opening try for Melrose. He has

been playing well. He has scored a lot of trials and you can see why.

-- tries. You need confidence to do that. Take your time. He had a lot

of work to do, but a bit of speed there to make it. It put Melrose in

the lead. Now the conversion. And he is successful. It was good play

between it Dodds and Thomson. Thompson had scored two tries in

The referee says a his timing were -- at the referee says his timing

He is the manner that makes this team that tech. He took a hit in

We the Watsonians tried to take the ball back down the blind side.

Through the hands of Ed Hunter now. The Renney all the way. He will

score his 4th try. He has been playing in France and scorers on

his return to Watsonians. He has been very impressive in all the

games he has played so far. Very strong, very determined. And he has

got a bit of speed as well. It keeps their game a very even at the

moment. Michael with the important two points. Watsonians are back in

the tie, seven apiece. Just over one minute left on the clock.

Watsonians have been warned about discipline and respect. Ed Hunter

got Hansen to the ball. It was The ball touched a spectator which

did not allow a quick ball to be And he misses the past. -- pass.

Scott McCormack, quite an Jack Ferguson with the throw in. A

knock-on advantage being played for Melrose. Can Melrose strike back?

That was intelligent player. Is it going to stay in played? Yes, it is.

A wonderful score. Right on half- time. Melrose get one back. Melrose

are playing well together here. He saw the space. He managed to hit it

off pat Poles to dictate the speed of it. -- off the post to take the

Craig Chalmers. He has already coached at Melrose two Championship

wins. -- watched it Melrose two The Watsonians have been playing

exceedingly well. Here we go. The quarter finals. Jedforest already

through. This one very much in the balance. The next one against

Aberdeen it will be a cracker of a dive. And then Edinburgh Accies

against Saracens, coached by Kelly Report you have joined us at home.

This is backed up by Tuala. He is He has been a bit quiet in this

game, but perhaps they will have Fraser Thomson has played so well

today. He has been outstanding. In the match against Dundee, he was

against James Fleming. He has been a standard player for me this

afternoon. He has. It is great when you have ability and speed. It

makes the game very easy when you can adapt to that. If you do not

have any speed, then it Sevens is a Tuala has been a real find for

Watsonians of this season. Andrew Jack Ferguson for Watsonians will

get that one. Who will support him? It is a very clever thing. Melrose

are chasing up pretty quick. kick ahead is for Renney, can he

If it Melrose can do a kick and chase, so can Watsonians. Great

Britain of play there. -- great He has let a one slide! -- I let it

He feels to knock over the conversion. This has been a

spirited performance by Watsonians. But another mistake. Yes, they seem

to have lost a little bit. The kicks have been vital. Some of

practising on the cooking is leading to be done. -- practice on

Alan Dodds has got a corner! That surely could be the winning score

for Melrose. But it was Alan Dodds who backed himself the minute he

got the ball. I think he puts a dummy on here. Pretence he is going

to pass it over his head. Watsonians stuttered a little bit

there. A superb try by Alan Dodds. Great height, but once again...

Watsonians needed to gain possession there. Two minutes left

These ties in the pass previously went down to a missed kick, and it

is the same here. That missed kick has taken the sting out of their

He knocks the ball, and that is a lack of concentration. A last-gasp

opportunity for the Watsonians. can see the annoyance on his face.

They do need two scores to get back The ball flicked into the hands of

Jack Ferguson. You can see the importance on the set piece. They

have a lot of size full study can see it is important to have some

four words in your team. -- He puts another chip in. We saw it

in the first half, and that is the tie for Melrose. They will go into

the semi-final to face Jedforest. You can see the crowd are happy and

delighted that the home side are doing well. A bid to kicking and

communication, kick, Cross, kick worked very well to give Melrose

that edge. A great tie sees Melrose into the semi-final, having

dispatched Watsonians, and some great rugby. I don't know if you

noticed, he did the kick at the end. I think touch side to Andy Nicol

now. You are defending your championship

You are defending your championship here, how do you think you are

playing? They put up a real fight today. We know the next game is

against Jed Forest so hopefully we can improve and get to the final

last year. We will look forward to that. If yes, the Crown really gets

behind it is well. I am sure there will be some fisticuffs, it will be

a physical game but hopefully we can play better than that in the

semi-finals. Good luck. You can see that lovely backdrop leading down

into The Greenyards. It started all these years ago. You can see London

Scottish in the middle of the field Here come Aberdeen Grammar School,

who have been very good in this competition so far, and they will

You can hear the referee shouting The knock-on. Just under a bit of

pressure. The phase of play breaking down. If there is going to

be a scrum here, it will be it Unfortunately it was just that a

London Scottish and got in there Good running by Anderson again, but

nobody with him. Scottish managed to get themselves into a good

interception, but suddenly and over rum. -- an over-run. It is Douglas

in the corner, so another score for Aberdeen in this third quarter

final. Look at the legs stride on Douglas. That was a great work try,

from Anderson started deep in his own half. Aberdeen just being

patient with the ball, working hard for each other. Well done. Let's

have a look at this - have we had That looked a very good kick, but

just why it. -- wide. Great for Dodds on the touchline of course,

Here come Aberdeen again, carrying McLaren always used to say, when he

was teaching the kids at the High School, the three things are

possession, position, and pace. That is another beautifully

constructed score, great start. Fantastic, well done. He is a real

playmaker, he is orchestrating movements for Aberdeen and

everything positive is happening off him. There is space being

created all over the place, it is a very positive start for Aberdeen.

London Scottish are finding it just a bit hard going at this moment in

It was a tippy toe effort, didn't get the height or the direction.

Look at the construction of this try. Floated past, then it's worth

knowing he had the pace to get Possession back to London Scottish,

this is the first time they have He has broken the tackle, he will

go in under the post. From a set play, it is a very difficult thing.

The number of times teams score from kicks at halfway. He have the

ability to stay on his feet and fight, then suddenly he was through

and on the other post. Craig Jackson, no problem, and so

Aberdeen Grammar School 10-7 in the lead. For the first half, Aberdeen

looked so comfortable, then suddenly it was a three point game.

How frustrated do you get with players who make an unforced error?

The kick-offs are a hugely important area. It is such an art

now, the ability to win possession is critical to the team performance.

Do you like the players to do the long drop out for the restart or a

shorter one? The longer one is fine to an extent because it is safe but

you are effectively handing possession to the opposition. The

difficult one is the short one Anderson with his socks down his

Great offloading play by Aberdeen. Winning the collision and keeping

the ball alive. They are attacking, going wide, and really pulling

London Scottish around the pitch. It will be another score for

Aberdeen, who are looking very good. It looks like their opposition have

run out of gas. Their ability to play the ball at the tackle, that

is where London Scottish are having difficulties. They can't manage to

get the game broken up by getting the player with the ball on to the

ground, and Aberdeen are applying . There is half-time. An extra two

points, now it is 17-7, Aberdeen looking very good. They look as if

they are in control but the second half will be very different. London

Scottish will have a chance to regroup, they will talk about what

they need to improve on, but definitely Aberdeen are the better

team at the moment. In fairness to London Scottish, they have been

disrupted by injuries. Two players have had to go off with injury. The

replacements may not have played together but they are strong

individual replacements. It is a lovely evening at The Greenyards,

and a lovely big crowd. It is up to 12,000. You can see the men taking

on water. I think there has been a real change in intensity ever since

the Saracens. The play generally has risen in standard, and it has

been a very demanding few games this last year. So, yet again, the

second half about to get under way. The sunshine is beating down on The

Greenyards. This is a glorious There is a sense of urgency now

among London Scottish. That could be a very bad error. That is a

penalty, and so let's have a look at that one again. Look at the

intensity of the tackle. There is the knock-on. Now then, Aberdeen

working up from the territory. That is a great piece of running. That

looked like Fraser Lyle hurt his ankle in the process. A lovely

piece of running, and Aberdeen have got this tie sewn up. It looks like

it at the moment. Ties can change very quickly. Anderson is looking

like he has injured his ankle, he doesn't look comfortable, which

Almost over the road into the back. -- he is a left-footed kicker.

Anderson took a knock on his ankle, but he is still on the pitch. He

They tried to work it into space. Aberdeen are working very hard in

defence. Martin to the right. Fedo On this side. Tried to find the

opening. Angus Martin just getting up. Penalised for going over.

think he was tried to be positive. The Aberdeen player came in and

pushed him to the ground. Infringement. The game lies in

their hands now. The Aberdeen player take some of his feet. It

could be an unfortunate call for them. -- takes him off his feet.

Agnes Martin going back to the bench. Away we go again. -- Angus.

So much for a sore ankle! Lovely See how they build it up. This is

great stuff. A knock-on ball. Aberdeen are doing very well. They

are playing some lovely rugby. Later changes of direction, great

support and running. The composure of a tackle to hold on to

possession. All of a sudden, they are back him behind the London

Scottish defence. -- back in. next is the last of the quarter

finals. Anderson tried to find space on the right wing. He cannot

Douglas is a very canny operator. He looks composed. He is

comfortable. He uses his physicality very well. Jackson with

a lovely shimmy there. Not quite into touch. Good coverage there.

Good covering by Aberdeen. Aberdeen are looking so comfortable at the

moment. It is a turnover in possession. Aberdeen can look slow

the game down. They are in control of the match. I have been very

impressed with Aberdeen in the second half. Aberdeen have not

allowed London Scottish to come at them. Aberdeen have never won at

Melrose. Last year, they went out in the first round to Glasgow Hawks.

They are exceeding all expectations today. I think they have done

really well. They have got some excellent players out there. The

some great performances so. It looks very positive for them at the

moment. The ball is free. Play on. This is going to be a score. In and

onto the post. That must put it beyond any doubt whatsoever. London

Scottish are playing hard and trying hard. All they wanted to do

was get the ball out of their half and put the pressure back. But they

have managed it to secured another score out of that. Very much game

Aberdeen are comfortable in the London Scottish one of the guest

sides. Hong Kong Scottish are out. Only Saracens remain of a high-

profile visitors. Chance here for Craig Jackson. There was a chance

for a try for Scottish. But Douglas has got another. That is full time.

What a score. Let's have a look at this again. London Scottish are

trying hard at forcing play from deep in their own half. A great

chaser. Well done Douglas. standing rugby. You must be

delighted? This is a great group of players, it is player lead. They

have worked it really hard in the last six weeks. They have great

attitude. Never won again here at Melrose, and now you are in the

semi-final. We are making history for the club. The players have

worked so hard, they are committed, they do not know when they are

The hailstones a started here at the Greenyards. Spring-like

conditions here. Final quarter final match of this Mel Rhones --

Melrose Sevens. Edinburgh Accies Saracens settling into the format

of the abbreviated game. Looking to step should that wide -- looking to

You can see the physicality. Yes, it was knocked on. Look at them all

diving into that. Still a physical Just a big cloud hanging over us

Accies have had all the pressure. The defensive alignment and

pressure that came from the Saracens was at the difference in

the previous tie. It is a very close game at the moment. These

teams have been playing exceptionally well in previous

games. It is all about defence. Making it difficult to score.

made heavy work of that. Saracens new it was a two on the one at the

Duncan was with the bed for blues. -- Bedford Blues. A sidestep. Every

yard is important. Bedford Blues, he is registered with them and at

Saracens. Available for both clubs. On this occasion, playing for

An offside decision taken again Saracens. -- against Saracens.

A good attack of for Saracens. It is a bit loose. Good a retention

Farndale Gets one back. He didn't get much help, but he did not need

it. He has got a bit of gas. His team-mates are happy with that.

Brings them right back into this game. He scored two tries against

Kelso. He is one to keep an eye on. The conversion is unsuccessful.

Saracens lead. Good use of the ball. Perfect, a good sidestep and change

That one was forward. He got away with that at the first time, but

not the second. That very much a looks forward. Let's see the second

one. A forward pass whatever That was a knock-on against

Saracens. He was the one who knocked the ball on. The whistle of

the referee closes proceedings on the first half. Saracens are

leading. A spirited effort by Accies pudding eight Saracens under

pressure. Very much. They are right into this game. Still very close.

Saracens have got more for fitness, but Edinburgh Accies have got the

Always a good crowd at the Greenyards. It is a super day out.

Spring-like conditions here in Melrose. What is good to see is

that both teams have played the same amount of games. Neither

should have the upper hand. Sometimes there is an advantage.

But this time, both have played the same amount. Both teams had very

close victories in previous ties. Edinburgh Accies over Kelso, and

That was a wonderful bit of individual skill from Ben Ransom.

He is in for a try. This was lovely rugby. Poetry in motion. There was

The additional two. Snatches Saracens into a lead, 14-5. --two

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

WHISTLE It is a run-in for Saracens. A simple run-in. Price with the try.

Edinburgh Accies turned the wrong way in the tackle, and that opened

up space on the wing. One of the easiest tries that Saracens will

score this afternoon. That is probably the game away from

Edinburgh Accies. The conversion is not success Threlfall Nils Mordt. -

- the conversion is not successful There are still four minutes to go.

They are only two tries down. The game is slipping away from at

Edinburgh Accies. It is tricky, because they know they have got to

stretch the game to try and break the Saracens defence, and sometimes

that results in little mistakes like we have just seen. Ian sheriff

Saracens are using the faces of possession. The substitute scores a

try and Saracens are making it look easy. They are more clinical, the

passes are going to hand. He is still using two hands, which is

lovely to see. He knew where the Nils Mordt. The former London Irish

player. He was unsuccessful with the conversion. It is the way that

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

Saracens have commanded the WHISTLE NEC try for Nils Mordt.

But Saracens extend their lead. -- an easy try. He takes the

conversion. The Saracens when the tide by 31-5. Saracens are into the

tide by 31-5. Saracens are into the semifinal against Aberdeen.

The final score is 31-5. Fine Kia. By great victory for

Saracens. We're down to the last four after 24 teams started this

morning. Who have impressed you so far today? Aberdeen have been

fantastic. It is not like they have been playing against sides who were

not good. The performance against London Scottish was brilliant. The

coach's interview was brilliant. The players are not for this.

Saracens have got the power, and you can see that the weather is

turning. That may have an effect. Melrose have got the big forwards,

so they have the physicality to cope when it is wet. What about Jed

Forest? To yes, they are a great rugby sevens club. They had to dig

really deep to beat Glasgow Hawks. I thought that hocks were going to

win it. -- Glasgow Hawks. It will be a good semifinal against Melrose.

I just think that Melrose have got too much class. He are the

semifinal line-up. You can see them live, on BBC Two Scotland, starting

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

Bruce Colvine shows him a clean pair of heels. There is the opener

for Melrose. Bruce Colvine touches down behind the posts. Jed Forest

looked like they had a very good start to the have with possession.

But Melrose are looking so composed. They were playing from 90 metres

down and they did not look like they were under any pressure. They

played it wide, and all of a sudden Jed Forest are looking at index.

They had a difficult game against Glasgow Hawks. Maybe it has taken

more out of them than it would appear. Craig Chalmers shows his

WHISTLE It is a penalty to Jed Forest.

Jed Forest were under pressure. It is just their ability to get on the

end of the past. They were WHISTLE Good Fellow was not able to

hold the ball. -- Goodfellow. We have had some

rain and the pictures quite greasy. That makes it harder for the

players. I am sure they will get That was a forward pass. They were

switching it to the wide channel and looking for Bruce Colvine. He

was coming in on a late run. This pass was just a fraction for words

otherwise it was a straight line A great score. Look at this lad. He

is tall, but very fast. This is his twin brother setting it up. That

change of direction, that makes it very tough for a defender. A great

a change of direction and a great finish. Both of them are up six

foot four. The conversion goes over. The bodies are sliding him now,

trying to win possession. Le Dalziel has got it. It fell on top

of him. Bodies flying all over the place. Advantage to Melrose.

ball is a bit as a pay at the moment, they cannot hold on to it.

Jed scrapping for possession. Here is Gillespie. A chance for Legal.

-- Nagle. A great a change of direction and Melrose are caught.

Good use of the short side by Jed. Well done. Here is Chisholm. It is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 76 seconds

Skene a judge that took -- There you go. This is a great

borders derby. Jed are leading. nervous start for Jed, but they

The accuracy of the kicking has been spot on. Chisholm's kicking

has been outstanding. Such an important part of the game of

Sevens, the kick-off. This is a Jed's first try. MacGregor, giving

That was a good score. The ability to move the Melrose defence, the

line break initially. It is a 20 metre pass and then you are in

Goodfellow gets the ball back. Here Gillespie fancies a we run himself

Gerrard in possession as Goodfellow work said to Chisholm. Melrose were

coming up. You can see the scoreline. There is only once or in.

Now the go wide. There is the ball back. He will have to go. A bit of

football played there. It went forward. They are up to all sorts

of tricks. It is seeing the opportunity and taking advantage of

it. The ball goes just behind and a Young that gets enough competition.

Good play by Jed, position is critical and they are doing well

Grego has got red in the books. That is the only way I can sort

The referee is an oasis of calm in the storm. Good pressure by Jed.

Difficult conditions today. Jed have recognised that. And he has

knocked it on. Chisholm did all the right things. He put to the pass

out. That was a missed opportunity. How costly could up one be? It was

a great opportunity. Melrose have to work their way out. Jed are

having tons of possession. Thinking back to their earlier ties, I

thought it Melrose and would have -- in this tie. Jed are putting a

Melrose cannot get out of this area. -- pinned. No mistake about that

decision. Thompson has got a long way to go, but he has got the legs

to go the distance. Now his Skene. It is a long way to run at this

point. The touchline is effectively an additional defender. Melrose

Wakely at the front of that line- And the sun comes out again.

Runciman comes on for Graham Dodds. Up goes Dalziel. Call the breaks

-- Colvine breaks away. Suddenly, out of the clouds and the sleet,

long shadows over the Greenyards now. People are well wrapped up.