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In arguably the most thrilling climax in the history of rugby sevens’ oldest circuit, Melrose triumphed at Jed-Forest  on Saturday to claim the 2010 Kings of the Sevens

After 10 tournaments it all came down to a winner-takes-all final with Melrose requiring extra-time to beat Selkirk for the overall title.

Despite Melrose aiming for their fourth tournament victory in-a-row this year it was the Philiphaugh who raced into a two try lead, thanks to Ross Nixon.

But Melrose fought back with tries by Callum Anderson, Graham Dodds, and John Dalziel before Nixon completed a hat-trick to give Selkirk a 21-19 lead at the interval.

Scotland Sevens player Lee Jones then scored fine individual try, quickly followed by a touchdown from Scott Hendrie to put Selkirk ahead by 33-19 and seemingly heading for the title. Yet Craig Chalmer’s Greenyards side dug deep with another international John Dalziel cursing before James King tied things up with a dramatic score.

With the overall Series on a knife-edge, sudden death was forced and despite a brilliant tackle from Selkirk’s Fraser Harkness, Allan Dodds eventually crossed for a jubilant Melrose.

"We showed great character and commitment in all our ties and to come back and win four tournaments on the spin is remarkable and maybe is one for the record books," said coach Craig Chalmers speaking to the Scotsman.

It was a welcome win for Melrose and Chalmers, himself recently acquitted by the SRU from improper conduct, and the club’s losses in the Scottish Premier Cup and the Border League Final.

The Greenyards men had always looked winners, with comfortable wins over Edinburgh Accies and Peebles before thrashing hosts, Jed-Forest, in the semi-finals.

By contrast, Selkirk were made to work in their semi-final by Watsonians before winning 31-26 to book their place in the final and share a piece of Borders history.

Jed Sevens Results:

First round: Watsonians 24 Gala 10, Hawick 33 Haddington 0, Hamilton 40 Langholm 12, Selkirk 33 Stewart's-Melville 12, Berwick 12 Peebles 26, Melrose 34, Edinburgh Accies 14, Boroughmuir 5 Jed Forest 21, Kelso 21 Heriot's 10.

Second round: Watsonians 31 Hawick 19, Hamilton 12 Selkirk 33, Peebles 12 Melrose 33, Jed Forest 17 Kelso 15.

Semi-finals: Watsonians 26 Selkirk 31 , Melrose 45 Jed Forest 0.

Final: Selkirk 33 Melrose 38.

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2010 Kings of the Sevens:

1, Melrose 53 pts; 2, Selkirk 48; 3, Kelso 44; 4, Jed-Forest 44; 5, Hawick 29; 6, Watsonians 28.