Gala were denied a pre-season sevens title for the second time on the trot yesterday, when Melrose came from behind to snatch an extra-time thriller in the CIS Insurance Selkirk Sevens.

The Maroons gained revenge for their defeat to West of Scotland at Kelso two weeks ago, beating the skilful Glasgow side in the quarter-finals. Gala also had to overcome a tough East Kilbride side and Kelso, in the semi-finals, before meeting arch rivals Melrose.

'Rose had beaten Peebles, hosts Selkirk and Hawick, in a pulsating semi-final, to set up their chance to win back the trophy secured in 1998. And the final lived up to all the billing - Gala taking a 12-5 lead into the break, and looking set to run away with it when speedy Mike Elliot raced towards the Melrose line. However, Scotland U21 winger Bruce Ruthven made a fantastic fingertip tackle just five metres from the line, in an effort which proved crucial.

Melrose levelled at 12-12 through their late recruit, Alan Gray of Hawick - who had replaced the injured Scott Ruthven in the final squad - but Ian Wilson seemed to have secured the trophy for Gala with a late try. But, in an exhilarating finish, Ali Dickson scored for Melrose and Ruthven slotted an incredible touchline conversion to tie the scores and send the final into extra-time. There, another Gray try burst Gala hopes. "The boys were dead on their feet in the final," admitted skipper Scott Ruthven. "Bruce's tackle and conversion were unbelievable, but it shows that we never give up.

"I hope this gives us confidence now as we go into the league season." There was some consolation for Gala, their terrier-like hooker Gareth Brown collected the Denzil Lloyd Player of the Tournament trophy. Gala assistant coach Alex Bryson revealed: "The players won a 15-a-side tournament at Aspatria yesterday, beating Hawick after extra-time in the final, and Gareth, for example, has now played nearly four hours rugby at full blast, so I'm just delighted they have reached another final."

Results
First round: Jed-Forest 19 West of Scotland 26, East Kilbride 12 Gala 15,
Kelso 31 Stewart's Melville 7, CIS Select 40 Hawick YM 7, Melrose 31 Peebles 12, Moseley 12 Selkirk 14, Kirkcaldy 19 Hawick 28, Langholm 5 Watsonians 52.
Second round: West of Scotland 14 Gala 31, Kelso 24 CIS Select 19 (after
extra-time), Melrose 24 Selkirk 17, Hawick 24 Watsonians 12.
Semi-finals: Gala 21 Kelso 12, Melrose 17 Hawick 14.
Final: Gala 19 Melrose 24.