The Philliphaugh side looked set to come back from their comprehensive final defeat at Hawick Sevens 24 hours earlier when they held a 22-7 lead going into the concluding stages at Scremerston.

Their lead was thanks in the main to Fraser Harkness, who completed his hat-trick in the second half to add to a Ross Nixon effort which looked to have put the game beyond Kelso.

But a Euan Ford try was quickly followed by a Richard Minto touchdown which he converted himself.

Kelso were still three points down with seconds remaining, but straight from their kick-off, they collected the ball and fed Ford, younger brother of Scotland hooker Ross, who raced through to score the trophy-winning try.

Selkirk had opened up with a 31-17 win over Peebles in the first round before easing past Haddington 30-5 in the quarter-finals.

Haddington had taken the lead and looked dangerous, but six unconverted tries, including a Scott Hendrie hat-trick, sealed a rematch with Hawick in the semi-finals.

Hawick were missing star player Rory Hutton and only five members of the squad who defeated Selkirk 31-7 in the Hawick Sevens final remained, but that does not deviate from a powerful and skilful display by Selkirk to win 33-0.

Harkness again played a pivotal role. He continually joined the Selkirk line from his sweeper position, adding speed and power to their attacks.

He scored one himself and helped his teammates to touchdown a further four tries, with Rory Aglen claiming a brace.

But the effort of playing eight games in two days finally took its toll as Selkirk fell marginally short against a youthful Kelso side which included two 17-year-olds.

At Hawick on Saturday, Selkirk edged past Watsonians 21-14, Stirling County 19-12 and Newcastle side KooGa Wailers 21-19 to earn the right to take on the hosts in the final.

But an Eddie Gauche try was the only shining light as the Souters collapsed to a 31-7 defeat.

Tomorrow, the sevens bandwagon rolls into Langholm before moving to Peebles on Sunday.

See previews and draws on pages 6 and 8.