Final: Newcastle Falcons 28 Heriots 17

Newcastle Falcons were crowned champions of the 2006 CALA Melrose Sevens when they defeated a battling Heriots side in the final.

Falcons put an end to Heriots challenge for an eighth Melrose Sevens title when they clinched the final with a fine solo try by Ollie Phillips.

Andrew Skeen kick started Falcons challenge for the Ladies Cup when he broke free from the halfway line to score with Mark Laycock converting.

Heriot’s though hit back through Apo Satala and James Thompson kicked a fine conversion from wide on the left to tie the scores.

Both sides were desperate to add to their tally and when a couple of interceptions from either side gave Cameron Johnson the opportunity to send Eni Gesndi clear, Gesndi failed to gather cleanly and knocked on to squander the chance.

Heriots regained their composure to edge in front for the first time in the tie when John Houston squeezed in at the left hand corner.

Falcon’s response though was swift. Mark Laycock racing away and Skeen converting to take a narrow 14-12 lead into the break.

Satala collected from the restart. Heriots passed the ball across field before switching it back for Satala to play Scott Newlands in at the corner.

Falcons captain Gesndi restored his team’s lead when he hurdled the challenge of Newlands to dive in beside the posts. Skeen converted.

Falcons went into an unbeatable lead when Heriots transgressed on the Falcons 40 metre line. Phillips took a quick tap penalty before taking on the Heriots defence. Phillips side-stepped past a couple of challenges before going clear to claim the score below the posts. Skeen again converted to begin the Newcastle celebrations.

Heriots Get the Ball	Falcons Tackle Heriots
Heriots Brought to the Ground	The Winners Celebrate

Date: 08/04/2006