Hastings speaks lovingly of an old flame

Scott Hastings enjoyed a moment to savour in the twilight of his illustrious rugby career when he helped his club, Watsonians, lift the oldest sevens title in the world - the Melrose Sevens - with a 42-26 victory over the South African guest side, Stellenbosch University.

It was Watsonians' first triumph in the tournament since 1945 and Hastings' actions spoke volumes. Reasonably well acquainted with success, he gave vent to his feelings with a speech which would have done justice to any Wimbledon or Open champion. "I've been coming here since I was a wee boy ... it was all there was left for me to achieve."

Tradition and loyalty recognised in these days of professionalism. How quaint. But with the champagne came a reminder of reality. "See you all next year - same time, same place" said an announcer, the voice of optimism. Sevens tournaments, even Melrose's, are likely to become an anachronism and their cherished Saturday slot on the calendar is under threat.

From now on no club will be able to afford to travel - for expenses only -to play in an event which raises serious cash for Melrose, who could in theory then use it to buy up the players of those guests.

Melrose's secretary Stuart Henderson admitted: "In future we may have to pay people to come and cut down the number of teams we invite. Teams would then come on performance on the basis that if you're paying teams to come then you'd want to be paying for quality."