At the end of season 2006/7, they had survived relegation into Premier Three by the skin of their teeth.

They looked about as far from being would-be champions as you would ever want to be.

But they had grit. And that was shown in the way they lifted the Kings of the Sevens trophy – a sure sign that things were on the way up.

If you have seven to 10 accomplished performers of the abbreviated game in your 1st XV, then it can only be a matter of time before it turns around.

As it turns out, they didn't have to wait long.

Their performances in Premier Two this season have been nothing short of phenomenal. They may have been pipped to the post by West of Scotland, but promotion was always the main target.

And on Saturday, to retain their Kings title, they absolutely had to win their first match against Boroughmuir, as their only rivals to the crown, Watsonians, were on cracking form and were probably favourites for the Jed-Forest title.

It wasn't easy, as the capital men pushed the Souters all the way, but tries from Fraser Harkness, Eddie Gauché, Gavin Craig and a brace from skipper Neil Darling, and a single David Cassidy conversion saw them through by 27-17.

The three points for getting into the second round were enough to take them beyond the reach of Watsonians.

Just as well, as Andrew Skeen and his men went on to beat Hawick in the final.

Captain Darling told us: "Words cannot describe how proud I am today. When I took on the captaincy at the start of the season I was a bit nervous, but the support we have had has been unbelievable and I thank everyone for that."

Selkirk were put out in the next round by Kelso, and the players were able to relax. For a couple of days, anyway.

For Monday night brought their Border League final showdown with Jed-Forest.

It was a title the Philiphaugh men had not won since 1953.

But it was one which was not going to be denied the men of 2008.

Jed opened the scoring with a third-minute Seb Trotter penalty.

Selkirk opened their account with a Ross Armstrong try after a magnificent Rory Aglen break.

Fraser Harkness was on fantastic form and his break set up Scott Tomlinson's cross-field kick, which was met by Armstrong, who went over for his second, Cassidy converting.

Trotter added another penalty for Jed-Forest, but Harkness responded with a great try after working well with Scott Hendrie.

All Jed could muster in reply was a second-half Trotter penalty, but they pounded the Selkirk line incessantly.

It was a bit frantic, but the last-minute tackles and desperate defending made for some spectacular rugby. And the Riverside men were kept out.

There was one bit of bad news on the night.