Hawick coach Matty Douglas hailed the performance of his players after a second-half blitz at Mansfield Park saw off the challenge of Kelso and swept the reigning champions into the Premiership play-off final against Currie Chieftains

“I'm absolutely delighted,” Douglas said. “I'm proud of the performance. We soaked up a lot of pressure in the first half, but t massive credit to Kelso. They came out in the first half and really took it to us.

“We spoke at half time that we were one point up but hadn't really done anything. In the second half we wanted to give Kelso what they gave us in the first half. I thought we were clinical and the set-piece was outstanding.

“We just needed to win the game. It was a pressure situation and for the second season running we've come out on top and got to the final. I'm delighted.”

READ MORE: Hawick edge Borders derby to secure Premiership final spot

With such a narrow lead at the break it fell to the Hawick forwards to take control of the game and the Greens pack responded magnificently to the challenge.

“The big thing is we never let up in the second half. Our captain, Shawn Muir led from the front and the lads followed. You need a base to play from and we had that. The weather and the pitch weren't great, so getting on the front foot was so important.

“It never looked like Kelso would get out of their 22, so full credit to the boys for pinning them back.”

The only fly in Hawick's ointment is that they don't yet know when the final will take place. Douglas said: “It's frustrating - it could be in as much two months' time.

"You want to be playing your way into a final, playing the weeks before. But we are still excited to be in another one.”

Douglas also said that the occasion, a Borders derby in front of a packed crowd, could show the way forward for Scottish club rugby as the Super6 tier is being ditched.

He said: “The atmosphere here was tremendous. These are the games you want to be involved in. I hope they can find a solution that works for everyone and continues to promote the Premiership. We saw a great advert for Premiership club rugby today.

“This has to be the top tier for domestic rugby. The club game is screaming for support, for a bit of backing.

"Murrayfield will make the decision about where the Super Series sides fit in, but we had a great crowd here today.”