Scotland 7s have finished fourth in the Wellington 7s and moved up the HSBC Sevens World Series rankings this weekend.The Scots matched their best performance in a World Series event, after reaching their fourth ever Cup semi-final. The last time they achieved this feat was at Scotstoun Stadium, in their home tournament last May.The Scots now sit seventh in the competition rankings.Head Coach Calum MacRae said: “I’m very proud of the character shown by our group of players this weekend.To finish fourth shows that they have improved again. “We scored some great tries and it’s pleasing that the tournament’s top try scorer was a Scot. Damien Hoyland continues to get better and sevens tries shows that.”On day two of the tournament Scotland recorded an excellent 19-15 win over USA in the quarter-finals before missing out on the final, after a last minute try that saw England beat them 24-19 in the semi-final.They ended the weekend with a 5-40 defeat to South Africa in the third-fourth place play-off.The Scots will now travel to Las Vegas for the fifth leg of the circuit, which will take place next weekend (Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February). They will play Australia, France and Brazil.MacRae continued: “We are starting to become a consistently competitive outfit.”France and Australia are two very good teams. France are starting to find some form and are always a dangerous side. Australia are very hard working and well organised.”Brazil are an unknown quantity, but we will respect and analyze all these teams accordingly. As normal we focus on the first game and then take things from there.”Scotland 7s put on an incredible performance of grit and determination against their Wellington 7s Cup quarter-final opponents in the early hours of the morning.With just two minutes left on the clock the Scots trailled 0-15 against USA. But tries from James Johnstone and a brace from James Fleming, bolstered by two conversions from Scott Wight, saw them seal the victory and progress to their fourth ever Cup semi-final.Against England, Scotland came out the blocks full of confidence and scored three tries within five minutes.Seventh in the rankingsFirst Damien Hoyland scored his seventh score of the weekend, before James Johnstone boasted impressive foot work to score a try of his own and set up team mate Scott Wight with a third try.Just before the break England’s Jeff Williams put England on the scoreboard, making it 19-5 at half-time.The second half was a different kettle of fish all together though and England won the contest on all fronts, stealing the victory in the last play of the game.First James Rodwell scored, then captain Tom Mitchell, before Charlie Hayter scored the winning try.The day ended with a heavy defeat to a very physical and experienced South Africa side. Despite, an early try from James Fleming that put the Scots in front, their opponents stepped up a gear and six tries ensued. Wellington 7s day twoScotland 19-15 USA (Cup quarter-final)Tries: James Johnstone and James Fleming (2)Conversions: Scott Wight (2)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, Mark Robertson, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Damien Hoyland and Scott Wight.Replacements: Nyle Godsmark, Chris Dean, Gavin Lowe (all 8 mins), Darren Gillespie (10 mins) and James Fleming (11 mins).Scotland 19-24 England (Cup semi-final)Tries: Damien Hoyland, James Johnstone and Scott WightConversions: Colin Gregor (2)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, Mark Robertson, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Damien Hoyland and Scott Wight.Replacements: Nyle Godsmark (8 mins), Darren Gillespie (9 mins), Chris Dean, Gavin Lowe (both 14 mins) and James Fleming (not used).Scotland 7-40 South Africa (third place play-off)Try: James FlemingConversion: Scott WightStarting team: Mark Robertson, Nyle Godsmark, Darren Gillespie, James Fleming, Scott Wight, Chris Dean and Gavin Lowe.Replacements: Colin Gregor (7 mins), Struan Dewar (9 mins), James Johnstone (12 mins), Scott Riddell and Damien Hoyland (not used). Wellington 7s day one Scotland 14-12 SamoaTries: Damien Hoyland (2)Conversions: Colin Gregor (2)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, Mark Robertson, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Damien Hoyland and Scott Wight.Replacements: Chris Dean (12 mins), James Fleming, Nyle Godsmark, Darren Gillespie, Chris Dean and Gavin Lowe (not used).Scotland 14-19 KenyaTries: Damien Hoyland (2)Conversions: Colin Gregor (2)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, Mark Robertson, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Damien Hoyland and Scott Wight.Replacements: Nyle Godsmark (7 mins), Chris Dean, James Fleming, Gavin Lowe (all 11 mins) and Darren Gillespie (14 mins).Scotland 21-14 ArgentinaTries: Damien Hoyland (2) and Colin GregorConversions: Colin Gregor (3)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, Mark Robertson, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Damien Hoyland and Scott Wight.Replacements: Chris Dean (9 mins), Nyle Godsmark, Darren Gillespie, Gavin Lowe (11 mins) and James Fleming (not used).