Selkirk Victoria 2

Grangemouth AFC 3

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CUP 
SECOND ROUND REPLAY

Selkirk missed out on a place in the next round of the Scottish Amateur Cup after an entertaining match at Yarrow Park.

Grangemouth opened the scoring after five minutes when the central midfielder dribbled through and slotted the ball past Jamie Lyall.

The home side piled on the pressure, Grant Brownlee and William Mercer both hitting the crossbar before Ryan Pritchard got the equaliser, heading home Mercer’s corner 10 minutes before half-time.

The Vics created the better chances in the second half, but Grangemouth took the lead again on the hour. The substitute striker slid the ball under the advancing Lyall into the far corner.

However, the lead only lasted for a couple of minutes. The Grangemouth defence failed to clear a cross from the right and the ball fell to Ryan Clapperton, who hit a stunning volley into the top corner from 20 yards.

Both sides pushed for the winner, and Grangemouth got it with 10 minutes to go. They won a free kick on the edge of the box and forced Lyall into a good save low to the right, but the rebound was tapped in by the advancing striker.

Selkirk threw everything at the visitors in the closing stages and came within inches of forcing the game into extra time with the last attack of the game. Mercer’s cross was met at the back post by Pritchard, who headed the ball across goal, but the keeper pulled off an excellent save to secure the win.

This Saturday, the Vics host St Boswells in the first round of the South of Scotland Cup. Kick-off is at 1.30pm.

Selkirk Victoria: Lyall, Sharkey, Pritchard, Brownlee (c), Bodicoat, Clapperton, Craggs, Purves, Mercer, Orr & MacFarlane. Subs used: Ford, Munro & Deans.

Hawick Legion Rovers 1

Chirnside Colts 3

BAL DIVISION C

TWO goals in the latter stages of the game steered Chirnside to full points, writes John Slorance.

Rovers were first to look like scoring when Luke Cooper blazed a shot over the bar on being fed by a Neil Storey pass.

Colts replied with a sweeping raid which ended in a Dennis Smolenjski drive being well-saved by Hawick keeper Kevan Miller.

Chay Caldwell then came near to putting Rovers ahead with a net-bound shot that was diverted round the post by Ryan Blaikie following a Cooper cross.

In the 18th minute however, Rovers did break the deadlock.

After latching onto a Scott Clarkson overhead kick, Cooper surged forward and waltzed round Chirnside keeper David Lugget before tapping the ball into an empty net.

Six minutes later, Lee Campbell put Colts on level terms with a shot which went in off the post.

Early in the second period, Cooper broke clear of the Colts defence only to be foiled by an excellent stop from Lugget.

Within minutes, Donaldson was robbed of a goal by the woodwork, driving a Michael Tweedie shot against the post.

Chirnside now had the edge and following a Donaldson cross, Paul Blacklock hit the post with a header.

In the 79th minute, Jamie Mitchell put Colts ahead with a well-struck drive.

And a minute from time, Chirnside sealed victory.

After coming off his line to make a clearance, Miller missed the rolling ball completely and Campbell was on hand to run in and score a gift of a goal.

Penicuik United 5

Hawick Legion 4 (after extra time)

SOUTH CUP FIRST ROUND

In what turned out to be an entertaining South Cup clash, Callum Hope put Legion ahead by lobbing a shot over the head of the Penicuik keeper after running onto a long Ali Willison clearance.

William Monteith grabbed a second for Legion before the break, but Penicuik roared back after half-time to go 3-2 ahead.

However, Monteith notched his second to put the match into extra time.

Penicuik then edged ahead, but a Hope strike put Legion back on level terms.

More drama was to come, though, as Penicuik went on to snatch the winner from what looked like an offside position.

Kelso United 2

Eyemouth United 3

SOUTH CHALLENGE CUP SECOND ROUND

GEORGE RILEY reports from Woodside Park

A MIXTURE of poor defending and shoddy finishing saw Kelso United let slip a two-goal lead to exit the South Challenge Cup.

The visitors had the first chances on goal when a 35yd shot by full back Alan Jess rattled the top of the crossbar and then a header by striker Steve Shennan was held by Kelso keeper Scott Dowie.

However, it was the home side who went ahead after 18 minutes when a corner from the left by Liam Wallace was headed into the net by defender Gary McNulty.

Two minutes later and the Tweedsiders increased their advantage when a free kick from Chris Black was parried by Eyemouth keeper Adam Mutch and Des Burnett was quickest to react to knock the ball into the net.

But the two-goal lead lasted just one minute as a through-ball was only partially cleared by the home defence, allowing midfielder James Wilson to power a shot into the bottom corner.

Kelso should have increased their lead on the half-hour mark when Jordan Lauder headed wide with the goal gaping, following good work down the right by Burnett.

And two minutes before the break, Kelso had strong claims for a penalty when Calum McClure appeared to be tripped in the box by defender Jess, but Airdrie whistler Scott Love thought differently and booked the teenager for diving.

Ever a threat, it was Eyemouth striker Shennan who created the visitors’ equaliser on 68 minutes, when he managed to cut the ball back from the byline onto the head of ex-Kelso player Shaun Phillips, who glanced a header inside the upright.

The Fishermen’s keeper Mutch then kept the score all-square, diving full-stretch to his right to stop a Lauder free kick.

But the visitors’ winner came 12 minutes from time as Shennan knocked the ball back to defender Leigh Walker, who slammed the ball home from eight yards.

An ankle injury to Dowie in the 80th minute meant that Kelso manager Prof Blaikie had to shuffle the side, with Burnett going in goal for the remainder of the match.

United pressed for the final few minutes, but could not get the breakthrough to take the game to extra time.

Kelso team: S Dowie (D. Richardson 80), G. McNulty, S.. Angus, C Black (J. McCutcheon 85), S. Harker, D. McNulty, C. McClure, M. Laidler (G. Mabon 80), D. Burnett, L. Wallace, J. Lauder.

Stirling University 13

Hawick Royal Albert 1

SOUTH CHALLENGE CUP SECOND ROUND

The sun may have been out for this South Challenge Cup tie, but Hawick Royal Albert were left floundering in the deepening shadows, writes John Slorance.

Indeed, it turned out to be Hawick’s darkest day as the Albert Park club suffered its biggest-ever defeat.

With Ronald Fleming, Ross Brand, Graham Clee and Jay Paterek all suspended, plus a crop of players either cup-tied or injured, the Albert fielded a makeshift side.

And they were completely turned over by the reigning Premier Division champions.Stirling simply strolled to the clearest of victories

And had it not been for the heroics of Hawick keeper Ross Taylor, who pulled off a string of superb saves, it would have been a much bigger margin.

The students rattled home five goals in the first half and then went on the rampage in the second period to get into double figures.

Stirling’s goals came from Paul Sludden (4), Chris Geddes (3), Blair McWhirter (2) and solitary strikes from Robert Pearson, Liam Corr, Craig Mason and Andrew Dick.

The Albert got a goal of their own, thanks to a strike from Hawick youngster Declan Hogg.

Summing up the game, Hogg told TheSouthern: “We had a lot of players missing and some new boys who I didn’t know had to be brought in, and we simply got hammered.

“Stirling were just brilliant, though, the best side I have ever played against.

“We just couldn’t get near them.

“All of their players were fast, their passing was great and their sheer movement off the ball was superb.

“There was just nothing we could do as we could not live with them.

“I was chuffed to score a goal, though, especially as it came from what was about our only attack in the game.”

Loganlea United 3

Hawick Waverley 3

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CUP 
SECOND ROUND

LIVINGSTON side Loganlea United scored a late equaliser to book a trip to Hawick for a replay this weekend.

Ross McLeod put Waverley in front midway through the first half when polishing off a sole run with a spot-on finish.

Loganlea replied with two goals, but McLeod equalised with another well-hit strike.

Waverley had the upper hand now and Neal McConnell headed the ball to the feet of Andrew Maltman, who shot home.

But two minutes from time, United grabbed a goal to set up the replay.

THE new John Buchan Museum opens in Peebles next week.

The exhibition, which pays tribute to the famous writer, will be officially launched by Canada’s High Commissioner Gordon Campbell at the Chambers Institution next Saturday.

But museum trustees have to raise a further £75,000 to secure the collection’s future.

Chairman of the museum trustees John Scott Moncrieff said: “My fellow-trustees and I are most grateful to the charitable trusts and members of both the John Buchan Society and the Buchan family, along with many well-wishers, both local and as far afield as Australia and North America for their efforts in raising £225,000 in order to be part of a celebration of the life, work and enduring legacy of this most remarkable of Border Scots.”

The museum commemorating the writer of The Thirty Nine Steps, was in the former free church in Broughton for 28 years.

But it closed in 2011 and fundraisers have spent the last three years trying to rise the £300,000 needed.

Described as one of Scotland’s greatest writers, Buchan was a novelist, biographer, poet, historian, journalist, critic and publisher, as well as a Colonial officer, intelligence officer, propagandist, MP and, finally, Governor-General of Canada.

The writer had strong connections with Peebles – his parents, brother and sister lived at in the town’s Bank House (demolished in the 1970s). Brother Walter served as Town Clerk and Procurator Fiscal from 1906 to 1948, sister Anna wrote about Peebles under her pen name of O. Douglas till her death in 1947, and brother Alastair is commemorated on the war memorial in the quadrangle.

Museum president, Lord Tweedsmuir said: “I well remember my father, William Tweedsmuir, saying that my grandfather, JB, would have been amazed and delighted that 70 years after his death, his books are so widely read and enjoyed by so many people. The idea of a museum to commemorate him would have astonished him.

“This has been a complex project to bring to fruition and I hope I will have a chance to thank many supporters at the opening.”

Initially the museum will only be open from November 3 to December 6, before opening permanently at Easter 2013 by which time the museum hopes to have raised the final £75,000.

Chairman of the museum’s local committee, Ian Buckingham said: “We are delighted to secure the new home for the museum in such wonderful premises as the Chambers Institution. Its central location in Peebles, as well as its association with the Buchan family, will deliver an interesting new attraction in the town, for tourists, as well as local people.”

He also appealed for volunteers to assist in the running of the ‘John Buchan Story’, and anyone interested in being involved can pick up an information pack from the museum.

The opening ceremony will be carried out at 11.30am by the High Commissioner on behalf of the museum’s patron, H.E. David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada.

ST BOSWELLS

AT St Boswells Mart on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 86 clean cattle, 116 OTM cattle, 2,356 new season lambs and 1,498 ewes.

Bullocks (40) averaged 208.2p per kg and sold to 241p (-7.8p on week) while heifers (43) averaged 208.6p per kg and sold to 240p (-6.0p on week). Three young bulls averaged 182p per kg and sold to 194p (n/c on week) and 116 beef type OTM cattle averaged 123.4p per kg and sold to192p (-10.3p on the week).

The 2,356 new season lambs averaged 150.6p per kg and sold to £97(-3.4p on week) and 1,498 ewes averaged £46.64 (£81 for ewes and £89 for tups).

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.41, 2.30 M/s J Penny and Sons, 2.27 Robert Wilson Butcher; Longnewton 2.40 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Humebyres 2.35 M/s J Penny and Sons; Lennoxlove 2.33 M/s TA Shaw, 2.30 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.26 Denholm Meats; Upper Nisbet 2.32 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Ramrig 2.30 M/s R Pringle; Traprain 2.30 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Low Middleton 2.29 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd; Greenknowe 2.29 Gosford Bothy Shop, 2.26 Malone of Edinburgh, 2.25 M/s TA Shaw; Woodhead. A 2.25 M/s J Penny and Sons.

Principal prices per head: Humebyres £1492.25; Ramrig £1462; Bee Edge £1409.85, £1384.70, £1380; Low Middleton £1377.95.

Cows per head: Kersknowe £1438.10, £1355.20, £1320; Philiphaugh £1315.20; Smailholm Mains £1277.50; Ramrig £1276.80, £1269.20; Cortleferry £1260.85; Humebyres £1244.10, £1161.30; Birkenside £1156.20; Eden Lodge £1146.75; Legerwood £1123.75; Crossflat £1082.95.

Cows per kg: Ramrig 1.92, 1.67; Crossflat 1.79, 1.41; Humebyres 1.74, 1.58; Cortleferry 1.55, 1.51; Kersknowe 1.54, 1.50, 1.46; Birkenside 1.49; Smailholm Mains 1.46, 1.42;Legerwood 1.45; Wester Middleton 1.43.

Bulls: New Blainslie £1277.25 (1.31); Earlston Mains £1180 (1.18).

Principal prices, lambs per head: Bel:- £97, £95 Crookston. Tex.x;- £95, £93, £92 Crookston, £84 Huntington, Suff.x;- £84 Huntington, £83 Hartside, Beu;- £71.50 Craighouse, CM;- £73 Gospelhall, GF;- £69 Saughtree, Chev;- £66 Gospelhall, £64.50 Blackcastle, BF;- £56 Burnhouse Mains and Roxburgh Mill.

Principal prices, lambs per kg: Bel;- 193.9 Crookston, 182.6 Sydenham, Tex.x;- 189.8 Crookston, 177.4 Howden, Suff.x;- 173.4, 168 Huntington, Chev;- 155 Saughtree.

Cast ewes: Tex;- £81 Mossburnford, £73 Buckholm, Suff.x;- £79 Linkshead and Smailholm Mains, £77 Craigsford Mains, BFL;- £69 Linkshead, Chev;- £67 Gospelhall, £63 Torwoodlee Mains, Lle;- £67 Hillhouse, GF;- £63 Craigend, £61 Linkshead and Mossburnford, BF;- £47 Lauderhill, £43 Linkshead, Falside and Hillhouse.

Rams: Tex;- £89 Thistle Doo, BFL;- £67 Lee, Chev;- £65 Hindhope.

WOOLER

AT their fortnightly Store Sale held at Wooler Livestock Centre last Tuesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 37 head.

A small show forward but still in demand with good returns.

Leading prices per head:- A.A.x:- Strs. £1120, £1065, £1050 (2), £1030, Hfrs:- £980, £940 South Lyham. Lim:- Strs:- £975 Barmoor Red House, £900 South Lyham, Hfrs:- £895, £840 Barmoor Red House, £720 Barmoor South Moor. BRB Hfrs:- £750, £700 Chillingham Home Farm.

Last Wednesday at their weekly Primestock Sale John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 1,579 lambs and 579 ewes.

Lamb numbers slightly larger, trade in keeping with national trends. Fleshy types still at a premium.

Leading prices per head:- Bel:- £85 The Loan, £83, £74.50, £72.50 Ladykirk, £66 Roddam, £65 Chillingham Newtown. Tex:- £77 South Ditchburn, £76, £73 Greenhead.R, £72 East Fleetham, Whitsome West Newton, Greenhead.R, West Longridge, £71 South Ditchburn, Black Heddon, £70 Lorbottle, Mordington, £69.50 Shotton, £68.50 Lilburn Estates, £68 Black Heddon. Suff.x:- £74 East Fleetham, £72 Chesterhill (2), Shotton, £71.50 East Fleetham, £69 Chesterhill. Chv:- £72 Humbleheugh.

Leading prices per kilo:- Bel:- 202.4p The Loan, 176.8p, 165.6p Ladykirk, 165p Roddam. Tex:- 171.8p Lilburn Estates, 171.4p Greenhead.R, 169.1p Black Heddon, 168p Lilburn Estates, 166.7p Conundrum Farm, 162.8p Mordington, 161.9p, 161p, 160.7p Lilburn Estates, 160p Cockhall, 157.3p Yetlington Lane, 155.8p Whitsome West Newton, Biddlestone Home Farm, Kettleburn, Roddam. Suff.x:- 157.1p Titlington Mount, 154.9p Roddam, 153.7p, 152.3p, 152.2p, 151.3p Lilburn Estates, 151.2p Shipley Lane, Lilburn Estates. CM:- 142.5p Bewick Folly.

Larger number of ewes forward with prices again in keeping with national trends. Cheaper on the week.

Leading prices:- Suff.x:- £72 Lilburn Estates, £71 Newton Farm, £69 Berryhill, Shipley Lane, £67 East Port, Edlingham Newtown, £65 Titlington Mount, Lintlaw, £63 Lorbottle, £61 Cresswell Farms, North Sharperton. Tex: -£69 Black Heddon, £65 Cresswell Farms, Titlington Mount, £61 Lorbottle, Ladykirk. BF:- £43 Blackmountain Farms. Mule:- £57 Cresswell Farms, Lilburn Estates, £55 Newton Farm, Berryhill, Lintlaw, Mordington, Brockley Hall, £53 Edlingham Newtown, Lilburn Estates, Greystonnes, Shipley Lane, West Longridge, Cockhall. Chv:- £55, £51 Branton Eastside. CM:- £53 Biddlestone Town Foot. Bel:- £71 The Loan.

LONGTOWN

THE Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart PLC had forward 44 prime cattle, six young bulls, 47 over 30 month cattle, 6,956 prime lambs and 10,814 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

A much plainer show of prime cattle saw trade in line with recent rates. Top price of 210.5p for a Limousin heifer from I. and H. Douglas, Cambeck Hill.

Principal prices per kilo: Bullocks, Limousin – 203.5p, 196.5p Sceughdyke. Heifers, Limousin – 210.5p Cambeck Hill, 193.5p, 192.5p Houghton House, 191.5p Bleatarn.

Principal prcies per head: Bullocks, Limousin – £1,343 Sceughdyke, £1,342, £1,340 Sandbed. Heifers, British Blue – £1,265 Sandbed. Limousin – £1,231 Cambeck Hill, £1,174 Smallholms, £1,113 Sandbed. Charolais – £1,162 Sceughdyke, £1,107 Cambeck Hill.

A small show of bulls topped at 199.5p for a British Blue from J. and P. Routledge and Son, Netherton.

Principal prices per kilo: Limousin – 192.5p Yett Farm, 191.5p Netherton. British Blue – 199.5p Netherton.

Principal prices per head: British Blue - £1,316 Netherton. Limousin - £1,311 Netherton.

A larger show of cast cows on offer and a lot of weathered hill cows forward saw trade similar on the week. The top price of the sale was 147.5p for a Limousin from Greystoke Castle Farms. Limousin stock bulls sold to 145.5p from Messrs T.B. Imrie, Harelawhole.

Principal prices per kilo: Limousin – 147.5p Greystoke Castle, 143.5p Swaites, 135.5p Greystoke Castle, 129.5p (x2) Bleatarn, 121.5p Shankbridge End. Friesian – 113.5p Harelawhole. Galloway – 112.5p Old Irvine. Blue Grey – 108.5p, 107.5p Potholm. Limousin Bull – 145.5p Harelawhole.

Principal prices per head: Limousin – £995, £880 Greystoke Castle, £868 Swaites, £809 Bleatarn. Limousin Bull - £1,309 Harelawhole.

The company had forward a colossal show of 6,956 lambs and 10,814 ewes being the largest show this century.

The large show of lambs had an overall average of 155p. Well fleshed handy weight lambs still sold regularly at 165-175p, with smaller lambs lacking flesh little more than store price. Top price per kilo was 217.3p for Beltex lambs from Messrs Park, Harleyrigg.

Prime lambs sold to a top of £102 for Charollais from Messrs A. Hoggan, Maryholm, others to £80.80 The Chestnuts, £80.20 Becton Hall; Suffolk x £90 High Barlcray, £87.80 Becton Hall, £86.80 Slealands; Cheviot £73.80 Granton, £70.20, £69.80 Gospel Hall; Texels £100 Catslackburn, £97.80 Overwhitlaw, £95.50 Catslackburn; Bleu de Maine £82.80, £81.80 Braithwaite Hall; Halfbred £70.80 High Moat, £63 Earlside; Greyface £72.80 Brampton Fell and Nunscleugh, £68.80 Brampton Fell and Woodhouse; Cheviot Mules £72.80 Springwells, £66.80 Killeonan, £66.80 Tarrasfoot; Blackface £64.80 Crindledykes, £62.80 Winterhopeburn & Cramlat, £61.80 Riskinhope; North Country Cheviot £74.80 Sebay, £69.80 Sibmister, £62.80 Earlside; Herdwicks £50 Shortrigg; Beltex £97.80 Harleyrigg, £89.80 Hightown, £79.80 Windyhill; Lleyn £66.80 Whitcastles, £65.80 Kersheugh; Romney Marsh £61.80 Swaites.

Lightweight lambs to £68.80 for Texels from Upper Dounreay, £67 Temon, £59.80 Hillfield; Rouge £54.20 Killinochnoch Cottage; Greyface £54.80 Arnicle and Cooperhouse; £43.80 Redgatehead; Blackface £56.80 Upperburnmouth, £55.80 Riskinhope, £55 Cooperhouse; North Country Cheviot £48.80 Upper Dounreay; Swaledale £42.80 High Dunashrey, £36.80 Bateyshield; Herdwicks £42, £40 Shortrigg. Beltex £60.80 Hilltop.

The 10,814 ewes and rams saw big heavy ewes and good selling ewes sharper on the week, with smaller and plainer ewes easier due to the sheer amount of weathered ewes forward.

Cast rams to £125 for Charollais from Thackwood, £108.50 Mosshead, £100 Thackwood; Suffolks £89.50 High Balcray, £86.50 Eastside, £85.50 Spittal; Texels £118 Cottage, £116.50 Brantwood, £113.50 Sibmister; Rouge £78.50 Harperhill; Leicester £86.50 Brantwood, £85.50 Eastside, £75.50 Softley; Blackface £75.50 Eastside, £69.50 Kilfillan, £68.50 Hott; North Country Cheviot £79.50 Seavers; Beltex £102.50 Sibmister, £89.50 Draperstown; Lleyn £69.50 Overwhitlaw; Zwartbles £69.50 Achaurole Mains; Romney Marsh £59.50 Copperthorns; Easycare £69.50 Eastside.

Heavy ewes to £106.50 for Texels from roadside, £102.50 Sibmister, £100.50 Mains of Machermore and Severs Road; Suffolk £95.50 Old Portgleone, £92.50 Roadside, £91.50 Severs Road; Charollais £92.50 Thackwood and Severs Road, £86.50 Severs Road, £85.50 Roadside; Halfbred £85.50 Cowcorse, £74.50 Broadhaugh; Greyface £80.50, £77.50 Maryfield, £76.50 Fallowfield; Cheviot Mule £77.50 Ardlamy, £76.50 Severs Road, £74.50 North House; Leicesters £86.50 Larel, £85.50 Roadside, £79.50 Old Police House aqnd Cowcorse; North Country Cheviot £88.50 Broomhillbank and Severs Road, £84.50 Sornfallow; Beltex £102.50, £86.50 Mains of Machermore, £82.50 Keld Farm; Zwartbles £56.60 Low Lonning; Oxford £78.50 Seavers Road; Romney Marsh £59.50 Higher Bughill.

Lightweight ewes to £82.50 for Cheviots from Westlinton, £74.50 Westgate, £68.50 Westlinton; Blackface £64.50 Old Police House, £63.50 Brownleazes.

BORDER LIVESTOCK

LAST week Border Livestock Exchange Ltd sold 173 prime cattle including 41 cows and bulls, 3,071 prime lambs, 491 cast ewes, 971 store sheep and 111 store cattle.

Aberdeen Angus cross steers from Eastfield of Lempitlaw, Kelso, sold to 397p per kg and £1,472. Continental cross heifers from Cairndinnis, Haddington, sold to 370p per kg. Heavy Continental cross steers from Easington Grange, Belford, peaked at 351p per kg and £1,449.98. Young bulls to £1,434 from Blackadder Mains, Duns. Cull cows continue to sell extremely well with more being offered. Top price Blackadder Mains, Duns, £1,374. Saler cross cows to £1,148 from Cliftoncote, Yetholm.

Lambs remained steady with some tremendous consignments on offer. Organics from Tullochallum, Keith, topped the section at 380p per kg with conventional Texel crosses from Scotstounbank, Peebles, selling to 375p per kg and £78.75. Suffolk’s from Sweethope Farm, Kirkwhelpington, also sold to 375p per kg. Other Continental crosses to 365p per kg Edlingham Demense, Alnwick, 360p per kg Carlopshill, Penicuik; Howden, Jedburgh; Redpath Farm, Duns; Shipley Lane, Alnwick and Threeburnford, Lauder.

Store lambs continue to move steadily with the majority heading South. Suffolk crosses to £55.50, Texel crosses to £54 and Hill Cheviots to £52. Running on mule ewe lambs to £90. Cull ewes were dearer with mules selling to £80.50 Duncrahill, Pencaitland.

Vale of Leithen 1

Edinburgh City 2

SOUTH CHALLENGE CUP SECOND ROUND

DAVE RYCE reports from Victoria Park

All things must end, and it was Vale’s nine-game unbeaten run which did so on Saturday as they suffered defeat for the first time in more than two months.

This South Region Cup second round tie was by no means a classic that will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. But it may well be remembered as being a tale of two penalties – one given and one not given – that did much to determine the outcome of the game.

With both these sides being East of Scotland’s only two remaining representatives in this Saturday’s Scottish Cup, there were interested spectators from Cowdenbeath and Queen of the South taking in the action.

And they must have wondered if they should have bothered at times, during a scrappy first half that only served notice that this was going to be a tight game, possibly decided by a single goal.

Indeed, it was more than midway through the half before a clear-cut goalscoring chance presented itself, as Vale’s Scott Devlin knocked a Martin Cairney cross wide.

But three minutes into the second period, the visitors edged ahead, courtesy of a penalty.

A through-ball sent Peter Stenhouse in on goal and Vale keeper James Hudson came out to claim. Although there was undoubtedly contact, the City striker certainly made the most of the situation, the referee immediately pointing to the spot and Dougie Gair stepping forward to convert.

Going behind was a bit rough on Vale, who had probably shaded it up until then, and the visitors doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when a ball found Stenhouse unmarked in the box and he found the corner of the net.

The game’s most controversial moment came 12 minutes from time when Vale’s Danny Noon and defender Callum McLean both challenged for a ball in the area, with both players going to ground and McLean clearly handling the ball.

Everyone inside Victoria Park, including the far side assistant referee who flagged for the offence, awarded a penalty – everyone, that is, apart from the referee.

But a grandstand finish to the game was not to be.

As it was, Vale did pull one back three minutes from time as Devlin curled a free kick from 20 yards over the wall and in, but with City employing some streetwise tactics to run the clock down, it was too late for Vale.

Vale of Leithen: J. Hudson, W. Sproule, J. Draper, C. Inglis, J. Blaikie, S. Devlin, M. Smith (K. Paterson 71), K. Dodds, S. Moffat, D. Noon, M. Cairney.

A CALL for council officials to undertake a study into what consideration is given to Borders roads damaged by timber extraction and haulage operations, when it comes to local authority spending plans, has failed to gain support.

The request came from Councillor Gavin Logan (Tweeddale East, Con), who was speaking at last week’s October meeting of the full Scottish Borders Council.

Mr Logan asked Councillor Gordon Edgar (Selkirkshire, Ind), Executive Member for Environment and Infrastructure, exactly what consideration was given to routes, including undesignated routes, which are damaged by timber extraction and haulage operations with regards to the local authority’s capital expenditure programme, and if he agreed that a specific study into this problem should be considered.

In reply, Mr Edgar explained: “Forests cover approximately 18 per cent of the Scottish Borders.

“The harvesting of timber in the area has intensified in the last decade or so as the forests have reached maturity.

“The impact on roads within the Scottish Borders through timber extraction is acknowledged as an issue.

“Support funding is available from Central Government through the Strategic Timber Transport Fund, but this involves the council match funding at least 50 per cent of the total cost of any scheme.

“The process is also a competitive one and bids normally outweigh available funding by a considerable factor.

“Scottish Borders Council has been successful in the past in gaining access to this fund, most recently for work in the Ettrick Valley. Capital schemes to improve roads damaged by forestry extraction compete with other priorities in the Capital Financial Plan.

“The current Roads Block allocation of £1.7million is prioritised on several factors including damage, safety, hierarchy, usage, connectivity and other factors.

“Unless there is support from council for a significant investment in forestry roads, I do not believe that a study would prove to be value for money.”

Commenting that it was “a pity” that his call for a study did not gain support from Mr Edgar, Mr Logan said that the Scottish Government allocates a grant for roads based on the length of the roads in the Borders and he pressed for more of this cash to actually be spent on these issues, since it was not ring-fenced for this purpose.

He commented: “This grant is not ring fenced and unfortunately SBC in the past has only allocated 80 per cent of the grant for roads,” Mr Logan said. “Recently SBC has had to allocate £0.63million from the unallocated emergency and unfunded schemes budget to basically play catch up on our roads.

“In the run up to the budget setting for 2013/14, will you push as hard as you can to have the whole of the funds allocated for roads used for the purpose for which it is intended and so keep our roads from deteriorating any further?”

Mr Edgar said he agreed much more money should be spent on roads. “But, unfortunately, money has to be spent subject to the parameters of other spending requirements in the Borders,” he added.

Souters have voiced dismay at Selkirk being swept from history in the exhibition about Sir Walter Scott’s life at Abbotsford’s new multi-million pound visitor centre, writes Sandy Neil.

“I am disappointed and disgusted,” Selkirkshire Councillor Gordon Edgar explained to TheSouthern: “We feel we were let down by the Abbotsford Trust, that it’s all purely about Abbotsford.

“Although we supported them to raise money, it doesn’t reflect the promises we got. We were told there would be links to Selkirk and all the other parts of the Borders Scott was associated with.”

Cllr Edgar raised the issue at a public meeting last week before members of Selkirk’s Chamber of Trade, which is trying to revive the fortunes of local businesses after a report revealed Selkirk had lost 30 per cent of its shoppers between 2008-2011 – the biggest drop of all Border towns.

Mr Edgar’s comments were later reinforced by Viv Ross, a volunteer organiser for the Scott’s Selkirk festival for many years, who is also now helping a group of Souters draw up a community action plan to regenerate the historic Royal Burgh and boost tourism, and apply for £1.4million lottery funding to pay for it.

“It’s a disgrace there’s nothing about Sir Walter Scott’s connection with Selkirk,” she told us. “We’re all pretty cross about it. We want to strengthen ties with Sir Walter Scott. We’re talking about links and paths to Abbotsford, but it’s all one-way traffic, sadly. Selkirk is pointing the way to Abbotsford, but we want Abbotsford to point the way to Selkirk.”

In 20 story panels and 10 glass display cases in Abbotsford’s new exhibition, TheSouthern spotted just three brief references to Scott as the “Sheriff Depute of Selkirkshire”, and no mention, or even a picture, of the town or courthouse where Sir Walter Scott dispensed justice for 33 years from 1799 until his death in 1832.

Both Mr Edgar and Ms Ross told us that while they’d enjoyed the exhibition, they felt a huge chunk of Scott’s life was missing, and that the point had to be made.

“They thought they had the be-all and end-all of Scott tourist attractions,” Mr Edgar added, “but it wasn’t true to his life: Scott spent half his life as an advocate and sheriff in Selkirk, yet nothing is written about it. He is revered as the ‘Shirra’ in Selkirk. Abbotsford would not have existed if Scott hadn’t worked in Selkirk.

“I told them this just wasn’t on. I want to see Selkirk represented in the permanent exhibition, and a better connection to the Borders. The Borders is proud of Scott.”

Responding in a statement, the Abbotsford Trust’s chief executive, Jason Dyer, spoke of the charity’s wish to rectify the situation, and keep good relations with the town.

“The Abbotsford Trust is very proud of and keen to promote Scott’s links to Selkirk and all the Borders towns,” he said, “and is working with organisations like the Selkirk Regeneration Committee and local community councils to that end.

“The exhibition in the visitor centre gives an overview of Scott’s life and legacy, and does include information of Scott’s time as Sheriff of Selkirkshire. This exhibition will be evolving and changing over time, based on responses from visitors and the local community.

“Our visitor centre staff are well trained and well aware of Scott’s link to towns and villages in the Borders, and actively encourage people to visit places with connections to him.

“In addition, once the main house opens next summer, there will be a dedicated temporary exhibition space, and we are already planning a special exhibition on ‘Scott as Sheriff’ to display here.

“We believe the restoration of Abbotsford will benefit Selkirk and the whole of the Borders region by acting as a magnet for visitors from across the globe, and we are working with as many organisations as possible to achieve that aim.”

Abbotsford’s new, free Visitor Centre is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm.

A community vote in Innerleithen last month shows huge support for a mountain bike uplift and toboggan run, writes Sally Gillespie.

Two thirds of the town turned out to vote and of those, more than 90 per cent supported plans for a mechanical lift in Elibank Forest near the town.

One of organisers AIMUp’s directors, Ian Campbell said: “The ballot result confirms our belief that the residents of the community here are willing to do something to make a difference.”

The result means the group have met one of Forestry Commission Scotland’s (FCS) National Forest Land Scheme minimum requirements of demonstrating community support for their taking over the land.

In addition to the uplift and toboggan run, AIMUp want to add to the existing downhill mountain biking area, building new graded downhill and cross country trails for differing abilities, installing new hill walking tracks and setting up a café and viewing area at the top of the hill.

They also hope to have a car park for more than 200 cars, children’s play area, bike hire and storage, as well as toilets, showers and changing facilities in the £5.5million scheme, which they say could create 100 jobs.

Mr Campbell continued: “We want to say a massive thanks to all who voted, the volunteers who helped with the project, and the FCS Seedcorn Grant which helped fund the ballot. Now it’s up to us to drive the project forward, ensure the uplift is built, that new jobs are created, and more visitors come to enjoy the Tweed Valley.”

AIMUp submitted its application to buy the land from FCS last week and is meanwhile waiting to hear back from Scottish Borders Council – this month they hope – on their planning in principle application.

“A positive decision here is, of course, crucial to our progress, not only is it a prerequisite to be able to build anything, it’s a trigger to allow us to progress our applications for funding. In speaking to prospective funders, it was clear no money would be forthcoming without a successful planning application in place. Seeking funding is the next big hurdle for the group,” said Mr Campbell.

The downhill and cross country mountain biker, one of eight directors, says AIMUp hopes to have the uplift operational in 2014.

He told us: “Local bikers are massively positive about the idea. Some are not so keen, insisting that you can ride your bike uphill, you shouldn’t need a lift. Our answer to that is, when you’ve done as much riding uphill as you can, but you still would enjoy one more downhill adrenalin rush, jump on the lift. But this uplift isn’t just for mountain bikers. We’re proposing building an attraction that caters for all and has something for everyone to enjoy.”

For further information visit http://aimup.org.uk/ or ‘Support-the-Innerleithen-Uplift;’ on Facebook.

In the dark room I am watching the front tyre of a scrambler bike trundle over grit, over stone. Then I see my toes in their sandals walking over sand, over cobbles. Then I am watching my feet stepping on grey stones, 
on snow. Then I remember his new work boots trudging through mud alongside me and there is not much light on the path between the conifers.

The day before I attended Richard Jeynes’ talk I had set out on a relatively short walk survey. I picked my camera, phone and tracker device up, but I had no inhaler.

Despite the horrible dampness in the air, I set off anyway; I had a meeting that evening in the same town. Fortunately for me a stranger caught up with me on the Cuddy Bridge. Johnny Walker is one of my angels that serendipitously came into my life just at the right moment. Having a wee blether for the following hour and a half on our route distracted me from my forgotten puffer.

My focus returns to the scramblers following old tracks and paths to archaeological sites in the south of Morocco. They duly arrive at their destination. At the south end of the Oued Guir valley there is a Foreign Legion fort, the nearest town is Boudenib. This area is near the French colony of Algeria. Richard tells us that the excuse for building over the border was to protect Algeria and possibly they thought they were on the border and not over it; this is what they told their head office.

As a youngster the seeds for Richard’s interest in the Foreign Legion (Légion Étrangèr) were sown when he read Beau Geste. More pertinent for his understanding of the Legion and its practical applications was his reading of a major’s diary. It was clear from this man’s accounts that much of their time was spent on construction works – roads, tunnels and forts in isolated places.

The forts were built to a plan, almost a kit house if you like. The building of roads allowed them to bring in building materials. The walls and living quarters were made of rough dressed stone, covered in white washed plaster. Of course, the thickness of the walls and the white would help to keep the interior cool.

In the event of the main door being breached there was a short section of wall parallel to the opening that housed light artillery. The battlements were covered with slits to allow rifles to be shot on to attackers below.

The towers were different. Much care was taken over their construction, the floors strengthened with pre-fabricated beams and the windows framed with more ornate stone and protected with iron bars. There was always one tower in the main fort and two or three outlying towers.

The outlying towers were the most vulnerable part of these remote forts. The 100 men garrisoned at the forts rotated their stay of duty in the out posts every four days or so. Being stationed at these towers was not something they volunteered for. You were more likely to be attacked while walking here.

The easiest way for the Berber to weaken and kill the garrisons was not by weapons. The most effective warfare was to stop their food supply and cut off their water supply. In fact, most legionnaires died from starvation. Often, to prevent being taken prisoner and being cruelly tortured, they would commit suicide either individually or blow up the fort.

Richard spoke in a candid manner – there is no romanticism here. Watching Richard’s slides appear makes you feel that you are at a briefing for a military sortie. This sensation is not surprising when you learn that this competent and clear speaker worked in intelligence.

Richard’s company, Trail Quest Archaeology, is now associated with three British Universities – Worcester, Bristol and Glasgow. Glasgow University is the leading academic institution with regards to modern conflict archaeology. Both students and interested persons can join Richard’s teams on digs.

Their next fact finding exploration will be to the Rif Mountains in the north of Morocco to visit a fort that was detonated to avoid capture.

For more information visit the website at www.trailquestarchaeology.com

SIR Walter Scott would have been impressed after the biggest salmon seen on the Tweed in recent years came from water below his favourite Borders viewpoint.

Ghillie Ian Farr helped land a cock weighing up to 50lbs, the largest salmon of his professional life, from a pool below the heights of Scott’s View last Wednesday morning.

Angler Jim Reid from Edinburgh, who hooked the fish, said: “This was by far the biggest salmon I have ever caught. It was an amazing experience and I can’t thank Ian enough for his skill, encouragement and moral support. There was no way I was going to land that fish if he hadn’t been there!”

The pair were fishing the Top Corbie, a pool below and to the left of Scott’s View, before the start of fast water on the Bemersyde beat of the Tweed, when something gave a pull.

Mr Reid said: “It took us some time to realise how big the fish was as even smaller fish can put up a good account of themselves in the streamy water.

“After a while, it decided to head back towards Berwick, and tore off 150 yards down the river into another pool known as The Dish. Ian had to quickly steer the boat down the river to catch up with it.

“At this point, an enormous tail appeared out of the water and expletives were expressed as we realised what we had a hold of!”

The fish made a second dash of about 90 yards down the river to another pool, The Copper Beech, where Mr Reid, who has been fishing Bemersyde since 2008, was finally able to steer it into Mr Farr’s net. The battle had taken 40 minutes.

The cock fish measured 50 inches long with a 25in girth and Mr Farr, a Bemersyde ghillie for a quarter of a century, initially estimated he might weigh about 37lbs. But looking at charts online and other guidelines, Mr Farr now believes it may have been nearer 47lbs.

He said: “It was a huge fish – I have never seen one that big in my life and I’ve been here 25 years.”

He described the big fish’s fin when he and Mr Reid first saw it, as being like: “a shovel coming out of the water”.

“Where it was is difficult to fish and land. We were very lucky to get it in but it didn’t do anything horrendously naughty and we managed to keep it on a tight line. That 40 minutes went past in the blink of an eye.

“You get carried away with a bit of emotion and the adrenalin was pumping: it was like winning the lottery.

“It was so big my guest (after his battle) couldn’t pick it up. I made sure I did to give the comparison between me and the fish. It wasn’t a particularly pretty fish but it was a once in a lifetime fish.”

Mr Reid was using a one-and-a-half -inch Gold Bodied Willie Gunn tube fly, which Mr Farr says is probably the most used fly on the beat. The last recorded big salmon from the beat was 25 years ago, and was a 39.5lbs trophy fish.

Catches this year have been between the five and 11lbs mark, with the odd 15 pounder, said Mr Farr and, as with many outdoors activities, the summer’s rain has also affected fishing.

Asked what the allure of fishing is, Mr Farr said: “You know what it feels like to walk in the countryside –peaceful, relaxed, enjoyable? It’s that and knowing something could pull on the end of the line. My job is trying to get my guests to catch a fish. I get as excited as they do when they do. It’s really good fun.”

The fisherman and ghillie returned the big cock fish to the river after they had taken photographs.

Mr Farr added: “It’s nearly a week ago and I’m still on a high. My guest and I are still texting saying ‘did we really get that in?!”

“I might never see that again in my career but I could catch one tomorrow – that’s salmon fishing for you, you never know what’s going to pull on the end of the line.”

Fjordhus Reivers 4

Glasgow University 2

NATIONAL LADIES DIVISION TWO

REIVERS ladies bounced back from two defeats on the trot with a fine victory.

The home side went close on several occasions before seasoned campaigners Denise Fairbairn and captain Pippa Bell put through Lucy Inglis who managed to squeeze the ball under the keeper to pass to Leisa Poole who flicked into the net for her first for the club.

Reivers continued to work hard and on 33 minutes a glorious move, which involved Janet Jack, Zoe Higgins, Fairbairn and Bell, set up Laura McLean, who fired a low fierce shot on the angle past the diving keeper.

Coach Jack at half time urged her team not to rest on their laurels but within seven minutes of the break the students were level. Stacey Tennant in goal had some fine saves to keep Reivers in the game but 19 minutes into the second half the Borderers were back in the lead with a great goal.

A penalty corner resulted in a training ground move which saw Emily Newlands dummy Bell’s push-out, allowing Jack to pass the ball back to the skipper, who had followed in from the push-out to smash the ball past the keeper.

The result was secured when a penalty corner Newlands hammered home.

Coach Jack was delighted with her players’ improvement from last week, but stressed the importance of concentrating for the whole game.

Fjordhus Reivers: S. Tennant, J. Jack. E. Newlands, C. Townsend, Z. Higgins, P. Bell, D. Fairbairn, M. Cawthorn, J. Wilson, S. Mathers, E. Lunn, L. Inglis, L. Poole, L. McLean.

SIXTEEN teams took part in a junior hockey festival at Hawick last Sunday, organised by the Borders Hockey Development team.

The sides represented three Borders clubs – Peebles, Kelso and Fjordhus Reivers – with players coming from all over the region to play five games each.

All the children got plenty of time to showcase their skills in a competitive situation and for many it was their first festival.

Janet Jack of the Borders hockey development team said: “All these players learn their hockey skills on a regular weekly basis in their clubs and the festival environment gives them the opportunity to practice these skills in small-sided games.

“The games are always competitive, and participation and competition at this age is of key importance rather than the winning.

“All players are encouraged to promote fair play and sportsmanship.”

Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends came along to show their support and were grateful for the bacon rolls, teas and coffees laid on by the Hawick parents.

Jack added: “Many thanks as always goes to the coaches who provide enjoyable and fun sessions for the children on a weekly basis and to the many volunteers in hockey who selflessly give up their time to give the children the opportunity to play hockey.

“Thanks also to Robbie from Hunters in Hawick for providing the rolls on the day.”

WITH the teams back on league duty, Reivers A kept the pressure on Ship A with a whitewash of a luckless Dryburgh outfit.

Waverley A scraped another last-frame thriller against the Ship B while the Fleece collected their first win, overpowering in-form Nikis A.

Division Two is a tight affair after the Station dream team lost to Nikis B who claim top spot.

Results: Division One – Ship A (Melrose) 6 Reivers B (Galashiels) 3; Waverley A (Hawick) 5 Ship B 4; Reivers A 9 Dryburgh (Newtown) 0; Fleece (Selkirk) 6 Nikis A (Gala) 3.

Division Two – Abbotsford (Gala) 6 Bridge A (Gala) 3; Bridge B 4 Waverley B 5; Frankies (Hawick) 4 Red Lion (Kelso) 5; Nikis B 5 Station (Hawick) 4.

Fjordhus Reivers 1

Edinburgh University IVs 1

EAST MEN’S DIVISION ONE

IT was hoped than a 10.30am start might take the students by surprise, but the visitors were on the attack from the off.

The highlight of the first half was an outstanding save by Paul Conkie, tipping the ball round the post as it was headed for the top corner.

The second period started with Reivers exerting more pressure and this eventually proved successful. Captain Jonathan Fletcher found Gareth Roberts on the right wing, who outpaced the defence to place a deft pass across the face of the keeper for youngster Callum Stockdale to slap home at the far post.

This unsettled the Edinburgh side who were fortunate not to concede another goal as the Borderers pressed to extend the lead.

It looked like the points were going to be secured, but the students never stopped working and were rewarded late on when the visitors’ centre forward guided a looping deflection past the stranded Steven Young in goal.

This was a stronger all-round performance from the men, but they will feel that it was two points lost rather than one gained.

Fjordhus Reivers: S. Young, S. Girvan, C. Stockdale, P. Conkie, B. Montgomery, J. Fletcher, B. Culham, G. Lofthouse, P. Gibson, C. Darling, G. Roberts, J. Bure, C. D. Stockdale.

Store-age.co.uk Border Snooker League week six results: Hawick Conservative Club A 6 Jedburgh Legion 0; Innerleithen 0 Hawick Burns A 6; Border Club P Selkirk A P; Hawick Burns B 4 St Boswells 2; Selkirk B 2 Hawick Con B 4.

Standings: 1, Hawick Con A 29; 2, Hawick Burns A 25; 3, Hawick Burns B 19; 4, Jedburgh Legion 16; 5, Selkirk A 13; 6, Selkirk B 12; 7, St Boswells 10; 8, Border Club 8; 9, Hawick Con B 8; 10, Innerleithen 4.

A TEAM of 12 young swimmers from Hawick Swimming Club took part in the Stars of the Future Meet on Saturday in Peebles, and had a brilliant afternoon.

The nine-and-under team of Megan Landels, Mya Pearce, Jamie Diver and Marcus Brogan won seven gold medals and one silver out of their eight races, with six pbs between them in their 25m events. They also won the freestyle and medley relays in impressive style.

The 10-year-olds were Sophie Allen (swimming up), Eilidh Jaffray, Rhys Tait and Harris Brogan, and they won five golds, one silver and two bronzes with seven pbs in their 50m events, and also the golds in their two relays.

The 11-year-old team of Leah Murdie, Jenna Amos, Lyall Hodgins and Liam Caldwell won four golds, three silvers and a bronze, with three pbs, and they won silvers in their two relays.

The meet finished with a squadron relay for a boy and girl from each age and the team of Megan, Jamie, Eilidh, Rhys, Jenna and Liam won this event, too, and the team came away with the overall trophy and the relay trophy, ahead of teams from Dunoon, Peebles and Duns.