FEARS that a ban on hunting would lead to job losses and hounds being slaughtered have proved groundless, according to new findings.

The Countryside Alliance surveyed UK hunts and found nearly a third have more followers now.

Buccleuch Hunt chairman Allan Murray said support locally for hunting remained strong since the ban 10 years ago, and that generally there had been a “huge upturn” in interest.

He said: “I think the community here welcomes the hunt for a variety of reasons – community spirit, the social gathering, as well as what it brings to the local economy.”

The local hunt goes out three times a week during the winter and offers a fox control service to farmers.

Of the 320 UK hunts, 123 responded to the Countryside Alliance questionnaire – four from Scotland, including the Border and Jed Forest hunts. Nearly 60 per cent of hunts thought they had the same supporters on horseback and on foot, while 30 per cent said they had more. Over 80 per cent did the same amount of hunting and 10 per cent, more. Over 60 per cent of hunts felt better supported by their local communities, while a third said support had remained the same.

Most hunts (over 85 per cent) still assist land owners and farmers culling foxes. Just two of the hunts which replied are always followed by animal rights activists, while more than a quarter were never targeted.

Over 80 per cent of hunts keep the same number of hounds since the ban, with five per cent keeping more and over 14 per cent, less.

Onekind’s (formerly Advocates for Animals) Libby Anderson said: “When the Scottish Act came into law 10 years ago, the hunting lobby made dire predictions of job losses and the wholesale destruction of horses and hounds, but in fact hunts are still active north of the border.

“It is still possible to hunt, if people want to, without subjecting a sentient mammal to a prolonged chase and a cruel death in the jaws of the hounds. That is a wildlife crime, and rightly so. However, foxes can be flushed and shot, although we do have concerns that this is not always done as quickly as possible.

“From our perspective, the Scottish debate was only ever about animal welfare.”

The story is told of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson on a camping trip.

As they lay sleeping one night, Holmes woke Watson and said, “Watson, look up into the sky and tell me what you see.”

Watson said, “I see millions of stars.”

Holmes asked, “And what does that tell you?”

Watson replied, “Astrono-mically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Theologically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. And what does it tell you?”

Holmes answered, “Someone stole our tent.”

Some people are great at speculative knowledge but when it comes to its implication for practical living, they score zero.

While it may be good to have speculative and theoretical knowledge about the diverse spheres of life, these become more useful when we can translate them into practical ways of living, bringing positive change in our lives and those of others.

Can I truly say I am a Christian, when I am really not making any effort to follow Jesus? Can I truly say I have faith when I have nothing to show for it?

To be Christian is to follow Jesus, and to never be ashamed to profess witness and celebrate this discipleship. Let us therefore be weary of proclivity to hang-on to our “denominational belongingness” rather than hanging on to Jesus and his message which gives meaning to these denominations.

It is not enough to be a Catholic, an Anglican, a Baptist, or belong to the Church of Scotland and other denominations. It may be just enough to be solid in our profession of faith in Jesus and the practical daily commitment to the demands of that faith.

Fr Robert Afayori

Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic church

THIS year’s Tweed Valley Forest Festival, which finished last weekend and featuring a Bowhill event, was “the busiest ever” say organisers.

Co-ordinator Chris Sawers said the seventh annual woodland celebration was “very, very successful”.

The second weekend of Giant Nights Out in a Dark Wood took place in Bowhill and proved almost as popular as the inaugural Borders weekend at Glentress the previous weekend.

The Bowhill event saw the audience walk with a storyteller and other performers into woods transformed by lighting and sound affects to where giant heads created from willow and hessian were placed earlier in the year. It was a near sell-out.

Ms Sawers said: “It was extremely busy, it went very well and there was really good feedback – and demand to do something similar next year!”

The festival boosted the local economy, but it was difficult at this stage to quantify it she said.

Asked what the event’s highlights were, she said: “Apart from the fantastic Woodmarket and saving the conker championships, a highlight had to be the new element, a Giant Night Out.”

Another success was the forest walk lead by Forestry Commission Scotland’s Iain Laidlaw which attracted over 35 people to hear about low impact forestry and new woods planned for the Tweed Valley.

GALA Fairydean are going mental for moustaches this month, writes Kenny Paterson.

Seven members of the East of Scotland First Division squad, as well as manager Garry Fraser and chairman Jos Ritchie, have began growing taches for charity which they promise will remain uncut throughout November.

The money raised will go towards Action for Children, which helps vulnerable, disadvantaged and neglected kids in the UK.

Midfielder Paul Young said: “We are hoping people get behind us so we can collect a lot of cash for a worthy cause.

“It should be a good laugh but I am sure by the end of the month we will all be glad to reach for our razors and ditch the facial hair.

“However, if our good run of league form continues through November, the moustaches might stay.”

Among those taking part in the hair-raising challenge include goalkeeper Elliot Turnbull, defender Dean Boyne, midfielders Grant Gass, Geri Rossi and Jay Wilson and striker Rob Hewitson.

Young is also hoping to organise a fundraising dinner involving football clubs in Galashiels in 2013.

Anyone wishing to pledge money to Gala Fairydean’s moustache challenge, can do so on sponsorship forms in the clubrooms or by contacting one of the players.

IT WAS a chilly night at the Cowdenbeath Racewall on Saturday although a spectacular fireworks display certainly lit up the last event of the season, writes Jim Turner.

In the second prostox heat a blown engine caused havoc as the following drivers hit the oil slick and crashed into the cars ahead. Kai McNulty found the outside line and somehow managed to scrape through – the only driver to finish the race.

The ministox drivers were again in good form with plenty of action whilst in the stock rods Brett Sneddon had his car written off after he was clipped and was sent crashing into the wall.

The ministox drivers were as usual in good form with Jiggy Miller up from England whilst the local driver was Craig Murray (Moffat).

Murray started off with a ninth place in heat one and whilst he ran well after that wasn’t classified in his other races.

Well that is the 2012 season over and done with and the contractors are moving in to work on the kerbs and the track resurfacing.

THE Berwick Bandits supporters’ club, fans, management and riders waved goodbye to the 2012 season within the grounds of Shielfield Park on Saturday night at the end of season presentation evening, writes Lawrence Heppell.

The occasion was hosted expertly by Nite Talk MC Steven Hayward who led the rider presentation and disco until the early hours of Sunday.

With all 2012 riders present, and in a season of injury there were plenty of them, the award winners were duly applauded with Ricky Ashworth taking The Bandit of Year.

Lee Complin was awarded the trophy for the fastest Bandit at Shielfield in 2012, and Seb Alden received the Supporters’ Club Bandit of Year.

David Bellego picked up his trophy for becoming the 2012 Bonus Point King whilst Nicki Barrett, Liam Carr, Alex Edberg, Robin Aspegren, Micky Dyer were also in attendance.

Club co-owner John Anderson once again urged fans to go out and promote the club to potential advertisers and sponsors to ensure a happy conclusion to 2012 especially considering the Benevolent Fund Meeting and World Under 21 Meeting have been allocated to Berwick Speedway should the club survive the financial nightmares currently being endured… and as there’s still no concrete news on a main sponsor, it’s doubly important for everyone connected to the Bandits to press on and search for good solid financial backing.

In relation to this a presentation of cheque for £1500 by Supporters’ Club to promotion was made to much adulation from the attendees.

A presentation by the club was then made to long serving behind scenes staff members Dougie Logan and Raymond Thorpe, and to end the night on a very proud moment a special presentation was made to Berwick Speedway’s promotion by the BSPA chairperson Alex Harkess on behalf of Benevolent Fund with a plaque to honour Berwick being top track fund collector for the last three years in row, tipping in excess of £1400 on two occasions.

FOLLOWING a string of poor results Darren Cunningham has stood down from his post as head coach at Jed-Forest with immediate effect.

The Riverside Park outfit made the announcement on Sunday with President Billy Grieve, on behalf of the club, citing the bad start to the 2012/13 season, which sees the team at the bottom of the National League. He stated: “Darren has left the club after four years. Our recent bad run of results are against where Jed-Forest want to be in Scottish Rugby.

“Darren has always shown dedication and enthusiasm during his role as head coach at the club, however it is results that matter and to that end he has failed to deliver this season.

“We wish Darren well for the future. The club will now seek to appoint a new head coach in due course.”

Darren took Jed to the top of Premier C and Premiership 2 in successive seasons as well as winning the Kings of the 7s trophy earlier this year but, having lost several key players over the summer, have won just one game this campaign.

TWO teenagers suspected of being responsible for vandalism at a primary school in Hawick have been reported to the procurator fiscal, writes Bob Burgess.

It follows a police probe into an incident on August 16 when four double-glazed windows were smashed at Burnfoot community school.

Police viewed closed circuit television footage which they say identified two Hawick males aged 16 and 17 years.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said ; “This would appear to be a mindless act of vandalism that caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

“Anti social behaviour such as this will not be tolerated in our communities.”

In 2010-11, Scottish Borders Council faced a bill of £30,000 to repair damage by vandals at schools across the region.

In the same 12 months, the Burnfoot school was vandalised on 22 occasions and repairs cost £4,382.

Hawick Linden 38 Dalkeith 25

RBS EAST DIVISION TWO

LINDEN shot to the top of their league on Saturday by defeating long term leaders Dalkeith at the Volunteer Park.

The Royal Blues simply came out of the blocks at a tremendous pace with chances for Graham Colville, Nathan Murray and Greg Thomson all going close.

Linden finally opened their account in the 13th minute when Gary Wardle fed out to Steven Bouglas who cut in and ran behind the posts for Barry Sutherland to convert.

Dalkeith slotted the penalty goal and the Linden’s response was immediate as Murray took a catch on half way and his pace and balanced running scythed through the visitors to produce a wonderful solo touch down which Sutherland again converted.

Sutherland then took a quick tap to put Graham Colville over and Sutherland add the extras himself before Sean Goodfellow’s pass found Thomson who had the pace to score. Sutherland converted majestically from out wide.

With the bonus point in the bag after only 26 minutes, and the Linden playing at a pace Dalkeith could not live with, it looked like a case of how many points could the home team rack up. However, the visitors had other ideas and were able to gain more possession and slow the game down. Just when the home team appeared to have soaked up a long period of pressure on their own line, Dalkeith eventually went over with the last play of the half and the conversion reduced the Linden lead to 28-10 at the break.

The second period started badly for the Linden dropping the kick off, then failing to hold on to kicks and passes. They continued to fall foul of the referee’s whistle and Greg Thomson was the unlucky man to be shown a yellow card for team infringements and the power of the visitors pack drove them over for a push over try.

Linden finally showed their abilities again when, from a scrum, Sutherland put out a sweet pass which Murray burst onto at pace on half way to go the distance for another superb try. Sutherland added his fifth conversion.

Sutherland slotted a penalty soon after but the Linden were turned over at the kick off, the penalty was tapped and Dalkeith’s winger went over in the corner.

With only four minutes remaining the visitors drove another scrum and their big No. 8 plunged over. The match ended on a sour note when, with virtually the last play of the game, prop Terry Skeet was sent off for punching.

In some ways the Linden were at their best and worst, looking world beaters in space when playing the game at pace but making mistakes and giving penalties away when the visitors were in possession. Skipper Sutherland, well served by scrum half Rory Hamilton, got his backs moving well. Murray, Thomson and Steven Bouglas showed their paces in the backs and Stuart Williams had some powerful runs after coming off the bench. Keith Mabon worked hard up front and was well supported by Mercer, Wardle and Cunningham.

Team: N. Murray; G. Thomson, S. Bouglas, S. Goodfellow, G. Bouglas; B. Sutherland, R. Hamilton; K. Mabon, B. Mercer, T. Skeet, B. Keown, S. Fairbairn, G. Wardle, G. Cunningham, G. Colville. Subs: S. Renwick, C. Gracie, S. Williams, J. Gilchrist, S. Harkness, J. Scott.

FORMER Melrose back row star Kelly Brown is all set to make his return, from injury, to the Scotland 1st XV for his 50th cap and as captain for the first time.

Brown will be joined in the starting line-up by fellow Borderers Stuart Hogg (Hawick), Greig Laidlaw (Jed-Forest), Ross Ford (Kelso), Geoff Cross (Gala).

Andy Robinson has made five changes from the team that completed a 100% winning record in Australasia during the summer for their first match of the season, Sunday’s EMC Test against New Zealand at Murrayfield.

The changes made from the team that rounded off the Southern Hemisphere tour with a last-gasp win against Samoa – following on earlier successes against Australia and Fiji – see Nick De Luca return for the injured Joe Ansbro at centre; Mike Blair, who had a superb game off the bench in Apia, start instead of the recuperating Chris Cusiter; and Geoff Cross, Jim Hamilton and captain Kelly Brown appear in the pack instead of Euan Murray, Alastair Kellock and Richie Vernon.

There are first international starts at Murrayfield for Edinburgh Rugby backs Matt Scott and Tim Visser and Glasgow Warriors prop Ryan Grant.

Lock Richie Gray has made good progress from his ankle injury sustained on club duty last month and is listed, subject to a fitness test later this week.

On the bench, Glasgow Warriors’ uncapped 23-year-old scrum-half Henry Pyrgos, is rewarded for his fine form in recent weeks with a first-ever involvement in a Scotland match-day squad.

Robinson commented: “For our first game of the season we will really need to start well and keep the game simple.

“New Zealand are the world champions and they perform the basic skills, well, under the highest pressure.

“We need to step up from the summer tour and be ready to go toe to toe in a physical contest, just as Australia did most recently against New Zealand in Brisbane.

“Congratulations to Kelly Brown who will captain Scotland for the first time and will join distinguished company in winning his 50th cap.”

Brown is the 32nd Scot to reach the milestone of 50 caps.

Scotland team (sponsor RBS) to play New Zealand in the EMC Test at Murrayfield on Sunday, kick-off 2.30pm: Stuart Hogg; Sean Lamont, Nick De Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser; Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair; Ryan Grant, Ross Ford, Geoff Cross, Richie Gray, Jim Hamilton, Alasdair Strokosch, Ross Rennie, Kelly Brown. Subs: Scott Lawson, Allan Jacobsen, Kyle Traynor, Alastair Kellock, David Denton, Henry Pyrgos, Ruaridh Jackson, Max Evans.

INNERLEITHEN’S Switched On Sunday is just a month away, and shop owners wishing to take part should attend the group’s next meeting on Thursday, November 15 in the Union Club (7.30pm).

The December 9 showpiece is an afternoon where shops in the town open their doors and host a series of events, culminating in Innerleithen’s Christmas lights being switched on - regarded by many as the best in the Borders.

Already the Tweedvale Pipe Band, St Ronan’s Silver Band, Innerleithen Opera, St Ronan’s School Choir and Tweeddale Folk Group will be performing.

There will also be fancy dress and Christmas shop window competitions, the Town Treasure Trail, pump track, pony rides and much more.

Shop owners wishing to get involved can email innerleithenevents@hotmail.co.uk or speak to Gen at Smail’s or Lesley from Backcroft.

TWEED Leader Jed Track (TLJT) athletes topped off yet another successful season at the annual Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA) awards.

Four of the region’s top track stars were honoured at the event, which was held in Glenrothes.

Eve Huxley was named outstanding female athlete of the year, as well as taking third place in the youths’ SHGA League; Bruce Scott was awarded veteran sprinter of the year and was runner-up in the SHGA League; Ryan Houten won the Youths Sprint League in both Fife and SHGA, while Lee Goodfellow picked up third place in the same category.

All trophies were presented by sprint legend George McNeil, who was the guest speaker on the night.

Galashiels Academy’s junior rugby teams recorded two wins out of three when they travelled to take on their counterparts from Berwickshire High School.

The first-year team chalked up 10 tries in their match, four of which were scored by centre Douglas Henderson.

The squad showed excellent handling skills and defence to deny a determined Berwickshire side.

However, the Academy’s second-year team went down 19-16 despite a gritty fightback.

Berwickshire were already three tries up when good handling along the back line sent Gala’s Steven Paterson over in the corner.

Powerful running from the forwards then set up two well-taken tries for Nicky Molfino, and one for Kris Weir.

Some good defensive displays from Lawson Marr and Alistair Crooks saw off menacing attacks from the big Berwickshire team, while Struan Mitchell added to Gala’s points with another touchdown and two well-executed conversions.

However, the spirited Gala team left it too late. Special mention was also made to Rory Shephard who put in an excellent effort in both attack and defence for Gala.

Lastly, the third-year team recorded a fine 33-7 victory thanks to five well-worked tries. Winger Nathan McEwan and prop Sean Howitt showed up particularly well and were ever-present in the build-up to all Gala’s scores, while Aidan Turner notched a hat-trick.

Jamie Allan scored a brace, while Berwickshire chalked up a converted try as consolation.

Currie 23

Melrose 10

RBS PREMIERSHIP

MELROSE’S campaign to retain the Premiership trophy took a nosedive on Saturday as they hit the halfway stage in the domestic championship season.

Even with two games in hand the challenge will now be a tough one as wins for Currie, Gala and leaders Ayr widened the gap at the top of the table.

Once again, missed tackles led to try-scoring chances for the opposition and Currie opened the scoring after five minutes with a Jamie Forbes penalty, James Johnstone having previously passed up a chance for a try when he failed to control a Forbes pass, the line at his mercy.

Within a couple of minutes Alex Fiskin stretched the lead when he finished a good move on the right.

Andrew Skeen put ’Rose’s first points on the board with a penalty on 23 minutes, but Forbes replied in kind shortly after, and on the stroke of half-time Johnstone broke two tackles to touch down. Forbes’ conversion allowed the hosts to take a commanding 18-3 lead at the break.

Ten minutes after the restart the Melrose forwards gathered their collective strength to send Gary Holborn over for a try, Andrew Skeen adding the extras, but once again Currie replied with No8 Ross Weston emerging from the pile to claim a try that restored his side’s 18-point margin.

Currie fought hard to gain a four-try bonus point in the last quarter, but the visitors fought harder, managing to deny the Malleny men this precious extra.

Melrose: S. Chalmers; B. Colvine, B. Dick, J. Helps, U. Kalamafoni; A. Skeen, S. McCormick; N. Little, W. Mitchell, G. Holborn, R. Ovens, R. Miller, A. Walker, G. Runciman, A. Nagle. Subs: I. Robertson, C. Arthur, P. Eccles, A. Jessop, R. Mill.

Hamilton 17

Kelso 25

RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE

NORMAN ANDERSON reports from Laigh Bent

THE Tweedsiders were behind after only three minutes when Chris Stannage scored in the right-hand corner.

Murray Hastie reduced the deficit by kicking a penalty, taking him through the 100-point barrier for the season.

Kelso crossed the home line after a loose ball was secured on the ground. A thrust by Gregg Minto, followed by Kieran Cooney, took the ball up to the Hamilton line and, eventually, captain Chris Riddell was driven over after 21 minutes. Hastie slotted the conversion to put the visitors 10-5 ahead.

However, the lead did not last long. Following a line-out and drive, a stretch by home second row Kenny Brown brought a try in 26 minutes.

A succession of aimless kicks by both teams brought no reward until a catch in the line-out by Donald Seed on the five-metre mark took the Kelso pack over the line for another try through Stuart Lowrie after 30 minutes.

Hastie kicked the goal, but Lowrie, who seemed to have been injured during his drive over the line, was replaced by Derek Welsh.

The second half started with a penalty offence against Kelso, putting them under pressure, but solid defence held out and they worked their way upfield. James Stewart won a ball at the tail of the line-out, but as the drive went towards the Hamilton line, the ball was spilled and another chance was gone.

The Borderers were conceding a number of penalties to the obvious annoyance of referee Mhairi Hay and Chris Riddell, the Kelso captain, was warned about this. Ian Wallace lasted only a few minutes before he was yellow-carded for persistent infringement of the laws. This led to a passage of dominance by Hamilton and only desperate rearguard action by Kelso held the line.

The break had to come, however, and after 69 minutes Andy Hill went over for a try close enough to the posts for Owen McLeish to convert to take the score to 17-17.

Hastie booted Kelso into the lead again with a penalty for offside. Then the visitors pushed Hamilton off their own scrum on the 22 and Michael Robertson picked up at No8 and raced in at the corner unopposed.

Kelso: W. Massey; A. Haig, R. Minto, A. Alexander, G. Minto; M. Hastie, A. Tait; K. Cooney, C. Riddell, S. Lowrie, I. Wallace, D. Seed, M. Robertson, E. Ford, J. Stewart. Subs: D. Welsh, D. Redstone, S. MacColl and G. Millar.

Jed-Forest 25

Watsonians 29

RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE

IRONICALLY, in what turned out to be the last game in charge for head coach Darren Cunningham, Jed-Forest put on a much improved performance to gain two much needed bonus points on Saturday.

Indeed, it was a huge turnaround from the first game against the Myreside outfit this season, when Jed lost by more than 70 points.

Some stout defending in the opening stages prevented a fired-up home outfit from crossing the line and it was Watsonians that scored the first points when Mike Ker kicked a penalty, quickly followed by a try from No8 Chris Scott on 27 minutes.

Ker, having a good day with the boot, converted another penalty before converting a second try from Scott, but Jed had the final say in the first half when David Gobby slipped an inside pass to Gregor Young to score in the corner, making the score Jed-Forest 5 Watsonians 20 at the break.

It was a case of all guns blazing for the hosts after the restart.

However, it was visitors’ kicker Ker who scored first with a penalty. The score only served to heighten the resolve of the Jed side, however, as Chris Gillon scorched down his wing to touch down in the corner and Gregor Young scored his second try, converted by Iain Chisholm.

Replacement Gregor Taylor was next on the scoresheet, with an excellent solo effort, which brought the hosts to within a single point going into the last five minutes.

Watson’s replacement scrum half Riaan Basson kicked a penalty after two minutes of injury time and Jed threw everything into attack for the remaining minutes only to be beaten by the referee’s whistle.

Jed-Forest: Gregor Young; D. Wallace, R. Hogg, S. McDonald, D. Gobby; I. Chisholm, R. Goodfellow; A. Ions, D. Grieve, G. Slorance, G. Elder, Glen Young, M. Weekley, J. Sudlow, D. Grieve. Subs: S. Raeburn, G. Taylor, C. Gillon.

z Jed-Forest issued a statement on Sunday to say that Cunningham would be leaving the club with immediate effect (full story on page 23).

Gala 34

Edinburgh Accies 17

RBS PREMIERSHIP

LAING SPEIRS reports from Netherdale

GALA’S first 30 minutes looked like setting them up for one of coach George Graham’s stern half-time lectures.

But, just in time, the forwards took matters into their own hands and upped the tempo before the break.

Two well-worked tries gave the side an interval lead and from then on it was downhill all the way.

With four tries bringing another bonus point, the Maroons picked up their eighth win in the Premiership and marginally narrowed the gap behind leaders Ayr.

It wasn’t a perfect performance, with some inconsistency from Gala early on. Accies defended well and looked dangerous at times. But they faded from the picture the longer the game went on.

Gala’s coach was a bit concerned at his side’s reading of the exchange referee’s interpretations, but was satisfied with the result. As a man with high standards, he wanted more consistency, commenting: “We must stop making silly mistakes and we must learn to adjust to the referee.”

Gala’s strength on the replacement bench proved a handy card to be able to play, with the team adjusting positively to the changes. Some robust work up front was matched by a fair amount of incisive running.

With Gala’s scoring regularly reaching the 20s and 30s, the season’s try count is ticking over well.

Lee Millar and Gavin Young were penetrative runners, and the front row had an afternoon of considerable success. The line-out, too, was a lot more effective than in some recent games.

The Accies won the opening ping-pong exchanges on territory and edged ahead with a penalty from Ruaridh Bonner in six minutes.

They looked impressive and ended an onslaught on the Gala line with a try from Euan Bonner, converted by Ruaridh.

The Netherdale men’s limited efforts produced nothing until 
they took up post near the 
visitors’ line and some determined efforts by the pack saw Opeta Palepoi score another of his trademark tries, Millar converting.

After seeing off a useful break from Euan Bonner, Gala came back just on half-time and following a winning line-out, home prop Luke Pettie went over between the posts. Millar’s kick gave the home side a 14-10 interval advantage.

Accies’ forwards restarted strongly, with Alex Black scoring for Ruaridh Bonner to add the points that gave the city side the lead for the second time.

Interval replacements saw Gala’s new winger, Gerald Sibanda, come on, making his first appearance since being injured in his opening game against Currie.

But the unlucky player was on the field for only a cameo appearance before his shoulder was put out and he departed for hospital. However, he played long enough to score a fine try down the right-hand side, with two Accies players beaten for pace and left for dead.

If injuries are not a problem, he looks a most useful acquisition.

Millar’s conversion from the corner was the charge that Gala needed and the stand-off made an impressive break, kicked a penalty and than converted a classic try scored by replacement Gavin Young.

Craig Robertson kept the ball in play down the left-hand touchline and Young followed up at speed to get the touchdown far out.

With the bonus point secured, Gala quietened down, Millar added a penalty and the game fizzled out with no more excitement.

Gala: A. McLean; G. Somerville, C. Auld, B. Turner, C. Robertson; L. Millar, George Graham; L. Pettie, R. Anderson, E. McQuillin, C. Weir, O. Palepoi, Gary Graham, K. Mein, E. Dods. Subs: C. Mackintosh, C. Keddie, S. Cairns, G. Sibanda and G. Young.

Galashiels Academy 45

Earlston HIgh School 18

BREWIN DOLPHIN UNDER-18s SCOTTISH SCHOOLS PLATE – REGIONAL SEMI-FINAL

ALAN LORIMER reports from Netherdale

GALASHIELS Academy secured their place in the Borders and East Lothian regional final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-18 plate competition by defeating Earlston High School.

The hosts ran in seven tries – including two apiece by talented stand-off Ruairi Howarth and promising prop Gary Robertson.

“We played some great running rugby in the first half, but kind of took our foot off the pedal after the break,” said Academy coach Lewis Bertram.

For Earlston, missing a number of key players, it was a disappointing outcome, but they can take credit for refusing to capitulate and scoring three tries in the second half.

Academy were well in control after 10 minutes with touchdowns by Howarth (2) and Robertson, all converted by centre Keith Young. Livewire scrum half Gavin Hamilton crossed the line to make it 26-0 and this lead was quickly increased with a touchdown from wing Calum Hunter. Young converted.

Earlston finally claimed their first points with a penalty by stand-off Russell McKay, but before the break home prop Gareth Yeomans powered over for a try to make the interval score 38-3.

A close-range touchdown by Kieran Hogg increased Earlston’s points tally, only for Robertson to sprint clear for Galashiels’ final try which was converted by young.

Then, in a final phase, McKay grabbed two unconverted tries for the visitors, but it was merely a late show of defiance that could not prevent Academy from taking the honours.

MORE than 70 players from all over the region took part in the annual Borders under-15 girls’ touch rugby festival at Netherdale last Friday.

Competitors from Peebles, Hawick, Kelso, Eyemouth, Berwick, Galashiels, Selkirk, Langholm and Jedburgh secondary schools played in a series of games before a short training session provided the chance to take part in seven-a-side full-contact games.

Anyone interested in playing girls’ or women’s rugby should contact Iain Park on 07983 710484, Ian Millar on 07732 799083, or any local rugby club development officer.

Selkirk 12

Hawick 37

RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE

STUART CAMERON reports from Philiphaugh

AFTER the events at Mansfield Park a couple of months ago when Selkirk overturned a 20-point deficit to win the match against Hawick, the Greens were itching for revenge – and on Saturday at Philiphaugh that opportunity came their way.

They deserved their win, although the scoreline of 37-12 was something of a surprise.

The first half was a tight affair, with Hawick getting the nod 9-7, thanks to three penalty goals by Neil Renwick. But it was the Souters who scored the only try of the first period when a planned kick ahead from Gavin Craig for Rory Banks to run onto in the corner worked a treat. Mike McVie’s conversion went over off the post.

Selkirk’s Andrew Renwick and Matt Landels for the Greens were both yellow-carded in the first half, but it was another yellow which had a big influence on the match following the resumption.

At a ruck, Landels was preventing the ball from coming out and opponent Neil Darling used his feet to try and release it. It was old-fashioned rucking which even the referee seemed happy about and he awarded Selkirk the penalty, but on the advice of one of his assistants Darling was given a yellow card. He didn’t take the decision well, there was backchat and the yellow turned into a red.

It was an unfortunate incident which gave the visitors a big advantage for the final half-hour. On 55 minutes, Keith Davies intercepted a pass from Scott Hendrie and had a simple run-in for his ninth try in all competitions of the season. Renwick converted.

But the Selkirk heads didn’t go down and they fought back for a try which was well deserved – Darren Clapperton rounding off a slick move which saw the ball pass through a number of hands.

The one-man advantage in the pack helped Hawick to wheel a defensive Selkirk scrum, and when the ball popped out the back, the alert Garry Johnstone pounced on it to give the Greens a third try, Renwick again bagging the extras. They sniffed the bonus point and when Greg Cottrell saw Rory Hutton and Scott McLeod out on the right, he moved the ball in that direction. McLeod went under the posts to secure the five points, with Renwick taking his personal total to 17 with his fourth conversion.

For Hawick, their backs were again impressive. Lee Armstrong looked very comfortable at centre, with the exciting Hutton always entertaining to watch. Renwick was stunning at full back, making several ventures into enemy territory, gliding past defenders with ease. In the pack, Shawn Muir and Keith Davies were outstanding.

Selkirk have a game in hand, so write them off at your peril as they go into the second half of the season. Clapperton continues to impress with his all-round game.

Hawick’s Hutton was thrilled.

He told TheSouthern: “We let a healthy lead slip up last time round against Selkirk and we got five points today, which was what we were aiming for to try and catch the top two teams above us. We’ve got Hawks and Watsonians at home, so promotion is in our hands. If we keep winning we’ll be up there.”

Selkirk’s Fraser Harkness said: “We got lazy towards the end and that cost us dearly. It’s tough to get beaten like that after the run we’ve been on.”

Match highlights are on Borders Rugby TV at www.bordersrugby.net

Selkirk: R. Banks; S. Hendrie, F. Harkness, R. Nixon, D. Clapperton; G, Craig, M. McVie; G, Patterson, S. Forrest, C. Lacour, A. Renwick, M. Kissick, N. Darling, A. Duckett, R. Crockatt. Subs: L. MacLennan, C. Johnson, J. Bett, C. Graur, E. Macdougall.

Hawick: N. Renwick; J. Coutts, L. Armstrong, G. Johnstone, S. Anderson; R. Hutton, G. Cottrell; S. Muir, L. Gibson, M. Landels, K. Willison, C. Smith, N. Mactaggart, S. Graham, K. Davies. Subs: H.Scammell, L. Launders, D. Lowrie, S. MLeod, G. Anderson.