Gala Fairydean 2

Kelso United 4

EoS FIRST DIVISION

KENNY PATERSON reports from Netherdale

IT was only a shirt thrown to the ground, but it summed up the current morale at Gala Fairydean.

The problems surrounding Netherdale meant it was almost insignificant that Darren Bowie’s decision to storm off the pitch and perform a half Monty at the same time sealed a second successive defeat.

All of the focus before the game was on the resignation of manager Garry Fraser and possible consortium takeover of the club.

It meant the resultant performance from a dispirited Gala team should have served as little surprise.

Despite a series of meetings between the players and committee members, interim boss Geri Rossi called on the squad to concentrate on their own performances rather than the continued off-field uncertainty.

Speaking candidly after the match, the 24-year-old told TheSouthern: “We all know we should not be involved in the politics of the club.

“It is difficult for a player, but when you step over the line you have to give answers.

“We showed a lot of heart and desire against Craigroyston in previous game (lost 1-0), but today was very disappointing.

“A few guys in our changing room not only let the club down, but themselves as well.”

Despite Gala’s poor display, Kelso deserve credit for a smash-and-grab win, with the Tweedsiders defending deep before hitting their hosts on the break four times.

And in striker Derek Burnett, they have a front man who can lead the line on his own and score goals, grabbing a brace on Saturday.

Delighted United boss Prof Blaikie said: “We do not have the finances to beat the best of them, so instead we give the opposition the ball and if they score against us I take my hat off to them.

“But when we get the ball, we always look like scoring.

“There is plenty talk about Steven Shennan and John Crawford, but this is my fourth year at the club and Derek Burnett has scored 20 goals every season. He is a real handful.

“We got our reward today with a hard-won victory.”

Four goals in the final 10 minutes lit up a poor first half on a freezing, gloomy afternoon.

Kelso’s first on-target effort in the 35th minutes was a goal as Burnett expertly beat two defenders on the line after Elliot Turnbull had saved Jordan Lauder’s initial shot.

Marc Berry equalised five minutes later with a superb 30yd effort which dipped just before Scott Dowie to take the ball out of the reach of the United stopper.

Garry Mabon restored the visitors’ lead two minutes before the break as he lobbed home from 25yds.

But within 60 seconds, Colin Jeffrey found the net with another well-struck shot from outside the box to make it 2-2 at half-time.

Lauder restored Kelso’s lead on 56 minutes and the win was secured with 15 minutes remaining as Burnett scored from close range.

The subsequent disagreement between Turnbull and Bowie led to the defender’s unexpected early departure.

Jack Hay had a header cleared off the goal-line by Steven Tait, but Kelso’s well-organised rearguard meant the homesters rarely threatened in the closing stages.

There is likely to be further bad news for Gala, as Rossi indicated he would not be able to continue in a temporary management role.

Rossi added: “I am 24 years old and it is easier playing Championship Manager than actually running a team.

“At this point in time, to take on such a responsibility, is maybe a bit too early for me.

“I told the club I would help as much as I could, but the players need stability and with my work commitments it is difficult to give them that.”

Gala Fairydean: E. Turnbull, S. Davidson, A. Brown (G. Hay 32), D. Bowie (J. Tait 75), G. Lothian, B. Miller, C. Jeffrey, G. Gass, S. Nightingale, J. Hay, M. Berry.

Kelso United: S. Dowie, J. McCutcheon, S. Angus, P. Dumma, C. Black, S. Tait, C. Webb (C. McClure 55), G. Mabon (G. Porter 72), D. Burnett, L. Wallace, J. Lauder.

Pencaitland 5

Hawick Waverley 2

BAL DIVISION A

WAVERLEY were first to do the business when Taylor Hope found the net with a glorious 35-yard drive.

Pencaitland hit back to equalise and, deep into injury time at the end of the first half, edged ahead through an excellent goal.

Playing some good football, the homesters added to their tally after their break.

Waverley, however, soon reduced the leeway through Liam Lavery, who tucked away a Ross Wallace cut-back.

The Hawick side were now back in the hunt, but Pencaitland wiped out any further hopes of a comeback by netting a penalty after Mark Deans had brought down an attacker in the box.

Seconds from the finish, Pencaitland grabbed a fifth.

THE Borders leg of the Scottish Schools FA Cashback 7s took place at the 3G Arena, Netherdale, when seven boys’ teams and three girls’ sides competed.

In Group 1 Boys, Dalkeith, Eyemouth B, Gala and Penicuik contested for a place in the south-east regional final, with Dalkeith qualifying.

In Group 2 Boys, Eyemouth A, Hawick and North Berwick played, with the former victorious and earning the second regional final qualification spot.

In the girls’ competition, Gala A, Gala B and Hawick competed, with Gala A securing a place in the regional final.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “It was great to see the 3G Arena used for this event. The teams all played really well and we are delighted that both a Borders boys’ and girls’ team qualified for the regional finals.”

Drew Kelly, Borders Sport and Leisure SFA development officer, added: “This is a Scottish national competition with heats for the south-east region final being held in Mussleburgh, Edinburgh, Galashiels, Tranent and Livingston, so there is still a long way to go.

“The competition in the south-east regional final will be tough, but we have some excellent young players in the Borders, so we are hoping for a good result.”

THE FUTURE of the 3G Arena at Netherdale has been secured for the next 10 years.

An agreement between Scottish Borders Council, Borders Sport and Leisure and Gala Fairydean Football Club on the management of the facility, which included the lease signing and service level arrangement, was signed last week with all interested parties present.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure Trust, said: “The 3G Arena Netherdale is a fantastic resource for the Borders. We will continue to do our utmost to efficiently manage the facility and to encourage clubs, organisations and the wider community to use it.”

Ancrum 3

Selkirk Victoria 2

BAL DIVISION B

SELKIRK’S slim hopes of promotion all but ended at Ancrum on Saturday after a last-minute winner for the division’s champions elect.

The visitors made all the early running and were ahead after 10 minutes.

Scott MacFarlane got on the end of a lovely slide-rule pass before chipping the ball over the keeper into the top corner.

But Ancrum equalised 10 minutes later thanks to a 20yd free kick from Grant Robinson.

Shortly after, Robinson put the home side ahead when his cross from the far touchline drifted into the top corner after Michael White misjudged the flight of the ball.

Selkirk drew level on the stroke of half-time when the best move of the match involving Ryan Clapperton, Nathan Douglas and Ross Purves resulted in the latter curling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The second period was a scrappy affair. Kyle Finlayson came close with a header for Ancrum and at the other end MacFarlane’s flick flew just past the post.

The game looked set for a draw, but in the last minute Ancrum, not for the first time, were awarded a soft free kick. The ball was floated into the box and despite what looked to some like a foul on the Selkirk centre half, Finlayson headed the ball into the top corner for the win.

Selkirk have a chance for revenge this weekend when the sides meet again in the Walls Cup semi-final at Ancrum (2pm ko).

Ormiston 4

Hawick Royal Albert 1

EoS FIRST DIVISION

JOHN SLORANCE reports from Recreation Park

FACING bottom-of-the-table Ormiston, Hawick thought they were in with a chance of getting a much-needed win.

Thinking, however, was as far as it got, for the struggling Teries were once again turned over – this time by an Ormiston outfit which deserved victory.

Albert coach Owen Murphy told TheSouthern: “I thought we did okay in the first half. Lack of concentration cost us goals in the second half and this has been our big failure in our past few games”.

With a strong swirling wind at their backs, the Albert squandered a chance to take the lead in the opening minutes. Gordon Ramsay hurled a throw-in high into the goalmouth and the ball broke to the feet of Peter Keenan, who blazed his shot wildly over the bar.

Hawick began to have the bulk of the play, but moves repeatedly broke down in front of goal. The hosts were defending well and looking dangerous on the break with some thrusting attacks.

And during one such raid, they broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when, finding space down the right, Conor Ramage whipped over a low cross which was rifled home by Kyle Auld.

Just a couple of minutes later, Martin King put the Teries on level terms with a low shot that struck the post before spinning into the net.

Ormiston came rallying back and Albert keeper Ross Taylor pulled off an excellent save in tipping a Richard Weir effort over the bar. Minutes later Taylor emerged the visitors’ saviour again with a tremendous double stop – first blocking a Ramage shot and then thwarting Auld who had met the rebound.

After Innes Zenati came close with a header from a corner kick by substitute Scott Watson, who had replaced the injured Ramsay, the in-form Taylor kept the homesters at bay by saving from Craig Fisher.

In the 54th minute, Ormiston went ahead for the second time. Auld switched from goal scorer to goal maker when he played a Craig Fisher free kick to the feet of Ramage, and the big striker slotted a shot out of Taylor’s reach.

Hawick fell into further arrears two minutes later. After dispossessing Aiden Reilly, Brian McEwan darted forward and, with the Albert rearguard at sixes and sevens, slipped a pass to Ramage, who produced the finishing touch.

At the other end, a well-struck drive from Declan Hogg was saved at full stretch by home number one Adam Aitchison.

Ormiston, however, were in the driving seat and a McEwan shot cannoned off the upright.

With five minutes remaining, Ormiston bagged a fourth when substitute Graeme Purves netted a Craig Fisher corner kick from close range.

Hawick Royal Albert: R. Taylor, K. Fettes, R. Shepherd, A. Reilly, K. McCulloch, I. Zenati, S. Drummond (D. Hogg), R. Fleming, P. Keenan, M. King, G. Ramsay (S. Watson).

Selkirk 1

Coldstream 2

EoS FIRST DIVISION

ON A perishingly cold day in the Borders, this game was played out on a fantastic surface despite the deluge of rain the day before.

With Selkirk currently well down the league, a false position in many people’s eyes including their visitors, Coldstream’s aim was to get an early goal and some early chances almost put that theory to practice.

Stuart Coyle went close from distance before John Crawford turned to shoot inches wide.

At the other end, Selkirk were proving a threat, too, with Mark Walters saving superbly from close range before Jamie Gibson broke through to lift his effort over the onrushing keeper, only to see it land on the roof of the net.

In a very even contest, either side could have taken the lead, but it was Crawford who netted the opener with a fantastic goal, impressively turning his marker with a flick to volley into the corner of the net.

Moments later, he went close again with a bullet header, which had John Dodds scrambling across his line.

Selkirk again pressed and various crosses into the box made the visitors work hard to keep their lead in difficult conditions.

Just before the interval the home side went close again, but after doing all of the hard work, Gibson dragged his shot wide of the post.

The second half brought more pressure from the home side. After two attacks down the left flank, one of which resulted in Gibson blasting over from close range, Selkirk eventually found the leveller via Euan Pritchard, who met a cross from the other side of the park with a simple tap-in after everyone else had missed it.

Minutes later, however, the big centre-half went from hero to villain as a standard header back to Dodds ended up in his own net, with a lack of communication proving the decisive error.

With the lead now restored, the introduction of Martyn Tait tightened up the Coldstream midfield and ensured that all three points were obtained from a venue that has proved a very tough place for the Streamers in recent years.

Selkirk: J. Dodds, K. Munro, D. Johnson, E. Pritchard, J. Higginbottom, R. Gay, J. Ingles, M. Holness, D. Battle, R, Mcmanus, J. Gibson. Subs: J. Watt, A. Noble, L. Stephen, B. Connelly, A. Butters.

As a youngster growing up in Peebles, Kevin Thomson dreamed of playing for boyhood heroes Hibs, and the 28-year-old’s love of the club was a major factor in his decision to return to Scotland after agreeing to leave Middlesbrough last month.

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon had previously insisted that the only way the Scotland internationalist would rejoin the Easter Road club, would be if he agreed to play for no wages, and, unbelievably, that’s exactly what he agreed to do.

To the amazement of the Hibs’ fans, the classy midfielder has signed a deal to the end of the season, making his second debut in the green and white jersey as a late substitute in Sunday’s controversial Edinburgh derby, which ended in a goalless draw.

After the game, Thomson said: “I wanted to help the club. I’d say Hibs are the only club in Britain for whom I’d play for nothing.

“If people praise me for playing for nothing, that’s up to them, I’m just trying to do my best for the team. It wasn’t on my mind when I came back, but the more I trained and worked with the manager, the more I wanted to play.

“I had a few deals elsewhere that fell through and in the end I asked the manager if I could play.

“I’m not thinking about the summer. I am just looking to get to the end of the season and hopefully making it a successful couple of months.”

“That’s the first time I’ve been on the park for six or seven weeks. It was nice to come on and the reception was touching.”

Kevin’s parents, Allan Thomson and Elizabeth Ramsay, married in Peebles in 1978 and Kevin was born in Edinburgh in 1984, although he was brought up in the Borders town.

His mother was the daughter of a lorry driver, and his dad, a mechanical engineer, was the son of local butcher, Robert.

Kevin’s paternal great-grandfather, David Thomson, also lived in Peebles and was a carter, like his own father, Alexander, who lived in Leith, near the Hibs ground in Easter Road.

Thomson first honed his football skills with Peebles Thistle, in the Eastern Region Youth League, before being lured to Hutchison Vale, where he came to the notice of Coventry City, who signed him on a four-year contract. Things didn’t work out for the homesick youngster in the Midlands, however, and he returned to Scotland, signing for Hibs.

Thomson’s first spell at Easter Road was as part of a golden generation of youngsters, including best pal Scott Brown, Steven Fletcher, Gary Caldwell and Steven Whittaker, who all went on to play at a higher level.

He played in the club’s League Cup final defeat to Livingston, and captained the club during another successful League Cup campaign which culminated with a 5-1 win over Jim Jeffries’ Kilmarnock, although he left to join Rangers before the final for a reported £2million fee.

At Ibrox, Thomson won back-to-back league titles, a Scottish Cup medal and two League Cup medals, before current Scotland boss Gordon Strachan enticed him to Middlesbrough, but injuries blighted his career with the Teeside club.

Ironically, his arrival in Leith was preceded by another Borders player leaving – former Manchester United winger Danny Galbraith, who after playing a total of 63 games for Hibs has signed for League of Ireland newcomers Limerick.

Not only that, Thomson’s deal ends in the summer when yet another Borderer, Chirnside’s Liam Craig, arrives from St Johnstone.

HAWICK’S Paralympian archer Kate Murray is celebrating once more after shooting to glory at the Balbardie Double Portsmouth Championships, held near Glasgow.

Competing in the ladies’ recurve section, Kate hit a personal seasonal record of 1,121 points, hitting the gold spot 55 times.

A double Portsmouth is where archers shoot from 20 yards and have 60 arrows. Over the two rounds, Kate never missed the target once, scoring on all of her 120 arrows.

Borders Disability Sports Group led the congratulations this week to the 64-year-old competitor, who still has her sights firmly set on Rio 2016.

THE Borders Elite Swim Team (BEST) performance squad was represented by three of its top performers at the British Gas International Meet.

Kirsty Armstrong, Ryan Brown and Lucy Hope –all from Kelso ASC – performed admirably, breaking two Scottish age group and nine district records between them, at the meet held in Leeds from March 7 to 10.

Aiming for selection to the GB team for the European Junior Championships, 16-year-old Lucy Hope gave selectors something to think about with a number of fine performances.

She was third in the junior final of the 200m backstroke, with Scottish national and district age group records. She also placed third in the junior 50m backstroke in district age group, junior and senior record time.

The Kelso ASC member took third yet again in the junior 100m freestyle, claiming another district age group record before completing her set of four third placings with a dynamic performance in the junior 50m freestyle. With a strong case for selection, Hope waits in anticipation for the announcement of the team, to be made at the end of April.

Team-mate Kirsty Armstrong, also added her name to the record books breaking the 30-second barrier for the first time in the 50m butterfly, and setting new Scottish national and district marks in the process. The 13-year-old made the junior (16 & under) final of the 100m butterfly and, with a fine performance, missed her own Scottish age group record by one hundredth of a second. Armstrong went on to perform solidly in a range of other events.

Ryan Brown performed strongly, despite falling ill during the course of the competition. At just 15, he made the boys’ junior final (18 & under) of the 200m butterfly, managing to crack the 2 minute 10 second mark for the first time. Similarly, Brown managed to break 59 seconds for the first time in the 100m butterfly.

Head coach of BEST, Alex Jordan, told TheSouthern: “I’m very proud of the way Kirsty, Ryan and Lucy performed at this competition.

“They all faced adversity at some point during the meet then came back strongly. Lucy, in particular, pulled out a massive performance under very difficult circumstances, which may have just been enough for her to make her first GB team.”

Fjordhus Reivers 1

Highland 1

NATIONAL LADIES’ DIVISION ONE

TWELVE ladies from the Borders and two hardy supporters made the long journey north to Highland capital Inverness on Saturday.

With only one substitute in their ranks, it was imperative that all players remained composed and concentrated on the game. Making her senior appearance for Reivers was 14-year-old Leia McKinnon from Earlston, while Leisa Poole was also making her seasonal bow, due to a gap in work commitments.

Both teams cancelled each other out in the opening exchanges, but 10 minutes in Reivers settled and began playing with great communication and shape.

Deadly duo Janet Jack and Pippa Bell were enjoying large chunks of possession and frequently gave defence-splitting passes to the strikers. Highland, playing their usual combative and aggressive style, were warned by the official to watch their tackles, and from a quick self pass, Jack released McKinnon. She beat two defenders to drive into the D, where she caught a stray foot to win a penalty corner, which was saved well by the home keeper.

Highland soaked up the pressure well, thanks to the fore-mentioned stopper and Jackie Wilson did well in defence to make some timely tackles to keep the half-time score at 0-0.

From the pass-back, Reivers won another penalty corner, this time only a stick stop on the line prevented them taking the lead.

Highland could not get out of their half, such was the pressure from Reivers, and tensions started to boil in the home team. The captain received a green card for stick tackles and soon after the central defender was sent off for the two minute sin-bin.

Despite being a player down, the home team took the lead as the Borderers were caught napping, leaving a one-on-one which Tennant, in goal, could not save.

Reivers upped the pace and pushed forward pulling markers all over the pitch in the process. This gave space for Jack to drive into the D, fire a ball across goal to Fairbairn, who deflected to McKinnon, and, from a goalmouth scramble, Laura McLean dribbled the ball over the line to equalise.

Highland then lost the plot completely with their captain receiving a yellow card and a five-minute suspension for persistent bad tackles. Reivers pushed hard for the winner, but the final whistle came all too soon.

Fjordhus Reivers: S. Tennant, C. Townsend, E. Newlands, Z. Higgins, J. Wilson, P. Bell, J. Jack, L. McKinnon, S. Mather, D. Fairbairn, L. Poole, L. McLean.

THE penultimate round of the store-age.org.uk Borders Snooker League was played last Thursday night, with Hawick Conservative Club’s A team extending their unassailable lead at the top of the table.

Results: Hawick Conservative Club A 4 Border Club 2; Innerleithen P Hawick Conservative Club B P; Hawick Burns Club B 3 Selkirk A 3; St Boswells 0 Jedburgh Legion 6; Selkirk B 4 Hawick Burns Club A 2.

League standings: 1, Hawick Con A 85; 2, Hawick Burns A 70; 3, Border Club 61; 4, Hawick Burns B 61; 5, Jedburgh Legion 59; 6, Selkirk A 49; 7, Selkirk B 35; 8, St Boswells 31; 9, Hawick Con B 30; 10, Innerleithen 23.

BRAIDWOOD Sporting Clays near Midlem saw the end of an era last Friday with former management team Jim and Joyce Black’s last day at the venue.

The popular venue is now in the capable hands of Lucy Black and her team.

Lucy told TheSouthern: “They will be sorely missed by everyone and their efforts are appreciated by all who have ever visited.

“However, they can now finally start enjoying their retirement and free time.

“They are not the type to sit about, so there is no doubt that they will have a full schedule ahead with coffee breaks at the Braidwood cafe now and again.”

On Sunday, the venue enjoyed a great turnout despite the weather, with 57 guns arriving on Mother’s Day.

Competition was hot with entries going for a last chance at being considered for the Winter Series shoot-off.

Gordon Boertien was top gun with 37 ex-40, receiving the Game Keeper Trophy, while Rab Neil (East Lothian) and Ian Mullarky (guest) were joint second on a score of 35. Again tied on a score of 34, Dave Allison (Hawick) and Billy Williamson (West Lothian) were third. The second round saw Stuart Dawson (Newcastle) and Boertien tie on top gun with a score of 34 ex-40. Again a joint score saw Stuart Donaldson (Mussleburgh) and Jim McPhillips (Bathgate) take second on 32. All just behind, scoring 31, were Jim Brodie (Denholm), Marc Watson (Jedburgh), Jed Burn (Kelso), Neil Cattanach (Peebles) and Nigel Rock (Kelso).

The Junior Shield was also shot for, with Joe Davidson (Cockermouth) taking the honours with a score of 30 ex-40.

The top six guns competing for the Winter Series Trophy on Sunday, March 24, are: Gordon Boertien, Stuart Dawson, Jim Brodie (current holder), Donald Livingston, Nigel Rock and Jack Carlyle. The wild card is Roy McCowan.

Those not competing in the winter series are still welcome to take part in shooting for The Best of The Rest Trophy – entries close at noon.

Meanwhile, there is still plenty of time left to buy tickets for the Red Nose Day raffle, which will be drawn at Braidwood this Saturday.

AFTER a fantastic close game against West Ayrshire last weekend, the Borders area darts team managed another win.

Results: Women’s B won 3-1 (highest average Janice Mitchell 18.56); Men’s B won 4-2 (highest ave Kevin Richardson 23.86); Women’s A lost 4-2 (highest ave Irene Hogarth 17.34); Men’s A drew 6-6 (highest ave Ryan Hogarth 28.36) – an overall win of 15-13.

The team wish to thank their opponents for some great games and a special mention to Andy Boulton, who had an amazing 34.38 average.

The pool of players to play East Renfrewshire away on Saturday, March 23, is as follows – Men: Graeme Bell, Barry Dalgleish, Kevin Green, Ryan Hogarth, Kevin Inglis, Kenny Lattimer, Gary Logue, Craig Martin, Jimmy McGuigan, Graeme Patterson, Stevie D Patterson, Stevie J Patterson, Kevin Richardson, Michael Sharp, Chris Waddell, Stuart Whellans, Daniel Wright, Kevin Wright. Reserves: Adam Ballantyne and Peter Craig.

Women: Alison Burnett, Karen Darling, Irene Hogarth, Nicola Hogarth, Helen Knight, Moira Middlemas, Alison Mitchell, Janice Mitchell, Lyn Scott, Laura Virtue. Reserves: Myra Ledgerwood, Julie Martin.

Buses leaving Kelso 8.30am, Newtown St Boswells 8.30am and Gala 8.45am.

POINT-TO-POINT racing returns to Friars Haugh on Saturday when the Kelso course hosts its second meeting of the season with a 103-strong Duke of Buccleuch’s fixture, writes Hilary Mactaggart.

Racing comes under orders at 1pm, preceded by an action-packed cross-country ride.

Raid Stane was victorious last weekend at Alnwick for Galashiels trainer Katie Scott and Hawick jockey Jamie Hamilton, and is one of six entries in the opening members’ race.

Laura’s Light, who gave last season’s champion novice rider Blair Campbell a winning pointing debut, bids to defend her 2012 title for Hawick owner Alan Brown.

There are 13 entries in the Connolly’s Red Mills intermediate race, including course victor Beverley Beck, trained at Bonchester Bridge by Di Walton for Northumberland sheep farmer, Barry Wharf.

The home-bred 10-year-old landed last year’s mares maiden race.

Battle Range is another to have shown a liking for the track – the six-year-old gelding winning the Jedforest restricted race last month for Middleton trainer Cherry Coward.

The Jockey Club PPORA mares maiden race had attracted 10 entries.

Hawick farmer Alastair Bell and his wife Rachel pin their hopes on Adderstonlee, a half-sister to an Irish bumper winner, while Galashiels teenager Emma Dunkley bids to go one better than last time with Polobury, beaten by just half-a-length at the Jedforest.

Morpeth joint MFH Val Jackson was beaten a similar distance when finishing runner-up on Cast Iron Casey in the Jedforest ladies race, and should go close in the Buccleuch equivalent, which has 18 entries.

The 53-year-old took her career tally to 91 when partnering the former 124-reated winning chaser to success at the Corbridge meeting.

Opposition includes Highland Cathedral, already victorious this term for reigning ladies champion Catherine Walton; Kirsty Brown’s Sam McCoombe; and Open De L’Isle, previously trained under rules by Langholm handler James Ewart.

Gunner Jack has proved a force to reckon with on the point-to-point circuit, and bids to add to his impressive tally, hot on the heels of last weekend’s success, in the men’s open race.

The gelding is trained at Yetholm by Clive Storey for Jockey Club senior steward Nicholas Wrigley, whose 23-year-old son Ed takes the ride.

Native Coll is one of 16 entries in the men’s open, but also holds an entry in the following 17-strong NPPA Club members’ race at 3.30pm – won last year by the Clive Storey-trained One Black Cat.

Wendy Hamilton from Hawick saddles her grey mare Silk and Roses, who finished in the frame at the track last time, in the hands of younger son, Tom.

Largest entry of the day is 23 in the concluding open maiden race.

Danebrook Lad carries the colours of Jedburgh-based John Szkudro, while Otter Mist represents John De Geir, and former Jethart Callant Raymond Shiels bids for success with Tomzatackman.

ETTRICK Forest Archers made a tentative step into the new season on Sunday, met by a blizzard of sleet, snow, wind and biting cold.

Seven hardy bowmen and women took to the field at Thirladean for a short Portsmouth round, and it was reported that the happy few had a good afternoon.

Results: 1, Mike Pearson 41 hits, 179 scored, 4 golds; 2, Jim Craig 37, 153, 0; 3, Elaine Pearson 35, 127, 1; 4, Douglas Anderson 32, 136, 2; 5, Ev Craig 26, 112, 2; 6, Kyle Fairbairn 23, 89, 0; 7, Michael Liddle 20, 72, 0.

Next weekend sees the first club clout shoot of the year, starting at noon.

This will be followed by the AGM at the Studio on the Green, Selkirk, at 3.30pm.

All members are asked to attend.

REIVERS A took control of Division One of the Borders Pool League last week with an impressive win at Dryburgh, while chasers Waverley A only edged past Ship B to lose ground.

High Level A look the main dangers, blowing away the Fleece in fine style, while Reivers B kept their run going, finishing Ship A’s title hopes.

In Division Two, Station go clear after beating Niki’s in a top-of-the-table clash. Waverley B continue their winning streak, edging past Bridge B, and Red Lion trounced Frankie’s.

Results – Division One: High Level A (Hawick) 8 Fleece (Selkirk) 1; Ship B (Melrose) 4 Waverley A (Hawick) 5; Dryburgh (Newtown) 1 Reivers A (Gala) 8; Reivers B (Gala) 5 Ship A (Melrose) 4.

Division Two: Waverley B (Hawick) 5 Bridge B (Gala) 4; Station (Hawick) 7 Nikis (Gala) 2; Red Lion (Kelso) 9 Frankie’s (Hawick) 0.

Borders Region Six second tour event takes place this Sunday at Reivers, Galashiels starting 12.30 for 1pm.

All players are welcome and with reasonable weather there should be a good turnout. The eventual tour winner goes on to represent Scotland at international events throughout next year.

ENGLAND’S success in this year’s Six Nations campaign may have been helped along by none other than Gala rugby guru turned inventor, Richie Gray.

Players have been benefiting from a new technical training aid created by the former player/coach and designed with help from engineering experts at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Gray, founder of Global Sports Innovation, wanted to create a specific training aid that would realistically simulate a maul and improve players’ individual and collective roles, dynamic movement and tactical awareness, but required mechanical engineering assistance.

Working alongside Dr Daniil Yurchenko from Heriot-Watt University, the pair developed the principles around the science of collision which have helped to analyse how a typical rugby player’s physique would respond to pressure and charges from various angles and at various strengths.

The result is the Maul King, a project three years in the making – the rights of which have been given to global rugby brand Rhino for manufacture and distribution. It is already being used by the English Six Nations team during training sessions for this year’s tournament.

Gray told TheSouthern: “I wanted to develop a training aid that would give coaches and players the competitive edge when it came to mauls, but quickly realised that my rugby expertise needed to be combined with engineering know-how, so I approached Heriot-Watt University for help.

“I know the English are using it at the moment, but Scotland are buying into it too, so who knows, in a year’s time it may just be having the same affect on them.”

Fabricated using aluminium, stainless steel and a variety of spring mechanisms, the Maul King reacts just as a rugby player would to a maul situation and the invention has already won the praise of England and British and Irish Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree.

He said: “The Maul King creates an outstanding training aid to develop mauling technique before going into live practice. The way that the machine will not move unless all your players are in sync is very impressive.”

Dr Yurchenko added: “The main challenge in designing the Maul King was that, although we knew the practical reasons for making it, we didn’t have any models to base it on.

“Using a combination of mechanical engineering techniques, computer-aided design and mathematical modelling, we were able to design a piece of equipment that has unique responses to a range of pressures and charges.”

The design project was part-funded through the Scottish Funding Council’s Innovation Voucher Scheme, which matches funding up to £5,000 for collaborative projects between Small to Medium Enterprises and universities in Scotland.

This is Gray’s second major rugby coaching innovation. The Rhino Collision King, which targets the breakdown, was launched at the Rugby World Cup 2011 and is now being used by teams competing at all levels of the game across the globe.

Gray has played and coached all over the world and in 2007 became one of the key drivers in the creation of The Borders Academy of Sporting Excellence (BASE) at Borders College.

Today, he still lectures at Borders College, as well as being Rhino Rugby’s specialist skills coach, which sees him delivering specific skills sessions to clubs and countries all over the world.

He is regarded through his innovative work with specific training equipment for rugby union as one of the foremost thinkers of coaching methods relating to the breakdown area.

BORDERS-based professionals working for national landowners’ body Scottish Land and Estates have been promoted.

Former head of policy, Sarah-Jane Laing from Kelso, becomes director of policy and parliamentary affairs while former senior land use policy officer Andrew Midgley, who lives in Peebles, will take on the role of head of policy.

Ms Laing will be responsible for policy development for the group and she will also represent members’ interests in the parliaments of Scotland, the UK and Europe.

Scottish Land and Estates chairman Luke Borwick said: “The contributions of both Sarah-Jane Laing and Andrew Midgley over recent months and years have been immense.

“The strength, and impact of delivery, of our key messages has always been underpinned by sound and thorough policy thought and advice for which we are hugely grateful to our whole policy team. In leading that team, Sarah-Jane and Andrew have amassed vast experience in both the minutiae of land policy, as well as a ‘bigger picture’ perception of what matters to those who own, manage and do business in Scotland’s rural places.”

ANYONE interested in learning more about astronomy is invited to Kailzie Gardens, near Peebles, tomorrow.

For the first of the KLAWED Project’s spring programme of events will be A Beginners Guide to the Night Sky, taken by Dr Tom Johnston Ph.D, the vice-chairman of the Ancrum Astronomy Club.

KLAWED project officer Rachel McAleese said: “The evening is aimed at anyone with an interest, at any level, in astronomy, and there will be the opportunity to learn about and look at our night skies with Dr Johnston answering any questions.

“There will also be the chance to learn about how we can take photos of what we see in the sky using simple and affordable equipment.

“It will be a fantastic introduction to a science which is becoming more popular and more accessible for all.”

Peebles-based Dr Johnston will show people how to identify objects in night skies with telescopes, binoculars or the naked eye.

Those with telescopes or other equipment of their own are encouraged to bring it and Dr Johnston will provide some of his own for those who have none

Funded by Leader and Scottish Natural Heritage, KLAWED (which stands for Kailzie Local Area Wildlife Education and Discover), aims to attract more people to enjoy the area’s wildlife

Refreshments will be provided and the event costs £3 for adults, £2 for children.

For further information contact Rachel on 07792 033331 or email kailzieofficer@gmail.com for more details.