KELSO looks set to lose one of its two travel agencies, along with four jobs, as a result of restructuring by holiday giant Thomas Cook.

Operated under the Co-operative Travel banner – which is owned by Thomas Cook – the shop in The Square is just one of 195 premises across the UK earmarked for closure by the company, with the potential loss of 2,500 jobs.

The news was greeted with disappointment in the town and by its three Scottish Borders councillors and local MP Michael Moore.

“I am very sorry for the staff who will lose their jobs through no fault of their own. They have provided an excellent, friendly service but, unfortunately, are the victims of corporate decision-making elsewhere,” said Councillor Simon Mountford (Con).

“I understand the reasons why Thomas Cook is closing branches around the UK, but that is no consolation to the employees concerned.”

His comments were echoed by fellow Conservative elected member, Tom Weatherston.

“This is very disappointing news for the town and for the staff of this shop. The shop and the staff were very popular and will be missed by everyone who used their friendly service,” he said. “I hope they manage to find other employment soon – this is a worrying time for town-centre traders and I hope we get a good summer and things start to 
pick up.”

Councillor Alec Nicol (LD) added: “I am very disappointed that Thomas Cook and the Co-op Travel branch is closing. I use them myself and the staff could not be more helpful.

“Kelso has received great holiday services from this shop and I feel very sorry for the staff if they lose their jobs after the 90-day consultation period.”

Mr Moore has urged the company to ensure affected staff are given the support they need.

“A 90-day consultation exercise will be held on the plans and I am calling on Co-operative Travel to reconsider this decision and save the branch in Kelso,” Mr Moore added.

The closure would leave the town with just one travel agent, Kelso Travel, in Roxburgh Street.

A 49-year-old Galashiels man, facing a charge of breach of the peace at the town’s health centre in Currie Road, remains in custody following a second court appearance.

John McCarry, of Gorse Lane, appeared on petition, in private, before Sheriff Derrick McIntyre. He was fully committed and remanded in custody.

Some 30 staff and patients were evacuated from Galashiels Health Centre, which was closed for appointments for the rest of the day.

A heroin addict who shared the illegal drug with a friend was jailed for 32 months.

Thirty-two-year-old William Tait, described as a prisoner in Edinburgh, appeared on indictment and admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin at Marine Square, Eyemouth, on December 12.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the accused usually resided at Renton Terrace, Eyemouth, and police entered the address at Marine Square with a search warrant.

“They found the accused and others there, and he had £70 cash,” said Mr Fraser.

On the worktop next to where he was standing, there was a quantity of brown powder, tin foil, a Stanley knife blade and cut bags – all consistent with drug deals, added the fiscal.

“There were nine foil wraps in a bag on the kitchen floor,” added Mr Fraser.

He said the total weight of the drugs recovered was about 5.5gms, with an estimated value of about £600.

Tait gave police a “no comment” interview, but claimed the £70 was money from his benefits.

“He now accepts that he was concerned in the supply of drugs and was sharing it with friends in the house,” concluded the procurator fiscal.

Ross Dow, defending, said: “The extent of his supply was a small amount to his friend, who was formerly a co-accused. They have been friends and heroin addicts for several years and help each other out, sharing from time to time.

“There was no commercial gain involved.” The solicitor said his client had struggled with heroin addiction for some time and was “realistic” about his likely sentence.

The jail term was backdated to December 13.

Police were alerted to a 16-year-old driving in Jedburgh, with his co-accused in the passenger seat and three youngsters in the back of the car.

Jordan Magahy, now aged 17, of Priors Meadow, Jedburgh, admitted driving a car without a licence and insurance at Oxnam Road, Jedburgh, on January 5.

Sentence was deferred until April 12 for a personal appearance.

Co-accused Mike Gibson, 22, of Wilson Drive, Hawick, pleaded guilty to allowing the teenager to use the vehicle without a licence and insurance. He was fined £270 and his licence endorsed with six penalty points.

Defending, Rory Bannerman said Gibson “felt pressurised to allow his friend to drive”, adding: “Their detection by police has brought an end to the friendship.”

A SERIAL offender who stabbed a man, causing a potentially life-threatening injury, has been jailed for three years and four months.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard on Monday how Alexander Kenmuir went out armed with a knife.

After a man told him he wasn’t welcome at a house in Galashiels, and repeatedly asked him to leave, Kenmuir stabbed him in the neck.

The victim was rushed to Borders General Hospital, before being transferred to St John’s Hospital in Livingston for surgery.

Kenmuir, 39, of Tulley Court, Galashiels, appeared from custody on indictment and admitted assaulting a man to his severe injury and danger of life on December 18.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Kenmuir went to the house for a drink at about 10pm, but was told he was not welcome there, adding: “He ignored that and was again asked to leave.”

The fiscal said Kenmuir took a knife from his pocket and stabbed the man once before leaving.

The knife was described by witnesses as a “butter knife”, but Mr Fraser said a standard butter knife could not have inflicted the injury caused and must have been sharper.

The victim felt faint and could feel blood and air from a puncture wound on his neck. An ambulance was called and pressure put on his neck with a cloth.

The victim wouldn’t say what had happened, but two others gave an account and identified the accused as the culprit. Doctors found a deep wound, which had connected with his airway. A surgeon stitched the wound and the victim was kept overnight for observation, then transferred to St John’s Hospital for specialist treatment.

The fiscal continued: “The stitches were removed and the wound explored, and they were able to see that a puncture had been made to part of the pharynx at the side of the voice box. The pharynx had to be stitched and careful medical work carried out before a wound drain and feeding tube were inserted.”

Mr Fraser said the man was kept in hospital until December 21.

He added: “Doctors say that the wound would have been life-threatening had he not received treatment. There could have been some leakage into the throat and possible septicemia.

“It was more down to luck that no major vessels were cut and, apart from a scar – due to the skill of the surgeons – there should be no impairment.”

At Kenmuir’s home, police found blood smeared on a door handle. A blood-stained jumper and T-shirt were removed from a washing machine and clothes basket respectively. He was taken to Galashiels police station before being transferred to Hawick where he gave a “no-comment” interview.

“He said, off the cuff, that he was going to jail for a long time and that it was supposed to be a square go, but it didn’t go that way,” Mr Fraser told the hearing.

Kenmuir’s lawyer, Ross Dow, said: “It was a known drug dealer’s house and he didn’t go round with the intention of using the weapon, but anticipated there may be an argument.”

The solicitor said the victim had been drinking Buckfast and shouted at his client, “What the f**k are you saying, you daftie”, before flicking a lit cigarette butt which hit Kenmuir’s eye.

Mr Dow added: “His immediate response was to pull out the knife. It was clearly a reckless act and he was very fortunate that the injury was not significantly worse. He does have a lengthy record, but his rate of offending has been decreasing.”

Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Kenmuir: “At the age of 39, from 1990 to today, you have appeared before the courts on 54 separate occasions for a variety of offences, including six of assault. You were sentenced to three years at the High Court for assault and robbery.

“No one in the community can be in any doubt of the seriousness in which the carrying of knives is dealt with by the courts. When that knife is carried and used deliberately, the consequences are a matter of luck.

“Having regard to your extensive criminal record, including crimes of violence, I take as a starting point a period of four years imprisonment, reduced to three years and four months in light of the early plea.”

The prison term was backdated to December 20.

A Hawick man who assaulted a stranger in a “flash of temper” after an argument in a town pub was sentenced to a six-month community payback order, with a condition he completes 160 hours of unpaid work.

Daniel Findlater was also ordered to pay his victim £200 compensation.

The 21-year-old, of Hillend Drive, admitted punching a man on the face to his injury at the Queen’s Head on May 12.

A bus driver who falsely claimed almost £10,000 in benefits was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and pay £2,500 compensation to Scottish Borders Council.

Andrew Hood, formerly of Stopford Street, Newcastleton, and now living in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, admitted obtaining £4,782.29 housing benefit and £1,070.11 council tax to which he was not entitled between October 24, 2008, and July 4, 2011, after failing to report he was a self-employed driver for Telford’s coaches.

Hood, a 50-year-old first offender, also pleaded guilty to obtaining three sums of Jobseekers’ Allowance – £1,268.12, £1,178.10 and £1,473.26 – between October 29, 2009, and July 4, 2011.

“He was working as a coach driver and receiving intermittent income,” explained his lawyer, Greig McDonell, at a previous hearing.

“He didn’t declare his working hours and his income during this period, although he knew that he should. He accepts full responsibility for his actions. Clearly this is a serious matter, as the level of gain is almost £10,000,” added Mr McDonell.

The solicitor said Hood had already gathered funds towards repayment.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser explained that any outstanding balance would be recovered by the various agencies in their own way.

A teenager who assaulted and robbed a man, leaving him unconscious in the street, was jailed for 20 months after breaching a previously-imposed community payback order for the second time.

Michael Brown, 18, of Balfour Street, Edinburgh, was originally sentenced to a three-year order by Sheriff Donald Corke when he appeared on indictment and admitted repeatedly punching and kicking his victim to his severe injury, and robbing him of a mobile phone at Oven Wynd, Kelso, on December 3, 2011.

But last Friday at Jedburgh, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told him: “You were pretty lucky to get a community-based disposal in the first place. You have had two chances, and not taken them, so you will go to prison.”

Prosecutor Morag McLintock told a previous hearing the crime happened outside the G20 Bar in Kelso.

She had revealed: “The complainer was out drinking with friends and between 1.10am and 2am both he and the accused were in the bar with different sets of friends, although they didn’t know each other and there was no communication.”

At 2am the victim went outside, the cpurt had heard.

The fiscal continued: “He was drunk and was using the wall to support himself. His last memory is feeling a hard smack to the left of his face and falling to the ground. Another patron saw him lying in the roadway, motionless, but thought he was just drunk and didn’t go to assist.”

A bar employee, who knew him as a regular customer, was told he was lying outside and realised he was unconscious.

“She managed to rouse him, but he was very dazed and left with a friend,” said Ms McLintock.

The man returned to report his mobile phone missing and said he thought he may have been assaulted, so CCTV was checked.

The fiscal told the court: “It showed him standing alone, leaning against the wall, before the accused walked close to him and looked around. He then puts up his hood and, without provocation, launched into a sustained and violent attack.”

The prosecutor went on: “He is seen punching him before he lands on the ground on his back. The accused then kicked him three times in the head area, and is then seen standing over him and leaning down, rifling through his pockets.

“The assault occurred for about 20 seconds and he then ran off towards Kelso Square, leaving him motionless and unconscious on the ground.”

A description of the accused was circulated and he was spotted at 2.40am and detained. A mobile phone was found in his pocket, which the victim confirmed as his.

Defending, Mat Patrick said his client had “no recollection whatsoever” of the offence, but had confirmed it was him on CCTV footage.

The lawyer added: “CCTV clearly showed the clothing of an individual committing the offence and he immediately said it was him, and expressed his horror at doing something like this. He had consumed alcohol and drugs, which led to him committing this offence.

“He is an intelligent young man, from a troubled background, who has health problems, and who is genuinely remorseful.”

The prison term was backdated to February 14.

A teenager who had earlier refused to share his cigarettes was left semi-conscious after being repeatedly punched and kicked by Jordan Renwick.

Twenty-year-old Renwick, of Orchard Park, Kelso, was jailed for 25 months for the attack.

He appeared on indictment and pleaded guilty to assaulting a 19-year-old to his severe injury at Orchard Park on April 13 last year.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Friday that Renwick had been at a flat with friends.

“At about 9pm he demanded from the 19-year-old that he share some cigarettes with him,” explained Mr Fraser.

The teenager was reluctant and the accused became threatening towards him, telling him: “You’d better get some cigarettes or I’ll kick your head in.”

An hour later, Renwick was still aggravated by the fact he didn’t get the tobacco, asking where the teenager was as he was “going to rip his head off”.

The victim was heading home at about 10.10pm when the accused came running up behind him.

Mr Fraser explained: “He tried to hide behind a parked car, but the accused launched an attack on him, punching him repeatedly to the head and body. He pushed him against a fence and then on to the ground, and then kicked him several times to the head.”

He said the assault lasted for about five minutes.

As one of the teenager’s friends ran to call the police, Renwick “jogged off through a nearby park”, leaving the teenager “drifting in and out of consciousness, with blood coming out of his ear and his face covered in blood”, added the prosecutor.

The victim was rushed to Borders General Hospital by ambulance where he received two stitches to a cut to his head, while a scan of his skull showed a fracture of the bone behind his left ear.

“Things could have been so much worse,” added Mr Fraser.

The accused was traced and gave a “no-comment” interview.

Rory Bannerman, defending, said his client had no recollection of his actions, but added: “He has accepted responsibility and shown remorse.”

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told Renwick, who appeared from custody: “You could have killed this young man and found yourself facing a life sentence. You have a long record and this was a serious offence.”

The sheriff said Renwick would serve the 25-month term on completion of his current jail sentence, and he also imposed a 12-month supervised release order.

ALL HAIL our latest Borders curling winners, the heroines of the Masters Competition played at Greenacres over the weekend, writes Alistair Lindsay.

The ladies in question were Margaret Robertson, Glynnice Lauder, Venetia Scott, and Gillian Smith, who braved some keen road surfaces on their journeys to and from the west, which perhaps had them tuned up for their games – and, after suffering a very shaky start, had them wondering if their attendance was worth the bother.

It’s another feather in Margaret’s bunnet as she is part of the Scottish Ladies’ senior rink all set to uphold the nation’s honour in the nearish future.

Swinton CC held their annual Invitation Bonspiel last Saturday evening with a full house for the single-session event.

Waz, aka Robert Walker, ran away with the honours.

Such was his tally that a joiner was on hand to extend the scoreboard.

In the most recent Agrii Border League session, Lees defeated St Boswells 9-4, Kelso went 10-6 over Selkirk and Greenlaw beat Roxburghe 12-something.

A resurgent Glendale headed Jedburgh 11-7 while Coldstream are in front in their section.

In the other section, Greenlaw, Swinton and Yester are all in contention as yet.

BORDERS MARTIAL ARTS students have been working hard over the last few months in order to achieve their goal in developing their individual skills and achieving a higher coloured belt in both Kung Fu and Kickboxing.

The successful students are: O. Turnbull, E. Repper and D. Hiscox (junior white belt); J. Hiscox, L. Laidlaw (white belt); S. Shepherd (junior yellow belt); R. McGilvery (yellow belt); M. Kinghorn, G. Kinghorn, C. McGregor (junior orange belts), R. Patterson, L. Patterson (junior green belt); S. Young (green belt); E. Deakin (junior blue belt); J. Shepherd (junior purple belt); S. Collins (yellow sash).

Anyone interested in learning a martial art can contact John Wilson on 07974 533127 or email john@bordersmartialarts.com

BORDER Sport and Leisure Trust’s Club of the Year, Gala Harriers has been celebrating its new status with inter-county selection and some solid performances inside and out over the last two weeks.

Thrilled to be nominated and ultimately declared winners of this prestigious award, the club is determined to justify the confidence that the judging panel placed in it, both in terms of its club ethos, and team and individual performances.

Last weekend, 11 young athletes travelled to the iconic new Emirates Stadium in Glasgow for the National Indoor Age Group championships, held over two days.

Over a range of track distances from 60m sprints to 1,500m, there was a clutch of green and white vests striving against the rest of Scotland and doing their club proud in an indoor setting with which most of them were very unfamiliar.

On Saturday, Fraser Wardhaugh competed in the under-18 boys’ 400m, with Cameron Burnett and Rowan Marr going one better and progressing through their heats, in third and first places respectively, to the semi-finals.

On Sunday, Christie Rout, Katie Browne and Bethany Wardhaugh competed over the 60m sprint in their various age groups, with Katie progressing to the semi-finals.

Rhiannon Fagan joined them for the 200m, where Katie again qualified for the semis before trying her hand at the 800m.

For the boys, Isaac Bacon had a good day, progressing to the finals of both the under-14 60m sprint and the 200m, with times which were as consistent as they were impressive.

Josh Abbott joined him for the 200m and also the 400m, with Jason McIntosh qualifying for the final in the 800m after coming a strong second in his heat. In the longest distance run on the day, the 1,500m, Thomas Otton came fourth in the under-16 boys, as a nice wee sharpener for what was ahead for him the next weekend.

Not to be outdone, at the same time, the seniors were racking up some excellent personal bests in Midlothian in the tough and hilly Lasswade 10-mile race.

With 327 runners taking part, Gala did well to feature strongly, with excellent performances from everyone, especially those who chose to use it as a training marker for upcoming spring marathons.

First home for the club was Fergus Johnston, placed 13th and breaking the hour-mark by 15 seconds, with Dave Nightingale (1.09.11) next in.

For the ladies, Anya Campbell and Gillian Duncan shared a time of 1.11.18, with Fiona Shepherd (1.14.37) Anne Weir (1.18.11) Nicola Porterfield (1.19.16) and Sheila McNab (1.20.06) all feeling pleased with their day’s work.

Their performances at the National Cross-country Championships in Falkirk earned junior Thomas Otton and senior Dianne Lauder richly-deserved selection for the Inter-counties Cross-country Championships in Birmingham on Saturday.

Thomas finished well up the field of 288 runners in the under-15 boys, coming 55th in a grand time of 17.14. Dianne came 56th out of 291 runners in 29.55 – and both should be very proud of their selection and performances on the day.

LANGHOLM

There was a good turnout of members for the annual general meeting of the Langholm Old Town bowling club last week.

Colin Turk will continue a second year as president and the vice-president will be Paddy Laing, with Robert Phillips secretary and Elma Aitken treasurer. Turk will also be assistant treasurer and will organise the tournaments along with Grant Fletcher.

The president thanked the sponsors and all who had helped in any way, and the tournaments had been well supported.

Stevie Barker had again won the club championship while the club won matches against the New Town club and Brampton, and the fixtures will be played again this season. Friendly matches will also be arranged with the Rotary club and golf club. The Old Town club is still healthy financially, with bar and kitchen profits up on the previous year.

More than £2,000 was spent on the green at the end of last season and the club received £360 funding from Dumfries & Galloway Council to help towards the costs of the green upgrades.

Fundraising went well throughout the season and it was agreed that a race night will be held in the clubrooms on Saturday, May 4, and will be open to all.

The club is keen to enlist new members and hopes to see some new faces when the official opening of the new season takes place on Sunday, April 28.

Tournament dates: Invitation triples – Sunday, June 2; Open pairs – Sunday, July 7; Open singles – Sunday, July 14; Mixed pairs – Sunday, September 1.

TWEEDBANK

WITH the indoor season almost ended, most action is at club level, however, on Saturday, March 2, David Miller represented the club in the semi-finals of the senior singles at Glasgow, against Jim Douglas from Aberdeen.

After getting of to a great start, Douglas stormed ahead and Miller was unable to claw back the deficit.

The match finished 21-15 in favour of the Aberdeen player and although it was a pity that Miller failed to reach the final, it had still been an excellent performance to reach this stage of the competition.

Meanwhile, the seniors travelled to Meadowmill for the second of the round robin matches in the Jock Brodie competition against East Lothian B.

There was a good win for Billy Nisbet, Paul Butterfield, Jim Redpath and Rob Fulton. The rink skipped by Peter McGauchrane also did well to win in the end, but the third rink had a heavy defeat – heavy enough to rob Tweedbank of the four points for an overall win.

In the Top 6 competition against Alloa at Midlothian, there was a win for Tom Thorburn, Jim Redpath and Peter McGauchrane in the triples category, but the pair were defeated by 14-7, and in the singles, Alloa won by 21-16.

At club level, the finals in the pairs category of competition were played. For the ladies, Marie Todd and Gail Lindores were against Lauren Upton and Pat Houston. The match was close early on and on the 10th end, a count of five for Houston put the pair ahead by 10-9. Lindores hit back with four shots in two ends and then a count of seven to put the pair 11 shots ahead. Another three shots on the next end was enough to give the Todd/Lindores partnership victory.

In the men’s pairs, Billy Nisbet and David Miller faced Ben McGregor and Tommy Mann Jnr.

The McGregor/Mann partnership always had the match under control, finally winning by 24-6.

For the seniors (over-60s), Jack Jefferson and David Weir were hoping to retain the title won last season. They faced a tough encounter against Alistair Gammie and Tom Thorburn, who had the better of the first few ends.

Seven shots in three ends, however, put Weir seven shots clear with three ends left to play which was enough for victory.

On Sunday the ladies held their two-bowl pairs for the Nan Wintrup Cup.

There were eight pairs taking part, playing three games each in a round robin format. The winners of the two sections then met for the final, the winners being Beat Cameron and Sandra Somerville, the runners-up being Moira Weir and Alison Murray.

The only categories outstanding are the singles for ladies, gents and juniors together with the two-bowl pairs. The latter will be played to a finish on Saturday, March 23..

Members are reminded that the AGM will be on Thursday, March 28 at 7pm.

There are important changes being proposed for the constitution and all members wishing to exercise their right to vote should attend the meeting.

If unable to do so they will be able to submit a postal vote using forms which can be obtained from the office.

MORE THAN 75 vaulters from across the Borders, and as far north as Pitlochry, competed in a number of disciplines over the course of the day at the inaugural season opening vaulting competition at Monteviot RDA Centre, Ancrum.

The event was hosted by Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group in association with British Equestrian Vaulting and Borders Riding for the Disabled Group and, for the first time at any vaulting competition, a disability classification structure was developed to allow vaulters with a disability to compete in disciplines equitably.

All categories were very competitive and all vaulters had to perform freestyles or set compulsories and freestyle routines, depending on their category.

Rosettes were given to the top six places in each category. Special mention must go to head judge Andrew Williamson who travelled from Wales.

This fully inclusive event was a huge success, high participation numbers seeing everyone enjoy themselves, but at the same time being competitive.

Equestrian vaulting is a passionate sport in the Borders and everyone involved was delighted to be able to organise an event for local vaulters.

Competitor Jane Currie said: “The atmosphere in the arena was great and being able to compete against and watch other vaulters with a disability is thoroughly inspirational, seeing how people can adapt skills to suit their ability.”

Shelly Henderson added: “It was a great day and there was a fantastic turnout from competitors and supporters.”

Scottish Borders Disability Group would like to thank committee member Ann Stark for organising and running the event, especially as it must have been a challenging task to incorporate three different organisation’s rules into one event.

Thanks also go to Borders Riding for the Disabled for agreeing to the use of Monteviot cost-free and the British Equestrian Vaulting for sanctioning the event.

Results – walk individual: Group A: 1, Abbi Romanes; 2, Katy Buchan; 3, Hannah Page. Group B: 1, Kate Murray; 2, Natalie Brown; 3, Jane Currie. Group D: 1, R. Girdwood; 2, Jack Hume; 3, Taylor Brown.

Pre-novice individual: Group A: Abbey Aitchison; 2, Abbi Nicol; 3, Elisa Hibbert. Group B: J. Bromley; 2, Kirsty Gibb; 3, Shelley Henderson. Group D: 1, Lisa Borthwick; 2, Harry Mcann; 3, Trevor Hanley.

Novice individual: Group A: 1, Amy Gilmour; 2, Suzie Crerar; 3, Beth Hay. Group B: 1, Christopher Lyons. Group D: 1, Callum Steel.

Walk pairs: 1, Amy Gilmour & Ellie Gilmour; 2, Suzie Crerar & Beth Hay; 3, Amelie Johnstone Jones & Hannah Page.

Walk squad: 1, Pegasus; 2, Reivers; 3, SBV; 4, Pegasus Victory Bay.

Best horse points: Zigourney.

LOCAL golfing talent Steve Johnston has been selected to be one of seven coaches on the 2013 coaching panel for Scottish golfing magazine, Bunkered.

Over the course of the year, Johnston will offer tips and advice for both amateur and professional readers in the magazine and online.

PGA professional at The Roxburghe Golf Club, Johnston runs golf tuition, teaching individual lessons and group sessions, and caddied for Ted Innes-Kerr, the son of the Duke of Roxburghe, at the ISPS Handa Wales Open last year.

Within weeks of hearing the news, he was whisked off to Lumine Golf Resort in Tarragona, Spain, for photo and video shoots with the other six members of the panel.

Commenting on the experience, Johnston said: “It is a great honour to be accepted on the golfing panel.

“While in Tarragona, Bryce Ritchie, editor of Bunkered, made me feel very much at home and it was good to meet the other members of the panel.

“We swapped tips between ourselves.”

The coaching panel is made up of seven professional golf coaches selected by the magazine from across the country with the aim of improving readers’ golf skills by making expert opinion freely available.

In excellent company, Johnston is joined on the panel by Murray Urquhart from the Spey Valley Golf Course, David Patrick from Elie Sports Club, Kevin Craggs from the Scottish Ladies Golf Association, Scott Clark of the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy, Gavin Abson from The Carrick, and Andrew Jowett of the National Academy at Gleneagles.

AROUND THE CLUBS

KELSO

John Wichary Trophy: 1, G. Welsh, P. Henderson, L. Murray, D. Wilson 62 (3.5) 58.5; 2, D. Hirst, A. Roxburgh, B. Hogarth, A. Chalmers 61 (2.4) 58.6.

THE WOLL

Winter League January (sponsored by Lindsay Grieve Butcher): winner – M. Willison

Winter League February (sponsored by Murray Cleghorn): winner – B. Pettie

Overall Winter League winner: B. Pettie.

Members are reminded that this Saturday is the Woll Waltz, while Sunday, March 24, will be the Captain’s Challenge, all entries taken at reception.

A TOTAL of 26 teams of budding mini tennis players turned up at Galashiels Academy to take part in the Borders primary schools mini tennis competition.

Competitors of all age ranges represented 15 primary schools from across the Borders.

In the girls’ competition, five schools were represented. St Ronan’s, Priorsford, Melrose and two teams from Earlston.

The play was dominated by Melrose and the Earlston A team, with the former team of Felicity Walls, Orla Lynch and Freya Tullis taking the title, followed closely by Earlston’s Ailsa Clark, Kirsty Falconer and Jessica Damarell.

Seven teams took part in the mixed singles competition. West Linton qualified for the final in group one after beating last year’s winners St Mary’s and Knowepark.

Group two was won by St Ronan’s following their wins over Priorsford, Melrose and Coldingham (competing in the competition for the first time).

A very tense final got under way, with both teams winning one match each, which left the top-ranking team members to fight it out. Luke Rathie from St Ronan’s held his nerve and took the title back to Innerleithen. West Linton were represented by Patrick Gordon, Olivia Harrison and Nairne Wells. The St Ronan’s Team was Luke Rathie, Elliot Brydon and Lola Pringle.

The boys’ tournament always proves to be an exciting event with all showing a high standard of play. The teams were divided into four groups, with St Ronan’s, West Linton, Melrose and Earlston qualifying for the semi-finals. St Ronan’s managed to win their semi-final match against the West Linton team of Oscar Weipers, Adam Clunie and Alexander Walpole.

In the other semi-final, Melrose won over the Earlston team of Michael McPherson, Dylan Cockburn and Jay McGarva.

In the final, all the boys played extremely well, however, both teams each won one game – St Ronan’s players Andrew Bradford and Drew Lobb with Melrose fielding Alistair Renton and Thor McGilvary. This left Rhys Bootland and Oliver Duguid to face each other in the final game of the evening. With a large crowd watching, and many mums biting their fingernails, Rhys won the title for St Ronan’s 7-6.

All competitors played excellent tennis and hopefully many of the players will return to Galashiels on March 23 for the Borders Mini Tennis Individual Event at the Queen’s Centre.

Players were also given information about summer challenge events for mini tennis players.

Contact your local club for more information.

A THIEF who stole from a Kelso hotel and broke into a flat in the town was jailed for nine months after breaching a previously- imposed community payback order.

Wayne Scott had been sentenced to a six-month order, with a condition he completed 120 hours of unpaid work – but that order was recalled and custody imposed.

Scott, 25, of Jamiesons Court, Kelso, admitted breaking into a flat in Crawford Street, Kelso, on December 10/11, 2011, and stealing a television, a pair of training shoes and a camera.

The haul, worth £550, was recovered.

On December 11/12, along with a co-accused, Scott stole a bag, electrical items, a mobile phone, ornaments, alcohol and a credit card at the Roxburghe Hotel, Heiton.

The property was worth £200 and just half was recovered. He also pleaded guilty to using the stolen credit card to steal £300 at an ATM at Lloyds TSB, The Square, Kelso, on December 12. There was no recovery.

As the jail term was imposed, a woman left the public benches in tears.

A Hawick teenager who sent his former girlfriend threatening text messages was jailed for a year.

Jory Silver, 19, of Princes Street, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Princes Street on February 11, while subject to an ASBO (anti-social behaviour order).

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told how the woman had been in a relationship with the accused for some three months.

“She was at home, with a new male friend, when she received a text message from the accused,” explained Mr Fraser.

He added: “It read, ‘Time is ticking. The longer it takes for him to meet me, the worse of a pasting he’s getting. You were quick enough jumping into bed with him, so tell him quick enough’.”

A further text message to the woman went on: “Can’t wait to see your pretty face either. Not so pretty when I’m done.”

Another read: “You are a silly, silly girl. Away and cut your wrists, even your throat, this time.”

Mr Fraser said the woman was so alarmed she phoned the police.

The Crown moved for a non-harassment order.

Alison Marshall, defending, said her client was “at pains to stress that there was no intention to carry out any of the threats”.

Miss Marshall added that Silver conceded the text messages were nasty and had co-operated fully with police.

Silver was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and a two-year non-harassment order imposed.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre warned him that any breach would have serious consequences.

Silver also received a further six-month jail term – to run consecutively – after he admitted assaulting a man at Wellfield Road, Hawick, on August 26, while on an ASBO.

BORDER LEAGUE: Sunday, March 17 – Hawick v Duns; Berwick v Jedburgh at Earlston High School (1.30pm).

EOS PREMIER DIVISION: Saturday, March 16 – Vale of Leithen v Tynecastle (2.30pm).

EOS FIRST DIVISION: Saturday, March 16 – Kelso v Burntisland Shipyard; Peebles Rovers v Leith Athletic; Easthouses Lily v Hawick Royal Albert; Eyemouth United v Selkirk; Ormiston v Gala Fairydean (2.30pm).

FORSYTH CUP FIRST ROUND: Saturday, March 16 – Leithen Rovers v Abbotsford Albion (2pm).

BEVERIDGE CUP SEMI-FINALS: Saturday, March 16 – Hawick Waverley v Chirnside United; Pencaitland v Gala Rovers (2pm).

WALLS CUP SEMI-FINALS: Saturday, March 16 – Ancrum v Selkirk Victoria; Gala Hotspur v Coldstream Amateurs (2pm).

SANDERSON CUP SEMI-FINALS: Saturday, March 16 – Gordon v Lauder; Hawick Legion Rovers v Chirnside United Colts (2pm).

BAL DIVISION A: Saturday, March 16 – Greenlaw v Newtown; Hearts of Liddesdale v Tweeddale Rovers; Langholm Legion v West Barns Star (2.30pm).

BAL DIVISION B: Saturday, March 16 – CFC Bowholm v Hawick Legion; Stow v Linton Hotspur (2.30pm).

BAL DIVISION C: Saturday, March 16 – Biggar v Kelso Thistle; Earlston Rhymers v Gala Athletic; St Boswells v Peebles Amateurs (2.30pm).

EAST MENS DIVISION ONE: Saturday, March 16 – Fjordhus Reivers v Grange XI (2pm).

EAST LADIES DIVISON ONE: Saturday, March 16 – Preston Lodge v Fjordhus Reivers II.

BUCCLEUCH POINT TO POINT: Saturday, March 16 – At Friars Haugh, Kelso (first race 1pm). Preview on page 27.

BREWIN DOLPHIN U15 GIRLS CUP FINAL: Friday, March 15 – Langholm v Auchterarder at Murrayfield (6pm).

RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Saturday, March 16 – Jed-Forest v Glasgow Hawks; Biggar v Selkirk (3pm).

RBS CHAMPIONSHIP B: Saturday, March 16 – Lasswade v Hawick YM (3pm).

RBS EAST LEAGUE THREE: Saturday, March 16 – Broughton v St Boswells (3pm).

BORDER LEAGUE: Saturday, March 16 – Peebles v Kelso (3pm).

RBS BORDERS SHIELD: Saturday, March 16 – Duns v Earlston; Hawick Harlequins v Gala YM; Langholm v Berwick (3pm).

RBS 6 NATIONS: Saturday, March 16: France v Scotland (8pm).

NATIONAL U18 YOUTH LEAGUE CUP: Tuesday, March 19 – Gala Wanderers v Stirling County Colts (7pm).

NATIONAL U18 YOUTH LEAGUE BOWL: Tuesday, March 19 – Hamilton v Peebles Colts (7pm).

BREWIN DOLPHIN FINALS: Tuesday, March 19 – Under-18 Plate, Galashiels Academy v Marr College (tbc); Under-18 Bowl, Peebles High School v Morrison’s Academy (6pm); Under-16 Plate, Jedburgh Grammar School v Bell Baxter High School (7.45pm); Under-16 Bowl, Selkirk High School v Buckhaven High School (tbc).

All youth finals to be played on back pitches at Murrayfield. Check with schools for confirmation of kick-off times.

JEAN YULE CUP SEMI-FINALS: Thursday, March 14 – Hawick Conservative Club A v Hawick Burns Club A; St Boswells v Innerleithen.

JEAN YULE PLATE SEMI-FINALS: Thursday, March 14 – Jedburgh Legion v Selkirk A; Border Club v Hawick Burns Club B.

If you have items for inclusion, contact Fiona Scott, tel: 01750 724854, fionascott@tweeddalepress.co.uk. Sports news MUST be received by 2pm Monday

FOUR Borders rugby players have made it into the Scotland 7s squad bound for Hong Kong next weekend.

Eighteen players rather than the usual 12 make up manager Stephen Gemmell’s extended squad who will travel out to Hong Kong for the sixth leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series next weekend (22-24 March) and the HKFC Tens (20-21 March).

All players named at this stage will be in contention for the World Series, Gemmell naming a 12/6 split for the two events, respectively, early next week. In the tens competition, the players will compete for the Scottish Barbarians.

Making his first trip with the squad is Jed-Forest’s and Scotland 7s elite development player (EDP) Lewis Young while Mark Robertson (EDP), Callum Anderson and Darren Gillespie (currently based in New Zealand) are also included in the party.

Elsewhere, Scotland Club XV head coach, Phil Leck, has made two changes to his starting team for Friday’s match against their French counterparts in Bourgoin-Jallieu (kick-off 6pm, UK time).

The team involves nine Borders players with Melrose’s Fraser Thomson returning from injury to come in at full back.

Lee Millar (Gala), Robin Hislop (ex-Langholm), Ross Miller and Andrew Nagle (both Melrose) all start, with Craig Robertson, Luke Pettie and Gary Graham (all Gala) and Gary Holborn (Melrose) on the bench.

After winning the Dalriada Cup, against Ireland, for the first time since its introduction in 2011, Scotland Club XV will travel to France eager to record a second consecutive victory. If they do win, it would be the first time they have won both their games in one season.

Leck said: “We want to promote continuity in this squad and we have selected players on what they can offer our gameplan. Last Friday the lads who came off the bench put in a fantastic effort.

“We have done some analysis on our game and are hoping for more possession this weekend, but all in all we’re going to the south of France to win and I hope we can play and defend in the same way as last Friday.”

On the home front this week Selkirk rugby board has announced its new 1st XV coaching team for season 2013/2014.

Long-serving head coach Brian Cassidy is stepping down at the end of the current campaign, and will be replaced in the post by Alistair Dickson, at present the senior team’s backs coach.

Ewen Robbie is to continue as forwards coach, and will be assisted next season by former Scotland & British Lions player Iain Paxton, who is also the club’s development officer.

This weekend, the Souters travel to Biggar for a rescheduled fixture, while Jed-Forest could do Hawick a favour by grounding Glasgow Hawks at Riverside Park.