THE Scottish Sprint Championships took local orienteerers north to Aberdeen last weekend.

This year’s format consisted of two 15-minute races – firstly, a prologue round Seaton Park and the university grounds, then a chase round Old Aberdeen, with the fastest from the prologue going off last.

At stake were medals for the first senior in each age class and first three in each junior class, plus points in the 2013 Scottish Urban League.

Robin Sloan had a one-second lead going into the chase, but managed to extend this to emerge as winner of M65 by 17 seconds.

The result in W35 was even closer with Fiona Forrest just missing out on a medal by 10 seconds. Karen Maxwell came third in the very competitive W18 class. Other results: Barry Veitch, third on M40, Kirstin Maxwell fourth on W21 and Lindsey Knox third on W50.

The next local event is at Elibank on Saturday.

Poppyscotland is calling for Borderers to put on their running shoes to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 25 and 26.

Places are available for the full marathon, half-marathon, Hairy Haggis Relay, 5km/10km and junior races. As well as getting fit and having fun, participants will be encouraged to raise vital funds to make a real difference to the lives of Armed Forces veterans and their families living in Scotland.

To find out more about taking part in the festival, contact Alice Fisher on 0131 550 1578 or a.fisher@poppyscotland.org.uk

Once again, the Borders Elite Swimming Team (BEST) members have been punching above their weight at national level.

Competing in the Scottish Age Group Swimming Championships at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh last week, BEST were placed 10th from more than 60 teams, with a comparatively small group of swimmers.

In total, the squad, coached by Alex Jordan, picked up eight gold, seven silver and two bronze medals. Go to www.thesouthernreporter for more on this story.

PEEBLES High School pupil Jo Pettitt’s feet have hardly touched the ground over the last few years.

The 18-year-old made the Scotland Under-17 team, at the age of 15, before going on to represent her country at Under-21 age group.

However, tomorrow she plays in a match which means as much to her as any of those as she leads her school team out on to the court for the very last time at the Scottish Schools’ Senior Gold Final.

Regional stage victories in the autumn over Newbattle, Balerno, James Gillespie’s and the Peebles B team put Peebles A team firmly in the gold section.

On their trail to reach the final of this coveted competition, they beat Arbroath HS 58-27 before seeing off Holycross, the team that put them out in last year’s semi-final stages, by 57-25.

The semi-final draw away to Hyndland presented challenges.

Not only was the court the minimum size, but an injury picked up by Pettitt during national squad training sidelined her to the bench for most of the match. After a nail-biting first half with the score neck and neck, Peebles finally found some form and drew away to a 64-44 win.

The final will be played against either Glasgow’s Duncanrig or Anderson HS from Shetland (who play midweek) in the Ravenscraig complex in Motherwell at 3.40pm on Friday.

Peebles A Squad: J. Pettitt, J. Hudson, H. MacDonald, H. Crick, L. Tait, F. Gillies, N. Mclean, M. Jackson, S. Krabbendam.

Basketball is making a big impact in the Borders, following recent sessions for youngsters, writes Fiona Scott.

A drive to find players of the future continued on a high as dozens of children stepped on court to try the sport for the first time.

Primary school pupils from all over the Borders joined a free one-day basketball camp to try out the sport and possibly join the recently created recreational basketball club established at the Newland Centre in Romanno Bridge.

Basketball is a fast emerging sport in the Borders and with CashBack for Communities funding, basketballscotland regional development officer Dave Evans is working in partnership with the local authorities to increase the opportunities for young people to play the sport while encouraging them to get involved in positive activities and healthy lifestyle.

“I have been working alongside Active Schools and supporting them in this venture,” explained Mr Evans.

“There have been several successful camps and cluster sessions taking place. The support from CashBack for Communities has been essential for my involvement.

“We are working to formalise a development programme in the Borders which includes installing a number of coaches and building opportunities for children in the area.

“The future is certainly looking bright for basketball within the area as the dedication from all partners within sport and schools is growing every week.”

At the most recent camp, 37 children aged five to 11 had a morning full of fun basketball drills, ball handling, passing, shooting and even played some games.

A session will be run every Thursday afternoon in the Newland Centre from 3.30pm until 4.30pm to allow all these children, and others, to keep practising the sport.

For more information on these sessions, please contact Derek Harkins on derekh@newlandscentre.org.uk or call 01968 660980.

Elsewhere, Mr Evans and active school co-ordinator Paul Murray have set up taster sessions at the Gytes Centre in Peebles, starting on April 29, with the aim of building a new basketball development club.

All children between five and 11 years old are welcome to join.

Contact Mr Murray on pmurray@bslt.org.uk for more information.

CashBack for Communities is a Scottish Government programme which invests funds recovered from the proceeds of crime in activities and programmes for young people across Scotland.

Two people were killed in a collision on the A68 close to the Carter Bar on Wednesday evening.

A third person was airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary with serious but not life-threatening injuries following the crash near Byrness, Northumberland.

The road was closed from 7.40pm on Wednesday until 2am on Thursday for crash investigation work to be carried out.

The two killed were travelling in the same vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Fire crews from Jedburgh attended the collision.

Goodness me, temperatures into double figures (just) at the weekend. Could this be spring at last?

The signs were all there. Chiffchaffs were singing everywhere and there were even sightings of the odd swallow and martin from around the Borders.

An even odder sight was reported from the Tweed near Innerleithen.

For most of last week, a velvet scoter was present on the river, much to the excitement of all the local birders.

To the uninformed, it is a wee black duck which has no business being on the Tweed in April.

It is a sea duck which winters off the east coast, from Scandinavia and western Siberia.

Perhaps it heard about our Siberian spring in the Borders and came for a closer look.

Another winter visitor from the same ilk had me all of a flutter on Saturday.

A lady from down the street popped in to say that she had a solitary waxwing in her back garden eating apples put out for the blackbirds and would I like to see it. Would I !

With camera at the ready, I took up position in her back kitchen and waited for it to appear.

Half an hour and a cup of coffee later, I was beginning to give up hope when suddenly it appeared from nowhere.

The back door was open and I had a clear view of this stunning bird from about 12ft away, as it tucked into the halved apple on the gravel path. Unfortunately, it stayed with its back to me all the time, but I managed to get a few shots before something spooked it and it disappeared.

It had been coming for most of the previous week and was obviously glad of the apples, as the berry crop in the wild is exhausted and there would be little else for it to eat.

Other readers in the Borders have reported similar visits during the past few weeks, but sadly they will soon depart for more northern climes to breed.

To illustrate the serious effect the unseasonably cold March and early April has had on our wildlife, the contents of my moth trap has been a great indicator.

Up until last Friday, I have had three moths this year. Last year over the same period, I had trapped 83. Surely this must have a marked effect on other creatures in the same food chain. Let’s hope things improve.

Jedburgh-based social enterprise, Borders Environmental Education Services (BEES) is looking for volunteers to help run projects . The volunteers will be trained in outdoor first aid, bushcraft and other skills in exchange for helping out at 20 sessions.

More information from BEES’ Ayliffe Rose on 01835 869869 or email arose@bee-active.org

THE TWEED VALLEY is home to the first osprey egg in Scotland this year.

The birds of prey arrived back in the Borders on April 3 and Tweed Valley Osprey Project officials and volunteers are excited about the early breeding success.

Osprey information officer Diane Bennett said: “It’s been another year of pretty bad weather for them, but it seems that the ospreys are getting used to dealing with the cold and snow when they first return.

“This is the 10th season where they’ve come back to a sturdy nest, thanks to the work of Forestry Commission Scotland’s conservation rangers, and with this first egg, things are looking promising.

“One of our new volunteers spotted the egg on Friday and as you’d expect, the mother osprey has been fussing over it and has made sure that she’s found the best position for incubation.

“Hopefully there will be more eggs to come – but for now it’s all good news!”

Ospreys have been nesting in the Tweed Valley for more than 15 years.

The Tweed Valley Ospreys Project is a partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland, Kailzie Gardens and RSPB Scotland and the visitor centres, where the public can view footage of the raptors’ nests at Glentress Forest and Kailzie Gardens, near Peebles, have opened for the season. For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/tweedvalleyospreys.

YOUNG athletes from across the Borders came together last week at the Active Champions Easter camp.

The aim of the game was to learn what it takes to perform sport at the highest level and under the guidance of local coaches Janet Jack and Doug Folan, the youngsters learned about winning attitude, leadership, teamwork and healthy eating.

Each day the athletes did fitness testing, took part in competitions and did skills to help them improve their agility, balance and co-ordination.

Gordon Richardson from local firm Fjordhus which sponsored the camp said: “It is really pleasing to see young people be given the chance to compete against others and learn what it takes to get better in sport. The future of the Borders sporting talent bodes well if they can keep getting access to these high-level opportunities.”

Coach Jack added: “All the youngsters really developed their skills over the last three days, and each of them now has a goal that they have set themselves and they want to achieve to get better in their sport.”

Active Champions will be putting on more events and activities for young people, parents and coaches over the next few months, so that the sporting talent in the Borders can keep getting stronger.

A new initiative from the Scottish Borders Cycling Development Group is set to help to identify potential champions of the future.

Young cyclists from the region are being invited to a “come and try” cycle racing event on April 27 at Scott Park in Galashiels, where Richard Lord, Scottish Cycling regional development officer, will attend to spot the best young athletes.

They will then be offered the chance to participate in the Borders Cycling Development Group’s talent development programme which will include coaching support, training sessions and sports science workshops.

The programme aims to enable the cyclists to reach their full potential offering support to competition level at Scottish and even British national events.

Targeted at the Under-16 and Under-14 age categories (riders born 1997-2000) in the first year, the programme’s focus will be on MTB racing, but it will also include an element of road racing.

Looking forward to the event, Mr Lord told The Southern: “Bike racing is at an all-time high after the success of last year’s Tour de France and Olympic Games.

“Thousands of people have been inspired to get on a bike and start racing.

“This programme will assist existing and new riders to start racing and offer them high-quality coaching and sport science support.

“Through the Borders Cycling Development Group and Scottish Cycling, we are building a strong club and racing culture to create opportunities for the stars of the future to engage, learn and have fun racing.”

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, added: “We hope this initiative will bring more young people into the exciting world of cycle sports.

The “come and try” day will run 1-4pm and all cyclists born between 1997-2000 are welcome to attend.

Mr Jackson added: “We hope for a really big turnout and look forward to a great day and the chance for our young cyclists to really show off their abilities.”

More information on the talent-spotting event can be obtained by contacting Borders Sport and Leisure on 01750 724980 or Richard Lord on 0141 554 6021 or 07908 672652.

Scots Lib Dem MEP George Lyon has warned the horsemeat scandal needs an EU-wide solution, after horse DNA was found in five per cent of European beef samples.

“We need to boost traceability and ensure consumers are protected,” he said.

The Scottish Borders Food Network has relaunched its website www.bordersfoodnetwork.co.uk

Browsers can find lists of local food producers, places to buy their produce, dates for farmers’ markets, and learn the latest news.

Which wine to buy: 2011 Extra Special Chardonnay D’Oc

Who sells it: Asda

How much is it: Currently £5 on a roll-back offer.

What does it taste like: After a delicate orchard fruit opening, the wine quickly develops creamy, apricot and orange substance that is neatly balanced with a gentle vanilla finish drawn from its well judged barrel maturation.

Why should I buy it: Surviving ABC (Anything but Chardonnay) Brigade members should take a serious look at this great value, well made white from southern France. By avoiding excess ripeness and oak, as happens here, Chardonnay is surely on the road back to popularity.

Which wine to buy: 2011 Marques de Montino Rioja

Who sells it: Sainsbury’s

How much is it: £4.65 – instead of £6.99, until Tuesday

What does it taste like: The raspberry and morello cherry fruit is very up-front in this soft and juicy red that, nevertheless, still stretches out into a tasty, long and gently spicy finish.

Why should I buy it: Unlike traditional versions, young rioja like this (­often marked as “joven” on the label) has little or no exposure to oak. That helps to keep the fruit vibrantly fresh and, because the processes are simpler, can keep the price down (as it does here).

Which wine to buy: 2010 Finest Vinho Verde

Who sells it: Tesco

How much is it: £5 – instead of £7.29, until May 22.

What does it taste like: This very fresh white (that is floral, too, on the nose) has bags of the fresh, apple centred acidity that provides ideal summer drinking yet ends with a very dry – albeit fruity – finish.

Why should I buy it: Forget the medium dry, slightly 
fizzy vinho verde of the ­seventies; this is gentle (11.5%), lively yet serious wine that 
will work well with 
light fish dishes – even a prawn cocktail if 
you want to be ­
completely retro. Equally, try it just on its own as garden wine – if we ever experience anything like a summer’s day!

Brian Elliott is wine ­correspondent for Scotland on Sunday and lives at Auchencrow in the Borders

East Linton 1

Gala Rovers 1

(aet – Gala Rovers won 4-2 on penalties)

ROVERS’ South Cup journey continued after they came out on top in a penalty shoot-out.

But it was homesters East Linton who looked the more likely with the bulk of chances at goal. Steven Noble cleared the ball off the line minutes after the start, before the hosts went ahead in the 45th minute through Jamie Jackson.

Defending throughout the second period and with only rare opportunites to equalise, Rovers’ cup prospects seemed to be slipping away.

Julian Anderson posed a continual threat to the visitors and was unlucky not to tuck a few of his shots away, but outstanding work by Gala goalie Steve King denied him.

East Linton were reduced to 10 men after Jamie Ingles picked up his second yellow card in the 83rd minute. From the resultant free kick, Sutherland blasted the ball home from 25yards.

In extra time, despite being a man down, East Linton came close to regaining the lead, but Ryan Grant cleared the ball from the goalline.

Craig Middlemiss had a chance to put Rovers in front, but his shot was slightly off target.

With neither side able to bag a winner, penalties decided the issue – and it was Gala who triumphed 4-2 in the shoot-out. They now face Ancrum in the semi-finals.

Gala Rovers: S. King, S. Mackenzie, S. Noble, K. Matheson, K. Collins, A. Nicol, A. Hardie, B. Noble, C.Jardine, S.Noble, D.Sutherland. Subs: R. Grant, C. Gow, C. Middlemiss, G. Nicol.

Tweeddale Rovers 3

Hawick Waverley 1

Although on top for long periods, Waverley ended up on the wrong end of the result.

Tweeddale broke the deadlock in the first half with an excellent goal and extended their lead via a penalty kick after Neal McConnell handled in the box. But Taylor Hope pulled a goal back before half-time.

Waverley ruled the second period, but could not turn pressure into goals despite hitting the woodwork. However, Tweeddale added a third to seal victory.

Eyemouth Amateurs 2

Hawick United 7

TURNING on the style throughout, United took an early lead when Michael Moir netted following a long Kevin Strathdee throw-in.

Minutes later, Ryan Brady put United further ahead after the Eyemouth defence failed to clear another Strathdee throw-in.

The Fishermen pulled a goal back before the break, but United were very much in the driving seat and in the first minute of the second half they struck again when Strathdee put away a pass from Colin Turnbull to make it 3-1.

Strathdee followed this up with another shortly afterwards – thanks to Kevin Paterson and Palo Mendez doing the spadework.

Following a strike from Mendez, Strathdee put the Amateurs into further arrears.

Eyemouth hit back to reduce the leeway, but United had the last laugh when Strathdee grabbed his fourth goal of the match, which was also his 35th of the season.

Hawick Lr 2

Kelso Thistle 2

A second-half comeback earned Rovers a share of the points.

In what turned out to be an evenly-fought encounter, Thistle scored twice during the first period.

Following the interval, substitute Luke Cooper put Hawick back in the hunt when he headed the ball into the net after meeting a Jordan Caldwell free kick.

Spurred on by this, Rovers started to push for an equaliser.

This was achieved through a Liam Lawrence goal in the latter stages of the match.

Coldstream 6

Hawick Royal Albert 0

IT WAS top of the table against bottom and, as expected, Coldstream emerged victors as the Albert were hit for six, writes John Slorance.

Despite this, Hawick emerged with credit after lining up with a makeshift side that included six trialists. The Teries might never have been in the hunt, but Graeme Chadwick’s men could not be faulted for lack of fight and commitment.

The Streamers started brightly and with just two minutes gone, John Crawford broke through on his own and rounded Hawick keeper Steven West, only to shoot wide. West then kept the hosts at bay by pulling off an excellent save from a Jonathan Simpson header.

In the seventh minute, however, the Steamers’ did break the deadlock, Crawford making up for his earlier miss by shooting home from what appeared to be an offside position.

Coldstream added to their tally eight minutes later. Former Albert signing Lawrie Cannon emerged the marksman with a gem of a shot from 35 yards that raged into the roof of the net.

The Berwickshire outfit went further ahead in the 32nd minute. Crawford whipped over a cross which was slotted away by Jonathan Simpson.

The home side were in control, but Hawick were battling hard and towards the interval almost reduced the leeway through a Gordon Ramsay free kick that forced Coldstream keeper Mark Walters into a fine save.

After the changeover, the visitors began to come more into the game, but their opponents still had the edge, and in the 61st minute bagged a fourth through Jonathan Simpson. Minutes later, Walters denied Hawick a goal when he tipped a Ramsay free kick round the post.

With five minutes remaining Coldstream went nap. Albert defender Greig Johnson handled in the box and Coyle made no mistake with the resultant penalty. Just on time, the impressive Jonathon Simpson completed his hat-trick after being set up by Martyn Tait.

Albert coach Davie Aitkin told The Southern: “Considering we had a team that was more or less playing for the first time together, I thought we did very well. The players certainly didn’t let themselves down and battled really hard.”

Hawick Royal Albert: S. West, S. Burrell, R. Shepherd, M. Cooper (C. McArthur), S. Fallon, G. Johnson, K. Fettes, B. Matthews, T. Storrie (S. Drummond), G. Ramsay, G. Mackie (S. Russell).

Borders clubs came off second best in three of four youth finals at Murrayfield on Tuesday night, writes Alan Lorimer.

Gala Wanderers had hoped to end the dominance of Stirling County in the Under-18 Youth Cup final, but in the event the Bridgehaugh side demonstrated why they are such a formidable club at this age level as they swept to a 29-5 victory.

“We never really got going in the first half,” said Wanderers’ coach, Shane Hawkins, who is a veteran of the club’s last cup-winning team back in 1990.

Against a Stirling side that appeared stronger in most areas of the game, Wanderers found themselves 17-0 down at the break.

Stirling then increased their lead with a try from a driving maul, but that triggered a response from Wanderers, who hit back with a fine break by Josh Irvine, leading eventually to a try by stand-off Ruairi Howarth, the Borderers’ only points of the match.

In the Under-16 Cup final, Currie produced a stylish performance to defeat Hawick Albion 37-12.

The Edinburgh side notched up a six-try tally that came from powerful forward play and good handling behind the scrum, complemented by fierce tackling and massive individual contributions from their Scotland Under-16 caps Scott McGinley at no8 and Robbie Nairn, their giant-sized wing. For Hawick, centre Grant Huggan scored a good try just before half-time, their other touchdown coming from prop Fraser Renwick early in the second half.

The Under-18 Bowl final completed a hat-trick of disappointments for Borders clubs as Peebles Colts lost 29-22 to Hamilton.

Peebles were level at half-time, having scored tries by skipper Richard Harrison and centre Cameron Pye and a conversion from Murray Brown, but their opponents pulled away in the second half before Peebles staged a fightback with tries by Kieran Halliday and Scott Halliday, but not enough to stop Hamilton taking the title.