A Romanian man and woman have been named as those killed in a crash a couple of miles south of the Carter Bar earlier this month.

Ionel and Christina Minerva Rostas, 26 and 31, were pronounced dead at the scene of the two-car collision near Byrness on Wednesday, April 17.

Another man was airlifted to hospital in Newcastle with serious injuries.

Investigating officers from Northumbria Police are keen to speak to the driver of a dark coloured vehicle which drove around the collision scene shortly after it happened.

Police believe this witness could hold information which will assist the investigation. Anyone with any information should contact 01661 872555.

Ten-man Peebles Rovers did their Borders rivals Coldstream a huge favour by holding First Division fliers Leith Athletic to a 1-1 draw last night.

Rovers looked in for a torrid evening when Greig Shortreed was sent off after only seven minutes for denying a goal scoring opportunity with a foul on Lewis Cairns.

However, just four minutes later Peebles took the lead when Craig Edgar slotted beyond Iain Gordon.

Leith finally equalised just before the hour mark through Greig Tulloch but were unable to find a winner despite heavy pressure on ten-man Peebles.

The result means Leith trail leaders Coldstream by 14 points with four games in hand.

In the other East of Scotland First Division match last night, Selkirk got their first win in eight games with a 2-0 triumph at Duns.

Bobby Gay and Jamie Gibson were the goalscorers for the Souters in only their third win of the league season.

In the Border Amateur League, relegated Duns Amateurs lost 5-1 to Pencaitland in Division A, while Linton Hotspur remain in Division B relegation trouble after a 3-1 loss at Selkirk Victoria.

In Division C, Gordon extended their lead to four points over second placed Biggar with a 5-1 win against the Lanarkshire side, who still have five games in hand.

Lauder thumped Kelso Thistle 4-0 and St Boswells lost 2-0 to Chirnside United Colts in the other Division C matches.

GRAND National hero Ryan Mania returns to home ground when the Galashiels jockey rides at Kelso on Monday.

It will mark the 23- year-old’s first appearance at his local track since his epic Aintree win on Auroras Encore.

Ryan looks forward to a good book of rides at another competitive days racing at the popular Borders venue, when the first race comes under orders at 2.10pm.

Feature race of the afternoon is the Jedforest Deer Park novice handicap chase, sponsored by John and Lorna Irving who manage Mervinslaw estate and the Jedforest Deer Park. Itzacliche, the winner of a Kelso hunter chase last May, has been off since the autumn and is likely to make his comeback in this for owner/rider Joey Richards

The three-mile handicap chase – a surprise birthday celebration - is sure to produce a cracking contest. Ladbroke’s supremo Nick Rust, has generously sponsored the race to mark his father John’s 80th birthday. John and his wife Carole willjudge the best turned-out horse and make the winning presentations.

Respected caterers Peter and Gillian Allan sponsor the two and three-quarter mile handicap hurdle race at 3.10pm. Hawick handler Alison Hamilton could be tempted to run Bow School after a promising recent comeback. Two l opponents he could face are Nicky Richards pair Merrydown and Mallin Bay

The Racecourse Association make a rare visit to Kelso for a regional meeting in Scotland ,and sponsor the two-mile handicap chase. Local representative Alan Guthrie and London-based chief executive Richard Wayman will make the presentations. The ever-consistent Freddie Brown is a regular in this type of race for Kelso chairman Johnny Jeffreys, while Lucy Normile’s Primrose Time ran a cracker over course and distance recently.

Stalwart Kelso supporter Norman Orde, who runs a personal chauffeuring service in East Lothian, sponsors the first race at 2.10pm - the Lyntoun Private Hire maiden hurdle. Greystoke trainer Nicky Richards plans to enter Bishops Gate, who should appreciate the better ground after his promising heavy ground debut at Ayr in February. Scotland’s leading Flat trainer Jim Goldie is pencilling in Plus Jamai, a runner at Ayr’s recent Scottish National Festival.

Local racecourse director, Robert Miller-Bakewell sponsors the novice hunter chase under the name of his Eildon Hills Stables, near Melrose. Galashiels-based Katie Scott could bid for a further Kelso success with Buccleuch Cup victor Moscow Menace. Opposition could include Iain Jardine’s Hawick raider Buywise, who was travelling strongly when falling three out.

Ian Macleod and Co Ltd, distillers of Isle of Skye Whisky, supports a competitive two-mile handicap hurdle race. Hawick handler Alistair Whillans, who won the bumper at Ayr on Scottish Grand National day, could saddle Funky Munky, now back on a ‘winning’ handicap mark, while Jim Goldie is entering Kelso regular Bene Lad. Two other entries are Nicky Richards’ Parc Des Princes and Abbey Garth, who carries the colours of leading Irish owner J P McManus.

WITHOUT a fixture last Saturday due to their away game with Peebles Rovers being cancelled because of ground conditions, Gala Fairydean are set to return to action this weekend in travelling to face Leith athletic on the Edinburgh sides new ground at Meadowbank.

Glancing ahead to the encounter, Fairydean caretaker boss, John O’Hara told TheSouthern: “I watched Leith playing Coldstream on Saturday and although Leith lost I was quite impressed with them.

“Leith are well organised and are particularly good in coming forward so we will know what to expect from them. It will be a difficult game for us but it is a game we are looking forward to playing especially as it will be on Leith’s new pitch.

“The season is now coming to an end but in the few games we have left we will be trying to put in good performances and try and cause some upsets.”

Gala are without the suspended Grant Gass but Jack Hay returns from his ban.

Talking of his sides clash with Easthouses Lily, Selkirk defender Jason Inglis said: “Last Saturday we got a draw with Burntisland Shipyard but it was a game we deserved to win as I thought we were the better side. Once again however we didn’t take our chances and not being able to hit the net has been our main problem this season. We haven’t played Easthouses yet so I am not sure what to expect from them but hopefully we can start scoring goals and get three points.”

Selkirk are at full strength.

Hawick Royal Albert host Ormiston at Albert Park. Goalkeeper Steven West returns to the Albert squad. Steven Drummond is out due to injury.

Peebles Rovers are away to Duns and Kelso United also hit the road in making a trip to Fife to tangle with Burntisland Shipyard.

In the premier division Vale of Leithen square up to Heriot Watt University at Victoria Park.

A Galashiels man accused of murdering his estranged wife in a knife attack in her bedroom cannot remember what happened.

Miroslav Wosik’s brain won’t let him recall the events that led to the death of Bernadeta Jakubsyzk at her home in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, said defence agent Mark Wyeth QC yesterday.

Mr Wyeth was making a closing speech to the jury at St Albans Crown Court where Wosik, 42, denies murdering the mother-of two.

Mr Wyeth told the jury: “He said: ‘I don’t remember what happened and what led to her dying.’ Is there any evidence he bore hostile intent?

“There was no violent history. There were no nasty texts. No Facebook messages and no police call-outs. There was no evidence of a plan.”

The court has heard that Bernadeta, 30, died in the early hours of May 28 last year in her bedroom at her home in The Wye, Hemel.

Wosik, who had moved out of the home following marital difficulties, returned to Hemel Hempstead from his new address in Beech Avenue, Galashiels. After allegedly stabbing her to death, he is said to have knifed himself in the stomach.

Prosecutor Ann Evans said Bernadeta died from two deep stab wounds which had punctured her right lung. She bore cuts to her hands and forearms indicating she had put up a fight to try and ward off the blows. She had been stabbed once in the head.

Earlier the jury heard how Wosik’s son from a previous relationship, Daniel, ran up the stairs to find his stepmother dead on her bed and his father sitting beside her. The 18-year-old said his father told him: “Call the police, let them arrest me.”

The couple’s two daughters, aged eight and six, were asleep in the house at the time.

Forensic scientist Daniel Beaumont told the jury 
the knife, which was found under the bed, was in a pool of blood.

Mrs Evans said the couple had been together for eight years, having first met in Italy where they were working. Wosik and Bernadeta, who was also Polish, then moved to England in search of a “good life” and set up home in the three-storey house in Hemel Hempstead.

Wosik, who pleads not guilty to murder, moved to Galashiels in March last year, where he found a job in a machine factory. The case continues.

GALA ROVERS picked up nine points last week with a hard fought battle at Newtown coming from 1-0 down and winning 3-1 before a trip to Gavinton to face Duns.

With some early scares from Duns it was then Sutherland who opened the scoring followed by Greene and then Jardine, finishing the match 3-0 to the Rovers.

Chirnside were third in line on the Rovers fixture list.

Kicking off at the San Siro keeper Fenton shone in the first half with his impressive saves. Chirnside were close to taking the lead on the 25th minute with a well timed powerful shot that was cleared for a corner. Eventually it was a cross from Jardine that resulted in Stuart Noble opening the scoring for the home side seconds before the half time whistle blew.

The second half began in much the same manner. Noble was on the score sheet again with a pass from Sutherland that he blasted into the bottom corner of the goal increasing the home sides lead further. Chirnsides keeper made an outstanding save denying Sutherland his first of the match but it was only a minute later that he got his name onto the score sheet with a hopeful right footed drive into the back of the net.

Chirnside reacted with their number 9 slamming an unstoppable powerful volley past keeper Fenton.

Sutherland completed his 10th hat trick this season scoring in the 75th and 86th minute. Andrew Hardie impressed the home fans throughout the match with his intricate passing and quick feet.

In the final minutes of the match Jamie Collins left the pitch to around of applause leaving the San Siro turf for the final time as he is jetting of to America to coach football. Replacing him was substitute Kieran Martin who spurred a glorious opportunity to get his name onto the score sheet but his shot was sent inches past the post. The final score line was 5-1 to the Rovers.

Rovers manager Bryan Templeton said: “It was an all round great performance from everyone. There was some great football on display from both sides it will make for an exciting Beveridge Cup final this weekend against Chirnside again.”

Gala Rovers: M. Fenton, G. Nicol, S. Greene, S. Mackenzie, A. Nicol, A. Hardie, B. Noble, J. Collins, C. Jardine, S. Noble, D. Sutherland. Subs: C. Gow, C. Middlemiss, K. Martin, C. Mackenzie.

Parents who paid for their children to attend a Borders theatre group last year say they are still waiting to be ­reimbursed.

Music Theatre Scotland was set up in Newcastleton by Gary Feeney under the name Gary Adams. He promised to put on a school edition of Les Miserables.

More than 30 children paid up but it was later discovered that he was unknown to Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s firm who hold the performing rights.

One parent, who is waiting to be repaid £100, said: “We were all taken in by him. He let a lot of people down.”

But the publicity over the con led the authorities to catch up with Feeney, 44, who had been on the run for five years after admitting a series of frauds worth £7,500 in January 2008.

He was sentenced to 150 hours of community service at Arbroath Sheriff Court this month, which also made a compensation order for £7,478 to be paid back within a year.

Feeney pleaded guilty to placing adverts on website Sound on Sound under false names and inducing others to pay money to him for items he failed to send.

He obtained £2,570 this way between June and December 2006 and also admitted that between November 15 and December 8, 2006, he pretended to a member of staff at Digital Village in Romford that he was a representative of Angus College and ordered audio equipment worth £3,414 that he never paid for.

Feeney further pleaded guilty that on January 4, 2007 he pretended to the same Digital Village employee to work for Dundee College and ordered, but didn’t pay for, equipment valued at £1,494.

Some of the equipment 
was recovered during police raids in 2007. The money and goods were valued at 
£7,478.

Defence agent Nick Whelan said his client had been hospitalised with TB meningitis in 2008 but “accepts that he did not make himself available” to the courts.

Mr Whelan added that Feeney was a qualified musician who had acted “foolishly” by accepting a second offer for equipment he was selling.

Mr Whelan said: “It was relatively easy for him to obtain money for goods that he had no intention of supplying. It was not a complex fraud.”

Galashiels Academy 11

Marr College 21

SCOTTISH SCHOOLS U18 PLATE FINAL

GALASHIELS ACADEMY finished runners-up in the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools under-18 Plate after defeat to a strong Marr College side in the final on the back pitch at Murrayfield last night.

The difference between the two sides came down to the greater overall physicality of Marr College and in the event the Troon school certainly made use of their powerful ball carriers, none more than their Scotland under-18 cap Ben Johnston.

Marr, too, were helped by the team understanding of playing together throughout the season as a school side, victories over Glasgow independent schools this season and the confidence brought to the side by three of their players who had appeared for the senior Marr side last Saturday on RBS Cup finals day.

For Galashiels Academy it was disappointing evening. Their coach, Lewis Bertram admitted: “Marr played very well in the second half. We had a couple of weak tackles in the first half and that cost us. But I’m very proud of the boys and what they’ve achieved in getting to the final.”

Galashiels Academy aside from giving away weight and height were also handicapped by yellow card shown to their dynamic number 8 Josh Irvine and influential flanker Liam Scott. Outstanding for the Borderers was prop Gary Robertson, who carried ball effectively and who constantly threatened the Marr defence. Behind the scrum Ruairi Howarth at stand-off showed why he is in the Scotland under-17 squad.

The Academy, if not winners, played the better rugby overall, notably just after the break when their handling moves were top quality. But towards the end Marr’s greater fitness showed through and it was the Troon school that finished the stronger.

At the end of a tense first half Marr led 10-8 with tries from Ben Johnston and Grant Baird to a try for Gala by Robertson and a penalty from centre Keith Young. Galashiels Academy produced some flowing rugby early in the second half but their reward was limited to a penalty by Young.

But thereafter Marr dominated possession that gave them two penalties by Baird and a try in the corner by winger Ali Hazel to secure a good win.

Galashiels Academy: M. Amos; C. Hunter, D. Nicholson, K. Young, C. Nicholson; R. Howarth, G. Hamilton; G. Yeomens, D. Moir, G. Robertson, L. Pringle, E. Pflug, L. Scott, H. Brown, J. Irvine. Subs: P. Glenfield, I. Handley, J. Brown, L. Johnston, C. Hancock, K. Millar, B. Beaumont.

Marr College: H. McIntosh; E. Ferguson, C. Gray, A. Mill; L. Wallace, G. Baird; D. Brodlie, O. Rossi, J. Hek, E. Bulger, A. Johnston, L. Anderson, D. Clark, B. Johnston. Subs: A. McPhilimy, B. Maxwell, M. Ellis, L. Dunlop, C. Watson, L. Glass.

Referee: L. Fish

IN THE Brewin Dolphin under 18 Bowl final Morrison’s Academy defeated Peebles High School 31-20.

Man-of-the-match Matthew Tait scored two of the Crieff School’s tries, the other touchdowns coming from prop Callum Savage, centre Ian Paterson, and full back Ben Vardi. Stand-off Gavin Tainsh kicked three conversions

For Peebles High School full back Dave Campbell, scrum half Jack Harrison, and centre Scott Halliday scored tries and stand-off Murray Brown kicked a penalty and a conversion.

There were shocks aplenty at Scremerston on Saturday as Mike Ker’s Watsonians outfit launched their bid for the 2013 Kings of the Sevens title.

Berwick RFC were the hosts of this highly entertaining round four tournament and as usual there was a strong Borders presence with all the usual suspects attending. Edinburgh was represented by its university team, Watsonians and the Accies.

There was also a strong Northumberland delegation, consisting of relatively unknown quantities Morpeth and Newcastle Agrics.

The upsets began immediately.

Last year’s Kings of the Sevens champions, Jed-Forest, many people’s tip for the final, were dumped in the first round, going down 29-19 to Peebles.

Fresh from a win at their own tournament, Hawick came up against a strong Melrose team, featuring former Berwick player and current Scotland sevens international Andrew Skeen.

Hawick struck first, and made Melrose work hard, but were knocked out, eventually losing 21-12.

Watsonians were forced to make a late comeback against Morpeth, who also featured a former Berwick player, Seb Trotter, facing his former club. The last action of the tie was Watsonians’ winning try. Gala had a similar escape, requiring a late Grant Somerville touchdown to get past Selkirk.

Hosts Berwick, captained by Jack Webster, put in a strong performance against Earlston, running out easy winners at 36-5.

This win earned them a quarter-final tie against Musselburgh, who had overcome Rugby MAD, in the first round.

Tit-for-tat tries through the first half kept things interesting, before Musselburgh’s strength in possession paid off, and they put on 38 points to Berwick’s 12.

Elsewhere, in the quarters, Peebles continued to look as if they could go all the way. They cruised through to the semis, despatching Edinburgh University 34-5.

Melrose continued to put on a display of attacking rugby, but were somewhat fortunate against Edinburgh Accies, with the difference being a single try.

Melrose went on to defeat Musselburgh 33-12, with Richard Mill, Skeen and Sam Chalmers puncturing the Lothian side’s defence at will.

In the final, ’Rose came up against a Watsonians side who were showing their class, coming through against Gala and Peebles without conceding a single point.

Melrose’s efforts in the earlier rounds began to tell and they went in at half-time trailing 24-5, their try coming thanks to a 10m penalty for interference.

The Edinburgh side’s captain, Mike Ker, kept them in front with clever kicking – possession from their restarts was a feature of their play all day – and he capped off a 50-12 win with a try he made himself with two neat grubber kicks.

Watsonians’ victory takes them up to third in the 2013 Kings of the Sevens table after four events, behind Hawick and leaders Gala. See placings on page 94.

ON SATURDAY the sevens bandwagon moves south to Langholm for the 95th playing of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Langholm Sevens.

Current holders Hawick will be hoping to step up to the mark in a bid to retain the title they won last year, but with the Kings of the Sevens table wide open following last weekend’s results at Mansfield Park and Scremerston, the competition is likely to be stiff, with Gala and Watsonians also vying for the top spot.

In the first tie, at 2pm Langholm’s oldest rivals, Carlisle, take on Selkirk and the last tie of the first round sees invitational guest side the Pigbarians take on Melrose, the side from the club who introduced sevens 130 years ago.

The Pigbarians, named so because they were formed in 2007, the Chinese year of the pig, are an invitational side whose purpose is to raise funds and awareness for the children’s charity Dreamz4U.

A spokesperson from the club said: “We’re delighted to announce our debut in the King of the Borders Sevens Series.”

The club have also announced that Jammy McFarlane (formerly Hawick YM RFC now RDO for Kelso) has been appointed as their “Pig in the South”. Jammy will promote and organise the Pigbarians in and around the Borders, starting with the Langholm tournament.

Langholm Sevens draw (first tie 2pm): Carlisle v Selkirk; Peebles v Watsonians; Berwick v Kelso; Musselburgh v Jed-Forest; Hamilton v Hawick; Dumfries v Gala; Edinburgh Accies v Langholm; Pigbarians v Melrose.

THE Kings of the Sevens action reaches the Gytes with the First XV/rugbystuff.com Peebles Sevens on Sunday.

As well as the usual mix of Lothian and Borders sides, Peebles Sevens have the exciting addition Old Redcliffians RFC, who are based near Bristol and made a first appearance at the event last year. They will be ably assisted by player/coach and ex-Peebles internationalist Graeme Beveridge.

A later license has been granted, until 9pm, to allow the beer tent at the Gytes to keep the party going after the tournament has finished. All the usual family-friendly stalls will, of course, be present and caterers to keep the hunger pangs at bay.

Peebles Sevens draw (first tie 1.30pm): Preston Lodge v Hawick; Gala v Melrose; Haddington v Edinburgh Accies; Jed-Forest v Kelso; Peebles v Musselburgh; Old Redcliffians v Berwick; Watsonians v Howe of Fife; Biggar v Selkirk.

THE Scottish Primary Schools Cross Country Championships took place at Kirkcaldy High School on Saturday and there was great success for Borders schools.

Five medals were won in total, two of them gold.

Such is the popularity of this event, with schools entered from the length and breadth of Scotland, that the races were split into two sections, A to K and L to Z, with races being run over 1,600m.

Of the eight races for P6 and P7 boys and girls, two team gold medals, a team silver, a team bronze and an individual silver were brought back to the Borders.

The first medal secured was team bronze by Kingsland from Peebles in the A-K P6 girls’ race with Alice Bryce leading the team home for a total of 86 points, with a highly commendable ninth place, in 7 minutes 6 seconds.

They were swiftly followed by the first gold of the day, a convincing team win by near neighbours Priorsford in the L-Z P6 girls’ race. Beth Hobbs in fifth (6.53), Molly Falconer (8th) and Elena McGorum (17th) were the counters for a 30-point team total.

The P6 boys’ A-K race saw the best Borders’ individual performance of the day from Rory Williams from Chirnside, who took individual silver. Rory returned the fastest time of the day by any Borders runner (6.08) and led his team to another silver medal with 38 points. Jamie Kinghorn (13th) and Ben Reynolds (23rd) were the other counters.

The fifth Borders medal came courtesy of Kingsland’s P7 boys who took a fantastic team, gold with 55 points.

Jamie Lawson led the team home in fourth (6.13), backed up by brother Scott (21st) and Mack Reed (30th).

There were two further top-10 finishes on the day for Borders runners with an excellent ninth place (6.49) for Priorsford’s Anna McGorum in the P7 girls’ L-Z race and schoolmate Euan Hood ran well for seventh (6.17) in the P7 boys’ L-Z race.

All in all, this was a great effort from all the Borders runners.

Gordon’s wheelchair wonderracer Samantha Kinghorn was top of the class in this year’s Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards.

The Earlston High School pupil won the sports category and was presented with her trophy at an event held in the Glasgow Crowne Plaza and Clyde Auditorium.

On Sunday the 17-year-old, who received her injury while helping to clear snow near her home when she was 14, also duplicated her success at last year’s Mini London Marathon by taking another second place on Sunday.

As in previous years, a multitude of Gala Harriers also took part in the international event.

Thomas Otton joined his fellow under-15 Scotland runners for the mini marathon, which covers the last few iconic miles of the main race, and did exceptionally well to complete the three miles in 16 minutes and 10 seconds.

The lucky seniors who had secured places for the full London Marathon through the ballot also did well, despite one of them being troubled by hamstring problems towards the end of the race. Had this not happened, who knows what Fergus Johnston’s time might have been as the elusive sub-three hours eluded him by just 3 minutes and 23 seconds.

Carol Fortune showed a clean pair of heels to finish in a superb 3.34.45, while Jason Grainger, a virgin marathoner, did very well to come in at 4.04.15.

Gala Harriers have been putting in the hard training miles over the winter in advance of the road running season and a clutch of results from marathons and half marathons this month clearly demonstrate that the work has not been in vain.

Contrasting conditions greeted runners at opposite ends of the country when the Lochaber Marathon and the Brighton Marathon were staged.

Margot Crosbie and Eileen Nicol opted to head south and were met with fair conditions, a slightly hilly course and, for Margot, a personal best of 3 hours, 35 minutes and 19 seconds. Eileen wasn’t far behind in 3.49.35.

In sharp contrast, the gale-force winds and driving rain at Lochaber meant that Gillian Duncan’s hoped-for personal best didn’t materialise, but she should be proud of her time of 3.38.28.

The same weather affected times in the Edinburgh Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon with Dave Nightingale (1 hour, 31 minutes and 36 seconds) leading a brave challenge and Fiona Shepherd (1.40.17) and Pauline Ballantyne (1.49.04) recording respectable times.

A Galashiels man has been jailed for life today after being convicted of murdering his wife at her home in the southern of England.

Mirosla Wosik, 42, of Beech Avenue, stabbed Bernadeta Jakubszyk to death in her bedroom at the house in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire in May last year.

Wosik was found guilty by a jury of 12 at St Albans Crown Court and sentenced to a minimum of 18 years behind bars.

Sporting digest

Bowling

Abbotsford

The men’s section held their opening day on Saturday with 40 members in attendance.

June Brown, partner of president Kenny Johnstone, threw the first jack, and with the weather being kind, 15 ends were played before tea and refreshments.

President Johnstone then presented the prizes for the indoor competitions as follows: Border Computing Indoor League winners: Ecky Hancock, Tommy Mann Jnr and Colin Hancock; Pairs: Keith Campbell and Tommy Mann Jnr; Singles: Tommy Mann Jnr; Pool competition: Kenny Johnstone.

The club would like to thank Nan Butler for once again sponsoring the singles, pairs and pool competitions.

On Sunday, the ladies held their opening day and, with the weather holding up, managed to play a few ends before tea.

Hawick

HawickBC held their opening picnic on Saturday in some very pleasant conditions.

The traditional presidents v vice-presidents match was played and new president Robin Bell thanked everyone for attending.

The result was a somewhat emphatic 29-16 victory for vice-president Jim Reilly’s side.

Players retired to the clubhouse to enjoy an excellent meal supplied by president’s wife Marilyn Bell.

Members are reminded that the Bowls Scotland under-25 ladies’ trials are being played on the green this Saturday and volunteers are required for various duties. Play starts at 10am.

Newtown

Newtown St Boswells Bowling Green was opened on Saturday, with a friendly match attended by 30 members.

President Marie Todd welcomed everyone to the club and wished all good luck for the season.

The first jack was then thrown by member Pam Johnson, who wished everyone a winning season.

Cycling

Galashiels

High winds took their toll on this week’s race and the event was cancelled.

There was a welcome visit from past members Alan and Janet Kennedy. Alan still holds club records from 1979 and 1980 to the present day.

Next Wednesday will see the first 25-mile TT of the season. Everyone should meet at the layby at Torwoodlee to sign on, keeping the finish area clear for the time-keepers. The following Monday, May 6, there is a 10-mile TT at Abbotsford and on Wednesday, May 8, club members are off to Peebles to take part in their 10-mile open TT.

An EGM will be held tomorrow night at the squash courts (7pm).

Hawick CC

Last Thursday night, Hawick CC held their first 10-mile time trial of the season.

In near gale-force winds, new signing Kenny Darling took the honours with a rapid time of 24 minutes and 2 seconds. Other results: 2, D. Cavers 27.33; 3, C. Telfer 28.33; 4, K. Rayner 29.23; 5, T. Harkness 29.37; 6, K. Elliot 31.09.

On Saturday, two members of Hawick’s Road Race team ventured to Ayrshire for the Jim Daly APR. Both performed well in very windy conditions, with Gordon Jackson coming 15th and Tam Harkness 32nd out of a field of 65.

Kelso Wheelers

On Monday night, Kelso Wheelers held a 10-mile time trial on the Carham Course.

The strong westerly wind was always going to be a problem on the homeward leg, but it did not put any of the riders off, with a good turnout of 23.

There were three youths riding, with Oscar Onley coming home in 37 minutes and 23 seconds. Other results: 2, B. Simpson 39.41; 3, A. Martin 41.58.

Seniors: 1, D. Burgher 24.11; 2, M. Burgher 25.25; 3, J. Smith; 4, R. Ure 25.45; 5, S. Gaunt 26.21; 6, I. McKenzie 26.43; 7, D. Richardson 26.55; 8, R. Norris 26.59; 9, C. Stevenson 27.26; 10, D. Jamieson 27.49; 11, K. Wilson 27.57; 12, R. Connell 28.30; 13, K. Gillie 29.04; 14, E. Ford 29.41; 15, G. Ford 29.42; 16, G. Easson 29.47; 17, R. Ker 33.33; 18, A. Ker 33.48; 19, A. Martin 38.19; 20, D. Whitecross 39.07.

Monday is the first 12-mile TT on the Orange Lane course, sign in at Woodside Park before 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Equestrianism

Scottish Endurance Riding Club

Almost 100 horses and riders took part in the Scottish Endurance Riding Club’s Kelso ride on Sunday.

Conditions were ideal for riding along sections of the old railway and tracks and fields across the nearby farmland. Some fast speeds were returned over routes ranging from 25 to 44km, with horses gaining in fitness after most had had a winter break.

Golf

Galashiels

David Steel Pairs: 1, C. Finlay & K. Turnbull nett 144; 2, J Hardie & J. Berthinussen 145. Individual: S. McDonald 80 (12) 68 bih.

Next week’s competition is the Ramsay Millar Open – Late entries to Dougie King on 07875 879061.

Seniors Section, sponsored by John Scott ( Plumbing & Heating ) Scott Cup Stableford Qualifier: winner, I. Young 19 points. Championship Qualifier, A league winner: W. Morrison nett 33; B League winner, J. Lumsden nett 36.

Kelso

Berrymoss Trophy: 1, R. Glendinning 72 (5) 67; 2=, J. Braithwaite 78 (8) 70, T. Pringle 74 (4) 70, C. Logan 78 (8) 70.

Cameron Trophy Foursomes: 1, M. Henderson & C. Sweenie 82 (14) 68; 2, R. Newton & M. Nicholson 73 (3.5) 69.5; 3=, M. Purvis & S. Henderson 77 (7) 70, M. Minto & S. Turnbull 82 (12) 70, G. Welsh & D. Wilson 79 (9) 70.

Melrose

Spar Competition (round one): 1, I. Swan 36 points; 2, M. W. Gillie 36; 3, S. Ervine 36.

April Medal (Ladies): 1, V. Hogg 95 (20) 75; 2, J. Shirra-Gibb 100 (17) 83.

St Boswells

J&J Tait April Medal: 1, S. Makepeace 70 (06) 64; 2, A. Hardie 79 (12) 67; 3, S. Hancock 80 (13) 67.

Millenium Salver: 1, I. Barr 79 (19)60; 2, R. Reilly 80 (16) 64; 3, C. Hardie 79 (14) 65.

Ladies Club Trophy (2): 1, S. Gerard 105 (33) 72; 2, J. Heard 103 (28) 75; 3, P. Baillie 101 (24) 77.

Torwoodlee

April Medal: 1, D. W. Brydon 71 (4) 67; 2, G. MacDonald 77 (8) 69; 3, B. Green 83 (13) 70.

Homing

Earlston & District

Members sent 77 birds to the D. Wilson &Son (joiners) sponsored Alnwick race, liberated at 9.05am into a south-west wind. Results: 1, 2, W. Gray & Son 1266.25; 3, I. Gray 1219.39; 4, K. Heppingstall 959.44; 5, 6, A. Bain 946.65.

Pool

Borders

In the first leg of the Knock-out Cup final home team Ship A gained a slim 5-4 advantage over league champions Reivers A.

Starting well, the Ship roared into an early lead, winning the early frames and going 3-1 up, only for Reivers captain Scott Simpson to pull one back. Ship’s John Gallacher produced a cracking clearance, then Steve Thompson pounced on a Stuart Brown mistake to see the home team go 5-2.

Golden oldies Scott Bowers and Stan Thomson kept Reivers in the final, however, by clinching the last two frames in pressure-cooker conditions to make the return leg a fascinating prospect.

The other main game saw Reivers B reverse previous meetings with the Station, gaining revenge and a place in the Bowl final against Frankies. After blitzing the doubles, it took some good finishing to seal a cracking match 5-2 against the B League champions.

Finally, Red Lion won a thrilling rearranged league fixture over High Level B by the odd frame in a see-saw match which looked good for the Hawick outfit until the Lion sneaked the final two frames for a 5-4 victory.

Rugby

Melrose Ladies

Guest side Melrose took only eight players, but still stormed through their five ties to claim victory in the St Andrews Sevens.

Playing in the largest university tournament in the UK, the ladies enjoyed wins over St Andrews A (31-0), Murrayfield Wands (35-0), Aberdeen (44-0), and a select side (21-10) to see them through to the final where they despatched St Andrews main team 37-5.

Melrose Ladies: L. Harris, N. Halfpenny, L. Skeldon, I. Craigie, S. Bell, M. Maciver, L. Purves, S. Webb.

Semi-Junior Sevens

Saturday saw round five of the semi-junior sevens series, held at Netherdale and hosted by Gala Wands.

The final was a repeat of the previous week’s and the outcome the same – Hawick Wands beating Jed Thistle. Hawick reached the final by besting Tynedale Colts in the first round, Duns in the quarters and Melrose Wasps in the semi-final. Jed beat Biggar then Gala Wands and Hawick PSA to reach the last game.

This victory gives Hawick Wands a 10-point lead on Gala Wands.

The next round is at Selkirk on Saturday and finally Jed.

Draw for Selkirk Youth Club Sevens (first tie 1.30pm): Hawick PSA v Kelso Quins; Jed Thistle v Peebles Colts; Selkirk YC A v Langholm Colts; Berwick Colts v Tynedale Colts; Melrose Wasps v Edinburgh BATs; North Berwick Colts v Hawick Wands; Selkirk YC B v Biggar Colts; Gala Wands v Duns Colts.

Tennis

Melrose Waverley

On Sunday, the club held its first American tournament of the new tennis season.

Six couples braved the wind and the rain to play some competitive games.

In the end the determination of Pat Nicolson and Ian Reilly proved decisive, the duo winning the tournament by three points.

Melrose Waveley Tennis Club welcomes tennis players of all ages and abilities and holds a club night every Thursday evening.

THE Borders-based South of Scotland Select junior vaulting team have had a brilliant start to 2013.

The first selection trial was held in March near Glasgow. This was the team’s first outing on new horse Ardblae Dickie Snow, lunged by Rebecca Hewit, and they put on a superb show to win clearly.

They then travelled out to Saumur, France for their first international outing. A strong set of compulsories, followed by two rounds of freestyle gave them a first-place finish, once again on board Ardblae Dickie Snow.

The next weekend the team moved onto Belgium for a second selection trial. A freak accident put Ardblae Dickie Snow out of the competition but Ziggourney, lunged by Helen Rogerson, had travelled out as the reserve horse.

She proved a superb replacement and the team finished in second place by 0.007 points.

Squad: Stacey Macpherson, Shannon Purves, Sophie Aitchison, Charlie Lochhead, Emma Counsell and Izzy Kyle. Reserve: Sam Kyle.

Peebles HS 50

Anderson HS 24

Scottish Schools Gold Section Final

It was a day to remember last Friday when Peebles High School’s senior netball team won the Blue Riband event of national titles.

The entire club, along with coach Linda Nicholson, team manager Lynn Hudson, rector Campbell Wilson, and many other supporters travelled to Ravenscraig in Greenock for the event, which had always evaded the Tweeddale outfit, having reached quarter-finals in 2011 and semi-finals in 2012.

The Peebles squad of nine players had been undefeated in qualifying matches, before winning second-round, quarter and semi-finals to reach the final. In total, the squad had scored 574 goals in their matches, with only 153 scored against them.

Two-times previous winners Anderson HS from Shetland had also come through all of their matches unbeaten.

Nerves showed in the opening minutes and the Borders girls lacked their usual flow. It took several attempts to feed the ball successfully into the hands of captain and goal shooter Jo Pettitt before the first goal went up on the giant scoreboard. Anderson retaliated instantly with a goal of their own, also keen to get their tally up and running.

Peebles’ confidence began to show, reflected in further breaks and a promising lead of 13-4 by quarter-time.

Into the second quarter and the Peebles girls managed to maintain some much-needed composure across the centre court, providing more options for passes into the shooting D.

However, Anderson’s very tight marking and blocking of goal attack Jenny Hudson’s limited routes to the goalpost, meant Pettitt had to provide most of the opportunities, although she was beginning to attract the umpires’ attention for minor contact infringements.

By half-time a clear gap was starting to develop as Peebles’ lead extended to 25-10.

It was into the second half of the match that the Borderers’ defence started to dominate and nerves began to settle.

Although the victory was almost certainly going to Peebles, Anderson kept attacking to the end, rewarded by their 10 goals to Peebles’ 11 in the final 15 minutes.

But their revival was too late for the islanders, with the final whistle signalling an outstanding win for Peebles, only the second time in recent history that the title has gone to a mainland school team outside the west of Scotland.

Coach Linda Nicholson was delighted with her senior team’s performance. She told The Southern: “The whole day was extremely nerve-wracking as the match meant so much to the players, the club and their supporters.

“The convincing scoreline in this senior gold section final reflects an amazing team performance by very talented players.”

The victory marked the last school match for Jo Pettitt, who has played loyally for Peebles Netball club and school teams for the last six years, also gaining international honours at U17 and U21 age groups.

“We have worked so hard for years to get to the standard needed to compete at this level, and to produce the goods on Jo’s last day for us was a huge achievement, but also very emotional,” added Nicholson. Peebles senior school squad: Jo Pettitt, Jenny Hudson, Neve Mclean, Flora Gillies, Mhairi Jackson, Hannah MacDonald, Lauren Tait, Hannah Crick, Susanne Krabbendam. Coach, Linda Nicholson; team manager, Lynn Hudson.

HOSTS Kelso High School claimed a double triumph in Saturday’s Borders S2 Hockey Championships, but only after nerve-jangling finales.

The tournament featured all nine Borders secondary schools in an A tournament and three schools – Kelso, Selkirk and Earlston – in the ‘B’ tournament, so involved more than 150 hockey talents in matches played with tremendous sportsmanship.

Selkirk and Peebles topped Pool A and Kelso and Earlston emerged from the second pool in the A tournament at Shedden Park, with 79 goals being shared across the teams in terrific games. After very competitive semi-finals, Selkirk edged out Earlston 1-0 to meet Kelso, 1-0 victors over Peebles, in the final.

Imogen Johnstone-Jones scored first for Kelso with an excellent finish, but Selkirk took the final into extra-time with a fine goal by striker Iona Kellett, who had bravely returned to the fray after receiving treatment for a facial cut that later required a stitch. However, in a tense denouement, Johnstone-Jones was back on target to grab the winner after superb play by Lara Patterson created the opportunity.

In the B tournament at Woodside Park, there was a similarly high standard of hockey on show from Kelso, Selkirk and Earlston, and the home side just edged the title, after beating the young Selkirk team 2-0 – Catherine Pettie and Kim Wilson the scorers – and drawing with Earlston, who just pipped Selkirk 1-0 in an exciting end-to-end final match.

Kelso HS B: Eilidh Hunter (capt), Charlotte Stratford, Megan Purves, Jessica Crombie, Leah Cassie, Lucy Anderson, Casey Finlay, Kate Ferguson, Baillie Steele, Catherine Pettie, Gemma Bootman, Erin Lathangie, Kim Wilson and Rowan Henderson.

Hawick United3

Ancrum0

BAL DIVISION B

United took the lead midway through the first half when Michael Moir steered a Ross Scott cross into the net with his head.

Scott then switched from goal maker to goal scorer in rounding the Ancrum keeper and shooting home after gathering a Kevin Strathdee pass.

Ancrum rallied and were denied goals by two superb saves from United keeper Dean Fry.

United notched a third when Strathdee floated over a corner and Moir produced the scoring touch again.