Hawick’s Di Walton saw her two runners finish first and second in the opening race at Lauderdale point-to-point, writes Hilary Mactaggart.

Amour Daria’s success in the first race at Mosshouses on Sunday proved a real family affair – the gelding partnered to victory by the trainer’s 19-year-old daughter Joanna, riding in her parents’ colours.

“This is the first time he’s won for us,” explained Di. “He’s hard to ride as he’s strong, so we’ve tried to hold him up and tried making it, which seemed to work today,” she said, after their pillar-to-post success.

Stablemate Beverley Beck finished four lengths behind, in the hands of Galashiels jockey Kelly Bryson.

Morpeth trainer Aimee Waugh also had a one-two in the following open maiden.

The towering Big George posted his first victory, when getting the better of Aimee’s own ride, Paddy the Plumber, by a head in a thrilling finish.

Lauder’s Jock Threadgall was greeted by a rousing cheer after True Thomas cruised home 15 lengths clear in the concluding maiden race.

Catherine Walton further extended her lead in the Northern Area ladies’ championship when riding Coquet Head to a three-length success in the NPPA Club Members race.

Holly Harper, 19, from Edinburgh, having only her third ride, scored her second win of the season after riding Radharc Na Mara to a comfortable victory in the ladies’ race.

Jimmy the Jetplane posted a four-length win under Nick Orpwood in the restricted race for National Hunt jockey Peter Buchanan, whose father Alan bred the five-year-old.

Victor Thompson’s Tommysteel posted his fifth pointing success this term when accounting for the men’s open race in the hands of Northern Area champion Tristan Davidson.

Racing was preceded by two well-supported pony races, won by 13-year-old Harry Charleton on Hepplewood Berkeley Square and 14-year-old George Crawford on Lynne.

Glasgow’s Yousef Ahmad, of Remploy, an employment services provider for people with disabilities, will address a Dyslexia Scotland Borders group meeting at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel, St Boswells, this evening at 7pm.

“It’s very interesting to see what they’re doing now,” said Borders group committee member Rosemary Bowe.

Archery

Zingari shoot

The BLBS Zingari shoot saw Elaine Pearson take home the only medal for most golds, shooting 67, 305, 7, 1.

Other Ettrick Forest scores were: Junior – 1, K. Fairbairn 33, 117, 0, 0. Gents – 6, D. Anderson 71, 311, 5, 0; 10, M. Pearson 60, 244, 6, 1.

Club Windsor round results (Sunday): 1, R. Tice 98, 504, 16, 0; 2, A. Anderson 98, 464, 10, 0; 3, M. Pearson 84, 408, 6, 0.

athletics

Team Borders

After their very successful inaugural season in 2012 in the JSB Forth Valley League, when they won Division 2, Team Borders made their Division 1 debut at Grangemouth Stadium and finished fourth overall out of nine competing clubs.

First places included: Freddie Rooke (Gala), U15 boys A 100m; Ryan Houten (Moorfoot), U15 boys B 100m; Katie Browne (Gala), U15 girls B 100m; Rory Williams (Gala), U13 boys B 800m.

With a shortage of U11 boys, any Borders schools or coaches who have athletes who could be considered should contact Neil Renton on 01896 756274.

Scotland call up

Moorfoot’s Scout Adkin has been called up to the Scottish Hill Running squad for this year. This Saturday the 19-year-old is running a Scotland trial for the Senior Home International which follows two weeks later in the Lake District.

bowls

BBA

Border Andrew Hamilton Trophy team away to West Lothian on Saturday: R. Thorburn, M. Christy, D. Miller Jnr, A. White (rink 1); M. Fairley, D. Wilson, N. McNally, R. Crawford (rink 2); C. Donaldson, S. Omari, R. Nicol, R. Kerr (rink 3); A. Borthwick, C. Martin, K. Johnstone, G. Forsyth (rink 4); D. Pearce, D. Miller Snr, E. Lindores, S. Bebbington (rink 5); R. Nicholson, T. Mann, A. Brady, I. Crawford (rink 6).

Border U25s team versus Midlothian at Abbotsford BC on Sunday: R. Munro, S. Morrison, C. Ainslie, A. Hancock (rink 1): A. Kerr, A. Burn, J. Taylor, R. Taylor (rink 2); M. Smyth, E. Munro, J. Condy, J. Mitchell (rink 3); S. Spalding, D. Riddell, R. Neil, C. Donaldson (rink 4); R. Mark, C. Riddell, R. Brady, M. Fairley (rink 5).

Full fixtures on all Borders games are available at the new website: bordersba.leaguerepublic.com

Clubs are reminded that their nomination for the Top 10 competition should be in by June 1 and for the Border prelims and qualifiers by July 12.

Gala

Playing the final game of the 2012 Senior Triples season – held over due to poor weather – Gala comfortably defeated Kelso and, coupled with Wilton’s loss to Earlston/Melrose, meant the title was secured by the Scott Crescent club.

The B team started their league campaign for the season against Waverley B, but lost by 33 shots.

On Sunday, 24 teams took part in the Ladies Pairs. In the final, last year’s runners-up Pauline Anderson and Gail Lindores lost out again to Matty Smith and Pat Houston.

Gents Border League

Week one results, Division 1: Kelso 69 Wilton 80; Melrose 85 Abbotsford 68; Ancrum 69 Waverley 76; Ettrick Forest 79 Earlston 80; Selkirk 64 Jedburgh 76. Division 3: Abbotsford B 55 Wilton B 68; Hawick B 62 Kelso B 56.

Hawick

The Wallace Express Open Pairs final was contested by G. Scott and L. Clarkson from Hawick and mother and son Langholm pairing, Carol and Paul Warwick.

A dramatic finale saw Scott produce an unbelievable shot to take out the Langholm shot bowl, and lie six shots, to claim a well earned victory.

Newtown

McRobert Cup winners: M. Jaffray, B. Crombie, M. Todd.

Members are reminded that all club competitions now have prize money, so it is well worth taking part. The next event is the Mixed Pairs contest on May 19.

curling

Border Province AGM

David Kerr relinquished his presidential responsibilities, and transferred the badge of office to Bill Byers, without any bloodletting, and Neil Maclain was duly badged as vice president.

George Whiteford, Ian McCreath and Jim Blain were wheedled onto the committee but there is still a vacancy for a fourth member.

Draw for Agrii Border League, section one – Coldstream, Duns, Earlston, Glendale, Jedburgh, Lauderdale, Lees, St Boswells, Swinton and Yester. The unmentioned clubs can take it that they will be in section two. It was also announced that Graham Baxter, son of Murrayfield rink manager Ian, has been nominated as Jim Keddie’s successor as icemaster.

Ladies’ AGM appointments: Wendy Henderson (president); Nina Clancy (vice president); Glynnice Lauder (secretary); Lucy Tile (treasury).

cycling

Galashiels

Twenty-five-mile TT result: L. Parry 1.00.59.

Memorial 25-mile TT Open – entry details can be found on www.galacc.co.uk

Hawick

Newmill 10-mile course, result: 1, K. Darling 23.39.

Gordon Jackson finished a very respectable 12th at the May Day Gallop near Grangemouth.

Kelso Wheelers

Twenty-mile TT result: D. Burgher 46.44.

Monday is a 10 mile TT on the Birgham course – sign in at Woodside Park by 6.30pm.

Golf

BVLGA

Spring competition, held at Kelso: Winner – A. Wild 42pts. Silver: 1, P. Robson 36. Bronze: 1, S. Smith 38 bih. Senior prize winner: K Robertson 36.

Galashiels

Wednesday Strokeplay: 1=, S. Nightingale 73 (5) 68, J. Rigg 86 (18) 68, B. Currie 72 (4) 68. Bert Rankin Trophy: 1, D. Cairns 84 (16) 66 bih. Best gross: D. McGlasson 70. Seniors Stableford: 1, D. A. Johnston 20pts.

Hawick

Thursday’s competition: 1, S. Donaldson 98 (25) 73 bih. Scratch winner: A. Martin 96.

Kelso

SLGA Medal: 1, A. Wild 91 (25) 66. Margaret Scott Trophy (36 holes): 1, P. Robson 146. Geoff Garratt Trophy: 1, S. Turnbull 74 (7) 67 bih. Outing to Ratho Park: 1, J. Braithwaite 39 points bih. Spar Competition (Rd 2): 1, K. Grieve 39pts.

Ladies Championship Qualifier (1st card): 1, A.Fleming 93.

Minto

Ladies Salver No 2 /Championship Qualifier No1: Silver Division, scratch – 1, L. Moore 89; handicap – 1, S. Whiteley 92 (19) 73.

Bronze Division: Scratch – 1, A. Paterson 98; handicap M. Towers 95 (22) 73.

St Boswells

J&J Tait Holmes Cup: 1, G. Melrose. Ladies Macmillan Medal: 1, F. Melrose 83 (18) 65.

Torwoodlee

Belhaven Qualifier: 1, R. Brydon 70 (2) 68 bih. Tuesday Strokeplay: 1, J. Graham 79 (12) 67.

Woll

Gents Monthly Medal: A Class – 1, R. Cowan 82 (10) 72; B Class – 1, S. Brown 91 (19) 72.

Ladies Medal: 1, M. Turnbull 96 (21) 75. Gents Open (sponsored by Halliwells Butchers) is on Sunday – entries taken at reception or call 01750 32711.

hockey

National U14 Festival

Borders Hockey sent two mixed teams to Edinburgh to represent the region in the National Under 14 inter district competition.

The more experienced A squad finished third place out of eight teams and went down 2-0 to the Midlands in a playoff for a sixth overall out of 16 teams.

The younger B squad found the going tough but produced some excellent individual performances.

Borders Hockey thanked Pippa Bell (coach), Ashley Robson (coach on the day), Laura McLean (assistant coach and physio) and Zoe Higgins (youth umpire).

Meanwhile, Selkirk’s Emily Newlands, who played for Scotland U21s against India last week despite being only 16, and Kelso’s Claire Hill have both been named in Scotland’s U18 squad for the European Championships.

homing

Earlston

Members sent 178 birds to the News & Card (newsagent, Lauder) sponsored Thirsk race. Result: 1, K. Heppingstall 1409.54.

Galashiels

Twelve members sent 190 birds to Thirsk. Result: 1, 5, Douglas and Spearman 1237.768.

Jedburgh

Six members sent 134 birds to Thirsk. Result: 1, 2, 3, A. Agnew & Son 1368.834.

Langholm

The club sent 132 birds from Charnock Richards over a distance of 105 miles. Result: 1, 2, 3, 4, R. V. Graham 1504.190.

Pool

Borders

Results: Division 1 – Fleece 5 Reivers B 4; Reivers A 7 Ship B 2; Ship B 1 High Level A 8. Division 2 – Bridge A 9 Frankies 0; High Level B 2 Bridge B 7; Waverley B 1 Niki’s 8.

New Earlston Golf Club member Keith Hutchison (centre) walked away with both trophies from their visit to Kelso GC.

On a cool breezy day, Hutchison won the Donaldson Trophy, sponsored by Donaldson’s the Butchers of Earlston, with 37 stableford points.

He also lifted the Wallace Cup, the oldest trophy in Earlston’s cabinet, with a stunning nett 67.

George Cessford claimed the runner-up spot in the Wallace Cup, while Dougie Bain was in third place. Here is hoping the handicap committee are gentle with them.

The biggest hit of the day came from Ross Aitchison, who took the prize for longest drive with a blistering 311-yard shot that smacked into the middle of the fairway.

Earlston members head off to Peebles GC on Sunday for a strokeplay competition.

St Boswells bowler Scott Turnbull produced a miserly opening spell of two wickets for no runs from seven overs, as his side eased to victory over Edinburgh South in Division One.

The Saints bowled out the visitors for 134.

Chinniah Prabhakar took 3-14, and earlier scored a half century, along with Scott Ruthven, for an imposing total of 224- 7 which Edinburgh South never challenged.

Pierce Solley’s superb knock of 134 in Hawick’s huge total of 251 was enough to beat OCCC by 74 runs in Division Seven.

Also in Division Seven, Melrose were bowled out for just 52 by Tranent, who eased home by seven wickets.

Selkirk’s fine start to life in Division Five continued as the Souters overwhelmed a plucky Livingston side at Philiphaugh, writes Alex Massie.

Stand-in skipper Kenny Paterson won the toss and invited Livingston to post a total on Selkirk’s antiquated artificial wicket. With a stiff breeze blowing there was ample opportunity for the bowlers to find some swing.

Paterson bowled with his customary lack of good fortune, while Jordan Reid, again typically, produced more variation before bowling McDonald with a long-hop that kept low and clipped the top of middle-stump. Good mince can be more valuable than poor fillet steak.

Darren Fenton produced a couple of break-backs to bowl Lancaster and Ghaffar, while the home side were also assisted by a pair of lbw decisions of the sort bowlers always consider plumb and batsmen die believing were never out.

Greg Fenton, switching once more between seam and leg-spin, mobbed up the tail with figures of 4 wickets for 2 runs as Livingston were turfed out for 44.

Paterson promoted Andrew Parr and Kyle Murray up the order and though the former fell to a fine juggling catch at cover-point, Murray raked the ball through midwicket regularly en-route to top-scoring with 16. Eventually, he missed a straight delivery, but by then victory, and maximum points, were assured.

Kelso lost for the first time this season at Murrayfield DAFS in what was a close Division Three match, writes Greg Davidson.

For the second week in a row, Kelso batted first on an artificial wicket and it proved to be an unpredictable pitch.

Captain Dougie Wilson put the freezing weather to the side and scored big for the second week in a row with 79.

He was well supported once again by Steven Patterson (48) as Kelso reached the total of 178 for 8 off their 45 overs.

Murrayfield’s reply got off to a solid start with both openers on top form.

Chris Banks managed 56 not out to guide Murrayfield home with nine balls to spare, in what was a poor performance by the Tweedsiders with the ball and in the field.

A thrilling ESCA President’s Trophy final saw Rory Hancock and Rishi Jain edge Gala past Edinburgh by just one wicket.

Played at St Boswells, the match saw the Gala side cruising at 98 for 3, chasing Edinburgh’s total of 128, before a batting collapse saw the last pair come together with eight runs still required.

But Hancock and Jain proved up to the task, getting Gala home with an over to spare.

Gala skipper Stevie Halls won the toss and asked Edinburgh to bat first in the final that was held over from the end of last season due to poor weather,

Kris Mein started for Gala for the first time since 2011 and the pace bowler soon found his rhythm to pick up three wickets for 19 runs from his eight-over spell.

The other Gala seamers found the going tough bowling into the strong wind, although Hancock picked up the crucial wicket of Ashraf, but it was spinners Ormiston (2 for 24) and Neil Crooks (4 for 10) who managed to restrict Edinburgh’s total.

In reply, the Gala innings was built around a fine 59 from Stevie Halls, who hit four fours and two towering sixes, while Josh Irvine looked solid in his first innings of the season with 17 before being trapped lbw by Farooq.

Gala were in control before losing four wickets in four runs as the batsmen panicked.

When Dinesh Tharanga went, driving Aziz to mid-off, Gala were 121 for 9, but Hancock and Jain kept their cool – most of the time – to see Gala home, much to the relief of their support.

Stevie Halls said: “It is great to pick up the trophy on the back of winning Division Three last season.”

Kelso High claimed the final South Schools S3 tournament of the season.

Played in the usual two pools, Section A was very closely contested by all four schools, but eventually Earlston emerged winners, with Hawick, Peebles and Berwickshire finishing second, third and fourth respectively.

Section B saw Kelso beat Galashiels Academy 5-0 with a hat-trick from Katie Gamble and one apiece from Kirsty Logan and Rachel Potts, followed by a 3-1 win over Selkirk, with a goal each from Gamble, Potts and Sophie Aitchison.

Selkirk beat Galashiels Academy 2-0 to set up a semi–final encounter with Earlston which proved to be a very keenly fought match which the latter won 2-0.

Hawick put in a good effort in the other semi, but Kelso emerged victorious thanks to goals from Aitchison and Potts.

The final produced an excellent match with both goalkeepers putting in good showings, but from a well executed penalty corner, Kelso’s captain Jessica Newman slotted the ball into the back of the goal to ensure her team won the trophy.

Kelso: S. Aitchison, A. Bryce, C. Connor, J. Dunkley, K. Gamble, N. Henderson, K. Logan, T. Mallen, K. Millar, G. Morrison, J. Newman, R. Potts, S. Rae.

Yetholm’s lead man and woman were installed on Friday, when a newly commissioned flag was also flown for the first time.

The 2013 Bari Gadji is Anders Cameron, and Bari Manushi, Stephanie Cockburn.

Unfortunately the weather forced the traditional ceremony indoors, but a packed Wauchope Hall welcomed the pair into their roles.

After being sashed they performed their first duties, presenting medals to silver jubilee Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi, Kevin Lee and Sandra Elliot, and golden jubilee pricipals Vic Coulter and Christine Allen.

Anders, an apprentice electrical engineer with Scotmas in Kelso, said he is looking forward to the year ahead.

“I’ve never done any of the rideouts before so it is going to be good going to Kelso, Edinburgh, Hawick and so on, but I’m looking forward to the Stob Stanes ride the most.”

The 20-year-old who is also studying at Border College as part of his apprenticeship, lives in Kelso after moving to Yetholm aged three.

Having ridden when he was younger he has recently taken it up again, fitting it in around work and playing rugby for Kelso.

Parents Ewan, who still lives in Yetholm, and Kirsten, who lives in Kelso, were both proud to watch their son sashed on Friday along with Stephanie, who Anders knows from Kelso High School, although she is a couple of years older.

Stephanie is currently living and studying in London.

David Hutchinson, community council chairman, led the proceedings.

He said that despite the relocation of the ceremony it was a enjoyed by all, including representatives from Kelso, Duns, Coldstream and Berwick.

“The hall was packed. It was a really good night,” said David.

The new village flag, depicting a gypsy cob on a background of the Yetholm colours was designed by local artist Janet Canning, and has been sponsored by Sandi Keddie, mother of Zoe, last year’s Bari Manushi.

“I always thought we should have a Yetholm flag,” said David.

“The Border towns have their Standard Bearers and flags which identify the place, and which people can also identify with. I think that’s a good thing,” he added.

On Friday morning the new flag was hoisted by Tom Tokely and was much admired.

A flag will now be purchased for Kirk Yetholm too, in time for the festival week - June 6-15.

Christopher Ritson was announced as the 2013 Hawick Common Riding Cornet at a ceremony in the Town Hall last night.

In May every year, the Provost’s Council, on the recommendation of the two previous Cornets, the Right and Left-Hand Men, invites a young man to act as Cornet.

The Halberdier, accompanied by the Drum and Fife Band, carried an official letter of invitation to the nominated young man at his home. Invitation accepted, the officer was rewarded with a new ‘shilling’ and carried the letter of acceptance back to the waiting council.

Afterwards the Cornet with his two predecessors walk ed round the older parts of the town before attending a congratulatory smoker.

The 23- year- old former Drumlanrig Primary and Hawick High School pupil, who lives at Roberton Place, is the eldest son of Jimmy and Susan Ritson, and works at Chemist T.N. Crosby in North Bridge Street.

Christopher is the first recorded Cornet with the surname Ritson, in an unbroken line of Cornets since 1703. His mount to carry the Banner Blue will be his own horse: a 16-year- old, 17 hands chestnut gelding called Troy. The proud Teri is a keen rugby player, having played for almost every club in the Grey Auld Toon, and currently for Hawick Harlequins.

The Cornet’s Lass is 19-year- old Heather Amos of McLagan Drive, born on Common Riding Friday in 1993 to Tam and Karal. Heather, the youngest sister to Cheryl and Shaun, and cousin to 1992 Ex-Cornet Craig Niblo, was educated at Trinity Primary and Hawick High School, and she is now close to completing her apprenticeship as a hand sewer at Hawick Cashmere.

The Cornet’s Acting Father and Mother this year are Stuart Hunter and his wife Julie of Longbaulk Road.

Hawick Legion 1

Earlston Rhymers 2

(aet) Forsyth Cup semi finals

Earlston marched into the semi-finals of the Forsyth Cup, named after their former chairman Jimmy.

Legion missed a barrowload of chances during the game before taking the lead on 15 minutes as Jory Robertson floated over a corner kick which was headed home by Jody Easdon.

Midway through the second half, Earlston’s Neil Laidlaw showed how chances should be taken with a lovely goal.

Gary Lothian grabbed the winner in the opening minutes of extra time.

Tweeddale Rovers 3

Hawick United 0

Waddell Cup quarter-final

Two second-half penalties helped steer Tweeddale into the semi-finals.

Strong in midfield and moving the ball about well during the entire game, Tweeddale took the lead with a somewhat fortunate goal.

A clearance from United defender David Strathdee hit team-mate Michael Clark and the ball bounced to the feet of a Tweeddale man, who darted in to score.

Rovers then sealed the victory with two spot kicks.

Hearts of Liddesdale 2

Gala Rovers 2

BAL Division A

Defender Shane Greene scored an injury-time penalty to leave Gala Rovers on the verge of the Division A title, writes Kieran Martin.

The visitors started well, but failed to produce an end product and instead it was the home team which took the lead in the 11th minute from a Darren Armstrong corner which was blown straight into the net by the wind.

And Hearts went 2-0 up on 29 minutes when a ball over the top found striker Dean Thomson, who slotted the ball past Steven King.

Rovers came out strongly in the second half and super sub Craig Gow set up Des Sutherland, who was brought down in the box for a penalty which Greene netted.

The equaliser did not arrive until the 94th minute when Sutherland was again fouled in the area and cool-headed Greene slotted home.

Rovers now need three points from four games for the Division A title (ahead of Tuesday’s match at West Barns Star).

Although nervous about his speech, Melrosian Sam Thomson said it was not the most daunting part of appointment night on Friday.

Instead, the traditional spin round the Market Cross, on the shoulders of his right and left-hand men, proved the most nerve-wracking for Sam.

“It was a grand night, really good, although I was a bit nervous standing on the stage before my speech”, he said.

“But the scariest part of the night was being carried round the Market Cross three times. I didn’t feel too steady!”

The whole evening was well supported, and Sam was delighted to see so many friends and family in the audience at the Corn Exchange.

“It was good to see a few other principals from other Border towns there too,” he added.

During the evening the Festival Queen was announced as local primary school pupil Zoe Palmer.

Her court includes first attendant Erin Hogg, second attendant Katy Watters, courtiers Michael Ferguson and Callum Weston, heralds Thomas Billet and Matthew Pender, and trainbearers Lucy Cathrow and Cara Davidson.

Sam said: “I’ve had quite a few ex-Melrosians giving me advice, the main thing being just to take my time and enjoy it all, because it goes in a flash.”

New festival chairman James Marjoribanks led the proceedings.

He said: “The evening was a great success, and thoroughly enjoyed by everybody, and Sam Thomson is a very popular choice as Melrosian.”

Selkirk footballer Allan Smith was stretchered off just four days after scoring in the Scottish Youth Cup final against Celtic.

But the 19-year-old expects to be fit for the second leg of Dunfermline Athletic’s relegation play-off against Forfar Athletic on Saturday.

The striker suffered a badly bruised knee only five minutes into the Pars’ 2-1 loss to Airdrie United on Saturday, which condemned the Fife team to the play-off.

As part of the club’s under-20s, alongside Earlston pair Ryan Goodfellow and Blair Henderson, Smith was on the mark in Dunfermline’s 3-1 loss to Celtic at Hampden Park last Wednesday.

But his goal ensured a special double, after scoring a tryat Murrayfield in the Scottish Under-18 rugby cup final for Selkirk Youth Club two years ago.

Smith told us: “We battered Celtic in the first half, but could not score. They were quite lucky to score their first, but we knew it was a long way back when they went 2-0 up.

“I got a goal, but it was not enough. I still enjoyed the experience.”

Despite his strike, Smith’s contract ends this month and the talented teenager does not know whether he will be kept on at East End Park next season, with the Fife club still in administration.

Smith said: “Celtic have a £10million training facility whereas we don’t even have a full-time physio at the moment. My dad Graeme and grandad Paddy have both been giving me money to get by. I had around 20 family and friends at the cup final, and it was great that my grandad was there – he is my number one fan.”

TWEEDBANK has revealed the two young principals who will lead the village’s annual festivities this summer.

On Friday night in a ceremony in the community centre, local primary seven pupils Reece Simons and Katelyn Pringle were announced as Tweedbank Lad and Lass for 2013.

The young duo will be supported by Bruce Anderson (Lad’s First Attendant), Calum Johnston (Lad’s Second Attendant), Lauryn Stewart (Lass’ First Attendant) and Rebecca Lamb (Lass’s Second Attendant).

The Lad and Lass will lead the village’s fair, which begins with Investiture Night on Tuesday, May 28, and culminates with the main fair day on Saturday, June 1.

The community centre saw a good turn-out of well-wishers to offer their congratulations to the principals and everyone enjoyed a disco afterwards.

A full programme of events is to be posted out to every home in the village over the coming weeks.

Recent years have seen doubts over the fair’s future, after the number of volunteers coming forward to help out dwindled to just a handful.

However, an appeal saw some new blood brought in and at every one of this year’s fair events, an appeal will be issued asking people to consider volunteering in the future.

Hawick Royal Albert 2

Duns 2

EoS First Division

It may not have been a win, but Hawick Royal Albert picked up their first home league point of the season to put to rest a long losing streak on their own turf, writes John Slorance.

Showing a big improvement from recent outings, Hawick took the lead on 14 minutes as Innes Zenati sprayed a pass to the feet of David Heaver, who found the net with a sweetly-struck shot.

With 21 minutes gone Duns drew level, defender Mark Weatherburn scoring with a rasping 40-yard drive that sailed over the head of home keeper Steven West.

In the second half, Duns began to come into the picture and with 68 minutes gone, Conor Devaney put Duns ahead with a free kick.

But with eight minutes left, Ronald Fleming hit a shot that Scott Lumsden got his hands to, but failed to hold. The ball then bounced into the path of Declan Hogg, who shot home.

Late on, Duns lost Lumsden through injury and Devaney went in goal. In a hectic finish, Hawick went all-out to add to their tally, but Duns hung on for a share of the spoils.

Albert defender Kevin Fettes told TheSouthern: “Although we didn’t get a win, we played the best we have played for weeks.

“In the first half in particular I thought we were excellent. Our attitude was good as well and we can take some positives out of the game, even though it is late on in the season.”

Hawick RA: S. West, I. Zenati, R. Shepherd, G. Johnston, S. Loughlin, K. Fettes, Ronald Fleming, Raymond Fleming, P. Keenan (G. Ramsay), D. Hogg, D. Heaver.

Peebles Rovers 3

Kelso United 5

EoS First Division

The game was literally a game of two halves at a windswept Netherdale as Kelso turned around a two-goal half-time deficit to defeat 10-man Peebles, writes George Riley.

With the wind at their backs, Peebles were 3-1 up at the break.

Rovers dominated the early play and on 15 minutes a Jamie Adamson corner found John Manson unmarked at the edge of the box, who fired into the top corner of the net.

Kelso equalised just before the half-hour mark as Des Burnett coolly slotted the ball beyond advancing keeper Graham O’Brian.

Ten minutes before the break, Peebles went back in front as a goalmouth melee saw Damien McNulty score an unfortunate own goal, and on 42 minutes Greig Shortreed’s inch-perfect cross was headed home by Craig Edgar.

A minute from half-time Peebles’ influential midfielder Manson was red-carded for a headbutt on United defender Chris Black.

The second half saw Kelso put their numerical advantage to good use as Burnett completed his hat-trick, with Jordan Lauder and Garry Mabon adding the remaining goals for a dramatic turnaround.

Kelso Utd: J. Cowe, J. McCutcheon, S. Angus, D. McNulty, G. McNulty, C. Black, S. Tait, C. McClure (L. Hill 82), G. Gillie (G. Mabon 68), D. Burnett, L. Wallace (D. Bowie 83), J. Lauder.

Peebles Rovers: G. O’Brian, G. Shortreed, D. Linton, D. Clark, A. Williamson (S. Ford 64), J. Adamson (A. Noble 58), N. Cairns, M. MacKenzie, C. Edgar, J. Manson, B. Nwaze (J. Watt 79).

Stow 3

Jed Legion 2

(aet) Forsyth Cup quarter-finals

Martin Gibson scored the winning goal in extra time to see Stow through.

Played at Jedburgh, Legion were 2-0 up at half-time through a Gary Hunter penalty and Aaron Swailes’ goal, but Stow won thanks to a Paul Young double and Gibson’s strike.