SIGNS of growth are sprouting across the verges of the Berwickshire highways and byways, but this ‘seasonal vegetation’ is man-made.

As part of the plan to advise local folks and visitors of the forthcoming Jim Clark Rally, and sections of closed public roads, the organisers planting small signs on the approach to each section of road which will form a Special Stage on the rally.

This annual event is only permitted to happen by Act of Parliament which closes pre-agreed stretches of road and suspends the Road Traffic Act for up to five hours at a time. This allows rallying’s ‘against the clock’ competition to take place, a sporting activity which otherwise would not be allowed.

The organisers make strenuous efforts each year to cause minimal inconvenience to those going about their daily business and to advise them of which stretches of road will be closed and for how long. Notices in the local press and visits to householders are complemented by these small roadside reminders that the rally will be coming through.

So anyone visiting the Borders over the weekend of Friday May 31 to Sunday June 2, please look out for these signs and take note. However, these rare ‘plants’ are a protected species and budding gardeners should not attempt to take cuttings or try to remove them!

The organisers of the rally and the thousands of enthusiasts who will descend on the Borders over that weekend are forever grateful to the tolerance, and the sporting heritage, of the Berwickshire folk who so enthusiastically support the UK’s biggest motor rally each year.

The Jim Clark Rally, supported by Scottish Borders Council and EventScotland, will be the second round of this year’s MSA British Rally Championship and the third round of the MSA ARR Craib Scottish Rally Championship.

The world’s most successful downhill mountain biker will be at the Tweedlove cycling festival in Peeblesshire next week.

World champion (2009) Steve Peat, a three-time World Cup and nine-time British champion, is taking part in a question-and-answer session in Peebles next Saturday night.

His appearance follows the launch of a film advertising his sponsors’ – mountain-bike makers Santa Cruz – new bike. Peat will be joined at the event by co-founder and owner Rob Roskopp who said TweedLove was the obvious choice for the launch.

“We filmed the video a few weeks ago and can’t wait to share the results at TweedLove,” he added.

“The riding I’ve experienced in Scotland is some of the best in the world. From the events, to the trails, to the people who are riding them every day, it’s an honour to have a major Santa Cruz launch be a part of it.”

Earlier in the day, Roskopp, originally from Ohio, and eight of his team plan to take part in the festival’s Glentress Seven, a seven-hour MTB race round the famous Peebleshire trails. TweedLove is now the UK’s biggest cycling festival and estimated to be worth around £500,000 to the local economy, claim organisers.

High fashion and quality racing combine for Kelso’s final meeting of the season on Sunday when Ladies’ Day boasts an exciting seven-race card.

Feature race of the afternoon is the 4.25pm John Smiths handicap chase for the Wilfred and Patricia Crawford Memorial Trophy.

Entries include Bescot Springs from Lucinda Russell’s in-form yard, and Perth Festival victor Fiddlers Reel from Jane Clark’s Kelso stable.

Livestock auctioneer Jack Clark’s retirement from John Swan Ltd is marked by the The Jack Clark Swansong Novices Hurdle Race which has attracted a good entry.

Musselburgh bumper winner Amisfield Lad is an interesting hurdles newcomer for in-form Northumberland trainer Michael Smith, while John Quinn has entered two, including winning flat performer Exning Halt.

The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association will present one of their highly-sought after Regimental Spode Plates to winning connections of the novices’ handicap chase.

Top Hawick amateur Jamie Hamilton has already been booked again by Alnwick handler Victor Thomson for Gin Cobbler. Hat-trick-seeking Apache Dawn should be followed closely, as his Worcestershire trainer Aytach Sadik has a 100 per cent record at the Borders venue.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Association sponsor a competitive hunter chase where leading hunter chaser Special Portrait represents Cumbrian trainer Mark Hughes, while Perth victor Back On The Road and runner-up Harry Flashman re-oppose.

Adam Pringle of Alnwick-based Border Facilities sponsors the novice handicap hurdle race at 2.40pm, which offers a £5,000 Sunday Bonus.

Donald McCain is a great supporter of Kelso and has entered winners Aazif and Heart And Soul. David Pipe’s Somerset raider Home Run is an interesting contender as he rattled up a mid-winter five-timer, culminating with a victory at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.

The final race of the season at the Tweedside track is sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Coldstream, where a number of top bumper trainers are represented.

They include Alan Swinbank (Powderonthebonnet and Dubai Sonnet), Tony Martin (Lagan Canal), Stuart Crawford (Taylor) and Malcolm Jefferson (Magic Present).

Gates open at noon, first race 2.10pm. More on www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk

PEEBLES Netball hosted its annual festival for P7 girls in Tweeddale schools last week.

A bumper crop of applications was received from young players, with 52 girls attending, representing eight different primary schools.

They were put through their paces by players from Peebles Netball who demonstrated practice drills and moves, before the youngsters played in mini-matches.

Prizes were presented by Peebles Netball international star Jo Pettitt, with Jessica Wodehouse (St Ronan’s) winning best attacker, Sophie Walpole (West Linton) judged best defender and Abbey Scrimger (Priorsford) picking up the award for most athletic player across the court.

A squad of 18 players was selected to take part in further coaching sessions during the coming weeks.

THE Rowan Boland Memorial Trust has handed over more than £3,000 to launch its new club funding scheme.

The charity provided £1,500 to Gala Cricket Club’s junior section for a new bowling machine, £750 to Gala Red Triangle Rugby Club for a scrumming machine and gave Fjordhus Reivers Hockey Club £1,000 for new playing kit for its youths.

All three clubs took part in a launch day at Tweedbank Sports Centre on Sunday to highlight the new funding avenue, which is open to youth sections of sports organisations in Galashiels.

David Boland, chairman of the trust, said: “This new scheme means we can help more people by providing support to clubs as well as individual sportspeople.

“Hopefully, this new funding stream will benefit sport in general in Galashiels.”

Any club wishing to apply should visit www.rowanbolandmemorialtrust.co.uk or speak to a committee member for more information.

IT IS always a notable achievement for any young aspiring tennis player to be chosen to represent their school at firstteam level.

And for Loretto School pupil Jessica Lemmon, her selection is even more remarkable given that she is only 12 years old and playing alongside, and against, much older players – some six years her senior.

Unfazed by her extraordinary talent on the tennis court, Jessica, who joined Loretto School as a boarder from St Boswells Primary School in September, has already represented the Borders at tennis, as well as being selected to turn out for the South of Scotland.

Jessica commented: “It was a little scary at the start to be playing tennis with girls much older than me, but I have got used to it now.”

Jonathan Hewat, director of external affairs at Loretto, added: “I have been working in schools for nearly 20 years and I have never known a girl of Jessica’s age represent the first VII tennis team.

“It is a tremendous achievement made all the more refreshing by Jessica’s self-effacing, modest, but determined attitude.”

Despite Jessica’s impressive tennis pedigree – her mother is the coach at St Boswells Tennis Club – she has no plans to be a female version of Scotland’s Andy Murray.

“I have always found tennis enjoyable and fun. To me it is a hobby,” she said.

HAWICK & WILTON, East Division 7, gave a good account of themselves against Division 1 St Boswells in last week’s Murgitroyd T20 match.

On a slow track that was difficult for batting the home side found runs hard to come by against accurate bowling although Gary Alexander and Pierce Solley started to get the scoreboard ticking over.

Alexander top-scored on 22 departing with the score on 36 for 5. Allan Moffat was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 11 not out as Hawick reached a respectable 74 for 9 off their 20 overs.

Neil Storey and Lee Stewart bowled well, each picking up a wicket as St Boswells slumped to 7 for 2.

St Boswells skipper Steven Broom was the real difference, being very severe on any loose deliveries, not that there were many, more often than not despatching them over the ropes.

He finally fell for 47 with solid support from Ali Prabakhar on 22 not out as the visitors passed the home total after 15 overs.

Scottish Endurance Riding Club Borders held their annual two day event at the weekend.

Entrants tackled courses from 24 km to 80 km over the beautiful but not always easy countryside between the Eildon Hills and Lindean Loch.

“Good but hard”, was how one rider described it.

At the end of August the club will play host to the three day National Championships based at Kelso racecourse.

BORDERS Pool League champions Reivers A have completed the treble by winning the League Cup and Knock Out Cupon consecutive days.

On Sunday they scraped by High Level A (Hawick), then staged a brilliant comeback from 4-1 down to sink second division champions Station (Hawick) to lift the League Cup.

Monday saw them complete the treble in style. After losing the first leg 5-4 to Ship A (Melrose) they lost the first game then hit top form to blow away there opponents 6-2 on the night and seal an aggregate win. A tremendous feat never accomplished before.

Captain Scott Simpson told The Southern: “The team have had an unbelievable season and the character shown to win the League Cup was top notch. From struggling all day the guys suddenly clicked after Scott Bowers performed a great finish to spark the comeback and seal a last frame win.

“The KO Cup was pure class after a disappointing first leg. Craig Reid hit top form while Stan Thomson was our rock as the anchor man. Even Les Hunter, our regular sub, showed good form along with myself and Stuart Brown who had a great season.

“A class squad who deserve the praise.”

Dougie Anderson has left Cowdenbeath to take over as Hibs Under-15 coach.

Anderson moves to the Easter Road club after being part of the Blue Brazil coaching team, alongside manager Colin Cameron and Lauder’s Lee Makel, which helped the side to remain in the First Division last season.

The development officer with Borders Sport and Leisure Trust said: “I really enjoyed my time at Cowdenbeath, but the chance to get involved at Hibs was too good an opportunity to ignore.

“I am looking forward to working with James McDonaugh (head of Hibs academy).”

GRETNA 20084

VALE OF lEITHEN1

Vale rounded off their season with a defeat at Raydale Park, which meant a ninth place finish in the Premier Division.

The Innerleithen side took the lead after 25 minutes when Jack Blaikie sent a free kick into the area and Scott Moffat headed home.

The goal saw Moffat edge ahead of Danny Noon as the club’s top scorer for the season, but Vale’s lead lasted just three minutes as Sergio Royo Okocha fired home an equaliser.

The game turned the home side’s way as they took the lead through Joe Slattery, before Vale were reduced to 10 men for the second game in a row when Noon saw red for remarks to the referee.

In the first minute of the second half Slattery grabbed his second and Gretna dominated the remainder of the game, but they could only manage to breach the Vale backline once more as Alan Inglis scored with a free 
kick from the edge of the 
area.

Easthouses Lily5

Kelso United3

United ended the season on a low, defeated by a strong and physical Easthouses team in terrible weather conditions at Newbattle.

Kelso seemed to be in control of the game at 2-1 up midway through the first half but lack of concentration at vital times proved to be the downfall of the visitors.

United got off to the worst possible start when the home team went in front after 35 seconds. A ball from midfield bounced up and hit the hand of Garry Mabon 30 yards from goal. From the resultant free kick, man mountain John Hunter fired a powerful shot that United keeper Scott Treible did well to parry onto the post. However, Lily midfielder Jason Young was first to react and slotted it into the net.

United were unlucky in the 15th minute when Des Burnett struck the post following some good work by Jordan Lauder, however the strikers luck was about to change a minute later when he got in front of the Lily defence and promptly dispatched the ball past Bryan Young. Kelso were in the ascendency and went in front midway through the half. Burnett latched onto a ball from midfield and laid a pass to the right where Calum McClure was running at pace, the wing man took a touch before firing past the advancing keeper.

Lily equalised after 37 minutes, a quick throw in from the right touchline found midfielder Scott Borthwick in space who shot from the edge of the box, this was blocked by Treible but once again it was a home forward who pounced, this time Graeme Young, to knock home. Five minutes from the break and the home side went in front. Using the wind to his advantage, Jason Young swung in a corner from the left which sailed over everybody and into the top corner of the net.

Midway through the second half Easthouses made it four when Hunter slotted a left foot shot past the diving keeper and substitute James Currie got the home side’s fifth goal in the 86th minute.

United reduced the deficit with two minutes left when Burnett rattled a right foot shot into the top corner.

Selkirk Junior Football club have scored a real bonus in a bid to secure funding from The Weir Charitable Trust.

The club were awarded £1,000 which was spent on new mini goals for the under eights and new footballs for each team. On Saturday, Lorraine Tait from the trust paid a visit to the club to see the little stars in action.

The committee would like to thank the Weir Charitable Trust for their support.

Selkirk Juniors will be holding their annual fun day and registration for the new season on Saturday, August 24.

Coldstream return to the East of Scotland Premier Division next season after securing promotion on the final day of the league.

After a three-year absence, manager Andrew Gibson steered the Home Park men back to the top flight in his first full season in charge. He took over following the sacking of Lawrie Dunn.

John Crawford scored a hat-trick as Streamers crushed an under-strength Gala team 8-0 to finish one point ahead of Leith Athletic in second place. Sean Simpson (2), Lawrie Cannon, Lee Lambert and Josh Hebdon were also on target.

Despite a valient fight back against Pencaitland on Saturday, Gala Rovers failed to bring the South Cup back to the Borders.

Playing at Innerleithen’s Victoria Park the Border Amateur League Champions suffered an early blow when two Dean Woods goals put Pencaitland well in front before the 20- minute mark.

Des Sutherland grabbed one back for the Borderers but a third from Woods in the 70th minute sealed the deal.

Rovers Scott Mackenzie commented: “All the players were obviously devastated that we couldn’t bring the cup home.”

Peebles Rovers3

Eyemouth United4

Fielding several Under-19s players Peebles Rovers signed off for the season with a promising display on Monday evening.

A hat-trick by striker Stevie Shennan at a rain-lashed Netherdale, however, ended the hopes of a mid table finish for Jason Girdwood’s men.

He opened the scoring after 20 minutes when he rounded a defender and shot past keeper Craig Nisbet.

Rovers equalised through Craig Edgar but just five minutes before half-time Mark Bolton, in his final game for Eyemouth, fired the Fishermen back in front.

In the second half Bolton turned provider, feeding Shennan who headed over the top of the keeper to make it 3-1.

Peebles came back with a screamer of a goal from all of 35 yards from James Manson but with just five minutes to go Shennan made the game safe when he notched his third. Greg Shortreed notched a third for Peebles in the dying seconds.

Peebles Rovers4

Hawick Royal Albert2

It was cold, wet and windy at Kerfield Park on Saturday, the pitch was heavy, and it was an end of the season encounter.

Despite not having much going for it, however, this game turned out to be a fast and furious affair.

Giving his thoughts on the match, Peebles team boss Jason Girdwood told TheSouthern: “Although we made it a bit hard for ourselves in letting Hawick back in the game after we had been three goals up, I was otherwise very happy.

Peebles took the lead in the 16th minute. After latching onto a Jamie Adamson pass Peter Connaghan hit a cross over the face of the goalmouth and former Albert signing Andy Noble produced the scoring touch.

Within three minutes Rovers scored again. Connaghan this time emerging the home side’s marksman.

Minutes into the second half the Albert fell into further arrears when Craig Edgar raced in to shoot past West.

In the 56th minute, Hawick reduced the leeway, when Greig Johnston touched the ball in from close range, and pulled another goal back shortly afterwards when Gordon Ramsay found the net with a sweetly struck free kick.

The Albert were now back in the picture but it was not to be for long for in the 72nd minute, Edgar broke through the Hawick rearguard on his own to tuck away a fourth for Rovers.

Albert manager, Graeme Chadwick said: “Once again we made stupid mistakes that cost us goals and it was another disappointing result for us.”

HAWICK international centre and SRU past president Robin Charters died this week at the age of 82.

Robin won three caps out of the Hawick club against Wales, Ireland and England in 1955, but many felt his greatest influence was extended beyond his own playing career.

He was widely regarded as the architect – working alongside Hugh McLeod, Derrick Grant and Jack Hegarty – of much of the Hawick club’s domination of the Scottish club scene during the 1970s.

He also served with distinction the South of Scotland in committee roles and was first elected to the Scottish Rugby Union general committee in 1977.

He was a member of the international selection panel, becoming convener of selectors in June 1984, and went on to become a British & Irish Lions selector. He was widely respected in that role and for his support of a coaching structure throughout Scotland.

Robin was a shrewd judge of a player’s ability, but he was also a warm-hearted and jovial figure, popular with players.

Robin served as Scottish Rugby Union president in 1992-93, travelling with the Scotland squad on their tour of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, where even the intense South Pacific heat could not keep him from enjoying a game of lawn bowls when his presidential duties allowed.

In his working life, Robin was involved in a family knitwear business in his hometown.

A GALASHIELS janitor who was injured after she slipped on Vaseline on stairs at a school with a history of sixth-form pupils playing pranks has lost a bid to win damages.

Linda Gillie sued Scottish Borders Council for compensation following her fall at Galashiels Academy on May 12 in 2009, claiming that the accident happened because of its breach of workplace health and safety regulations.

At the Court of Session in Edinburgh, judge Lord Boyd of Duncansby said in the years before Mrs Gillie’s accident there was evidence of a variety of pranks being carried out at the school.

These included the throwing of foodstuffs – including eggs, spaghetti sauce, yogurt and flour – at the outside windows, putting washing-up liquid down toilets, placing cellophane on toilet seats and smearing black shoe polish on toilet seats, throwing water balloons, using supersoakers, moving lockers against doorways so that people could not get out, putting sardines and dirty nappies in lockers, placing fish in the library and setting off the fire alarm.

Mrs Gillie, 54, of Beech Avenue, was taken to hospital with injuries after the incident and was unable to resume her full duties until more than a year later. She underwent treatment for a thigh injury.

She raised an action at the court for £50,000, but damages were agreed at £16,000 with liability contested.

The judge ruled that it was “not reasonably practicable” for the local authority to ensure that the stair was kept free from the substance that Mrs Gillie slipped on.

Lord Boyd said: “I am satisfied that the placing or dropping of Vaseline on the stairs risks serious injury. However, in my opinion, the foreseeability of such an event occurring, as opposed to any other ‘prank’ that day, viewed from immediately before the event was very low indeed.”

He said against that the time and resources required to eliminate that risk over and above measures already taken was “disproportionate to the risk”.

Lord Boyd went on: “There is a long history, some may say tradition, of sixth-form pupils playing pranks on their last day in school. The court heard evidence that this affected schools in the area of the defenders, including Galashiels Academy. The day is known as ‘prank day’ or ‘muck-up day’. In Galashiels Academy it took place on the last day in which the sixth-form students were in school before they went on study leave.”

A theme-park trip had been arranged for the sixth formers’ final day on May 13, partly as a reward for good behaviour, and their last day in the school was May 12.

The janitor’s attention was drawn to Vaseline on a banister and she started to wipe it, but her foot slipped and she fell several steps before hitting a wall.

The judge said: “I think it is probable that there continued to be some pranks played, but they were far less serious or frequent than in previous years. The problem had been addressed, but I am not convinced that it had entirely gone away.”

The school had identified the problem with prank day and taken measures to address the issue, he said, adding: “While it is true that the trip may have displaced the prank day into the day before, the incidence of pranks had declined to such an extent that the head teacher was not aware of any occurring between 2006 and 2009.”

There aren’t many events in the Borders that can boast having two sets of television crews attending as well as showing off F1 technology.

However, this year’s Border Bogie Challenge in Denholm can do just that.

Entries include a team whose sights are set on Red Bull Soapbox glory and another with a carbon-fibre casing worth £15,000, designed by top F1 staff.

“We’ve got some fantastic carts taking part this year,” said one of the organisers, Tony Lockey.

“There are some worth tens of thousands of pounds, as well as one little more than three bits of wood and some pram wheels!”

The event will take place on Dean Road, Denholm, on Saturday, and could attract crowds of up to 1,000 people.

The TV interest surrounds entry Spitphya Phyabird, which will race at the hugely popular Red Bull-sponsored event in London, but whose first competitive run will take place in the Borders.

However, the show ‘Bridezillas’ are also planning on attending, with a local hen party dropping in. Rumour has it that the bride-to-be may even take to the course herself, in a unique bogie.

Tony said: “It is absolutely fantastic, and hopefully the TV coverage will give us a good grounding to grow even more.”

Set up five years ago, the event has grown year-on-year, and raises money for charity.

The Denholm Fair runs alongside and includes lots of stalls, a car boot sale, entertainment and refreshments.

“It is the biggest day of the year for Denholm businesses,” said Tony. “It outclasses the rideout in terms of what they can make. The B&Bs and hotels are booked up for the three days, and people then book again for the next year.”