Workers who lost their jobs through the collapse of Munro’s of Jedburgh are expected to be taken on by firms that picked up its contracts.

Up to 30 staff have been affected by the announcement last Wednesday that the near 50-year-old bus firm has ceased trading.

Munro’s’ demise left Scottish Borders Council scrambling around for temporary replacements for the 10 public contracts it held, including Jedburgh/Kelso to Edinburgh.

The Southern revealed last month that Munro’s had lost nine of its routes from August 12 following a retendering exercise by SBC, with Berwick company Perryman’s picking up five contracts and creating 20 jobs at a new base in the St Boswells area.

An SBC spokesman said this week: “Colleagues at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) have been in touch with the administrators and have arranged to send each member of staff redundancy support advice and information, with contact details for further support from careers advisers based in Galashiels.

“If enough staff get in touch, SDS will organise a small group event for them in Jedburgh.”

In a statement on its website, Munro’s said: “Please note that with effect from 22.45 hours on Wednesday 3rd July 2013, Munro’s of Jedburgh Ltd have ceased trading and are no longer able to operate any scheduled services.

“Scottish Borders Council have made emergency arrangements to ensure that all services will continue to operate the current timetables with buses and drivers from other operators.

“We would like to thank all our passengers for their loyal support over the years.”

One ex-employee told us: “The news was not unexpected, but it is still sad for all those involved.”

Roxburghshire MSP John Lamont added: “It is a great shame to hear that Munro’s of Jedburgh has ceased operating, and it immediately throws doubt over the future of their employees.

“At short notice they have been left without a job, while many will still have to provide for their families.”

Munro’s was founded in the mid-1960s, but had its licence revoked earlier this year for loaning vehicle discs to a Dalkeith bus firm in 2011. However, it was later awarded a new licence.

BOWLING

BLBA

Lady bowlers took centre stage last weekend as the BLBA held its Annual Championships on the Hawick and Buccleuch greens.

The event was blessed with almost tropical conditions and Sunday’s finals on the Buccleuch green matched the weather, with some scorching ties to entertain the large turnout of supporters.

Results (winners pictured): Singles – Irene Bennett (Wilton) 21 Marie Todd (Newtown) 17; Pairs – Gail Moffat, Denise Kellett (Earlston) 18 Aileen Allan, Pat Houston (Ettrick Forest) 17; Triples – Irene Wilson, Pat Brady, Alison Clarkson (Hawick) 19 Irene Bell, Ibby Currie, Hazel Dodds (St Ronan’s) 13; Fours – Donna Paterson, Lilian Irvine, Margaret Wilson, Alison Murray (Gala Waverley) 17 Margaret A. Scott, Avril Wilson, Maggie Czajka, Lesley Alexander (Lauder) 13; Senior Fours – Nessie Bell, Marjorie Fulton, Nora Turnbull, Moira Blyth (Gala) 13 Anne Blacklock, Janette Corcoran, Helen Redburn, Sue Davis (Newtown) 12.

BBA

The Matt Purdie competition opened with the Borders playing host to West Lothian at Kelso Bowling Club.

Playing in fine weather, three of the Borders rinks were up after five ends.

However, an extremely tricky green proved a bit much and after 10 ends one rink was drawn and West Lothian were well ahead with two rinks.

By the end of the match, the visitors had three rinks up with significant scores and only Yak Condy’s rink managed a one-shot win for the Borders, who lost by 40-57.

Gala

Following a disappointing run of defeats, the seniors entertained Hawick in the triples league last week.

Although one triple was well beaten, two others had convincing wins to enable the team to stop the slide down the league.

The A team played host to Stow. Although Gala might have expected a win the match turned out to be closer than might have been expected, with three of the five Gala rinks involved in close games.

However, the other two rinks both achieved wins which helped the home side to return to winning ways following the heavy defeat by Buccleuch.

On Saturday and Sunday, the ladies were involved in the Border Tournament on the Hawick and Buccleuch greens.

On the Saturday, Gail Lindores won her first match in the singles category, but in the afternoon was defeated by Christine Miller of Gala Waverley.

In the pairs, Sheila Urquhart and Naz Rutherford played against a pair representing Lauder and led for most of the match. However, the Lauder pair gradually narrowed the gap and sealed victory on the last end.

Well done to Nessie Bell, Marjorie Fulton, Nora Turnbull and Moira Blyth on their victory in the Senior Fours in the Border Ladies Championships held at Buccleuch Bowling Club on Sunday. This is the third year in succession the ladies have lifted the title.

Full results at top of page.

Hawick

The club enjoyed a good turnout for the Open Pairs.

Once again, Graham Lyall and Wullie Wells came out tops, winning this title for the fifth time – a truly remarkable feat.

They played Alison Clarkson and Zenda Borthwick, also of the Hawick side, in a keenly-contested final. Beaten semi-finalists were C. Spalding and G. Scott of the Hawick club, and A. McCulloch and A. Hogg.

Tuesday saw the Seniors travel to play their Gala counterparts.

The home side put out a very strong team and emerged winners by 75-51. Top rink for Hawick was the G. Lyall rink, ably supported by W. Wells and C. Logan.

Wednesday saw the A team play a home game with near neighbours Buccleuch, the home side recording a good victory by 95-62, leaving them sitting proudly at the top of the league. Top rink for the Hawick side was the N. Amos-skipped rink.

Langholm Old Town

Grant Fletcher and Colin Turk from the host club won the Langholm Old Town open pairs bowling tournament last Sunday in fine sunny weather.

In the final they beat Billy Currie from Langholm, who was playing with John Brydon of Gretna.

In the semi-finals the eventual winners beat Callum Ogilvie and Graeme Kirkpatrick from Gretna. The other beaten semi-finalists were Colin Easton and Brian Gray from Hawick Buccleuch.

There was an entry of 24 and the tournament was sponsored by Zander Turnbull with the cup presented to the winners by Elma Aitken, who had been busy in the kitchen for much of the day.

Selkirk

Selkirk Bowling Club held the Fletcher Trophy (singles) on Sunday.

In glorious conditions, the winner was Jamie Purves, beating Tam Yeomans in a close final.

Wilton

Wilton took on their counterparts from Earlston in a David Lightbody (painter) Jedburgh-supported league match last week and with a few ends to play across the green the West Stewart Place side were in front by 12 shots.

However, the last three ends turned the match in favour of the ‘Villagers’ who went on to win by three shots, a very disappointing result for the home team who are perilously close to the relegation zone with six games left.

On Friday night, Wilton welcomed Selkirk for a Top 10 game. The singles was won by Colin McKinnon (Selkirk) who defeated Alan Brady by 21-17.

The pairs were contested between Stuart Anderson and Chris Macdougall (Wilton) and Dave Carruthers and Stuart Henderson (skip) with the home team winning by 20-10.

The triples was a closely-run thing with Jock Elliot, Graham Brownlee and Alan Waugh (skip) of Wilton defeating Graeme Smith, Harry Bell and Ian Borthwick (skip) by 12-10.

In the fours match between Bruce Millar, Duncan Macdougall, Andrew Kyle and Colin Sutherland (skip) and Tom Yeomans, Keith Nixon, Ewan McGregor and Scott Hislop (skip), the hosts took a commanding lead after nine ends and ran out victors by 25-7.

The West Stewart Place men will now take on the Ettrick Forest club tomorrow night on the Scott Place green.

The annual rinks tournament, contested between four rinks from the Buccleuch, Hawick and Wilton clubs, for custody of the Robert Scoon Trophy, was decided on Saturday on the Wilton green.

Played as a knock-out over 13 ends, the final saw Tom Brown, Andrew Dickson, Jim Murdie and Colin Sutherland (skip), of the Wilton club, play Brian Gray, Colin Easton, Kenny Lyle and Tom Edmison (skip) of Buccleuch.

After nine ends of the 15-end final, the score was 9-8 for the Edmison-led team.

Over the next five ends, the home side added 2, 1, 3, 1, 1 to run out winners by 16-9.

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Scott Cup Stableford: Winner, R. W. Scott 21 points bih.

Hawick

Medal/Rosebowl: 1, E. Millar 90 (19) 71; 2, F. Robson 94 (21) 73. Scratch: L. Douglas 88.

Lauder

Anderson’s Greensomes (Gents): 1, M. Dunne & J. Gillie; 2, D. McPherson & C. Forrest; 3, J. Felton & I. Adams. Scratch: T. Hogarth & R. McNeill. Ladies: 1, G. Dun & J. Birdsall; 2, L. Gray & L. Fortune.

Lauder Golf Club would like to thank all their sponsors for their generous prizes which helped make the day even more special.

Melrose

Ladies Championship: Winner, J. Shirra-Gibb; runner-up, F. Falconer.

Tweed Trophy: Winner, A. Holton.

Lorraine Foursomes: Winners, J. Shirra-Gibb and L. Ritchie nett 75.5; runners-up, C. Dalgleish and M. Hart nett 77.5.

Minto

Seniors’ July Medal: 1, F. Mortimer 72 (6) 66 (lowest gross); 2, T. Hartop 88 (19) 69; 3=, A. Scott 83 (13) 70, D. Richardson 85 (15) 70, M. White 86 (16) 70.

Tuesday Stableford: 1, R. Gray 39 points (after countback); 2, I. Lister 39; 3=, P. Inglis, R. Pringle 37.

Juniors’ Stableford: 1, R. Latta 42 points; 2, L. Towers 38; 3, J. Flynn 37.

Ladies’ Teviotdale Cup No 4: Silver Division winner, K. Telfer 94 (19) 75; Scratch, L. Manson 97. Bronze Division winner, L. Bruce 100 (29) 71; Scratch, M. Hart 100 Bih.

Three-man team open tournament: Handicap individual, C. Smith (Minto) 73 (8) 65. Handicap team: 1, A. Wood (Roxburghe), A. Thom, G. Thom (Minto) nett 208; 2, R. Pringle, G. McDonagh, D. Miller (Minto) 211; 3, J. Hope, A. Johnson, P. Brookes (Minto) 216. Scratch individual: C. Fraser (Peebles) 69. Scratch team: C. Fraser (Peebles), D. Ballantyne (Selkirk), I. Frizzell (Roxburghe) 215.

David Marchbanks Memorial Trophy: Ladies’ winner, A. Von Ruben 93 (18) 75; Gents’ winner, R. Pringle 81 (12) 69.

Junior Summer Competition: Handicap winner, R. Nichol nett 68; Scratch winner, J. Flynn 83.

St Boswells

President’s Putter/Dryburgh Cup (1): 1, R. Lacon 71 (12) 59; 2. D. Murdoch 77 (16) 61; 3, S. Makepeace 68 (6) 62 (lowest gross).

Save The Children Mixed Foursomes Qualifier: 1, R. and S. Barrie nett 65.5; 2, M. Ovens and G. Oliver 66.

Torwoodlee

1, T. Martin 82 (15) 67; 2, R. Kyle 81 (13) 68 bih; 3, R. Hastings 79 (11) 68 bih. Scratch: D. Gillie 72.

The Woll

Ladies’ Monthly Medal: 1, B. Hill 101 (30) 71; 2, B. Cheong-Davis 105 (29) 76.

Ladies’ Help for Heroes (Sponsored By Clelands of Galashiels): 1, S. Smith 37 points; 2, J. Cambridge 32.

Tuesday Sweep: 1, A. Lindores 76 (3) 73; 2, J. MacKenzie 85 (7) 78.

Wednesday Sweep: 1, S. Cambridge 39 points; 2, J. Geoghegan 34.

Monthly Medal A Class: 1, A. Brunton 84 (13) 71; 2, J. MacKenzie 79 (7) 72; 3, C. Tait 86 (13) 73. B Class: 1, R.McDougall 82 (19) 63; 2, N. Stevens 90 (20) 70; S. Helliwell 99 (26) 73.

Gents’ Help for Heroes (Sponsored by Clelands of Galashiels): 1, R. McDougall 43 points; 2, A. Brunton 36; 3, J. MacKenzie 35.

Skipper Duncan Millar smashed five fours as Gala cruised past Kelso’s total in a T20 league match at Meigle Park on Thursday.

Kelso won the toss and chose to bat first, but were soon two down as Ben and Tom Grindell fell to Kris Mein. Mark Henderson kept the runs coming, but wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. Henderson went for 27 from the bowling of Robbie Pringle and Kelso’s scoring slowed as they reached 82 for nine. In reply, Millar and Josh Irvine batted positively.

Irvine was out for 25 with the score on 59, and Millar and Graeme Ormiston saw the hosts home.

Elsewhere in the East of Scotland League last weekend, Borders teams struggled.

In the top flight, St Boswells were chasing 203 posted by Murrayfield DAFs at the Green, but fell short on 151 all out.

In the third division, Carlton III beat Kelso by seven wickets with the Tweedsiders all out for 97.

Selkirk were the only other local outfit to record a win when gaining a nine-run victory over Peebles County to stay top of Division Five, while in Division Seven, both Melrose (beaten by 33 runs) and Hawick & Wilton (by 44 runs) suffered defeat.

GALA overcame baking hot conditions and a stuffy Livingston team to make the semi-finals of the President’s Trophy.

The cup holders restricted their hosts to 124 all out before Graeme Ormiston and Duncan Millar put together a 85-run partnership to see the visitors home.

Livingston won the toss and chose to field on a slow wicket, but crawled to 39 for four in the 17th over. However, a 50 partnership of Asghar and Ahmed frustrated Gala until a mix-up saw the latter run out for 23.

Asghar went on to make a well-constructed 50 as the hosts were eventually all out in the last over. Robbie Pringle grabbed two wickets for just 12 runs, while youngster Jack Halls also bowled well to take two wickets.

Stevie Halls and Ormiston put on a solid 30 runs off 10 overs before the former was bowled by Ashgar senior. He soon had Josh Irvine caught for eight, but Millar and Ormiston played perfectly to see them home.

Millar ended up 56 not out off 54 balls, his second half century of the weekend.

A partnership of 135 between Josh Irvine and Duncan Millar saw Gala bag a vital win over Edinburgh in the race for the East Division Two title.

The pair came in with the score at 41 for 2, but played initially with patience, and then broke loose to see the hosts home with eight wickets and 12.3 overs to spare.

Gala had already faced Edinburgh twice this season, the capital side inflicting the Meigle Park men’s only defeat of the league so far on the opening day, but they then beat the visitors in the President’s Trophy final.

Edinburgh had only lost once this season as well and have scored more than 300 runs three times this season, but Gala skipper Stevie Halls chose to put them in to bat when winning the toss, backing his side’s bowling attack.

Edinburgh made a solid start before Kris Mein snared the dangerous Zabasir Ul-Haq with the score on 32 thanks to a fine catch by wicketkeeper Millar. Fellow opener Kashif Hussain followed soon after, again to Mein, and when Scott Paterson was introduced and claimed the wickets of Atif Hussain and the talented Qasim Farooq, Edinburgh were reeling at 54 for 4.

Robbie Pringle then made an impact, taking two victims as Edinburgh slumped further to 75 for 6.

However, the league’s top run scorer, Farooq, was still at the crease, and he batted well with the tail to keep his side in the contest. Punishing the bad ball, Farooq also enjoyed a fair amount of luck, with four dropped catches frustrating the home side.

Edinburgh were eventually all out for 174 as the final four wickets added 99 runs, but Farooq was left stranded at the end on 96 not out.

Top bowlers for Gala were Paterson with 3 for 23 and Mein with 2 for 39, while Graeme Ormiston bowled eight overs despite suffering a painful wrist injury in the warm-up.

In reply, Gala started in positive fashion as Halls and Graeme Ormiston took the game to Edinburgh.

However, Halls was bowled by Usman Haider and Farooq made a great catch in the slips to see Ormiston depart.

There was a moment of controversy early in the Irvine-Millar partnership with the score on 68 when Edinburgh were convinced Millar had nicked an Ul-Haq delivery to wicketkeeper Kashif Hussain. However, the student PE teacher was equally adamant he had not touched the ball and remained at the crease.

Amid the hostility, Millar kept his head superbly and finished up on 55 not out, while Irvine hit 11 boundaries in his unbeaten innings of 61.

IN scorching temperatures at the Castleholm last Saturday Langholm secured another great win over Wigton III to remain top of Division Two.

In their Eden Valley League clash, Langholm set a total of 215 for six wickets in the 40 overs, while Wigton struggled for runs and were all out for 74 in 31 overs.

Home skipper Duncan Elliott and 17-year-old Gregor Masterton opened the batting and had only reached eight when Masterton (3) was caught by Lloyd off Thomlinson.

Gregor Park joined Elliott and they reached 85 before the latter was bowled out by Ray after a good knock of 41, to make it 93 for 2.

Graham Park joined his younger brother and it was a great partnership before Gregor was eventually caught by Ward off Ray after a fine innings of 70.

Chris Stewart (4) was caught by Ray off a Thomlinson delivery with the score on 168.

Andrew Bell was caught by Millican off Armstrong for 10 and Graham Park was run out after a good innings of 63, with only four balls remaining.

David Little (2) and Jaimie Ashton-Smith (5) were still at the wicket when the allotted overs ended.

In the visitors’ bowling, Ray had two for 43 and Thomlinson two for 55.

Wigton started badly and were in big trouble at three for six, with Paisley to the fore in the Langholm bowling attack.

It went to 21 for five, then 61 for eight and eventually Wigton finished 141 runs short of the home total.

Paisley finished with bowling figures of four for 19 and Steven Johnstone had three for 14.

It might have been three years before Britain declared war on Nazi Germany, but the last time a Briton won Wimbledon is still remembered by a select few.

Among them is Joan Graham, now 94, from St Boswells. She was in the crowd that saw Fred Perry beat Baron Gottfried von Cramm in 1936 –the last British male singles champion before AndyMurray.

Mrs Graham was just 17 and attended the match after school exams.

“I thought Murray played very well, especially to win in straight sets,” said the self-confessed sports addict.

She told us: “I’ve been in Scotland for 66 years, but used to go to Wimbledon a lot when I lived down south. I’d begun to wonder whether I would ever see any British player win it again.”

Asked if she had withdrawal symptoms now Wimbledon was over: Mrs Graham replied: “No it’s ok – we have The Ashes cricket this week.”

JED-FOREST RFC are looking to get season 2013/14 off to a good start and are looking for inspiration from some past rugby masters.

The Riverside Park outfit have joined forces with the Bill McLaren Foundation to organise a gala dinner and a star-studded group of speakers have already confirmed their attendance.

The event will take place at the Riverside clubrooms on Friday, September 6, when Jed-Forest RFC president, Billy Grieve, will welcome distinguished speakers Finlay Calder, Andy Irvine and former Welsh scrum-half, Robert Jones. Former Scotland and British & Irish Lion No8 John Beattie will be MC for the evening.

Mr Grieve told The Southern: “It is promising to be an excellent evening. We are keen to get the season off to a good start, both on and off the field, and a dinner of this calibre is exactly what we want.

“Working in partnership with the Bill McLaren Foundation, we will also be having an auction and silent auction as part of the night to raise funds.

“Everyone is welcome to come along to Riverside to start the season on a high note.”

John Thorburn, from the Bill McLaren Foundation, added: “We are delighted to be in partnership with Jed-Forest for this event. It has all the makings of a quality night. All speakers and entertainers are Lions and it will be interesting to hear their views, especially from Andy Irvine who is the manager of the current Lions tour party.”

Tickets for this mixed event are available from any Jed-Forest RFC committee member or via www.billmclarenfoundation.co.uk

An indoor tennis facility and more invesment in coaching are vital if the Borders is to capitalise on Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win on Sunday.

Dunblane native Murray became the first Briton to lift the tournament’s men’s singles trophy since 1936, when he beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

And this week saw Sport Scotland, and Tennis Scotland, announce investment of almost £6million, to hopefully cash in on Murray’s success.

The money will be pumped in over four years and will include funding for community tennis projects, upgrading public facilities and the development of up to four indoor tennis centres.

Tennis Borders chairman, Malcolm Cattermole, says attracting junior players is not the problem with a healthy turnout at many clubs.

The real issue, he says, is the lack of a dedicated indoor facility to make tennis a four-season sport in the Borders.

“I definitely hope some of this new money will find its way into Borders tennis,” Mr Cattermole told us.

He explained: “There have been some discussions over the viability of an indoor facility, but it is still early days.

“However, in order to get a serious development programme then tennis has to be a four-season sport.”

Mr Cattermole says a lot of work is already being done in schools and with junior coaching programmes, but further investment is still needed.

And he highlighted one disappointment as being the lack of success in persuading the local authority to increase the length of any new school games halls by a few metres.

“You can fit a tennis court into a games hall, but the modern game is played outside the court. But there’s been no movement on this – there’s just no imagination there.”

Quizzed on whether the Borders might be in line for a slice of the £6million, Sport Scotland told us no decisions had yet been made.

Charles Strang, chairman of St Boswells Tennis Club, was at Wimbledon to see Murray make history.

He told us: “Andy wanted to be a great champion and to do that he had to go to Spain at a very young age.

“That’s all very well, but in terms of Scotland, it is the wider benefits we need to look at, with more people getting exercise and the best way to do that is to have fun and that’s what tennis is great for.”

Asked about Sunday’s final, Mr Strang added: “I was optimistic it would be a great game. I knew Djokovic would play his heart out, as would Andy, and they didn’t disappoint.

“But it still came runner-up to the birth of a new granddaughter on the same day”

A BORDERS equestrian team is jumping for joy this week after being selected for the 2013 European Championships.

The South of Scotland Select vaulters are delighted to have made the grade for the event, which will be held in Vienna between August 1-4.

They have had a great year winning the first selection trial and going on to win the international competition in Saumur, France.

They have a new horse this year, Ardblae Dickie Snow – owned by Philip Hewit – who has been outstanding so far and will be lunged by Rebecca Hewit.

Ziggourney, owned by Pippa Hahn and lunged by Helen Rogerson, will also travel out with the team. She carried the team to second place at the Belgium International.

The team members are Stacey Macpherson, Charlie Lochhead, Sophie Aitchison, Emma Counsell, Shannon Purves, Izzy Kyle and Sam Kyle.

This weekend they will have their final competition run at the first international in Scotland to be held at Oatridge College at Edinburgh. This will then be followed by some final intensive training before heading for Vienna.

SQUASH players from Galashiels and the surrounding area went head to head as they vied for the Handicap Cup.

Using the American style scoring of best of five games (first to 15) and point-per-rally Graham Laing (-3) dominated the final, not letting Derek Sharratt (+3) get into the match at all. Neither player really brought their A-game, but the matches were close-run affairs with Graham running away 3-0 (15-12; 15-10; 15-11) victor at the end.

The plate final was a more exciting affair.

Stuart Moffat (+5) went 2-1 (15-11; 13-15; 14-15) down, but then changed his game and didn’t let Andy Gill (-4) get his serves behind him. This tactic claimed him the final two games (15-2; 15-7).

YOUNG golf ace Danielle Ker has another course record to add to her collection after winning the South of Scotland Girls medal at Kelso on Sunday.

Her new record of 70 is added to last month’s medal round of 68 at the Roxburghe and last year’s 70 at Jedburgh in the Border Girls strokeplay.

The 17-year-old Roxburghe member, whose handicap is now three, has just been notified of her inclusion along with Minto’s Tara Mactaggart in this year’s squad for the Scottish Schools Championship, after coming third and fourth respectively (and winning the team event) at the schools championships at Murrayshall last month. The Scottish team of six will be picked at the end of August.

All in all it has been a very good month for the girls, who were both members of the successful Border Ladies team which qualified to play for the South Division at the County Finals in September at Stirling.

Results for the SOSSGA medal held at Kelso: 1, Danielle Ker (Roxburghe) 70 (3) 67; 2, Leanne Wilson (Kelso) 82 (10) 72; 3, Mirren Fraser (Powfoot) 80 (7) 73. Scratch: Tara Mactaggart (Minto) 76 (2) 74.

Future generations of Borders sports stars will be in good hands if the rush to join a unique coaching programme is anything to go by.

Forty-six young people have signed up to become part of the voluntary sports Young Coach and Young Ambassador programmes run by Borders Sport and Leisure.

Managed by the organisation’s Active Schools team, the Young Coach Programme, which is unique to the Scottish Borders, aims to recognise the importance of young people in leading and coaching sports activities. Twenty-eight young people are set to participate in this year’s course which provides a structured year-long programme of skills development that will lead to them attaining at least a level one coaching qualification.

Megan Shiel, from Hawick, one of the Young Coach Programme candidates, said: “I think the Young Coach Programme is really beneficial to me as it gives me a real idea of how important it is to inspire the next generation.

“We can help develop their skills and enjoyment of sport but also our own as coaches. It will also give me more confidence and experience which will continue to help with my future career.”

In addition 18 young people aged 14-17 will take part in the 2013-14 Young Ambassador programme. This Scotland-wide initiative engages young people as role models and leaders to motivate and inspire others to participate in sport.

At a specially arranged team-building day held at Old Gala House on June 26, 37 of those who have volunteered to join the programmes had the opportunity to meet for the first time.

Graeme Murdoch, Borders Sport and Leisure active schools manager, who oversees the programmes, said: “We have been really impressed by the number of young people who have decided to join these voluntary schemes. The team building day at Old Gala House in Galashiels was the first opportunity for them to meet each other and set objectives for the coming academic year.

“Both the Young Coach and Young Ambassador programmes encourage the next generation of young people to inspire and motivate others to be physically active.

“The Young Coach programme also increases the number of qualified coaches who are able to contribute to both school and community sport. By providing a structured year-round programme, the young people involved will benefit from comprehensive theoretical and practical experiences in all aspects of coaching.”

Youths’ 800m: 1, Jason Macintosh (Kelso); 2, Josh Abbot (Kelso); 3, Archie Fuller (Gala Harriers). 1.59.98.

Open 800m: 1, Martyn Paterson (Clackmannan); 2, Kyle Potts (TLJT); Rory Anderson (Hawick). 1.53.41.

Youths’ 90m: 1, Cameron Fisher (Jed AC); 2, Michael Reilly (Edinburgh); 3, A. Campbell (Hawick). 10.32.

Open 110m: 1, Graeme Scott (TLJT); 2, Ewan Dyer (Pitreavie AC); 3, Ben Robins (EAC). 12.02.

Youths’ 1,600m: 1, Nathan Cox (Gala Harriers); 2, Stephen Addison (Corstorphine); 3, Craig Angus (Leithenburn). 4.35.10.

Open 1,600m: 1, Gavin Tait (TLJT); 2, John Thomson (Coaltown); 3, Scott McDonald (Central AC). 4.08.45.

Junior 200m: 1, Cameron Clamp (TLJT); 2, Jamie Kinghorn (Chirnside); 3, Josh Abbott (Kelso). 27.87.

Youths’ 200m: 1, Jamie Mackay (Peebles); 2, Dylan Lindsay (Glenrothes); 3, Jason McIntosh (Kelso). 23.90.

Open 200m: 1, Cameron Grieve (Jed AC); 2, Kevin Turner (Dalkieth); 3, David Agnew (Pitreavie AC). 21.12.

Copshaw’s Paralympic silver medallist Libby Clegg will have a chance to defend her T12 100m title at the IPC Athletics World Championships next week.

Competing in Lyon, France, the Borders athlete will also be looking to improve on the bronze medal she won in the 200m.

The event takes place from July 18-29 and will see athletes compete in one of the first major meetings since the Paralympic Games. Libby is hopeful that the good start to her training so far this year will bring about positive results in Lyon.

Working offshore on a five-week-on, five-week-off basis may cause problems for some athletes, but not City of Edinburgh sprint victor Graeme Scott.

Working with his dad and coach Bruce Scott, the marine geophysicist takes an unorthodox approach to his training.

Bruce explained: “We have to train Graeme quite different from the normal modular system as he gets very limited exposure to the running track.”

While on the boat Graeme has access to a gym and, providing the boat is steady enough, he gets a few short running drills in up on deck.

An amateur triathlete, originally from Peebles, has qualified to wear her country’s colours for a prestigious tournament .

Fiona Russell, who now lives in Glasgow, will represent Team GB in the veterans’ category at the 2013 London ITU Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championships.

A full-time working mum, Fiona has trained hard in her limited spare time, swimming, cycling and running, to pull off this remarkable qualification.

The 45-year-old freelance journalist and blogger told The Southern: “While I have put in a lot of training for this World Championships goal, qualification was unexpected.

“The competition was very high, especially this year because the event is being staged in Britain. I certainly met some of the fittest old birds in the UK at my qualifying events.”

Fiona, who is a former pupil of Peebles High School, was required to achieve a top placing in one of three triathlon sprint qualifiers in June.

At the first, Nottingham Sprint Triathlon, she came 15th in her 45-49 Veterans 2 age group, two minutes outside the slowest qualifier.

Three weeks later, she raced in the Bristol Sprint Triathlon, and took third place in her age group. This was enough to give her a qualifying place, one of only 25 in the UK for the event.

Fiona, a single mum to 14-year-old Havana, told us: “The conditions at Bristol were more in my favour, I think, as it was wet and windy, just like it often is in Scotland.”

Having only raced in half a dozen triathlons before, Fiona still can’t quite believe the magnitude of her achievement.

“It’s slowly sinking in that I will be racing in the champ’s against the top amateur age group triathletes from across the world,” she added.

“I will be so proud to wear the Team GB strip and fly the flag for Scotland.”

Fiona, who is now sponsored by bike brand Planet X, reckons that her achievement shows what ‘middle-aged people’ can do if they set their sights on it.

She said: “I have kept fit over the years and have taken part in a handful of triathlons as well as a few running and cycling events. But this is the first time that I have set a goal of qualifying for a world-level competition.

“I wasn’t sure if I would be good enough and the training has been very tough. I asked a Glasgow Triathlon Club coach, Vicky Begg, to set me a training programme. There have been many times when I’ve wanted to give up, but I kept pushing onwards and have seen some great results.”

Fiona, whose parents live in Eshiels, Peebles, will race on September 13.

Hearts youngsters put their club’s financial woes behind them with six-goal thumping of Selkirk.

But the hosts still enjoyed a superb day in the sunshine, which saw almost 400 supporters watch a friendly which helped to open Selkirk’s new Bob Mercer Stand.

Former Hearts and Scotland defender Mercer died on Ettrick Park in 1926 while playing for the Jambos against his former side Selkirk.

But there was no room for sentiment with the young Hearts squad as they raced into a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.

Jordan McGhee opened the scoring with a free kick before Robbie Buchanan’s header beat new Selkirk goalkeeper Dan Hatfield. And Gary Oliver made it three with a spot kick.

Euan Pritchard restored some Souter pride with a header from Bobby Gay’s free kick, but Hearts went into the break 6-1 up as Buchanan and Oliver scored again with Sam Nicholson also on target.

Selkirk improved after the break and Kevin Barr struck a fine free kick into the top corner.Daryl Johnston, Jonny Watt and Daniel Brown also went close for Selkirk.

Selkirk: D. Hatfield, K. Barr, L. Stephen, J. Higginbottom, E. Pritchard, R. McManus, D. Battle, B. Gay (J. Little 76), C. Peoples (J. Watt 50), D. Johnston, Craig Scott (D. Brown 65).

Pre-season friendlies are strange beasts, and that’s even more the case when they include a newly-formed team.

While they are a huge boon to coaches and players, measuring and upgrading players’ fitness under match conditions, they don’t leave the fans of either team any wiser as to what the next season will bring.

And this was especially important to the followers of both teams at Netherdale on Saturday, with brand spanking new outfit Gala Fairydean Rovers heading for potential stardom in the new Lowland League, and for Coldstream, rising back to the Premier Division.

However, both teams laid claim to the fact that several players were still to return from holiday, so it was a little difficult to judge, on this performance, how the sides were gelling.But it has to be said, that the Rovers were the better side by some distance.

The bare bones of GFR is from last year’s successful Gala Rovers amateur side, bolstered by the return of former striker Jamie Gibson – who has honed his skills at Selkirk for a couple of seasons – and experienced keeper John Dodds.

Added to the mix on Saturday were a couple of Hawick lads, Dean McColm and Taylor Hope, who ran their socks off, brilliant young hometown prospect Billy Miller, and former East Fife, Alloa and Berwick Rangers striker Stuart Noble – brother of manager Steven – who came off the bench to score the final goal.

GFR have adopted the old Rovers tenet of “total football” and that is evident through their quick, short-passing style of play, which can be exciting to watch, although they do sometimes leave themselves open to danger from a mistake at the back. Even Barcelona have to play a long ball out of defence from time to time.

The Streamers nabbed the opening goal through Tom Cannon, but Hope levelled with a nice finish to Grant Gass’ cross. Miller struck home Marc Berry’s pass to take the lead going into half-time.

Gibson nabbed a beauty of a volley, before Richard Baxendale narrowed the gap from a Garry Wales corner and Noble finished off proceedings.

Gala boss Stevie Noble told The Southern: “I’m delighted with the win, but the result is irrelevant. It’s more of a training exercise.And considering the lads have only trained together twice and came out and played like that, I’m really pleased.”

Gala Fairydean Rovers: J. Dodds, G. Gass, S. Harkness, K. Collins, C. McBride, B. Miller, M. Berry, T. Hope, J. Gibson, D. McColm and C. Jardine. Subs: B. Noble, S. Noble, P. Hossack, L. Hardie and S. McKenzie.

z Visit our website for a video of the post-match interviews.