Police say a car which was discovered alight overnight in Galashiels was not due to the lightning storm, but rather an electrical fault.
The vehicle was found on fire at 3am this morning at Kirkbrae. A crew from Galashiels extinguished the blaze with a high pressure hose reel.
Police were in attendance but reported that the incident was not suspicious.
AT the recent World Pool Championships all three Borders players received tough early draws.
Scott Simpson fell 7-4 to Shawn Preece from Wales having had several good chances but not capitalising on them while Ian McCombe also had a bad match by his standards losing 7-2 to Ibrahim Oberjee from the Reunion Islands.
With only 10 players from the original squad of 24 selected it was left to Scott Bowers to fly the flag in both the team event and the individuals.
The seasoned potter acquitted himself in good fashion, having great stats of 14 wins from 24, and beating a good few top players, including the current European Champion Keith Brewer and ex World Champ Alistair Baillie, while almost helping the team to make the Quarters. In his Singles tie Bowers agonisingly lost the final frame in a ding dong battle with Paul Allen from Wales 7-6.
Speaking after the event Simpson told TheSouthern: “It was a shame for Ian and myself not to make the team however Scott had a great championship and seems to get better with age.
“He thrives on the big names and team event and was unlucky not to be in the top ten stats.
“We are all looking forward to qualifying for next years squad now.”
This Saturday and Sunday sees the Scottish Masters take place at the Reivers Bar, Galashiels along with the Scottish Ladies and Mens Doubles event. Many of the local players are entered and will enjoy the experience of meeting the top Scottish players who are all desperate for ranking points.
The prizewinners from Kelso Civic Week’s eight fun-filled days are as follows:
Saturday - Civic Week Tennis Challenge (under 16): Gregor Welsh; (over 16): Maggie Stewart; D. Lombardi Cup for five-a-side football (men): Undatables;
Sunday - Cycle Race: Stuart Chalmers Cup (senior men): Ross Laidlaw; John Butler Roofing Trophy (senior woman): Jane Holmes; Colin Dumma Cup (veterans): Kenny Darling; Ex-Kelso Laddies’ Cup (juniors) : Oscar Onley; Abbey Fitness Centre Trophy (Kelso residents): Ross Laidlaw; Family Day: C. Simmons Cup (five-a-side football 14 years and under): Rugby Rebels; Blakelaw Cup (boys’ fives, 11 years and under); Randons: Major Cox Cup (quoiting): A Irvine;
Monday - Colin Wood Memorial Trophy (best turned out horse and rider, Heiton ride): Joanna Howlett; ; Friars Haugh - Keith Challenge Cup (senior showjumping): Emma Thomson; Kelso Laddies’ Association Annual Challenge Cup (junior jumping): Duncan McFadyen; Lasswade Equestrian Cup (under 10s jumping): Hamish Stenhouse; Duke of Roxburghe Cup (senior, gymkhana): Steven Dickson; Evelyn (Renton) Robertson Memorial Trophy (under 16s, gymkhana): Ellie Mindrum; Smail Cup (Kelso riders, gymkhana): Duncan McFadyen; Robert Riddell Memorial Trophy (under 9s, gymkhana): Joanna Howlett;
Tuesday - George and Mary Anderson Cup for best turned out (Stichill rideout): Grace Forster; Swan Trophy (men’s darts): Ryan Hogarth; Waggon Inn Cup (ladies’ darts): Irene Hogarth
Wednesday - John Henderson Challenge Trophy (outstanding boy/girl, 15 years and under): Lara Paterson and Josh Abbott; Franklin Plaque for 100 yards (boys 15 years and under): Jason McIntosh: George Wright Memorial Trophy for 100 yards (girls 15 years and under): Lara Paterson; George Wright Cup: Jason McIntosh; Arthur Pinder Cup (cross country): Jason McIntosh
Thursday - Michael Pinder Cup for best turned out (Floors): Hamish Stenhouse;
Friday - Robert Guthrie Memorial Trophy (swimming): Daniel Lawson; Swimming Cup (Kelso Laddies’ relay): Kelso Swimming Club team; Kelso Laddies’ Association Swimming Challenge Trophy: Ross Gillie; Neil Weatherston Trophy (best turned out, Whipman’s): Eildon Sibbald; Archer Anderson Memorial Challenge Trophy (under 16s, most points in equestrian events overall): Katy McFadyen; Arnold Trophy (12.2hh pony race): Katy McFadyen; Paddy Sullivan Memorial Trophy (13.2hh pony race): Duncan McFadyen; J Douglas Trophy (14.2hh pony race): Bruce Lynn; Kelso Laddies’ Chase Cup: Sam Coltherd; Ballantyne Cup (ladies race): Kayleigh Pretswell; Bert Frame Cup (senior trotting): Steven Findlay; Christine Easton Memorial Trophy (junior trotting): Aiden McDonald; Airdriehills Trophy (Kelso citizens, donated by Ex-Laddie Jimmy Hinnigan): Steven Dickson; Friars Haugh Chase Trophy (hired horse): Amy Ledgerwood;
Saturday - David Brunton Challenge Cup (youngest rider): Jake Dickson; Rodger Fish Shield (oldest rider): Burnett Smith; Fancy dress: Nenthorn House Shield: The Misfits; Neve Trophy for best decorated lorry: Grand National Kelso; Keith Riddell Memorial Cup for best village lorry in parade: Grand Kelso National
Other prizes: Jean and Tom Anderson of AZ Catering Services Trophy for best turned out horse and rider (hired horse): Shania Dalgleish; Putting Cup: John Fleming; Red Lion Inn Shield for pool: Kenneth Gibson; Glass Trophy for best dressed window: Border Blooms; Peter Halley Cup for poetry: Marilyn Rome.
TAKING a break from the Border Games circuit Kelso’s Josh Abbott returned from Loch Lomond and Inverary Highland Games last week having achieved four podium places.
The 12-year-old Tweedsider came second in the 90m final and came first in the 200m final at Loch Lomond then went on the win the 600m final and third in the 90m final at Inverary.
He is now hoping to keep up this good run of form at the Langholm Border games on Friday.
A TRIO of teenagers flew the flag for the Borders at last week’s Scottish Girls Golf Championship at Ranfurly Castle, Glasgow.
Tara Mactaggart (Minto), Danielle Ker (Roxburghe) and Leanne Wilson (Kelso) all played well in the two strokeplay rounds and all qualified for the championship flight matchplay.
And, on Monday, it was announced by the SLGA that Tara has been included in the eight girl team to represent Scotland in the Girls Home International Matches to be held from August 7-9 at St Annes Old Links, England while Danielle has been named as a reserve.
Tara was second qualifier in Glasgow with a two round total of 153 (5 over par), Danielle was sixth on seven over and Leanne 25th on 19 over.
In the first round of the matchplay Tara played Andrea Walker (Falkirk) winning 4&3, Danielle won by two holes against Charlotte Munro (Gullane Ladies) but unfortunately Leanne came up against Nicola Robertson (Dunblane New) and was beaten 5&4.
Tara went on to beat Kirsten Brown (Strathaven) 3&2 and Danielle beat Claire Robertson (Carnoustie Ladies) by the same margin in the second round.
The following morning saw the quarter-finals where Tara was up against last year’s beaten finalist in the Scottish Ladies, Eilidh Watson (Muckhart) and won that match 5&4. Danielle defeated Heather Munro (Monifeith), a member of the Scotland team just back from the European Girls Championships in Sweden, 3&2 setting up an all-Border semi-final.
In the semi, Tara was one down after six holes but never looked back after birdies at the short seventh and long eighth to be one up at the turn. Danielle won the 13th and 16th on the inward half but Tara won the 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th for a victory 3&1.
In one of the most polished performances in an Under-18s’ final for some time, Connie Jaffrey (Troon Ladies) another member of the team just back from Sweden, had six birdies and was roughly four under par for the 15 holes played. The teenager bogeyed the first but birdied both the second and third and made it three wins in a row with a par at the fourth hole. Another birdie, at the sixth, put Jaffrey firmly in the driving seat with a four-hole advantage. The eighth was halved in birdie fours, Tara’s only sub-par figure in the round.
Three up at the turn, Jaffrey bogeyed the 10th but regained a three-hole lead with a birdie - her fifth, all of them at par-five holes - at the 11th and clinched her title and a 4&3 win with a sixth birdie at the par-four 15th. It was Tara’s misfortune to run into an opponent playing so well in the final.
The Borders girl was only one over par for the first 14 holes before having a double bogey six at the 15th, a standard of scoring that would have won many of the previous finals.
Both Tara and Danielle are playing in the Scottish Ladies Junior Open Strokeplay Championships being held at Inverness this week.
Borders disability sports officer Alan Oliver has ended the season as world number one in para-badminton’s men’s SL3 sport class.
Oliver, who joined Borders Sport and Leisure in May 2012, is the reigning SL3 European champion and recently took home the men’s singles title from the Spanish International para-badminton championships. Both results have elevated his position from number two and overtake Germany’s Tim Haller to claim top spot.
Tweedbank resident Oliver, originally from Alloa, said: “Ending the season as world number one is an incredible achievement and I would like to thank my parents, coaches and friends who have not only supported me this year, but got me to this point in my career. Winning the European Championships is definitely a highlight for me after coming through so many tense matches, but claiming my second Spanish international title at the end of the season probably gave my ranking the boost it needed to overtake Tim and stay ahead of some strong Asian players.”
Alan has also bridged into Scotland’s mainstream tournaments competing in the 2013 Yonex Scottish National Championships alongside doubles partner Colin Leslie, which has helped to bring more awareness to disability badminton and also provide valuable match practice going into his main events.
Oliver, who has cerebal palsy, now looks forward to the 2013/14 season starting with the World Para-badminton Championships in November.
BORDERS bowlers turned their attention to the Top Ten on Saturday and the quest to represent the region in next year’s Inter-district Championships.
Contesting the semi-finals in perfect bowling conditions were Wilton and Ayton, on the Gala Abbotsford green, and Kelso against Abbotsford, at Gala Waverley.
The first-named tie turned out to be a real nail-biter, with the match being decided by the last bowl of the triples match to secure an overall win for Wilton by 16-12.
The semi-final between the Abbotsford and Kelso clubs was also tied on four points each, but it was the Kelso side who won on shots as they were 18 up.
The winning clubs made the short journey to the Melrose green to contest the final. In another tight encounter, Alan Brady (Wilton) started well against Kelso’s reigning Scottish Champion Alistair White and led by 10-2. White hit back, however, and closed the deficit to 10-8. Brady added three shots to his tally before White racked up scores of 2, 3, 3, 2, 3 to win by 21-13.
In the pairs, Wilton battled their way to a 15-14 lead and the Hawick men needed no further encouragement. Two counts of three led to a 21-14 victory.
The Wilton triple also secured a valuable two points for their side when edging a 14-13 win, while the fours also won their match by the slightly wider margin of 17-12.
On the day, this was a win by six points to two for the West Stewart Place squad, who will represent the Borders in the national competition for the first time since 1996.
The presentations were made by Border Bowling League Association chairman Jim Cumming (Berwick).
Teams – Wilton: Alan Brady; Stuart Anderson, Chris Macdougall (Reece Taylor played semi-final); Jock Elliot, David Reid, Graham Brownlee; Bruce Millar, Duncan Macdougall, Andrew J. Kyle, Colin Sutherland.
Kelso: Alistair White; Gavin Brown, Stuart White; Bruce Woodcock, Bill Scott, Greg Frogley; Gordon Brown, Robert Purdie, Ronnie Paxton, Dennis Poloczek.
z This week representatives from Newtown, Galashiels, St Ronan’s, Gala Waverley, Jedburgh, Earlston, Hawick, Chirnside, Eyemouth and Berwick compete in the Scottish finals in Ayr.
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The South of Scotland Select Vaulting Team had a perfect warm-up for the European Championships with a good win at the inaugural Scottish International competition.
The team of Stacey Macpherson, Izzy Kyle, Sophie Aitchison, Charlie Lochead, Emma Counsell and Sam Kyle – who was in the team for the first time – put out a solid set of compulsories and then performed to confident rounds of freestyle to music by Take That. The team competed on Philip Hewit’s horse Ardblae Dickie Snow and was lunged by Rebecca Hewit.
The outfit now have six more practise sessions before their trip out to Austria in the first week of August.
They have all been training very hard and this has included personal strength and fitness programs organised by Simon Swanston, who does sessions with them fortnightly. On top of that they have been getting plenty practise on the other horses so that Arblae Dickie Snow and Zigourney can arrive in Austria in peak condition.
Sports digest
ARCHERY
Ettrick Forest
The club played host to the best longbow archers in the country on Sunday, for the BLBS Silver Arrow Wand Shoot.
This was won by Elizabeth Normand of the Green Hollow club.
Club Clout scores July 14: Ladies – 1, Elaine Pearson 41 hits, 114 scored, 3 clouts; 2, Ev Craig 39, 85, 1; 3, Jenna Agate 33, 77, 0; 4, Helen Ogilvie 21, 51, 2.
Juniors – 1, Kyle Fairbairn 27, 63, 1.
Gents – 1, Frank Brown 26, 65, 1 ; 2, Alex Blake 22, 58, 2; 3, Douglas Anderson 20, 47, 1; 4, Wullie Good 19, 35, 0; 5, Mike Pearson 12, 25, 0; 6, Michael Liddle 6, 8, 0; 7, Jim Craig 1, 3, 0 (retired).
Bowling
Hawick
Hawick Seniors travelled to Kelso on Tuesday and Tony Anderson created a wee bit of history by playing in two losing rinks, in the same match.
He started off in the ‘bounce’ rink, but after only seven ends was called in to sub for Freddie Willison, who had to retire though illness. However, both the rinks that he had played in, lost.
The B team travelled to Abbotsford with two players short and were consequently beaten 79-44.75.
On Wednesday the A team entertained Peebles at home and achieved an excellent result by 117-52.75. Top rink for Hawick was the sun-tanned Gary Scott’s rink.
Past Presidents are reminded that there is a new comp arranged for August 3 for the Taddei Trophy.
Rinks should be made up of one Past President and three bowlers. Names should be given to M. Todd or J. Reilly, both on 01450 375594.
Langholm New Town
The club held its open pairs tournament for the Castle Craigs cup last Saturday with an entry of 35.
The winners were Robert Aston of Langholm who was playing with Raymond Redmond of Hawick. Carolle Warwick, on behalf of the sponsors Ian and Betty Harkness, presented the cup.
Newtown
Championship Finals weekend at Newtown began on Saturday morning when Drew Redburn took on Jock Paterson in the seniors’ final.
In a nail-biter of a game Paterson was leading 17-7 at one point, but Redburn fought back to tie the match at 20-all and, after 29 ends, went on to secure the victory.
This year saw a poor entry in the Ladies’, with only two entries. This meant there was only a final which was between Anne Blacklock and Marie Todd, which the latter managed to win 21-15.
The gents’ final saw Calum Todd and Dod Smith play their final on a difficult rink with bare patches. Smith managed to secure victory.
Selkirk
After a fine day’s bowling the eventual winners in the annual Ladies’ Open Pairs were Ella Gardiner and Moira Weir, who beat Karen Ironside and Anne Parker from Broughton.
Last Saturday, the ladies’ four-bowl pairs took place with Hazel Scott and Betty Simpson, defeating Mattie Smith and Hope Ballantyne in the final.
Selkirk Invitation Rinks, sponsored by Dave Easton, was held on Sunday, and the winning rink was Stuart Henderson, Donald MacLeod, Jim Turnbull and Tam Yeomans.
The club would also like to congratulate its ladies’ league team on becoming Border League Champions for the first time.
Wilton
Last week’s Border League match saw a visit from Jedburgh.
The home team started well and, after maintaining a steady lead throughout, won by 48 shots. The B team were defeated by five shots at Gala Waverley.
Back at West Stewart Place, Gary Hughes and Rikky Paterson won the corner-to-corner Meikleriggs Quaich on Saturday.
CYCLING
Gala
The week started with a 10-mile TT at Abbotsford which saw Ross Laidlaw ride off with the win in 22 minutes and 34 seconds, beating David Johnston by 10 seconds (22.43).
The race for third and fourth was even closer with Ian Pearson and Andrea Pogson finishing within three seconds of each other.
Wednesday saw a double race night at Tweedbank Industrial Estate, with three riders taking on a 10-mile TT. Ian Pearson was home first in 24.11, with two youngsters completing in their first TT, Haden Watt finishing in 36.20 and Joe Agnew in 39.46.
The 25-mile TT saw Johnston chasing down Laidlaw again, both finishing under the magic hour.
Kelso Wheelers
The sponsored 13.5-mile Kelso Civic Week cycle ride attracted 27 riders. Results: Juniors, O. Onley (Kelso); ladies, J. Holmes (Duns); senior men/fastest from TD5, R. Laidlaw (Kelso); vets, K. Darling (Jedburgh).
Golf
Galashiels
John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Turner Cup (qualifier): Winner, I. Casson nett 37.
Dickson Cup (qualifier): Winner, G. Henry 34.
Tom Birnie Pairs: 1, A. Spalding & J. Rogers nett 55; 2, B. Barnard & J. Thomson 56; 3, A. Hitchcock & D. A. Johnston 59.
July Stroke: 1, N. Redhead 78 (11) 67.
Wednesday Washout: 1, S. Nightingale 67 (5) 62.
Next competition is the Baxter Cup on Saturday – start list on noticeboard
Melrose
July Medal (ladies): 1, A. Holton 93 (21) 72; 2, J. Shirra-Gibb 92 (17) 75; 3, V. Hogg 99 (20) 79. Scratch: A. Fleming 87.
Open Mixed Foursomes: 1, F. Falconer & K. Haldane 72 (6.5) 65.5; 2, G. Black & G. Black 81 (10) 71; 3, A. Craig & D. Craig 94 (23) 71. Scratch: L. Wallace & L. M. Wallace 80.
Minto
Ten- year-old Lily Towers won the Minto Junior Open on Saturday with a stunning net score of 85 (23) 62. Jordan Brockie 88 (23) 65 and Ross Graham 84 (17) 67 were second and third respectively.
This was Lily’s lowest ever scratch score at Minto. Her success came on the same day as Tara MacTaggart, another Minto Junior, played in the final of the Scottish Ladies’ Golf Association Under-18 Championship at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club.
Tara had reached the final from a field of nearly 60, but lost to Connie Jaffrey of Troon 4 & 3.
Next week, Tara plays in the Scottish Junior Ladies Open Stroke Play Championship at Inverness Golf Club.
Gents’ Tuesday Stableford: 1, J. Graham 41 points; 2, I. Learmonth 38; 3, B. Howden 37.
Ladies’ Medal (no 4): 1, S. James 101 (27) 74; 2, M. Walker 105 (29) 76; 3, J. Beattie 91 (13) 78 (lowest gross).
Ladies’ 9-hole Stableford: 1, C. Mackie 14 points; 2, I. Henderson 13; 3=, A. Mather, C. Morris 12.
Juniors’ Stableford (no 2): 1, S. Murdoch 46 points; 2, R. Latta 44; 3=, D. Murdoch, G. Dodds 40.
Ladies’ SLGA Brooch & Teviotdale Cup (no 2) Silver Division: 1, M. Towers 91 (20) 71 (overall winner). Bronze Division: J. Elliot 97 (25) 72.
Junior Summer Competition (no 3): 1, R. Nichol 102 (34) 68; 2, A. Brown 86 (15) 71 (lowest gross); 3, L. Towers 99 (25) 74.
Ladies’ Millennium Trophy: 1, L. Geatons 96 (24) 72; 2, I. Fletcher 97 (24) 73; 3, M. Towers 94 (20) 74. Scratch: S. Lees 83.
St Boswells
Ladies Millenium Salver: 1, R. Macdonald (25) 47 points; 2, J. aiston (27) 43; 3, M. Allen (22) 41. Division One: 1, J. Knox (19) 35; 2, S. Keddie (19) 35; 3, A. Forrest (18) 32. Divison Two: 1, L. Runciman (22) 35; 2, V. Shirra-Gibb (21) 35; 3, R. Thorburn (23) 34.
Seniors’ July Medal: 1, J. Rutherford 81 (18) 63; 2. J. Brown 92 (27) 65; 3, J. Cumming 80 (14) 66 (lowest gross).
Last Day of Open Comp: 1, L. Douglas 71 (14) 57 (lowest gross); 2, S. McMullen 80 (17) 63; 3, P. Crookshanks 79 (14) 65.
Millennium Trophy (juniors) 1, J. McDonald; 2, R. Lacon.
Centenary Trophy (juniors): 1, S. Murdoch; 2, J. McDonald; 3, R. MacDonald.
Torwoodlee
Wednesday Stroke: 1, I. Thomson 76 (8) 68; 2, J. Penny 71 (2) 69 (lowest gross); 3, B. Aitchison 74 (5) 69.
The Woll
Ladies’ 9-hole: 1, S. Smith 37 points; 2, B. Hill 35; 3, M. Turnbull 34.
Ladies’ Stableford: 1, J. McNicol 39 points; 2, J. Cambridge 38; B. Hill 34.
Gents’ Seasons Cup (round two) A Class: 1, S. Watson 76 (7) 69; 2, A. Lindores 75 (3) 72; 3, D. Miller 82 (9) 73. B Class: 1, P. Forsyth 86 (20) 66; 2, J. Heatley 90 (18) 72; 3, A. Willison 90 (18) 72. Hole in One: J. Heatley.
Tuesday Sweep: 1, D. Sherratt 85 (19) 66; 2, A. Brunton 81 (13) 68; 3, S. Batchelor 86 (16) 70.
Saturday Medal A Class: 1, J. Easdon 78 (8) 70; 2, J. Dalgleish 85 (13) 72; 3, R. Turnbull 86 (14) 72. B Class: 1, A. Willison 86 (18) 68; 2, R. McDougall 90 (19) 71; 3, N. Stevens 93 (20) 73.
Pentanque
Tweed Valley
The club held its annual Bastille Day celebrations in Kailzie Gardens, Peebles.
On a perfect afternoon, a good turnout of members competed for the trophy.
The team who were on form on the day were Tommy O’Rourke and Roddy Beatson.
Lady Angela Buchan-Hepburn presented the Bastille Day competition trophy to the winners.
Follow the club on www.tweedvalleypetanque.org
A superb 117 by Josh Irvine saw Gala thrash Clackmannan County by 154 runs to maintain their position at the top of East League Division Two.
After Graeme Ormiston and David Boland had given the home side a great start, Irvine dominated the visitors bowling, ably supported by Duncan Millar and Kris Mein (both 41), finding the boundary 11 times in an 98-ball innings before he fell to Mehboob in the closing overs of the innings.
Gala scored 291 for six from their allotted overs, which is their highest score of the season so far.
In reply, Gala faced up to the expected onslaught from Mehboob, who hit 44 from 26 balls before falling to a great catch by Craig Thomson running in from long on off Kris Mein. Having already dismissed Sultan, Mein then picked up two further wickets and Ormiston one as Clackmannan slipped to 74 for 5.
A good partnership between Taylor and Jhangir took the score up to 123, however, both fell to Ormiston.
Dean Moir and Neil Crooks soon took the last three wickets as Clackmannan were dismissed for 137. Mein ended with four for 38, Ormiston three for 38, Dean Moir two for 36 and Neil Crooks one for zero.
Two days earlier, Irvine was in form once again as Gala took on Selkirk in the Border 20/20 League, as the home side cruised past the visitors’ total of 108.
Batting first, Selkirk were indebted to Darren Fenton with an aggressive innings of 51, but the Souters’ total always looked under par. For the home side, Kris Mein picked up two wickets in a tight spell while Robbie Pringle, Graeme Ormiston and Neil Crooks snatched a wicket each.
Gala lost David Boland with 12 runs in the board, but Irvine and Millar continued their fine recent batting in despatching the Selkirk attack to all parts as the home side reached their target with seven overs to spare.
Irvine finished on 60 not out, including eight boundaries, while Millar ended unbeaten on 43.
The result leaves Gala needing to beat Melrose tonight to make the 20/20 final.
The two sides met again on Sunday at Philliphaugh in the Border Sunday League with Selkirk coming out on top this time around.
The home side batted first and scored 127 all-out, with Gala skipper Craig Thomson taking three wickets. The pick of the batsman for Selkirk was Darren Fenton who top-scored with a half-century.
The Meigle Park men slumped to 45 all out, with Blair Amos taking seven wickets as the homesters won by 82 runs.
Tom Grindell scored 102 as Kelso defeated Boroughmuir by 143 runs in East League Division Three.
This is Grindell’s second century of the season, scoring his previous ton against Kirk Brae last month.
Steve Patterson and Dougie Wilson got Kelso off to a solid start, and Stuart Cessford made 19.
Grindell was accompanied at the crease by Jason Gibson, who reached his half-century before being bowled for 53.
The visitors were set 273 to win, but never really got going, with opening bowlers Cessford and Patterson taking two wickets each.
Grindell backed up his hundred with the ball as well, claiming three victims for 22 runs.
From the other end, Murray Scott bowled three overs and took three wickets for the loss of no runs, as Boroughmuir were bowled out for just 129.
This result leaves Kelso fifth in the table, with promotion looking just about out of their sights, but the club is safe from the relegation zone.
Makeshift Gala under-15s lost by 10 wickets to Hawick on Monday night.
The home team posted 100 for two, with Robbie Irvine (25) and Max Hastings (28 retired) impressing.
However, Hawick sailed past the target with Luke Trousdale hitting a 50 and Ronan Alexander posting 30 not out.
Gala Under-13s had better luck on Wednesday evening with a comfortable victory over Hawick.
Thomas Godfrey Faussett scored a stylish unbeaten 31 and Jack Easson retired on 32. Hawick lost their key batsman early doors and never recovered, being skittled for just 25.
Hawick captain Allan Moffat missed out on his first hundred of the season as the Teries defeated struggling Clackmannan County 2nds in Alloa.
Hawick batted first, with Declan Solley and Moffat opening up, but the former was first to fall, being run out for 16 with Moffat having passed 50.
Pierce Solley scored a quickfire 28 to put the visitors in a commanding position to build from. However, that was not the case as Hawick never really upped the ante and suffered a mini batting collapse.
Moffat approached his century, but couldn’t quite get over the line, having been given out lbw for an impressive 91 as Hawick posted a competitive total of 183 for six.
A change of ends for Neil Storey, and change of pace for Craig MacDougall, did the trick by removing both Clackmannan openers.
The home team were in control, which stunned the travelling side, but Lee Stewart removed the dangerman Alangir for 55 to give the Teries some hope.
Storey took the wicket of Clackmannan captain Nick Bryant-Nichols to leave the homesters four down. Ronan Alexander bowled extremely well under pressure, taking two wickets for four runs, and some neat bowling at the death by Stewart, who also took two late wickets, saw the Alloa side finish 160 for eight.
Hawick move into second spot in Division Seven after leaders Tranent’s two-wicket defeat of Heriots 3rds.
The following day, Hawick finally found their second Border Sunday League victory of the season at home to Penicuik.
The visitors batted first, with opening bowler Ronan Alexander taking two quick wickets, with two catches for Dave McWatters. Ryan Johnston grabbed two wickets and Pierce Solley had three victims while Gareth Welsh took his first senior wicket, as the young Teries restricted the visitors to 88 all out.
Hawick started their innings brightly, getting well above the required rate, but lost three quick wickets.
Stand-in skipper Declan Solley scored an unbeaten 22, with Stuart Hair posting a great knock of 39 not out to give the young side a convincing win.
St Boswells bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat with a victory at Myreside against Watsonians 2nds.
Steven Broom starred with the bat as they remain in mid-table, having won six and lost five of their 11 games in Division One.
In Division Five, Selkirk defeated Boroughmuir at Meggetland by seven wickets. Jordan Reid claimed three wickets, and Greg Fenton two as Muir made 155. In reply, in-form Darren Fenton scored an unbeaten 65 to see the Souters to victory as they remain at the top of the table.
Selkirk0
Hamilton Acc U-20s 6
New Selkirk goalkeeper Gregor Amos was unable to stop his side going down to their fourth pre-season friendly loss against a slick Hamilton Under-20s side on Monday night.
The visitors were 3-0 up at the break thanks to a double from Eamonn Brophy and another from Craig Johnston, with debutant Amos – on a season-long loan from Falkirk – having to make a number of stops to keep the scoreline respectable.
Selkirk were missing the likes of Jason Inglis from their squad and three minutes after half-time it was 4-0 as Jamie Higginbottom pulled down Andrew Ryan in the penalty box and Brophy completed his hat-trick from the spot.
Andrew Ryan then got a deserved goal following a great move involving Shaun Want and Daniel Armstrong before Want completed the rout from close range in the final minute.
THE Border Games scene has a double bill attraction this weekend with the staging of Langholm Games on Friday and Oxton Games on Saturday.
One of the top events on the Langholm card is the 90m championship, and bidding for sprint glory are Borderers Leigh Marshall, Hawick; Greg Turnbull, Craig Grieve, TLJT; Kerr Gerrard, Selkirk; and Patrick Swan, Chirnside.
Hawick’s David Hush, victor of the St Ronan’s sprint, has been placed on a mark of 20m for the 90m handicap.
Colin Welsh of Kelso competes from the back in the 800m handicap.
Jedburgh brothers Craig (3.5m) and Cameron Grieve (8m) are set to compete against each other in the Oxton Games 110m handicap.
Craig Gillan, TLJT (4.5m), David McKay, Kelso (14m), Jack Wilson, Hawick (13m) and Scott Richardson, Jed AC (6m), also run.
Set to appear in the 1,600m are Rory Anderson, Hawick (125m), Dean Whiteford, Innerleithen (130m), Wayne McIntosh, Kelso (195m), Colin Tough, Gala Harriers (200m) and Gavin Tait, TLJT (270m).
The two respective meetings are full of senior, junior and youths events.
Having been significantly enhanced and extended under the current long-standing ownership of more than 30 years, Shawburn is a much-admired and cherished family property.
Well situated in an outstanding, peaceful location at the very edge of Selkirk, Shawburn is a spacious, detached family house with bright, well proportioned rooms, wonderful gardens , five acres of grazing, workshop with separate access, attached stables and outbuildings, and consent for a new stable block.
The adjoining stables and byre provide versatile ancillary buildings, and offer obvious potential to extend the existing domestic accommodation, subject to the grant of planning consents and warrants.
A sweeping tarmac driveway approach, fringed by a wide lawn, leads to a generous parking area for several vehicles to the front of the house. The gardens provide a wonderful mature setting, and the ownership of the fields ensures control over the immediate outlook.
To the rear, and via a separate driveway, is access to the large detached workshop and supporting offices and stores.
An extensive range of traditionally-built outbuildings include an integral double height garage. Beyond is the stable building centred on an impressive pedimented porch supported by iron pillars.
Three boxes, suitable for ponies, with concrete floors, two benefiting from drinkers, feed store area, water supply, and lockable tack room.
Channel 4 presenter Sally Eaton will talk about her career and passion for lichen at next weekend’s Kailzie Wildlife Festival.
The expert from the television programme Wild Things will also lead a walk around the gardens looking at wildlife and lichens and explaining why they are important indicators of ecosystem health, following her talk on Sunday.
The second of three wildlife festivals, part of the KLAWED project, the weekend event takes place at Kailzie Gardens near Peebles from 10.30am on Saturday.
Project officer Rachel McAleese said: “We want to encourage as many local people as possible to come along and visit one of the treasures of the Borders, Kailzie estate. We hope people will find something during the weekend that takes their interest or inspires a new one. We also hope people will come to realise that Kailzie, and the Osprey and Nature Viewing Centre there, is the perfect place for allowing everyone to engage with nature through its facilities and fantastic surroundings.
“People look to the north of Scotland for wildlife holidays and prime viewing opportunities, but it is important that people realise what we have here on our doorstep. Many of the local schools are heavily involved in wildlife education and conservation and often the children are passing on their knowledge to their parents and relatives.
“It is vital to understand and appreciate the nature around us so that we know how to alter our actions and how best to proceed for the future sustainabilty of all our local wildlife and plant species.
Over the weekend there will be nature storytelling for young children and games on offer all day, including the new youngsters’ wildlife spotters trail, and there will be a duck race and burn dipping when, Rachel said: “We hope to find pond skaters, whirligig beetles, stonefly larvae and a whole lot more.”
On Saturday morning Butterfly Conservation Scotland’s Rueben Singleton will be moth trapping and talking about the species found. British Trust for Ornithology bird ringer Stuart Craig will set nets up and ring birds which fly into it, likely to be nuthatch, sparrows, wagtails, greenfinches, coal tits and others.
Osprey project officer Di Bennett will be finding out what’s crawled into the small mammal traps overnight on Sunday morning.
Rachel said: “We expect to find field mice and field voles and this is something the kids always love seeing.”
Local birder Hennie Bakkes will talk about birds in the gardens and help people learning how to identify their calls, and Tweed Valley Forest Festival coordinator Chris Sawers will lead heritage tree walks, council rangers will help festival-goers make bird and bat boxes. There will be talks (and live osprey footage) in the osprey viewing centre, many local wildlife organisations, crafts and retail stalls, local food and live music.
Organisers have dropped entry prices for this year’s event and there is a free shuttle bus from Peebles. For more information, visit www.kailziewildlife.org
To tidy up a loose end from a couple of weeks ago, the spotted flycatchers nesting in the roof gutter managed to fledge successfully.
They were extremely lucky that it never rained during their stay.
At the time of writing, the hot weather is still being experienced and it is many years since I have spent so much time in the garden.
It was fascinating to watch how some creatures coped with the heat. It can’t be much fun being a blackbird in such conditions, but they have some strange behavioural tricks to keep themselves cool.
I watched one doing the obvious thing first by having a cool bath, making sure all its feathers were really wet.
It then hopped to a spot which catches any breeze and it spread out its wings and feathers to allow the circulating air to reach its hot skin.
It then opened its beak and began to pant like a dog. This, too, helps to dissipate heat as birds have no sweat glands.
It stayed in this trance-like position for several minutes before finally flying off.
Sparrows, on the other hand, have been taking advantage of the dry conditions to take frequent dust baths in the vegetable plot.
They are part of a bird’s preening and plumage maintenance that keeps feathers in top condition. The dust that is worked into the bird’s feathers will absorb excess oil to help keep the feathers from becoming greasy or matted, and the oil-soaked dust is then shed easily to keep the plumage clean and flexible.
Dry skin and other debris can also be removed with excess dust, and regular dusting may help smother or minimize lice, feather mites and other parasites.
To take a dust bath, a bird begins by scraping their feet in dry, fine, crumbly dirt or sand to create a wallow.
Lowering the breast to the ground and rolling or rocking may deepen the depression, and the bird will flip its wings vigorously, similar to bathing in water, to spread dust over the entire body.
During this frantic motion, the feathers may be fluffed and the tail spread so the dust can reach the skin more easily, and the bird may rub its head to the ground as well to coat the shorter feathers on the cheeks.
After a few moments of this dry bathing, the bird will pause, but the bathing motion may be repeated until the bird is sufficiently coated in dust.
At that time, the bird may fly to a nearby perch or will first shake off some excess dust before perching.
Preening or sunning often follows immediately after a dust bath as the bird continues its extensive grooming regimen.
Yes, the fine weather provides us with a great opportunity to sit quietly and observe our native wildlife coping with the vagaries of our ever changing climate.
Not for them an ice-cream or cold shower – they have to utilise what is around them to keep cool when the mercury rises.
Saturday, July 27: Romany Ramblers – meet at Wauchope Hall, Yetholm, at 9am for a short walk.
Sunday, July 28: Scottish Borders Hillwalking Club – The Castles (74 & 80: 821207). Meet at Council car park, Newtown St Boswells, at 9.15am. Call Evelyn Horsburgh on 01750 76214.
Sunday, July 28: Coldstream Ramblers – Doddington, Dod Law, Weetwood, Wooler. 9 miles. Meet at Henderson Park car park, Coldstream at 9.15am or road junction, Doddington, at 10am.Call Gill Blackmore on 07790 658730. All welcome.
In the immortal words – no, immortal word – of that cantankerous Craggy Island resident, Father Jack: “Drink!”.
The hedgerows are blooming and it’s time to wade towards them through waist-deep grass to pick stuff.
From now until the end of autumn, our plentiful Borders hedges are full of flowers and fruit that you can make drinks out of.
Yes, my fellow foragers, it’s time to laugh in the face of hay fever and brave clumps of nettles and jaggy thistles, forests of sticky willie, abandoned farm implements and hidden drainage channels lurking beneath the grass.
Our first brew is always elderflower. Last year we made wine, champagne and cordial to cover all bases – wine for our Scottish pals, champers for the posh folk who visit from deepest Englandshire, and cordial for any church elders who drop in unexpectedly. Done.
But first, before you pick, don’t forget the citric acid for your cordial. In my eagerness, the first year I tried making it I bought about 2kg of the stuff. Big mistake. You only need 50g to make six 500ml bottles (for the over-50s/church elders, that’s 2oz and 17fl oz). If you’ve never tried it before, it’s easy-peasy.
What? You thought I was going to give you a recipe to make alcohol in a family newspaper?
Pick about 20 elderflower heads (sweet-smelling, not the one’s that smell like cat’s pee), and shake them to get the creatures off (if you’re vegetarian. If you’re not, then don’t worry too much). Don’t wash them, and stick ‘em in a bucket.
Then boil 1.8kg of granulated sugar with 1.2 litres of water (that’s 4lbs and 2 pints) to dissolve the sugar and leave to cool. Peel six lemons (just like tatties, with a peeler) and then slice them. Add these to the bucket and then pour the sugar syrup over and add your citric acid. Leave for 24 hours, then strain all the bits out and bottle.
It’s supposed to keep for three months, but we make at least double this amount and are usually finishing it just before picking time comes around again. I don’t know how something with sooooo much sugar in it could go off before the next Olympics, frankly. Alternatively, you can buy it off the supermarket shelf for about £4. But I’ll bet you it won’t taste half as good.
Elderberries are great for wine too, just watch out when it’s bottled. My granddad used to make it and gave 6 bottles to my mum one hot summer. After a series of small explosions from the pantry, she opened the door gingerly to find a scene from a horror film – gooey red stuff dripping off every jar, can and packet.
I can only imagine what Father Jack would have said about the waste of drink. And so must you, because it certainly couldn’t be printed in this newspaper.