Over the last two weeks, young local players have been competing for honours in the Borders Junior Confined Tennis Tournament.

Last week, we saw the results of the 16 and under; 12 and under and 8-11 year-olds (pictured) and this week we have the outcome of Under-18 and Under-14 competitions.

18U MD: 1, L. Armstrong/T. Harvey (St Boswells/Duns); 2, T. Otton/S. MacBrayne (Gala/Melrose Waverley). 18U GD: 1, F. Blair/S. MacBrayne (SB/MW); 2, N. Berthelsen/T. Harvey (West Linton/D); 18U BD: 1, H. Devlin/Craig Martin (D); 2, L. Armstrong/A. Robertson (SB). 18U GS: 1, T. Harvey (D); 2, S. MacBrayne (MW). 18UBS: 1, L. Armstrong (SB); 2, C. Martin (D). 14U MD: 1, S. Berthelsen/K. Begg (WL); 2, R. McLean/C. McQuarrie (MW/D). 14U GD: 1, E. Edmondson/C. McQuarrie (D); 2, Z. Bruce/J. Lemmon (SB). 14U BD: 1, S. Berthelsen/R. Shaw (WL); 2, J. De Bolle/R. McLean (Kelso/MW); 14U GS: 1, C. McQuarrie (D); 2, K. Begg (WL). 14U BS: 1, J. Patterson (MW); 2, S. Berthelsen (WL). Report on Page 87.

Sporting digest

Archery

Ettrick Forest

Results of the Albion round, shot on Sunday at Thirladean.

Juniors: 1 Kyle Fairbairn 27 hits, 89 score, 2 golds; 2, Josh Mackay 26, 86, 0.

Ladies: 1, Ev Craig 25, 103, 1.

Gents: 1, Mike Pearson 66, 274, 6; 2, Doug Anderson 60, 222, 2; 3, Alex Blake 55, 235, 3; 4, Richard Tice 54, 270, 3; 5, Jim Craig 37, 131, 1; 6, William Good 36, 128, 2; 7, Sam Mackay 30, 108, 0; 8, Rufus Stone 24, 68, 1.

See page 87 for details of this Sunday’s Flodden Clout event.

Bowling

Hawick

Hawick seniors played their local rivals Wilton on Tuesday and recorded a good result, winning by 53-39.

On Friday, the A team travelled over to Melrose to play the League winners in the KO Cup. The result went in favour of the home side who eventually won by 71-58.

Sunday saw the club play their Waverley Bar-sponsored triples, and with 12 teams competing, the green was busy all afternoon.

The final was a ding-dong affair with the B. Anderson-skipped rink coming out the winners. This was a record fifth win for R. MCulloch. The club greatly appreciate the sponsorship from the Waverley Bar.

Selkirk

On Saturday, the club held their annual Invitation Triples Tournament, sponsored by Donny MacLeod.

Runners-up were G. Beagley, C. Sandilands and I. Yardley, and the winners were S. Henderson, T. Reilly and B. Currie. The club would like to thank Donny for his continued sponsorship.

On Sunday, the ladies held their Jubilee Cup competition and after a very close final Matty Smith emerged victorious, beating Elma Young in an extra end.

Wilton

The last Border League game of the season was contested with the five-rink A team travelling to take on Gala Waverley.

The West Stewart Place side knew that a narrow defeat would ensure that their team would remain in the top division, even if the Selkirk club had a win by more than 35 shots. The visitors won by 21 shots and Selkirk defeated Kelso in their last league game, but it was not enough for them, and Wilton retained their top-flight status.

On Friday night Wilton hosted Selkirk in a preliminary tie of the Knock-out Cup. The home team started well and eventually won on four of the five matches with one drawn.

A mixed pairs tournament was staged at West Stewart Place on Sunday with the winners gaining custody of the Smart Trophy, In the final, Lynn and Ronnie Nichol (skip) defeated Diane and David Smart (skip) by 14-12.

Cycling

Galashiels

With the season drawing to a close, there is no let-up on the race front, with three races held last week.

10-mile TT (Monday):

1, D. Johnston 23.16; 2, N. Shepard 23.23 PB; 3, L. Parry 23.32; 4, A. Meikle 23.59; 5, C. Tough 24.00; 6, I. Pearson 24.13; 7, S. Mills 24.40; 8, J. Stark 25.11; 9, A. Gannicott 25.49; 10, J. Houston 26.53; 11, C. Forsyth 27.29 PB; 12, S. Lowes 27.32; 13, J. Weston 27.32; 14, L. Thomson 28.18; 15, W. Mills 29.42.

25-mile TT (Wednesday): 1, D. Johnston 57.53; 2, L. Parry 59.26 PB; 3, N. Shepard 59.27 PB; 4, J. Stark 1.01.25 PB; 5, S. Mills 1.02.07; 6, B. Lowes 1.04.41; 7, A. Gannicott 1.06.38 PB; 8, C. Forsyth 1.08.12 PB; 9, J. Weston 1.08.31; 10, S. Lowes 1.10.43; 11, G. Murray 1.19.16 PB.

10-mile TT (Wednesday): 1, A. Meikle 23.45; 2, I. Pearson 23.46; 3, R. Martin 24.08 PB; 4, P. Anderson 25.35; 5, W. Mills 28.38 PB; 6, J. Agnew 29.40.

Kelso

On Monday night Kelso Wheelers held a 10-mile TT on the Birgham course.

Results (youths): 1, O. Onley 30.43; 2, B. Simpson 32.44; 3, R. Gillie 33.38; 4, D. Easson 35.44; 5, D. Patterson 37.11. Seniors: M. Burgher 23.31; 2, J. Smith 23.42; 3, R. Ure 24.30; 4, S. Gaunt 24.57; 5, D. Richardson 24.58; 6, I. McKenzie 25.36; 7, K. Wilson 25.57; 8, K. Gillie 26.11 PB; 9, R. Connell 26.50; 10, G. Ford 27.12; 11, A. Ker 30.10; 12, R. Smith 30.17.

Next week is a 12-mile TT on the Orange Lane Course. Sign in at 6pm at Woodside Park for a 6.30pm start.

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors: Turner Cup Qualifier (A League): Winner, A. Hitchcock nett 34. Dickson Cup Qualifier (B League): Winner, G. Turnbull nett 37.

Captain’s Prizes: 1, A. Simpson 79 (14) 65; 2, W. J. Taylor 72 (6) 66; 3, G. Turnbull 79 (12) 67. Scratch: B. Currie 72.

Hawick

Ladies’ competition: 1, S. Coltman 90 (20) 70; 2, J. Wright 98 (26) 72 bih. Scratch: A. Teague 89.

Kelso

Midweek Points: 1, D. Hirst 41 points; 2=, D. Brotherston, M. Henderson, K. Wilson, G. Kellington 39.

Intersport Salver: 1, S. J. McElrath 152 points; 2, J. Braithwaite 150; 3, E. Wichary 148.

Captain’s Day: 1, D. Hirst 41 points bih; 2, P. Kerr 41; 3=, G. Crozier, K. Hush 39.

Melrose

Centenary Lady: 1, C. Dalgleish 91 (20) 71; 2, L. Wallace 85 (13) 72.

Border Golf Competition: 1, R. Falconer 89 (19) 70; 2, G. S. Craig 79 (9) 70; 3, G. Hogg 77 (6) 71. Scratch: G. Hannah 77.

Minto

Seniors’ August Medal: 1, M. White 83 (16) 67; 2, S. Mather 91 (23) 68; 3, J. Adams 82 (14) 68 (Lowest gross).

Tuesday Stableford: 1, G. Ferguson 39 points (after countback); 2, I. Learmonth 39; 3=, D. Willison, M. White 37.

Seniors’ Magson Salver (played over 13 holes): 1, A. Thompson 56 (11) 45; 2=, P. McDonnell 64 (14) 50, A. Muir 68 (18) 50.

Juniors’ Summer Competition (No 5): 1, M. Bannerman 96 (41) 55; 2= R. Nichol 94 (30) 64, F. Campbell 103 (39) 64.

Ladies’ Minto Bell and Salver (No 6): Silver Division handicap winner, C. Thom 92 (14) 78; Scratch winner, C. Allott 92. Bronze division handicap winner, L. Geatons 96 (23) 73; Scratch winner, M. Hart 94. Trophy winner: L. Geatons.

Steward’s Invitation (Stableford) Gents: 1, A. Thom & S. Watson 45 points; 2, D. Wear & D. Sparks 44; 3, I, Learmonth & J. Quinn 43 bih. Ladies: 1, S. James & F. Walton 39 BI3; 2, M. Glendinning & S. McDonald 39 (bi6); 3, E. Learmonth & A. Teague 39 bih.

St Boswells

Gents outing to Eyemouth: 1, R. Barrie 35 points; 2, J. Ross 34; 3, C. Bell 32 bih.

Thanks to captain George Hogg who supplied prizes and to Mark Beavon who organised the trip and drove the rabble from pub to pub.

Gents 4BBB: 1, R. Barrie & Robert Young nett 61; 2, C. Hardie & I. Barr 62 bih; 3, C. Bell & K. Grieve 62.

On Saturday St Boswells GC hosts the Gordon Melrose Design Gents open, its nearly full so contact the club if you still require an entry.

Ladies Captains’ Prize: 1, J. Knox 85 (19) 66; 2, I. Hume 99 (31) 68; 3, V. Shirra-Gibb 90 (21) 69. Division One: 1, L. Small 87 (13) 74; 2, A. Forrest 93 (18) 75; 3, F. Melrose 93 (17) 76. Division Two: 1, R. Macdonald 96 (21) 75; 2, M. Allen 96 (21) 75; 3, S. Barrie 100 (23) 77.

Ladies Senior Salver/Medal: 1, W. Davidson 99 (35) 64; 2, M. Allen 87 (22) 65; 3, J. Knox 87 (19) 68 (lowest gross)Lowest Gross Score. Division One: 1, S. Keddie 94 (19) 75; 2, L. Small 97 (13) 84. Division Two: 1, V. Bell 101 (25) 76; 2, M. Taylor 103 (27) 76; 3, J. Reed 114 (32) 82.

Torwoodlee

Tuesday Stroke: 1, R. Lacon 72 (11) 61; 2, F. Bryson 78 (15) 63; 3, I. Heard 69 (4) 65 bih. Scratch: A. Lawrie 66 bih.

Homing

Earlston & District

Six members sent 129 birds to the K.Heppinstall sponsored Tow Law race, liberated at 0750 into a south wind. Results: 1, 2, 3, W. Gray & son 1468.36; 4, 7, 13, 14, S. Bain 1444.09; 5, 11, 12, S. Martin 1373.04; 6, 9, S. Hardie & sons 1350.79; 8, A. Simpson 1285.36; 10, I. Gray 1236.36.

Galashiels

Ten members sent 125 pigeons to Ridsdale, a distance of 48 miles. Results: 1, 2, 3, 7, Douglas & Spearman 922.410; 4, 9, 10, J. Douglas 861.253; 5, J. Ramage 855.542; 6, G. Irvine 850.846; 8, B. Dixon 827.322.

Eight members sent 159 pigeons to Tow Law, a distance of 71 miles. Results: 1, 2, 6, 9, 10, K. Jamieson-McDermott 1128.462; 3, J. Ramage 1114.482; 4, B. Dixon 1113.918; 5, 7, E. Jamieson & R. Hardie 1105.984; 8, W. Henderson 1092.647.

Jedburgh

Two members sent 79 pigeons to Ridsdale, a distance of 36 miles. Results: 1, 2, 3, A. Agnew & son 1099.225; 4, F. Taylor 656.908.

Langholm

The club liberated 122 birds over 105 miles from Charnock Richards with a south-west wind. Results: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, R V Graham 1354.355; 4, D. Nordon 1307.826; 7, 8, 9, A. Henderson 1280.390.

Squash

Galashiels

Club matches (1): A. Gill 2 Derek Sharratt 0; D. Sharratt 0 David Burnie 2; A. Gill 2 David Burnie 0. Overall winner: A. Gill.

Club matches (2): Mr Zee 2 M Hussain 1; J. Armitage 2 D. Sharratt 0; A. Gill 2 D. Burnie 0; J. Armitage 2 Mr Zee 0; D. Sharratt 2 M. Hussain 0; A. Gill 2 J Armitage 0; D. Burnie 2 M. Hussain 0; D. Sharratt 2 Mr Zee 0; D. Sharratt 2 D. Burnie 1.

St Boswells eased any relegation concerns with two wins in two days, over Dunfermline and Eastern Knights under-18s.

The Villagers batted first, scoring 187 for seven, Steven Broom top scoring with 48, supported by Ross Graham, who made an unbeaten 44.

Dunfermline finished 71 runs short of their target as Kathryn White picked up four wickets.

The following day, Eastern Knights travelled to The Green, with St Boswells making a total of 144, Austin Lockington scoring 50 for the Villagers. In reply, the Knights suffered a last-ball run out to give St Boswells a dramatic one-run win.

Hawick under-15s were defeated by Gala in a thrilling match that went right to the death.

The young Teries batted first and lost opener Ryan Johnston to Robbie Irvine early doors.

However, Morgan Tait and Ronan Alexander got the home side back on track and both retired after reaching 30 as the home side made 90 for one.

The visitors got off to a flying start with Jack Halls retiring on 30. Gareth Welsh took the wicket of Irvine, which started a collapse as five further wickets fell, but Thomas Godfrey-Faussett saw Gala home with a classy unbeaten 25.

Hawick & Wilton reached the Activity Presidents Plate final with a nine-run victory over Division Five side Holy Cross 2nds.

The Teries batted first and got off to a fast start, with openers Gary Alexander and Ewan Hair punishing anything loose.

The latter was first to fall, making a quickfire 19, with Alexander soon following, after being bowled for 15.

Hawick’s batsmen all got starts, but none went on to make a big score, Phil Mactaggart scoring 23 and Bruce Mactaggart making 22. Neil Storey top-scored with 24 in a total of 171 from 30 overs.

The Hawick bowlers bowled tight in key stages, Stuart Hair and Alexander taking a wicket each.

The visitors tried to accelerate towards the end, but Hawick took regular wickets, including three for Pierce Solley.

The Teries dropped a series of catches, but Dave McWatters took a wicket with the last ball of the game to seal a final place against Woodcutters this Sunday at Broomhall.

A poor display with the bat ensured Gala suffered a four-wicket loss at Cavalry Park to Marchmont, their second defeat of the season.

Batting first on a damp wicket, after persistent early afternoon rain saw a delayed start and the match reduced to a 45 overs per side contest, Gala were looking comfortable on 124 for three with 16 overs remaining. However, a dramatic collapse saw the visitors lose seven wickets for seven runs to be bowled out for just 131.

Earlier, skipper Stevie Halls had done much to set Gala up for a decent total with a fine 55 while the rest of the top order all got starts, but failed to kick-on.

The most concerning aspect of the innings was the amount of wickets that fell to poor balls with full tosses and long hops claiming victims far too frequently. Ben Stewart and Aaron Sardesai did the damage for the home side, collecting eight wickets between them for just nine runs.

Gala needed early wickets to get back into the contest and Kris Mein shook off a side injury to deliver, along with Dinesh Tharanga, as Marchmont were reduced to 32 for three. It was a partnership of 83 for the fourth wicket from the classy Sam Peachey (63) and Phil Rees (42) that broke the back of the Gala effort in the field, but the visitors never gave up. Neil Crooks removed both players and when Scott Paterson bowled Peter Ervine soon after, the home side were six down and still 10 runs short of their target.

But it was too little too late as Will Collier and Gavin Wilson got a nervous home side over the line, meaning Gala will now have to wait until the final day to try to secure the title.

Selkirk captain John Everitt hailed his team’s performance as they sealed back-to-back titles to reach Division Four, writes Ronan Alexander and Alex Massie.

The Souters defeated Edinburgh Accies by seven wickets to win the league with one game remaining.

Everitt said: “We are delighted to get promoted, and reach Division Four. I’m not sure how far we can go, but we aim to keep improving and it is important to find our level.”

Greg Fenton has starred with the ball this year, taking 42 wickets, the most in all nine leagues, but Everitt has been impressed with all his bowlers this term.

He said: “I don’t think it’s all about Greg. Everyone has chipped in with the ball this year and bowled well, but Greg has taken the wickets. It has been a great performance this year by the whole team and we are ecstatic to claim the title.”

At one stage, Accies, who won the toss and chose to bat first in blustery, drizzle-infested conditions, were 30 for six.

A number of catches – not all of them hard chances – were put down and on a day when bowling full brought more reward than dropping short, too many deliveries were dropped too short to trouble the batsmen. Lapses in concentration in the field also helped Accies towards some form of semi-respectable total of 89.

Even so, this was, in the end, another commanding performance and it is evidence of how expectations have risen at Philiphaugh this season that a seven-wicket victory should be considered slightly underwhelming.

Jordan Reid was the pick of the Selkirk bowlers, claiming four wickets in a spell that would have earned greater rewards had Selkirk’s catching been more secure. He was ably supported by the indefatigable Kenny Paterson, while Darren Fenton chipped in with a brace of wickets.

Greg Fenton took his 42nd league wicket of the season, while young Kyle Murray was rewarded with his first ever wicket in Saturday cricket.

Selkirk’s reply began unpromisingly with skipper Everitt dismissed in the third ball of the innings. It was an undignified dismissal that might, in previous seasons, have been the catalyst for a batting collapse.

This Selkirk side are made of sterner stuff, however, and Greg Fenton (37) and Stuart Skeldon steered Selkirk’s ship out of choppy waters and guaranteed Division Four cricket next season.

There will be a barbecue for which all members, friends and supporters are invited to on Saturday when Selkirk welcome promotion-chasing Dunfermline Carnegie to Philiphaugh.

FORMER Greenyards boss Craig Chalmers has quit his head coach position at Chinnor RFC before their season has even begun.

The 44-year-old father of three took up the post with the English lower league side back in March, citing personal reasons for his decision to move away from the Borders.

It is understood that following the non-attendance of Chalmers, who works with a security firm in London, at several pre-season training sessions he advised the club that due to personal matters and pressure of his other commitments he felt unable to carry out his obligations.

Hawick YM10

Peebles26

PEEBLES began their season on a positive note with a convincing Border League victory over Hawick YM.

The win puts the men from the Gytes ahead of Melrose at the top of Pool A, thanks to a try-scoring bonus point.

Typical rugby weather made the ball slippery, with both sides battling against a strong wind. The hosts started strongly, picking and driving from the rucks, and Peebles did well to keep them out in the first five minutes.

Peebles began to come into the game and a long clearance was fielded by scrum half Scott McCormick – back playing for his home club after a lengthy spell at Melrose – who shipped a long pass to Connor Blyth to open the scoring. Greg Raeburn added the conversion. Peebles’ other tries came from Kenny Clyde, McCormick and Matt Carryer. Greg Raeburn kicked two more conversions. Shawn Muir scored YM’s try, Gregor Welsh converting and adding a penalty.

Langholm Colts Sevens take place at Milntown on Saturday (2pm) with the tournament played in a pool system over two pitches.

Draw: Hawick Wanderers, RHC, Duns Colts (Pool A); Melrose Wasps, Peebles Colts, Kelso Harlequins (Pool B); Gala Wanderers, Jed Thistle, Tynedale Colts (Pool C); Selkirk Youth Club, Berwick Colts, Langholm Colts (Pool D).

Meanwhile, Langholm 1st XV continued their pre-season with a warm-up match against Annan.

The Milntown men lost out 21-19 with Gregor Masterton, Jordan Reid and Jaimie Ashton-Smith each touching down and Neil Cubbon converting two.

The curtain comes down on the Border Games with a double bill of events this weekend.

Saturday sees the staging of the Borders Athletics Classic meeting on the Earlston High School track, while Sunday brings about the return of Lauder Games.

The Earlston programme features events of different distances compared to normal cards and runners will be getting down on their marks for the 60m, 120m, 150m and 1,200m handicaps.

Going from scratch in the open senior 60m handicap is former Jedburgh Games sprint victor Kieran Kivlin, Edinburgh.

Border sprinters included are Geoff Keen, Selkirk (5.5m), David McKay, Kelso (8m), Megan Shiel, Hawick (14m), Martha Douglas, Jed AC (14m) and Darren Tomlinson, TLJT (16m).

Apart from open races, the Earlston bill also has invitation handicaps. Amongst those going in the 150m are Cameron Grieve, Jed AC (15m), David Hush, Hawick (28m) and James Park, TLJT (15m).

After an absence of more than 20 years, the Lauder event returns on Sunday, hosted by Lauder FC, and held in the Public Park.

Rutherford SEAT, Scotland’s longest established SEAT business, continues to grow from strength to strength.

As a result of increasing demand for new SEAT vehicles, the company is to take on an additional sales executive.

Rutherford’s takes great pride in providing exceptional levels of service and in recent surveys has firmly established itself as one of the country’s top 10 performing dealers for customer satisfaction in the 120-strong dealer network.

Steven Gillanders, who was appointed as the brand manager just over 12 months ago, attributes the recent improvements to the continued success of the SEAT brand, coupled to the level of personal service available from a local family-owned business.

“Having previously worked with specialist franchises, I have been impressed by the continuing improvement to the SEAT range of vehicles. With sales increasing by 45 per cent year on year and new models being introduced to the range, the success looks set to continue.

“The new SEAT Leon has just been voted the prestigious Auto Express Overall Car of the Year 2013 and Best Family Compact Car, beating the sister group Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf in that very competitive sector.

“The Alhambra was also voted best MPV in the same awards for the second year running, in addition to being What Car’s best MPV for the past three years.

“With an estate version of the Leon due at the end of the year, ongoing improvements to other models in the range, coupled to some fantastic consumer offers, make it the perfect time to choose a new SEAT from Rutherford’s.

“We have an amazing number of customers who are very loyal to Rutherford’s and SEAT as a brand who come back time and time again to buy their cars from us.

“As the only Volkswagen Group main dealer in the Borders, we have exacting standards to achieve and the benefit of that is then passed on to the customer.”

As well as achieving notable successes in both sales and aftersales customer satisfaction indices, Rutherford’s is also recognised as one of the country’s top performing dealers in their own territory, achieving a market share for SEAT in the Borders which is more than twice the national average.

The appointment of an additional sales executive will allow Rutherford’s to build on the recent success and on the personal level of service the company provides.

For further information on the SEAT range of vehicles, or indeed any of Rutherford’s select SEAT approved used cars, please visit www.rutherford.co.uk or call Steven at the dealership on 01896 848419.

This is a superb detached family home in a peaceful, yet accessible, modern residential development close to the River Tweed.

Kelso is one of the most popular towns in the Borders and the well-appointed accommodation includes a sitting room, dining room, conservatory, breakfasting kitchen, utility room, WC, master bedroom with dressing room and en suite shower room, three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The house has gas-fired central heating, with underfloor heating at ground floor level, and there is a built in vacuum system. Windows are double glazed. The excellent floored attic, with loft ladder access, provides useful storage space and appears to offer the potential to extend the current living accommodation upwards, if desired.

The nicely compartmentalised garden grounds are child/dog safe and include lawns, patios and borders.

There is an excellent detached double garage, with both electricity and water, and there is mono blocked off -road parking for several cars.

Kelso sits in an area of great scenic beauty and is noted particularly for its fine market square and for the remains of one of the great Border abbeys.

The town has a good range of shops, sporting and recreational facilities, and has highly regarded schools. A new high school is soon to be built.

A Beltex ewe swept all the competition aside at the weekend to take the champion of champions title at this year’s Peebles Show.

But the big talking point was whether the switch of venue to a field at Nether Horsburgh Farm, at Cardrona – used due to Haylodge Park in Peebles currently undergoing improvement work – should be made permanent by show organisers, Peebles Agricultural Society.

The new location proved hugely popular with a big crowd flocking to view the hundreds of entries in the livestock classes, as well as a host of family entertainment and trade stands.

Almost completely dry conditions also helped and the venue provided flat fields, something of a luxury for an agricultural society more used to the slopes of Haylodge Park.

The flat site was also a major factor in attracting 50 percent more horse entries than last year.

And society president, Robert Barr, admitted that so successful was the switch of venue that, despite originally being planned only as a one-off change, it could possibly result in a new permanent home for the show after around a century at Haylodge Park.

“We’re very happy with the way the show went, after all the organisation needed because of the change of venue,” Mr Barr told The Southern this week.

“I heard no adverse comments from anyone, about anything, during the whole day. There was a good crowd certainly – put it this way, the 10-acre car park was full.”

Mr Barr said the possibility of a new venue was something raised by a number of people, but that it was very early days as far as that was concerned.

But he did say the Nether Horsburgh Farm location had drawn many positive comments, with the society’s Facebook page seeing a considerable number of posts.

“The society has put £12,500 towards the improvements currently being undertaken at Haylodge Park, but this new site was in a superb, very picturesque setting, with more elbow room and parking,” said Mr Barr.

“There is also ample space that could let us think about expanding various aspects of the show and parking is becoming a real problem at Haylodge Park.

“But it’s very early days and all this will have to be discussed. There would also have to be a lot of negotiations.”

And while this year’s event may not have topped the 2012 record-breaking show, it will certainly have run it close, with 800 sheep entries alone.

And it is easy to see why Peebles Show attracts such quality animals from exhibitors from around the country.

“There were several Highland Show sheep champions beaten into second places in their classes, which tells you something about the quality of entries,” added Mr Barr.

“We have possibly the best Blackface and best Blue-Faced Leicester show anywhere.

“Horse entries were also up by a massive 50 percent on last year and cattle classes were also very busy.”

The show-topping Beltex ewe, which earlier in the day had taken the William Forbes Cup for sheep inter-breed champion, before adding the Jimmy Johnston Trophy for overall show champion, came from Richard Wood, at Kingledors, who kept the winning momentum going after a successful three days at the Carlisle Beltex sale.

Runner-up was the Shorthorn cow from W&I McGregor, of Chesterhall Parks, which took the RBS Cup for cattle inter-breed champion.

The Graham Irvine Cup for Light Horse Champion went to Holly Stewart, Fans, while the Points Cup went to J Wight, Midlock.

For full show results visit our website.

WOOLER

At their weekly Primestock Sale John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 1,390 lambs, 26 hoggs and 353 ewes.

Lamb numbers tighter, similar returns achieve within national averages.

Leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £90 Teviotdale, £88 Wandon, £86 Black Heddon, £85, £84 Roddam (Linhope Farming), £84 Brackenside and West Longridge. Suff.x:- £84 (2) Lilburn Estates, £80 Shipley Lane, £79 Brandon. PRM:- £82, £81.50, £81 Cresswell Farms. Cha:- £80.50, £79 Wandon. Mule:- £79 Lilburn Estates. Bel:- £78, £76, £75 Ladykirk, £77, £75 Chillingham Home Farm. Ham:- £78 Kettleburn. Ven:- £77.50, £76 South Lyham.

Leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 210p West Longridge, 200p, 195p Yetlington Lane, 196.1p Marshall Meadows, 195.2p Roddam (Linhope Farming). Bel.x:- 205.4p Ladykirk, 197.4p Chillingham Home Farm. PRM:- 200p, 189.5p, 188.4p Cresswell Farms. Leading prices – Ewes:- Tex.x:- £83 Mid Edrom, £81 Black Heddon, £78 Chillingham Home Farm, £71 Holy Island. Suff.x:- £83 Lickar Moor, £81, £77 Edlingham Newtown, £79 Holy Island, £77 Chillingham Home Farm and Brackenside. Mule:- £67 Brackenside, £63 North Sharperton, £61 West Longridge. Bel:- £63 Chillingham Home Farm. CHM:- £51 Lorbottle. BF:- £50 Teviotdale, £47 Clennell and Edlingham Demesne.

Rams:- Suff.x:- £91 East Fleetham.

ST BOSWELLS

On Monday John Swan Ltd sold 82 clean cattle, 44 OTM cattle, 2,187 new season lambs and 1,149 ewes.

Bullocks (36) averaged 238.4p per kg and sold to 256p (+2.4p on week), heifers (43) averaged 234.4p per kg and sold to 261p (+3.4p on week), three young bulls averaged 189.4p per kg and sold to 214p (n/c on week) and 44 beef type OTM cattle averaged 135.9p per kg and sold to 207p (n/c on the week).

New season SQQ lambs averaged 193.8p per kg (+6.3p on week) and sold to £105, ewes averaged £59.33 and sold to £99, tups sold to £137, heavy ewes £71.60 and light ewes £44.93.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.61 Robert Wilson Butcher, 2.56 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.55 M/s Cropper, 2.51 M/s TA Shaw; Butchercote 2.54 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd.

Principal prices per head: Butchercote £1626.30, £1584.40; Lurdenlaw £1625.90, £1580.10; Bee Edge £1587.20; Longnewton £1575.

Cows per head: Meigle £1280.95, £1131, £1101.60.

Cows per kg: Willowford 2.07, 1.95; Mervinslaw 1.99; Meigle 1.87, 1.53; Muircleugh 1.79, 1.47; Middlestead 1.77; Crookhouse 1.71(2); Huntington 1.67(2), 1.59, 1.51;Howahill 1.63; Shielswood.

Lambs per head: Tex.x;- £105 Birkenside, £95.50 St Leonards, £95 Birkenside & Holybush, Suff.x;- £105 Foulshiels, £93 Saughland, £91 Huntington and Marigold,

Bel.x;- £84.50 Hartside, £84 Lylestane, Mule;- £83, £82.50 Meigle, £82 Lugate, BDF;- £70 Cathpair.

Lambs per kg: Tex.x;- 215.8 Lower Ashtrees, 211.5 Ruchlaw, 210.5 Lower Ashtrees, Suff.x;- 206.8, 205.7 Huntington, 202.6 Larriston, Bel.x;- 204.9 Lylestane, 203.7 Hartside, 203.2 Lustruther, CM;- 190.5 Blegbie and Wester Ulston, Mule;- 188.6, 187.5 Meigle.

Cast ewes: Tex;- £99 Drinkstone, Suff.x;- £93 Drinkstone, Bel;- £77 Sydenham. HB;- £77 Smailholm Mains, Chev;- £75 North Synton, Ham;- £71 The Knowe, CM;- £67 Gilston, GF;- £65 Inchkeith, Burnhouse Mains, Headshaw. L and Craigsford Mains, Jac;- £61 Elvingston, BF;- £45 Bankend.

Rams: Suff;- £137 Roxburgh Mains, Tex;- £89 Greenend, Bel;- £89 Wester Deans, Chev;- £79 Headshaw. L, BFL;- £65 Gilmanscleugh, BF;- £61 Torquan, Rye;- £53 8 Camptown Holdings.

BORDER LIVESTOCK

Last week Border Livestock Exchange Ltd to week sold 101 prime cattle including 27 cows, 3,194 prime lambs, 284 ewes and 2,404 store lambs.

After easing back for a week or two the shortage of summer cattle resulted in trade ticking upwards. Aberdeen Angus cross steers from Whitrighill, St Boswells, sold to 460p per kg. Continental cosses sold to 410p per kg for both steers and heifers.

The cow trade has never missed a beat this year and they continue to be short and consequently dear. Suckler cows sold to 330p per kg and £1,248, dairy cows sold to £884.

Like the cattle after a period of level trading lambs also show signs of improving. This is particularly so for export types 18 -21 kg which sold to 420p per kg. Same morning pick-up and process again proved popular selling to 405p per kg (with negligible costs). Premiums were available for up to 25kgs, selling to £93.40. Ewe trade continued to be steadier with Continentals to £100 and Mules to £68. Decent numbers of store lambs were available, these keenly offered for by regular buyers in the south of England, who have more keep about them than for many years.

MORE than 60 people attended the meeting on the pros and cons of the Cheviot Hills becoming a national park.

The discussion was organised by the Southern Uplands Partnership in the wake of a report by The Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP) and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS).

Report author John Mayhew told attendees at the Yetholm event earlier this month that, while there would be difficulties establishing and managing a cross-border national park because of different legal and administrative structures, international experience shows there is no reason it could not be successfully established.

The rationale for the Cheviot National Park was based on the Northumberland National Park stopping at the border while the landscape clearly marches on, he told the meeting, which made little sense, particularly when many say the landscape quality is greater on the Scottish side.

A veteran of several English national parks, Graham Taylor told the meeting the best results were achieved when the park authority worked with local people rather than trying to control things.

SUP’s project manager Pip Tabor said: “The meeting closed with the local community voicing strong support for the idea of a National Park in the Cheviots. It was suggested that this support could usefully be made clear to local politicians and MSPs in the hope that the Scottish Government will start the process of designating additional National Parks in Scotland.”

The 2014 Scottish Borders Walking Festival will be hosted by Jedburgh and Denholm community councils, working in partnership.

Jedburgh, with Ancrum, St Boswells, Eckford, Nisbet, Crailing and Jed Valley, had intimated an interest in hosting next year’s festival, as did Denholm and three other community councils.

Hawick had also thrown their hat into the ring, but only on the basis that they would take it on if no other community was interested.

The festival, traditionally held during the first week of September, has moved around the Borders since its inception in 1995.

At a meeting last week, members of the council’s environment and infrastructure committee backed the recommendation of senior countryside ranger Keith Robeson for Jedburgh and Denholm to share the honours.

Councillors were told that a decision on the 2014 host was required ahead of this year’s festival – taking place in Innerleithen and District – so that next year’s event can be promoted to visitors to the region at next month’s event.

Jedburgh last hosted the festival in 2009, in partnership with Hawick, and was also home to the event in 1997 and 2005.

Its distance from this year’s festival and good accommodation options worked in its favour. Denholm has never played a part in the walking festival before, but a lack of accommodation prompted the decision for it to be a joint host.

I received an email recently from T. R. of Kelso about bees, who told me: “There has been general discussion over the last few months about disappearing bees.

“Well, you will be pleased to know that most of them seem to be in our garden in Kelso.

“We have a border measuring 12 metres, cultivated with lavender, which is occupied at the moment by 50/100 bees of varying sizes.

“The border is full all day and has been so for a week or more.”

My own observations confirm this apparent resurgence in the bee population, particularly bumble bees.

It is amazing what a couple of months of good weather can do.

Last week, I was mowing the lawn when I spotted a bumblebee disappearing down a rodent hole in the turf.

Soon another appeared and did the same, confirming the presence of an underground nest.

It was too good an opportunity to miss, so I went for my camera and settled down to watch the proceedings.

The traffic was non-stop with an arrival or departure about every thirty seconds.

If I was too close to the hole, the arrivals would go into a holding pattern, like aircraft, circling overhead until I leaned back enough to allow a landing.

Despite getting a few seconds’ warning of an impending departure by a high pitched buzzing noise coming from the hole, trying to photograph them was a nightmare.

As soon as they entered the mouth of the hole, they were off.

Seeing them as close as this, I was struck by the difference in size.

Some were easily twice the size of the others. I’m no bee expert so I wondered if the smaller ones were workers and the big ones queens, but I didn’t think the queens went foraging.

Perhaps someone will let me know what was going on.

I think I was looking at white-tailed bumblebees which are very common.

My new garden pond is now complete – or so I thought!

The other night I was walking down the garden in the dark, when I heard a loud plop coming from the pond.

After getting a torch, I discovered that a large toad had panicked at my approach and jumped into the water for safety.

This particular pond is of the rigid preformed plastic sort with steep sides and overhanging bricks to disguise the edge.

All very nice to look at but if you are a toad, there’s no escape.

The next evening I set about remedying this by piling stones at one end to allow anything that wants to, scramble out.

The things you have to do for wildlife!

Email me at corbie@homecall.co.uk

Saturday, August 24: Coldstream Ramblers – Dryburgh Abbey circular, 8.5 miles. Meet at Henderson Park car park, Coldstream, at 9.15 am or Co-op car park, Newtown St Boswells, at 10 am. Call leader Ken Pritchard on 07814 636876.

Saturday, August 24: Eildon Ramblers – Housebyres circular, eight miles, grade B. Starts 10am. Contact Martin Davison on 07858 386485 to get details of the start point and to record interest.

Sunday, August 25: Scottish Borders Hillwalking Club – Gala Alps (73). Meet at High Street car park, Galashiels, at 10am. Call secretary Evelyn Horsburgh on 01750 76214.

A gutsy effort by Selkirk was to no avail as Spartans ran out 3-0 winners at Yarrow Park in the Lowland League tonight.

The Souters more than matched their Ainslie Park opponents in the first half, with trialist Phil Addison at the heart of much of their best play.

He set up David Battle to hit the post before beating four defenders himself only to fire a shot straight at Spartans stopper Scott Bennett.

However, it was Spartans evergreen striker Keith McLeod who opened the scoring on 32 minutes with a thumping volley past Gregor Amos.

Addison, who Selkirk hope to sign despite interest from Dunfermline Athletic, threatened again at the start of the second half before Daniel O’Donnell struck Selkirk’s crossbar with a header on 51 minutes.

Two minutes later, John Grant also hit the bar for Spartans.

The Edinburgh side finally gave themselves breathing space seven minutes from time as McLeod fire home from 20 yards.

And in injury time, substitute Kevin Motion added a third to give Spartans a win which looked much more comfortable than it was.

Selkirk manager Mike McKinnon said: “The guys worked so hard, and I cannot fault them. The second goal killed us and we didn’t deserve to lose a third.”

Spartans manager Dougie Samuel said: “We didn’t get the early goal and Selkirk caused us problems in the first half.

“Selkirk worked so hard but when we got the second goal it gave us the chance to relax.”

At Victoria Park, Vale of Leithen move to the top of the Lowland League after they thumped Borders rivals Gala Fairydean Rovers 4-1, thanks to a Keith Lough hat-trick.

Scott McCulloch also scored for Vale, while Stuart Noble grabbed a consolation for Gala before Shane Green was sent off.

Selkirk and Gala slip to the bottom two places in the Lowland League, following Preston’s first win over Edinburgh City tonight.

The rain cleared, the sun shone, the crowds came, the bands played, prizes were won, bargains were found at the car boots, Mickey Mouse even led a conga – everyone had a great day.

This was the Family Fun Day run by the Rotary Club of Galashiels and District.

Live bands Easter Street, Becca McCue and 3D kept everyone entertained, while Rotary, Inner Wheel and other local charities held tombola and other stalls, as well as letting people know about their work.

TD1 Radio broadcast during the day, playing music and requests.

Club member Tricia Patterson was the driving force behind the event. She was delighted by the turnout and thanked all those who had donated time and effort to make the day a success. These included Fahrenheit Function Band who donated their PA, with assistance throughout the day from band members Alistair and Pete, Jim at Hislops of Kelso for the curtain-sided trailer free of charge, and Mike from Speedys for the generator.