ASHKIRK

Lunch

At the village hall on August 24, a baguette lunch (noon-2pm) will be held in aid of Ashkirk Parish Church.

Barbecue

The parish church has organised a barbecue outside the village hall on August 25 (5.30-6.30pm).

CADDONFOOT

Church

There were several visitors at the morning service led by the Reverend Marion Dodd in Caddonfoot Church on Sunday. The lessons were read by Fay Brydon. Bible study continues from 5-6pm in Trinity Church today (Thursday). The third Country Worship will be held in Heriot Church on September 1 at 6.30pm.

Crailing

Barbecue

The Lothian Hall committee held a barbecue in the village on Sunday and were joined by their neighbours from Nisbet. The next planned event is an autumn craft fair to be held on September 22 in aid of hall funds, featuring demonstrations by the Scottish Borders Wood Turners and various craft stalls.

EARLSTON

Parish church

The August 25 service at 10.15am will be conducted by members of the worship team. This service marks the opening of Community Day when stalls from various clubs/organisations will be run at the rugby club/field from noon-4pm.

Edgerston

Charity lunch

Team Martin will host a ladies’ charity lunch (12.30pm for 1pm) with a guest speaker at the village hall on August 24, with proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Contact Christine (840246), Linda or Kath for tickets.

galashiels

T’ai chi

T’ai chi and qigong classes restart in the Lucy Sanderson Hall on September 3 (1.30pm). Call Pat on 07926 302822 for more information.

Hawick

Rotary

Rotary club president Scott Elliot welcomed the first female district governor, Kate Keter, to the latest meeting. Kate, of Linlithgow Grange Rotary Club, was accompanied by fellow members Jim Gillespie and Tom Riddell. She addressed the host club on this year’s Rotary message, “Engage Rotary, change lives”, and highlighted how this could be applied to enhance humanity and enrich the lives of Rotarians and people they became involved with, especially those who needed help and assistance both in local communities and world-wide. She has twice visited India to assist in Rotary’s Polio Plus project and said they were within touching distance of eradicating polio. Three club members then gave their experiences of what Rotary meant to them – past president Gus Neilson, vice-president Sandy Bannerman and Mairhi Trickett, junior vice-president and past president of Orkney Rotary Club.

T’ai chi

T’ai chi and qigong classes restart in Burnfoot Community Centre on September 2 (9.30am). Telephone Pat on 07926 302822 for more information.

Innerleithen

Church

The service on August 25 starts at 11.30am.

Flower show

Innerleithen Flower Show will take place on September 1 in the Memorial Hall at 2pm. Items for the show should be handed in to the venue on the Saturday evening or before 10am on the Sunday.

Community council

The next meeting of Innerleithen and District Community Council will take place on September 9 at 7.15pm in the council chamber, Memorial Hall. This will include the annual general meeting.

JEDBURGH

Old and Trinity Church

The church’s annual bazaar will take place on August 26 in the Town Hall (10am-3pm).

T’ai chi

T’ai chi and qigong classes restart in the Kenmore Hall on September 2 (1.30pm). For more information, call Pat (07926 302822).

Badminton

Jedburgh Badminton Club’s season begins with the adult section on September 4 (7-10pm). The junior section and coaching begins on September 10 (7-8pm) for P5-7 and for secondary pupils in first-fourth year (8-9pm). Primary 2-4 children can come along on September 11 (6-7pm). For information regarding adults, contact Christine on 01835 840246 or email p10caw@aol.com. For juniors it’s Myra on 01835 863160 (evenings) or email myrayounger@aol.com.

Highland dancing

Highland dancing classes resume on August 27 at Denholm primary school – enquires to 01450 870042.

Lunch club

Jedburgh Lunch Club will be held on August 29, providing a weekly nourishing meal for pensioners in and around the Jedburgh area. New members and volunteers welcome. Transport can be arranged. For more information, telephone 01835 862565.

KELSO

Market

A farmers’ market will take place in the Square on August 24, starting at 9.30am.

T’ai chi

T’ai chi and qigong classes restart in the Quaker Meeting House on September 5 (7pm). For more information, call Pat (07926 302822).

Bridge club

August 14 – aggregate pairs –N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 2, Jim and Mary Stone; 3, Bob Stevenson and Annie Mitchell; E/W – 1, Stuart Graham and Ian Watson; 2, Viv Heskett and Pauline Smart; 3, Miles Browne and John Urquhart. August 15 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 2, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 3, Brian Saywood and Evelyn Erskine; E/W – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, James Duncan and Ged McIvor; 3 Rosemary Clark and Glynise Horsburgh.

Langholm

Flower show

Heavy rain put paid to most of the events on the playing field at the annual village show at Canonbie. However, the pipe band from the town played the children’s fancy dress parade and floats down to the field. There was a bumper entry of exhibits in the hall which included a record in the children’s section. A number of people from the town had entries in – and Andy Warwick, showing for the first time, was presented with the trophies for best exhibits in both the begonias and fuchsias. Sandy Gill and Tom Hutton picked up prizes in the photographic section. Maurice Weir from Hawick was presented with the McGlasson cup for most points in the pot plants and cut flowers section. Local man Landles Irving received the trophy for most firsts in the show, having dominated the vegetable section.

MELROSE

T’ai chi

T’ai and qigong classes restart in the chaplaincy centre, Borders General Hospital, on September 3 and 6 (6.30pm). For more details, call Pat on 07926 302822.

Yoga

Classes in the Ormiston Institute will restart on September 4 (2pm and 6pm) and September 5 (6pm). New students are welcome. Further information from Kath (01896 820034; kath2@kathmcdonald.plus.com).

Bookshop

The annual bookshop event for local projects will run tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, from 10am-4pm, in the Ormiston.

Church

August 25 services – Bowden (9.30am), Melrose (11am).

Trimontium

At the quarterly meetings of the Trimontium and museum trusts, maintaining accredited museum status was discussed. This involves being inspected every two or three years and the approval by the trustees of sheaves of policies and a costed forward plan, in detail, of everything that needs to be done over the next couple of years. It was agreed to implement modest increases in season 2014 for museum entrance and walk tickets, which have remained unchanged for several years. Offers of administrative assistance in running of the trust’s activities would be welcomed. The lectures for October 17,24 and 31 have been arranged, as have the three in April/May 2014. The 2013 season has picked up due to the good weather, after a slow start, and the arrival of the Synton Hill hoard of 228 silver denarii (ownership shared with Scottish Borders Council) has proved a big attraction. A local man has handed in for identification a miniature head-and-torso from the Tweed and Walter Elliot thinks he has found a Pictish shield boss.

A date with Bach

Bryden and Bach (John of Melrose and the late Johan) have been long acquainted and last Saturday in Melrose Parish Church hall there was another encounter, spread over morning and afternoon, the former playing the latter’s preludes and fugues from Book II of the Well-Tempered Klavier as a fundraiser for Melrose Music Society.

Midlem

Flower show

Entries were up at this year’s Midlem Flower Show which was held in the hall on Sunday. The children’s section was the star of the show, featuring imaginative and creative exhibits, especially in the making of an animal from flowers and vegetables. The day was finished off with a barbecue cooked by Tom Cotter. Results – Flowers – Vase of mixed annuals, C. Hay; Dahlia, G.B. Scott); Clematis flower on saucer, T. and I. Cotter; Vase of mixed flowering shrubs, G. B. Scott; Vase of sweet peas of mixed colours, J. Macdonald; 2 Roses, G. B. Scott; Vase of sweet peas of one colour, J. McDonald; 3 Herbaceous Spikes, W, Young; 4 Spikes Phlox, G. B. Scott; Vase of Asters, S, Scott; 4 heads pansies, T. Hunter; Vase mixed perennials, T. Hunter; Flower arrangement in wine glass, J. Macdonald; tidiest garden, R. and B. Pavey;) tallest sunflower, J. McKay; Any pot plant – foliage, S. Scott; Any pot plant–flower, M. Macdonald; Geranium. T. and I. Cotter); Begonia, J. McKay. Vegetables – Basket of home produce, C. Hay; 1 cucumber, C. Hay; 3 onions, A. Scott; 3 tomatoes, S. Scott; 1 cabbage, S. McGurk; 6 Pods Broad Beans, T. and I. Cotter; 5 Pea pods, S. McGurk; 1 Leek, S. McGurk; 6 French beans, J. Macdonald; Selection of Herbs, J. Harrison; 1 Lettuce, J. Harrison; 6 Onion Sets, T. and I. Cotter; 3 Carrots, A. Scott; 6 Pods Runner Beans, J. MacDonald; 3 Courgettes, J. Macdonald; Collection of 5 unspecified vegetables, A Scott; 5 Potatoes, A. Seggies). Children’s section – Painted Stone – 4yrs and under, C. Frances; 5yrs upwards, H. Frances; Wild flowers in a Vase – 6yrs and under, F. Harrison; Pencil drawing – 4yrs and under, F. Harrison; 5yrs and upwards, I. McGurk; animal made with flowers and vegetables, all entrants as the judge felt they were so good they all received first; Edible necklace, J. Northcott. Baking – 1 piece of tray bake on a plate, S. McKinnon; knitted square, C. Forbes Walker. Industrial – Victoria Sandwich, C. Forbes Walker; jar home-made jam, J. Forbes Walker; 3 Scones plain, I. and T. Cotter; Loaf of Bread – oven-baked, C. Hay; Loaf of Bread – machine-baked, J. Harrison; 4 Shortbread Fingers, I. and T. Cotter; Jar of Marmalade, J Forbes Walker;) 4 Meringue Shells, T. Hunter; Snapshot of local landmark, G. B. Scott); Edible Necklace, C. Hay; Border Tart, T. and I. Cotter).

Morebattle

Coffee morning

A coffee morning in aid of Diabetes Scotland UK will be held in the village hall on August 24 from 10.30am.

Selkirk

Camera club

The club meets every Wednesday (September 4-April 9) from 7.30-9pm at 64 High Street. Anyone interested in photography – from the complete beginner to the most skilled – is welcome. For more information, visit www.selkirkcc.blogspot.co.uk or email selkirkcameraclub@gmail.com.

St Boswells

Village hall

All households in St Boswells will this week receive personally-delivered packages about

the refurbishment of the village hall. These packages explain the need for the work and what has to be done. They will also include requests for financial help. The village hall was built in 1896 by public subscription.

Flower festival

A flower festival and exhibition of art, crafts and photography will be held in St Boswells Parish Church and hall on August 31 (10.30am-4.30pm) and September 1 (noon-4.30pm), with refreshments served in the church hall both days. There will be music in the church during both afternoons and a model of part of St Cuthbert’s Way, which has been made by children from the primary school, displayed.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be at 10am on August 25.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on September 8 at 10am.

Messy Church

Messy Church is coming to Walkerburn Public Hall on August 24 (4-6pm), featuring stories, drama, crafts, songs that you can choose and food for all the families together. There is no charge – just give a donation.

WESTRUTHER

Flower show

Westruther Flower Show will be held in the village hall on Saturday, August 24. Entries are being accepted from 9.30-11.30am. Doors open to the public at 2.30pm, with the presentation of cups at 3.30pm. Youth sports take place at 1.30pm.

Spotting a shadow in the darkness, Nicola Hardie reached for a kitchen knife, Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, was told on Monday.

The 32-year-old claimed she didn’t realise it was a police officer, saying she had earlier dialled their number by mistake.

Hardie, who had been drinking that evening, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at her Larchbank Street home in Galashiels on August 6.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said Hardie, who now lives at Riddle Dumble Park in Galashiels, had “a history of alcoholism”.

She said police received a call around 11.30pm.

“There was very loud music playing in the background and she said that there were voices in her ears,” explained Ms Bradley.

Officers attended about midnight and found the room in darkness, so switched on a light.

“The accused had gone into the kitchen where loud music was playing and was asked to turn it down.

“She ignored the police constable and he switched off the music himself,” said the prosecutor, adding: “The accused grabbed a knife from a block in the kitchen and brandished it.”

After repeatedly ignoring their requests to put the knife down, officers warned Hardie they would use their CS spray, causing her to drop the knife.

Heather Stewart, defending, said her client had been drinking prior to the offence and rang the police in error, believing she had called an NHS phoneline.

“It was dark and she saw a shadow, so picked up the knife. She didn’t know it was the police and didn’t know why they were there,” added the lawyer.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond deferred sentence until September 30 for a psychiatric report.

A mother has pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Tweedbank Primary School.

Angered by a school exclusion order, Caroline McLaren, 40, ripped up the paperwork and stormed out of an office, Selkirk Sheriff Court heard on Monday.

The offence happened as pupils aged between five and 10 years old, were preparing to leave at the end of the day.

McLaren, of Weavers Linn, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on January 24.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said the head teacher was made aware of a pupil “misbehaving and disrupting the class”.

She added: “A decision was made to have him excluded from the school and unsuccessful attempts were made to contact his parents.”

When McLaren arrived at the school to collect her child, she was met by the head teacher and informed of the problem.

The prosecutor went on: “She lost her temper and shouted at the teacher, and when she was handed the paperwork she ripped it up.

“She stormed out of the office into the open-plan area which was full of children, and continued shouting. She was asked to calm down.

“Some of the children were visibly frightened and upset, and at least two were in tears.”

Ms Bradley said the school received a number of calls from parents whose children has returned home upset.

Iain Burke, defending, said his client was unaware of any pupil crying and was “extremely apologetic for any upset caused”.

The solicitor added: “There is a history with the school and her children no longer attend there.

“She went to pick up her child as usual and was brought into the office. She asked for an in-school exclusion, which was refused, and things escalated and she began to raise her voice, tore up the letter and went outside in a state of agitation.”

Mr Burke said McLaren had contacted the local authority and her MSP to try to resolve matters, and her children now attended a new school where they had gained certificates for good behaviour.

He added: “She acknowledges her behaviour was unacceptable, but there must be some credence to what she says, given their improved behaviour.”

Sheriff Kevin Drummond told McLaren: “Your behaviour was totally and absolutely unacceptable, particularly in sight of a number of children, and is no kind of example to be giving to your own children or any others.”

Sentence was deferred until September 23 for reports.

A 16-year-old threatened to rape a man’s dead mother via a social networking site.

Jamie Mitchell, of Albert Place, Galashiels, admitted sending grossly offensive messages to a man and repeatedly making threats of sexual violence involving his family on July 30. One of the messages Mitchell posted on Facebook read: “I’m going to rape your dead mum and smash her gravestone.”

Just 11 days’ earlier, a drunken Mitchell spoke to a police officer – “He called the constable a bald c**t and said he had raped his wife last night,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

The teenager admitted repeatedly shouting and swearing and uttering threats of violence at Currie Road, Galashiels, on July 19. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a doctor at Borders General Hospital on the same date.

Ms Bradley told how police were concerned for Mitchell’s welfare after seeing him bleeding from a head wound. He was walking with his girlfriend, with blood running down his face, and officers stopped to speak to him.

The prosecutor explained: “They thought he was under the influence of alcohol, as he was unsteady on his feet, and he immediately began shouting obscenities at them.

“The police tried to get him to calm down, telling him he wasn’t in any trouble, but he had a cut to his head and was intoxicated, so they were concerned for his wellbeing.”

Mitchell told the police officer to “f**k off”, adding he would kill him when he said he was calling an ambulance.

Mitchell’s girlfriend said he had sustained the injury after stumbling. He was eventually arrested and taken to hospital.

“His behaviour didn’t improve and he was banging his head on the cage door, telling a police officer that his uncle would find him and kill him,” said Ms Bradley.

Rather than take him into the hospital, it was decided a doctor should examine him in the police vehicle, but Mitchell repeatedly told the doctor to “f**k off” and then kicked him on the shin.

When he had calmed down and eventually examined, the accused was found to have superficial injuries.

Defending, Ed Hulme urged Sheriff Kevin Drummond to seek the advice of the Children’s Panel, adding: “There are issues to be addressed.”

The sheriff told Mitchell: “Being on bail doesn’t seem to make a lot of difference to you.

“I am obliged, by law, to obtain the advice of the Children’s Hearing, but I am not bound by it.”

Sentence was deferred until September 23.

DISABILITY CASH FIDDLE

A car-crash victim who continued to claim disability allowance after an operation significantly improved her mobility was sentenced to a 12-month community payback order with 100 hours of unpaid work.

Belinda McMillan is currently repaying the £5,694.85 allowance she falsely claimed.

McMillan, 51, of Hopehill Road, Glasgow, admitted obtaining disability living allowance to which she was not entitled between January 5, 2011, and February 5, 2013.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told how McMillan was claiming the “highest level disability living allowance”, including a mobility car.

“A report was made via the benefit fraud hotline that she was working at Asda and that an improvement in her physical condition had not been reported,” said Ms Bradley.

Bruce Bett, defending, said his client was injured in a road accident in 1996 and required two operations. “She had one in 2007 and another in 2011, which significantly improved her mobility,” he explained.

DANGEROUS DRIVER

A teenager has been found guilty of dangerous driving.

Nineteen-year-old Ryan Hair denied committing the offence on the B711 Roberton-Hawick road near Highchesters on August 4 last year, but was found guilty after trial of an amended charge.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard on Friday how Hair drove at excessive speed with regard to the road conditions, and overtook another vehicle when it was unsafe. He crossed into the opposite side of the road, forcing an oncoming vehicle to take evasive action, and the driver lost control and his vehicle overturned.

Hair, of Glebefoot Cottages, Roberton, was fined £540 and banned from driving for a year. He was also ordered to resit an extended driving test.

DRUNKEN CAR VANDAL

A drunken 16-year-old caused £1,000 worth of damage to a car parked in Galashiels.

Jonathon Barnes, now aged 17, of Primrose Bank, Galashiels, admitted recklessly damaging a car at Talisman Avenue on August 20 last year. He also pleaded guilty to causing £200 worth of damage to a house window at Tweed Road, Galashiels, on the same date.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said Barnes was part of a group of six youths involved in “hooliganism”.

Barnes told police he was “wound up” and punched the vehicle, adding that he had “picked up a stone and went for a random chuck” when he smashed the house window.

Sentence was deferred until September 23 for reports.

JURY TRIAL FOR HAWICK MAN

A Hawick rugby player is due to stand trial by jury on September 9 after he denied assaulting another man to the danger of his life.

Twenty-two-year-old Greg Anderson, of Heronhill Bank, who was part of the Greens team which won its sevens tournament earlier this year, appeared on indictment and denied assaulting a man at Market Place, Galashiels, on November 30 by punching him on the head, causing him to fall to the ground to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

He also denies attempting to pervert the course of justice by contacting two witnesses to provide police with false evidence.

A further first hearing was set for August 27.

ASSAULT ALLEGATION

A Galashiels man accused of assaulting another to his severe injury will stand trial by jury on September 9.

Sean Boswell, 20, of Balmoral Avenue, denies seizing hold of a man by his clothing, punching him on the head, causing him to fall against a window and then to the ground, and repeatedly punching and kicking him on the head and body to his severe injury at Green Street, Galashiels, on November 10.

COMMUNITY PAYBACK ORDER

A repeat offender has been sentenced to a 12-month community payback order with 60 hours of unpaid work.

Zoe Forsyth, 23, of Duke Street, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a bail curfew at Union Street, Galashiels, on June 19 last year.

Forsyth also admitted possession of cannabis resin at Duke Street on March 27 this year.

It seems that almost every other week at the moment we have been giving local health chiefs what is colloquially known as ‘a right good shoe-ing’.

And sadly, this week we have to pick on NHS Borders again, reporting on the rise in complaints about local health services and the massive drop in positive commendations.

The figures, revealed in the annual complaints and feedback report, record that in 2012/13, a total of 179 complaints were received, up from 150 the previous year, while commendations plunged from 3,204 to a little over 2,000.

Only around half of complaints were actually upheld and, on another good point, complaints about staff attitude and behaviour fell by a quarter.

But it surely has to have the ‘high heid yins’ at the Newstead HQ worried that the number of positive remarks dropped so substantially?

NHS Borders believes a recent publicity campaign highlighting people’s right to give feedback is probably the reason for the rise in complaints.

And it says that, despite the fall in commendations, these still outnumber complaints by 10-1.

But how do they account for the fall in commendations? Perhaps they should be a bit more concerned as to why the number of people who felt they received good enough service to warrant putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard plummeted by such a staggering amount.

Forth One DJ Boogie has signed up for Edinburgh Rugby as the club’s stadium announcer at Murrayfield this season.

Boogie, aka Andrew Bouglas, will be make his Edinburgh Rugby debut in his hometown of Hawick at the club’s final pre-season fixture against Newcastle Falcons at Mansfield Park (Friday, August 30, kick-off 7.45pm) and is itching to get started.

“I’m extremely happy to be involved with Edinburgh Rugby for the coming season,” he said.

“The first game against Newcastle will be extra special for me as Mansfield Park is in my home town, so it will be great to be back there and back the team. These are exciting times for the club. I’m really pleased to be a part of it and am looking forward to getting the campaign under way.”

Edinburgh Rugby managing director David Davies said: “People that listen to Boogie’s radio shows, day-in, day-out, will know that we have acquired the services of an extremely talented presenter. His unquestionable skills of captivating an audience, will add a vibrancy and buzz to our matchday experience this season.”

As well as the presence of Boogie, spectators at the Edinburgh v Falcons game can also enjoy pre-match entertainment with Hawick Pipe Band as well as a drinks tent and fast-food outlet in the ground.

Hawick RFC are offering a hospitality package of a three-course meal, complementary drink and match entry. Speakers will be Kelso internationalist Alan Tait and Falcons’ coach Dean Richards.

Contact the rugby club to book.

Melrose25

Selkirk16

Rugby-starved supporters enjoyed a good physical contest between two sides eager to start their season on a high note.

In the end it was hosts Melrose who ran out winners in this Border League match-up, but National outfit Selkirk showed they were more than able to hold their own at a higher level.

Melrose coach John Dalziel admitted that some fine tuning was still needed within his squad, but that overall he was happy with their performance, especially up front.

“I was pleased with the attitude and many parts of our performance against Selkirk,” he told The Southern.

“I thought we brought a lot of physicality in our defence and at the contact area which are two main areas we are really focusing on. Our defence was very effective against a strong Selkirk side .

“Some of our attacking play looked very dangerous at times, also. Due to this being our first full game together this was very much a starting point with many areas still to work on and progress as we prepare for Heriot’s this weekend.”

The match exploded into life with Selkirk making an early charge for the line and Michael McVie put the Souters ahead from a penalty. Joe Helps replied in kind to level the scores and banged over a further three to put Melrose 12-3 in front with just over half-an-hour gone.

That lead was further increased following a typical Andrew Skeen break with Allan Dodds touching down in the corner.

Selkirk refused to give up and were rewarded when a quickly-taken tap penalty allowed wing Scott Hendrie to plunge over the line and register the visitors’ first try, to make the score 17-8 at half-time. McVie’s second successful penalty closed the gap to 17-11 after the break, but Helps restored Melrose’s nine-point advantage with his fifth.

The same player struck a decisive blow in the 57th minute by crossing for a try to cap a spell of intense pressure by the home forwards, well marshalled by skipper Graeme Dodds.

Cata Graur crashed over for a second try for Selkirk, but despite some intense pressure in the closing stages, there was no further scoring.

East Kilbride4

Selkirk1

East Kilbride made it two wins on the bounce in the new league as striker Gary Graham notched four goals in 30 minutes on Saturday.

The predatory Graham began the rout in the third minute and it was soon two when he steered the ball into the corner of the net.

The hosts had put the game to bed by the 10th minute when Graham guided home one of the quickest hat-tricks the league will ever see.

Martyn McLaughlin smashed across the face of the goal for Graham to notch his fourth, while Selkirk grabbed a late consolation through Craig Scott.

Preston Athletic1

Vale of Leithen2

Vale made it seven points from their first three games with a hard-won victory at Pennypit Park.

With just 24 seconds on the clock, Charlie Brigain shot home to put the visitors in the driving seat.

Preston got back on level terms when Sean Martin found the net with a well-taken strike, but the game’s turning point came just after the hour mark when the home side lost goalie John Gilbertson. His replacement was slow to claim a cross and Vale’s John Ross Kerr got there first to head it into the net.

Hawick Royal Albert2

Ormiston1

Royal Albert ended up on the right end of the result, as well as pulling off a rare achievement of winning two games in succession, writes John Slorance.

The game got off to a quiet start, with the first piece of serious action arriving after the quarter-hour mark when Ormiston keeper David Simmonds pulled off an excellent save from a Paul Russell header, following a Declan Hogg corner kick.

With 22 minutes gone, Ormiston broke the deadlock when Connor Ramage took full advantage of some slipshod Hawick defending to run in and score.

The Teries came rallying back and Kevin Strathdee and Mikey Smith were both denied goals by excellent stops from Simmonds.

Six minutes into the second period, Albert’s Sean Loughlin was red-carded for scything down Scott Wright.

Hawick now had an uphill task on their hands, but the homesters got on with matters and in the 57th minute snatched an equaliser.

After latching on to a spot on pass from Andy Williamson, Strathdee produced a piece of deadly finishing in driving a shot out of the reach of Simmonds.

After 70 minutes, Hawick did it all again following some good approach play, Hogg threading the ball to the feet of Strathdee who fired home.

Ormiston then had a golden opportunity to equalise on being awarded a penalty.

There was to be no joy for the visitors, though, as Dean Fry touched Scott Mackenzie’s spot kick onto the post after diving to his right.

Kelso United2

Eyemouth United3

Eyemouth progressed to the second round of the Alex Jack Cup with a last-minute winner from Leigh Walker, writes George Riley.

After a slow start, the game came to life in the second half as Kelso scored two goals within five minutes of the restart.

The first came from a mistake from Paul Tansey, who misplaced a back pass, allowing Calum McClure to fire home into an empty net.

The home side made it two when Des Burnett scored from close range.

Eyemouth reduced the deficit within a minute when leading striker Steven Shennon found room in the box to head home a cross by Kiren Bullen.

And in the next attack, Shennon was given space in the box and he took advantage by firing a shot past the diving Turnbull.

In the last minute, when a move down the right found Walker on the left side of the box, the full back side-footed a shot into the net to give the visitors victory.

Gala Fairydean RovERS 1

Dalbeattie Star 4

Three matches into the new season, and Gala Fairydean Rovers have a single point to their name.

It’s certainly not the most stunning of starts, the players finding it difficult to stamp their authority on the Lowland League. The Fairies’ biggest problem at the moment lies at the back – their inability to react quickly to a quick break or a well-timed long ball allowed the sharper Dalbeattie players to take their chances.

Ask what the problem was, Gala boss Stevie Noble said: “I can’t put my finger on it. But we’ll get there. We’ll talk about it and work on some defensive aspects at training because we have lost too many cheap goals so far.”

Jamie Struthers opened the scoring in the 10th minute. He picked the ball up just inside the Gala half and set off on a looping run into the box and slipped the ball into the net past John Dodds.

Struthers had to be subbed after taking a knock in the 24th minute, and he was replaced by gangly ginger-headed Hugh Cameron.

Unfortunately for the home side, he turned out to be even more dangerous than his predecessor.

He made it 2-0 after finding himself with the ball in space, and four minutes later he hit the third, winding his way in from the left and shooting home from an acute angle.

Jamie Gibson narrowed the gap from the spot after he was taken down by Dalbeattie’s Kevin Neilson, but the three-goal gap was reinstated, with Cameron again in the mix – his shot across goal looked as though it would sneak in at the left hand post, but Jack Steele made sure of the counter by guiding it beyond Dodds with a deft swipe.

Gala were not completely outplayed. They did, indeed, enjoy a large amount of the ball and had several close encounters with the opposition goal, and hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions. They were also the victims of a couple of very dodgy refereeing calls, one of which saw Stuart Noble given a free kick instead of a penalty, in an otherwise fairly uneventful second half.

However, for all Gala’s good points, it is certain that they need to shore up that back line so that all the good work they do elsewhere is not for naught.

Dalbeattie top the new league, while Gala sit third from bottom. This early in the season, table positions are almost always false. Going by Saturday’s display, however, it feels about right.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: J. Dodds, A. Nicol, K. Collins, J. Inglis, C. McBride (R. Grant 53 mins), D. Bonnar, B. Miller (S. Paliczka 63 mins), M. Berry, S. Noble, J. Gibson and D. McColm (C. Jardine 63 mins).

The Border Amateur B Division match between Gordon and Hawick Legion on Saturday was abandoned just past the hour mark.

Legion player Nathan Douglas received a serious knee injury and, after the game had been held up for some 40 minutes awaiting the arrival of an ambulance, it was decided that the game should not restart. Gordon were leading 4-1 at the time.

The league’s executive committee will decide whether the game will be replayed or not.

Newtown1

Hawick Waverley1

There may have been a shortage of goals, but there was no lack of fast-flowing football from the two respective
sides in this entertaining tussle.

Waverley made the early running, but it was Newtown who did the scoring with a breakaway goal from Scott Leitch.

From here on, it was end-to-end stuff with Waverley getting an equaliser when Scott Craig headed home a Liam Lavery cross.

A draw was a fitting 
result.

Greenlaw1

Stow4

Following a closely-fought first half-hour, Stow put their foot on the gas to cruise to a comfortable win over Greenlaw.

Jordan Steele began the scoring for Stow in eight minutes, but the hosts replied with an equaliser through Culham from a Smillie free kick at the edge of the box.

From the 33rd minute, however, the visitors had it all their own way. Hagen Steele tapped in from a Johnny Crawford cross, Jordan Steele scored from a crisp one-touch pass from the Stow half and Steele closed the game with a scoring run from halfway to slip the ball past the advancing keeper.

New manager, new team, new committee, new look – it’s all happening for Peebles Rovers.

And if last Saturday’s big win over Duns is anything to go by, it could well be a new beginning for the Whitestone Park club.

Talking ahead of his side’s Image Printers Cup tie against Craigroyston, first-term Rovers manager John O’Hara, who had a brief spell as Gala Fairydean team 
boss last season, told The Southern: “There are only two guys from last season in the squad.

“A lot of new players have been brought in, but it’s going to take time for them to gel. Things are not going to happen overnight, but the foundations are being set.

“A lot is going on behind the scenes as well as we have eight new committee members. We are taking small strides, but we are taking strides in the right direction.

“I was very happy with our performance against Duns. It was the first time we had really managed to get a full squad together and we pulled off a good win. It will be a big test for us against Craigroyston, but we are all looking forward to the match.”

Hawick Royal Albert travel to face Eyemouth United in another tie. Glancing ahead to this one, Albert coach John Fettes said: “We have won two games on the bounce and it’s been a long time since Hawick last did this. There is a different atmosphere within the side this season. Some issues may have to be sorted, but we are getting results and there is a good atmosphere within the squad.

“I think we can play even better and although it’s an old cliché, we will be taking every game as it comes. I know things can go wrong, but they say winning breeds confidence and this is working for us.

“Eyemouth have had a mixed start to the season and are a good solid side, but we will be looking to make it three in a row.”

Selkirk get a break from Lowland League football to play in the Image Printers Cup. The Yarrow Park men have a difficult task on their hands, though, meeting fellow Lowland League side, Gretna 2008 at home.

In the Lowland League, Gala Fairydean Rovers entertain Preston Athletic at Netherdale, while Vale of Leithen travel to face East Kilbride.

Hawick Legion Rovers1

Melrose3

Rovers started well and took the lead through a Steven Aries goal.

But Melrose equalised through Bob Cleghorn and started to gain the upper hand.

The league new boys went on to score a further two times through William Mercer and could have won by a bigger tally had it not been for some excellent saves from Rovers keeper Kevin Miller.

Hawick United0

Jed Legion6

Hat-tricks from Dean Jeffrey and Daniel Gillie steered Legion to a clear-cut league victory.

Jed travelled to Wilton Park for the second time in a week, having beat Hawick Legion previously, looking to continue their good start to the season.

Graeme Hyland picked out Jeffrey in the box with a cross inside 30 seconds and his header rocketed into the roof of the net to get the visitors off to the perfect start.

Jed were soon two up, this time Nathan Gillie supplying the cross and Jeffrey placing the ball past the home keeper.

It was then Daniel Gillie’s turn to get on the scoresheet, netting a quickfire double to give the visitors a comfortable lead at the break.

Gillie notched his hat-trick just after the break, tapping home at the back post.

The visitors went further ahead, Jeffrey getting his hat-trick when he was on hand to prod home a Nathan Gillie pass.

Legion’s main sponsor this season is local business Chips Away who offer specialist vehicle bodywork repairs, alloy wheel refurbishment, free estimates and courtesy vehicles.

Jedburgh branch manager Andy Bathgate said he was delighted to be sponsoring the team this year and wishes them all the best for the forthcoming season.

WESTRUTHER sporting all-rounder Martin Smith has been enjoying success at the highest of levels when competing at the UK Tetrathlon Championships.

The 16-year-old Earlston High School pupil travelled to Bishop Burton in Yorkshire after qualifying at intermediate level in the Pony Club inter-branch tetrathlon competition held at Kirriemuir and Arbroath last month.

Held over three days, the UK event consisted of shooting and swimming phases on the Friday, cross-country riding on Saturday and running the following day.

In the swimming, Martin equalled his personal best to put him in a strong starting position. Nerves kicked in slightly and he didn’t have the best of shoots, but at the end of the day he was lying in 11th place overall with his two strong phases to come.

The cross-country riding section was very challenging. Riding his 17-hand thoroughbred Spider, a tried and tested combination, Martin produced a fabulous clear well within the time allowed. This meant that he went into the final day of the competition in 10th place.

The running phase was a real test. There was rough ground, steep hills and twists. Martin ran well and his extra spurt of speed towards the finishing line saw one of the best running times of the day and, when all the scores for the four phases were in, he ended up fourth overall. As Martin has now had two top-10 finishes at intermediate level in the UK Championships, he will have to move up to the open level next year.

A QUINTET of Borders girls will be heading south this weekend to represent the Duke of Buccleuch Pony Club in the National Novice Pony Club Championships.

Jessica Friell (Roberton), Rachel Potts (Kelso), Lucinda Crawford (Melrose) and Eryn Douglas (Lilliesleaf) will compete in the show jumping team championships while Rachel, Lucinda, Eryn and Emma Bruce (Ancrum) take on other qualifying teams from all over the UK in the eventing championships.

The preliminary rounds saw more than 500 teams from all over the UK fighting for just over 40 places at the event, so already the girls have done exceptionally well to be heading to Cheshire for what is sure to be a fantastic experience.