A man in his 80s was rushed to hospital after it is believed he was attacked by a bull near Greenlaw yesterday.
The incident happened on farmland near the Berwickshire town at about 12.15pm.
The man, who is understood not to be a farmer or farm worker, was receiving treatment for his injuries at the Borders General Hospital yesterday, police said today.
The A7 near Galashiels was closed for two hours following a crash involving three vehicles yesterday.
A baby is believed to be among the seven people injured in the collision at Boleside, between Galashiels and Selkirk, at around 11.30am.
Police said today: “None of the injuries are thought to be serious.
“What caused the collision is still under investigation.”
Ambulance and fire crews attended and the injured were taken to the Borders General Hospital.
The road was re-opened at 1.30pm.
Borders Sport & Leisure has announced that the head coach of the Scottish rugby team, Scott Johnson, will be the keynote speaker at its fifth annual Coaching Conference taking place on September 22 at the Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels.
Aimed at coaches, teachers and volunteers, the one day coaching conference features a morning seminar and question and answer session with Scott Johnson followed by expert-led workshops across seven different sporting disciplines - athletics, cycling, football, hockey, rugby, swimming and tennis.
Borders Sport & Leisure hopes the event will help to develop the skills and abilities of local coaches and inspire them as Scotland anticipates a landmark year of sport with the approach of next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport & Leisure, said: “The coaching conference is one of the biggest events we hold each year.
“Last year over 100 delegates attended and we hope that even more people involved in sport will choose to come along this time.
“The specialist sporting sessions are being hosted by some of the country’s leading coaches and this event provides a rare opportunity for people involved in sport in the Borders to learn from the best in the business.”
Johnson said: “It is vital that coaches across the country come together and learn from each other and from developments across the world.
“None of us has all the answers, but if we are smart, we can learn some more that improves us and our teams. This conference is a great way to do this and so I’d urge all coaches to get involved.”
Places on the Scottish Borders Coaching Conference are limited and those interested in attending are being urged to book as soon as possible.
Full details on the Borders Sport and Leisure Scottish Borders Coaching Conference can be found at www.bslt.org.uk.
Five people were taken to hospital following a six-vehicle pile-up on the A68 at Soutra Hill last night.
The crash happened at about 5.10pm when a Honda Civic travelling north was involved in a collision with the other vehicles.
Police say the Honda driver and passenger sustained serious injuries and were among the five taken to Edinburgh Royal Hospital.
A further five people were treated at the scene by ambulance staff.
The road was closed for several hours for investigations.
Sergeant Roger Park, from Police Scotland’s National Trunk Road Patrol Group, said: “In the immediate aftermath of the collision a number of motorists stopped to provide assistance to the injured, and I would like to thank them for their help, and for remaining at the scene in order to assist responding officers.
“The road was closed for a number of hours while inquiries took place at the scene, and an investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing.
“At this time I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who thinks they have any relevant information that would assist our inquiries, to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Three Borders derbies have been pulled out the hat following the draw for the first round of the South Challenge Cup.
Lowland League rivals Gala Fairydean Rovers and Selkirk will meet at Netherdale on Saturday, October 26.
On the same day Kelso United will entertain Duns along with an all-Berwickshire clash between Coldstream and Eyemouth United at Home Park.
Hawick Royal Albert have been drawn at home to Leith Athletic.
Vale of Leithen have been given a bye into the second round where they await the winners of the Kelso v Duns clash.
The tie of the second round is Spartans v Whitehill Welfare after both clubs received byes.
The South Challenge Cup is regionalised until the quarter finals when the all in draw will feature clubs from the South of Scotland League as well.
Gala Fairydean Rovers are running a supporters bus to this Saturday’s Lowland League
match away to Stirling University.
The bus will leave from Netherdale at 11.30am and the cost of the trip will be £6.
Please contact any committee member or the club’s Facebook page if you want to support the team on the away day.
Gala will also be wearing for the very first time their new ‘AC Milan’ style strips of red and black vertical stripes, white shorts and black socks sponsored by Galashiels-based Five Star Taxis.
Gala Fairydean Rovers entertain Livingston in a friendly match at Netherdale next Wednesday (September 4), kick off 6.30pm.
The SPFL Championship side have indicated they will be sending their first team to the Borders for the match as they have no game the following weekend due to the international break.
Livingston’s previous director of football was John Collins, now involved with his home town team Gala.
The West Lothian club are currently winless in the league after three games, and face Dundee on Friday night.
Ashkirk
Classes
Keep-fit classes are held in the village hall every Tuesday (1-2pm). Scottish country dance classes will restart at the same venue in on September 11 (2-3.30pm).
Caddonfoot
Parish church
It was a family occasion at the morning service on Sunday when there were 100 extra ‘guests’ to celebrate the baptism of Lotte Alexandra Kemp, conducted by the Reverend Marion Dodd. They were joined by parents Alex and Sally, godparents Natasha, Paul, Nicky, Brian and June, as well as their family and friends. “We had 30 young children and there was a very happy atmosphere,” said the Reverend Dodd. The lessons were read by Nigel Stock and Alison Burrell. Michael Burrell recited “Forever Young”.CY resumed after the summer break. Next Sunday, the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be led by the Reverend Dodd at 9.45am.
Denholm
Flower show
Denholm Flower Show is in the village hall on September 7. Entries will be accepted between 7-9pm the previous day and from 7.30-10am on the Saturday. The show will be opened at 2.30pm by Bob Neil, former village postmaster. Copies of the schedule are available from local shops and committee members.
AGM
Denholm Drama Group’s AGM will take place on August 26 at 7.30pm in the church hall. Everyone welcome, especially prospective new members. Chair Alan Dowler-Smith is standing down after three years in office. R emember to keep the treasurer happy and bring £5 membership fees for the forthcoming year.
Earlston
Camera club
Earlston Camera Club restarts on September 4 at 7.30pm in its new home at the Red Lion. Open to all, no matter what skill level or equipment, the club offers guest speakers, presentations, workshops and competitions. Season membership is £15 and visitors are welcome to attend club meetings for £2. A syllabus is available on the club’s website – http://earlstoncameraclub.wix.com/home. The opening competition is titled “A Grand Day Out”, with up to five entries per member (three digital and two print). For more information about the club, how to join or to get in contact with a committee member, visit the website or come along to a club meeting.
Flower show
Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual show in the primary school hall on August 31. The venue is open to the public from 2pm, with the presentation of prizes by Elspeth Watson at 4.15pm. Entries are still open and schedules available from the Spar shop post office.
Parish church
September 1 – morning service starts at 10.15am and will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. A short evening service in Heriot Church begins at 6.30pm. September 5 – the church will be open for quiet reflection from 11am,
with a short period of led worship at noon. The Faith Exploration course starts at 7.30pm in the manse. September 7 – the autumn fair runs from 10am-noon in the church hall, which will be open the previous night for donations to the stalls.
Women’s group
The group’s opening night on September 5 features Coco Belle at Home (gifts and homeware) in the church hall at 8pm. Tickets from committee members, or can pay at the door.
Ettrickbridge
Coffee morning
The next monthly coffee morning and sale in aid of hall funds will be held in the village hall on September 7 (10am-noon). Anyone with anything to sell should turn up, take a table and give a small donation to the hall.
Soddin Flodden
September 27 will see a performance of Soddin’ Flodden in the village hall. After a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ideoms Theatre – in the shape of John Nichol, Hilary Bell and Lucy Cowan – bring the events leading up to the Battle of Flodden up the valley. Tickets from Linda Elmitt (01750 52257).
galashiels
Rotary
Callum’s Trust was founded in memory of Callum Finney by his wife, Audrey, and their friends on the night of his death from lymphoma, members were told. In an emotive talk, Audrey explained how the disease had affected him over a two-year period and how the trust has helped others. The aims of the organisation are to raise funds to provide equipment and resources to patients who are receiving treatment for lymphoma, leukaemia or myeloma within the Borders, receiving end-of-life cancer care at home in the region, provide resources for the siderooms in Ward 6 at Borders General Hospital and give funds to any charity involved in the development of a Borders hospice. The trust also raised £46,000 towards the BGH’s Margaret Kerr unit. In total, around £70,000 has been raised over the years. The next trust fundraisers are a ceilidh on September 21 and the Big Cycle on September 28. More details of these can be found at: http://www.callumstrust.org/category/events/.
AGM
Parents and carers of pupils at St Margaret’s RC primary school are invited to the parent council’s annual general meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 4, at 6.30pm in the school hall. As well as electing a new committee for the 2013-14 school year, details will be given of plans to paint the railings in Livingstone Place.
Glendouglas
Barbecue
The community hall family barbecue is on August 31 from 6pm. Bring your own food and refreshments, and there will be children’s games.
Hawick
Rotary
President Scott Elliot welcomed an old friend to last week’s meeting – Dr Peter Paterson-Brown – who reminisced on his life as a GP serving the town. He arrived in Hawick in 1957 at the practice of Dr Ross Haddon in the midst of a flu epidemic. He later took a partnership in the practice and remained in the town until retiring in 1991. He later took up locum work in the Highlands and served CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) for 12 years. An interesting question and discussion session followed, after which past president Ron Laidlaw thanked the doctor.
Heriot
Church
On September 1, the third Melrose and Peebles Presbytery Evening Worship will be held at 6.30pm in Heriot Church to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Iona Community.
Innerleithen
Church
The service on September 1 will be at 10.30am in Innerleithen Church.
jedburgh
Coffee morning
Owing to a clash of dates over which the organisers had no control, the coffee morning in aid of Jedburgh Christmas Lights has had to be rescheduled from September 14. It will now be held in the Royal British Legion on October 26 at 10am. Tickets already sold for the September date will be honoured and new tickets for the revised date will be on sale in due course.
Coffee evening
The Scottish Borders Africa Aids Group is holding a fundraising coffee evening on September 4 (7-8.30pm) at the
Royal British Legion Hall in Jedburgh.
kelso
Bridge club
August 21 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2, Jean and Quentin McLaren; 3, John and Marian Miller; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Val Fairbairn and Jean Bunyan; 3, Joyce Thomson and Helenor Pratt. August 22 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, John and Marian Miller; 3, Brian Saywood and Evelyn Erskine; E/W – 1, Kitty Home-Robertson and Christine McCreath; 2 Lee Leeson and Bob Stevenson; 3, Nancy Porter and Jock Dun.
Abbey
The Kelso Abbey 900 Exhibition and Events programme is – September 2-8 – exhibition in Town Hall (Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 10am-4pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am-6pm). September 3 – 7pm, talk in Abbey Row Centre on the abbey architecture by Mark Douglas. September 4 – 2pm, talk in Abbey Row Centre on England’s Rough Wooing by Isabel Gordon; 8pm, Kelso Ghost Walk (£5, children under-15 must be accompanied), meet in Kelso Square. September 5 – 7pm, talk in Abbey Row Centre on The French Connection by David Welsh. September 6 – 7pm, talk in Cross Keys Hotel, “Kelso Abbey – Picture Perfect”, by Keith Cavers. Tickets available from Hector Innes Photography. September 7 – 2pm, artful illumination junior activity
for children eight and over in the Town Hall. September 7 and 8 – 1pm, abbey tours, meet at Town Hall.
Quilters
Abbey Quilters will have their first meeting of the new season on September 10 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre when Rineke Sangster will give a workshop on Sashiko. Kits will be provided for a small charge. Remember to bring mug,registration form and money. Visitors welcome. For further information, contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414.
Cup match
September 1 sees the Yetholm Challenge Cup – a football match between Kelso FC Under-15s and Berwick Juniors Under-15s at Woodside Park (2.30pm ko). Kelso Pipe Band will be in attendance.
Animation workshops
Animation workshops for ages nine-18 years begin on September 7 (10am-12.30pm) in the Abbey Row Centre for four weeks. Participants make their own animated film, see it on YouTube, receive a personalised DVD and then view it on screens around Kelso as part of the Animated Film Roadshow. For a booking form, email ireid@yetholmtown.plis.com.
LANGHOLM
Medal
Irving Stuart has been formally presented with his Arctic Star medal by Michael Moore, Secretary of State for Scotland, at the day centre in the town which he attends regularly. He is the town’s only surviving veteran of the Second World War Arctic convoys. Mr Moore was accompanied by his parents, Haisley and Jill, who are close friends of Irving. Haisley was minister at the parish church and Irving was church officer for many years.
Open meeting
The Playcare is holding an open evening, along with the annual general meeting, on September 3 in the community centre. The meeting starts at 6.30pm.
LAUDER
Flower show
Lauder Flower Show will be held on August 31 in the primary school (note change of venue). Dr Cath Cormie is to open the event at 2.30pm when cups and prizes will be presented. Show entries to Christine Brotherston, 2 Smithy Croft, Lauder (01578 722469).
Lilliesleaf
Show
Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk, Midlem and district flower and vegetable show takes place on September 7, raising funds for local causes. Entries should be dropped off between 10am and noon at Lilliesleaf village hall. The show runs from 3-7pm, with the prizegiving and auction at 5.30pm. In addition, there will be cricket from noon, with cream teas, duck race and prettiest pooch competition about 2.30pm. Riddell Fiddles are to play at 4pm, with a barbecue rounding the day off.
Melrose
Blood donors
At a blood-donor session on August 22, 122 volunteers offered to give blood and 103 donations were given. There were seven new donors.
Road race
A road race held in Melrose on Sunday and organised by Chris Renton, of Priors Walk, raised £217 for the Brathay Trust charity, which helps vulnerable children and young adults.
Church
September 1 – services at Bowden (9.30am),Melrose (10am and 11am). Church magazine is available. September 2 – the Blythswood lorry will be at the rugby club at the new time of (2.20-2.50pm)
Trimontium
September 1 sees the last of this season’s round-the-Newstead-site afternoon walks at 2pm with Ian Brown from the East Newstead Millennium Milestone. From then to the end of October, the full Trimontium walk is available on Thursday afternoons only at 1.30pm from the Heritage Centre in Melrose Market Square. September 2 (1.30-3.30pm) sees the penultimate Old Melrose monastic peninsula walk for the season, starting from the tearoom off the A68, first exit going south after the end of the Melrose bypass. At 1.30pm on September 7, rendezvous at the south end of Old Drygrange Bridge, Leaderfoot, to start the Scottish Archaeology Month free walk to the top of Easter Hill, across the Tweed
Midlem
Dancing
Wednesday dance classes start again on September 4 (8-10pm) in the village hall. On September 14 there is a dance – proceeds to charity – to Robert Whitehead’s Band (7.30-11.30pm). Phone Gracie Belle Scott (01835 870244) for more information and tickets.
Morebattle
Coffee morning
The coffee morning held on Saturday in aid of Diabetes Scotland UK raised £735. Competition winners – pot plant – Hazel Laidlaw; bottle of whisky – Janette Lothian; cake – Vera Kelly, Yetholm; hamper – Claire Thomson; quiz – Mrs. M. Little, Kelso.
Race
Morebattle Games Hill Race – men’s seniors – Darrel Hastie, Kelso, 31.38.50min; ladies’ seniors – Dianne Lauder, Gala Harriers, 34.20.80; juniors – Joe Agnew, Gala Harriers, 35.18.50min.
WRI
Members will meet in the institute on September 11 at 7.15pm for a f elt craft demonstration by Apithanny Bourne. Competitions – painted pebble and a ring.
Cup match
See Kelso section.
Animation workshops
See Kelso section.
NEWTOWN
Senior citizens
A new group for older residents – Newtown and Eildon Seniors’ Afternoon Club – meets for the first time on Tuesday, September 3, (2-4pm) in the Community Wing. Refreshments will be available and admission is £1. All welcome. The club will meet on the first Tuesday of each month.
OXNAM
Cafe
The last library cafe, hosted by Linda Johnson, Sharne Delabeque and Carrie Scott, was well attended – the cheese scones all went in the first five minutes! The next library cafe will be on September 4, hosted by Bob McKeand.
selkirk
Mass
The Our Lady and St Joseph’s congregation celebrated Mass on Sunday with Father Robert Afayori. Parishioners are holding a coffee morning in the hall on Saturday.
Stichill
WRI
The first meeting of the new session is in the village hall at 7.30pm on September 3. Phil
Turn to page 30
From page 29
McLean will talk about his award-winning wildlife photographs. Competitions – wildlife photograph and a coaster showing an animal, plant or flowers.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on September 8 at 10 am.
Walkerburn
Service
The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on September 15 at 10am.
YETHOLM
Film nights
Brochures detailing the film nights for 2013-14 are available from village outlets. They include Lincoln, Quartet and Les Miserables. The season opens on September 7 with Lincoln.
Church
A service has taken place celebrating the efforts of the Holiday Club enjoyed by village youngsters. It was entitled Space Academy and showed a wealth of talent. The kirk has a new treasurer – Brian Kelly of Morebattle Road.
Cup match
See Kelso section.
Animation workshops
See Kelso section.
Flodden banner
A peace and reconciliation banner has been completed to mark the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden. It features the Cheviot Hills, St Cuthbert’s Cross and peace symbols of doves and olive branches. The initial design was by Judi Elliot of Yetholm and it was worked by other local women – Pat Gregory, Anna Grey, Dorothy Price and Jan Rae.
Defibrillator appeal
The target is £3,000 and so far £2,000 has been raised. Posters are up in the village exhorting people to close the gap in this cause.
Shepherds’ show
The 150th Yetholm Border Shepherds’ Show is to be held on October 5. Apart from sheep classes, there will be a craft tent, exhibition of vintage machinery, Champion of Champions’ Crook competition and youth Brae House race.Entry forms and the prize list are in circulation. Entries close for all classes on September 13 and must be submitted to show secretary Sarah Little at 5 Caverton Mains by that date. More details can be had from her on 01573 440675.
Turbine
With regard to a planning application for a turbine on Yetholm Law, a notice of review has been received by Scottish Borders Council concerning its alleged failure to determine the bid within a presribed period. The local review body will consider the case at a public meeting to be held at council HQ on September 16 at 10am.
Gymkhana
Yetholm Gymkhana took place on the Venchen Haugh, thanks to farmer David Robson. Funds were raised for charity – the local Riding for the Disabled group and various village organisations.
Bus timetable
A new timetable showing the services to and from Town and Kirk Yetholm is available from the village shop.
Fringe appearance
Taking part in this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe was singer Anne Renshaw, now based in Edinburgh but who grew up in Yetholm. She returned to the village this year to perform in the Festival Week opening concert. Joining her at the Edinburgh folk event was Muckle Flugga.
Electricity
The upgrading of Yetholm electricity sub-station is nearing completion. For many months a group of workers from Wales have been carrying out the job, including the building of a new perimeter wall.
The 56th Ettrick Flower show was held in the Boston Hall last Saturday.
Once again it was encouraging to see new exhibitors and the valley’s younger folk now becoming regular trophy winners.
Chairperson Roxy Stephen congratulated exhibitors on the high standard of their entries and thanked supporters of the show, especially the committee. Rab Wilson, writer-in-residence at the James Hogg exhibition in Ettrick Primary School presented the prizes and entertained guests with a poetry recital.
Particularly noteworthy were the entries for a “Potato Beastie”. Six years ago, local potter Ray Dowle presented the show with the Flockfield Potato Trophy to mark its 50th anniversary. Every year this class is for an item related to the humble potato.
TROPHY WINNERS (pictured)
Napier Cup (most points in flower section) – Roxy Stephen; best exhibit in flower section – Roxy Stephen; Pot Plant Trophy (most points in pot plant section) – Sheila Tyldesley; best exhibit in pot plant section) – Sheila Tyldesley; Strang Steel Cup – most points in decorative section – Maureen Ayling; George Stephen Quaich (best exhibit in decorative section) – Maureen Ayling; Macvicar Rose Bowl (most points in vegetable section) – Thomas Bryson; best exhibit in vegetable section – Thomas Bryson; Jack Goddard Trophy (best box of salad vegetables) – Thomas Bryson.
James Baird Shield (most points in baking section) – Jenny Oldfield; best exhibit in baking section – Lucile Macleod.
Photography – best exhibit in each class – “Something Broken” – Stuart Howden; “Reflections” – John Forsyth; “Wild” – Bridie Ashrowan; photograph with a caption – Thomas Bryson; Andrea Ashburn Trophy (most points in photography section) – Marjorie Hutton.
Golden Anniversary Trophy (most points in craft section) – Carole Howden;best exhibit in craft section – Irene McFadzen.
Jim and Joan Dodds Trophy (most points in show) – Thomas Bryson.
Flockfield Potato Trophy (Potato Beastie) – Shaun Ryde.
Children – most points in each age group – 12-18 – Angus Reid; up to 11 years – Hamish Reid; George Milne Trophy (best exhibit in juvenile section) – Emily Bryson and Hamish Reid.
Three Borders rugby legends are in the running to be inducted into Scottish Rugby’s Hall of Fame, the SRU have announced today.
Stow farmer Doug Elliot, Selkirk’s John Rutherford and Galashiels’ own Gregor Townsend go up against John Bannerman and Bill Maclagan, with one of the places being decided by an interactive public vote.
The Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 2010 and 12 figures were inducted, including Bill McLaren, Jim Telfer and Ned Haig.
While Rutherford and Townsend are both well known to have been stylish fly-halves for Scotland in more recent years, Elliot was a wing forward from Edinburgh Accies who won 29 caps in the 1940s and 50s.
An SRU spokesman said: “With great pace and stamina, he was a destructive tackler who struck fear into the hearts of opposing half-backs.
“His ceaseless harrying contributed to Wales’ downfall at Murrayfield in 1951. Selected for the 1950 Lions tour, he could not afford to be away from his farm for six months and offered to pay for his own flight to cut travel time by sea. His offer, sadly, was declined.”
Details on how to vote via Twitter, Facebook and on the Scottish Rugby website will be announced next month with the closing date for votes early October. The Hall of Fame evening will take place on Thursday, November 7 at Murrayfield.
BOWLING
Borders Senior League
August 20
Jedburgh 58 Kelso 58
Peebles 47 Hawick 69
Earlston/Melrose 47 Newtown 50
Wilton 45 Abbotsford 63
Selkirk/Ettrick Forest 75 Gala 47
P W D F A Diff Pts
Selkirk/Ett. Forest 15 12 1 892 728 +144 25
Wilton 14 10 0 811 670 +141 20
Kelso 14 8 2 788 718 +70 18
Jedburgh 15 7 3 783 788 -5 17
Gala 15 8 0 793 778 +15 16
Hawick 15 7 1 784 814 -30 15
Earlston/Melrose 15 6 1 800 794 +6 13
Buccleuch 14 6 0 743 758 -15 12
Abbotsford 15 6 0 758 794 -56 12
Peebles 14 4 0 699 845 -146 8
Newtown 14 2 0 613 777 -164 4
FOOTBALL
Image Printers EoS Qualifying Cup
August 24
Burntisland Shipyard Amateur 5 Duns 2
Eyemouth United 2 Hawick Royal Albert 5
Kelso United 2 Ormiston 4
Leith Athletic 4 Edinburgh University 1
Peebles Rovers 3 Craigroyston 3 (aet, 4-3 on pens)
Spartans (Lowland League) 3 Edinburgh City 2
Selkirk 0 Gretna 2008 2
Whitehill Welfare 3 Coldstream 1
Berwick Rangers Reserves 2 Spartans EoS 1
Alex Jack Cup
August 24
Easthouses Lily MW 3 Tynecastle 3 (aet, 4-3 on pens)
Heriot-Watt University 0 Stirling University (LL) 4
PREMIER DIVISIOn
August 24
Civil Service Strollers 1 Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 3
P W D L G Diff Pts
Lothian Thistle HV 1 1 0 0 3 2 3
Coldstream 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Edinburgh Univ 1 1 0 0 1 1 3
CS Strollers 2 1 0 1 4 -1 3
Heriot-Watt Univ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Spartans EOS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stirling Univ EOS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Leith Athletic 1 0 0 1 2 -1 0
Tynecastle 1 0 0 1 1 -1 0
Craigroyston 1 0 0 1 0 -1 0
First DIVISIOn
August 21
Easthouses Lily MW 1 Eyemouth United 1
P W D L G Diff Pts
Hibernian EOS 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
Easthouses Lily MW 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
Eyemouth United 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
Berwick Rang EOS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Burntislnd Shpyrd 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Duns 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hawick RA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ormiston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Peebles Rovers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kelso United 1 0 0 1 2 -2 0
LOWLAND LEAGUE
August 20
Threave Rovers 1 East Kilbride 0
August 21
Preston Athletic 2 Edinburgh City 1
Selkirk 0 Spartans 3
University of Stirling 0 Gretna 2008 0
Vale of Leithen 4 Gala Fairydean Rovers 1
August 24
East Kilbride 0 Vale of Leithen 1
Gala Fairydean Rovers 1 Preston Athletic 4
P W D L G A Pts
Vale of Leithen 4 3 1 0 9 3 10
Spartans 4 3 1 0 7 2 10
Dalbeattie 3 2 1 0 8 4 7
Gretna 2008 4 2 1 1 7 3 7
Stirling University 4 2 1 1 6 4 7
Whitehill Welfare 3 2 0 1 9 5 6
East Kilbride 4 2 0 2 6 4 6
Threave 4 1 2 1 4 6 5
Preston Athletic 4 1 0 3 7 10 3
Edinburgh City 4 0 1 3 5 8 1
Gala Fairydean Rov 4 0 1 3 7 15 1
Selkirk 4 0 1 3 2 13 1
Rugby
PREMIER DIVISIOn
August 24
Stirling County 16 Ayr 28
Edinburgh Academicals 21 Glasgow Hawks 20
Gala 31 Currie 14
Melrose 30 Heriot’s 13
Hawick 16 Aberdeen Grammar FP 23
P W L D F A B Pts
Gala 1 1 0 0 31 14 1 5
Melrose 1 1 0 0 30 13 1 5
Ayr 1 1 0 0 28 16 1 5
Aberdeen 1 1 0 0 23 16 0 4
Edinburgh Accies 1 1 0 0 21 20 0 4
Glasgow Hawks 1 0 1 0 20 21 1 1
Hawick 1 0 1 0 16 23 1 1
Stirling County 1 0 1 0 16 28 0 0
Currie 1 0 1 0 14 31 0 0
Heriot’s 1 0 1 0 13 30 0 0
NATIONAL LEAGUE
August 24
Boroughmuir 40 Hillhead/Jordanhill 19
Watsonians 40 Peebles 22
Kelso 27 Selkirk 24
Dundee HSFP 67 Biggar 11
GHA 0 Stewart’s Melville FP 44
P W L D F A B Pts
Dundee HSFP 1 1 0 0 67 11 1 5
Stew Mel FP 1 1 0 0 44 0 1 5
Boroughmuir 1 1 0 0 40 19 1 5
Watsonians 1 1 0 0 40 22 1 5
Kelso 1 1 0 0 27 24 0 4
Selkirk 1 0 1 0 24 27 1 1
Peebles 1 0 1 0 22 40 0 0
Hillhead/Jordanhill 1 0 1 0 19 40 0 0
GHA 1 0 1 0 0 44 0 0
Biggar 1 0 1 0 11 67 0 0
CHAMPIONSHIP Division B
August 24
Murrayfield Wanderers 17 Musselburgh 45
Livingston 24 Lasswade 25
Aberdeenshire 39 Hawick YM 15
Jed-Forest 21 Howe of Fife 15
Kirkcaldy 10 Haddington 10
P W L D F A B Pts
Musselburgh 1 1 0 0 45 17 1 5
Aberdeenshire 1 1 0 0 39 15 1 5
Jed-Forest 1 1 0 0 21 15 0 4
Lasswade 1 1 0 0 25 24 0 4
Haddington 1 0 0 1 10 10 0 2
Kirkcaldy 1 0 0 1 10 10 0 2
Livingston 1 0 1 0 24 25 0 1
Howe of Fife 1 0 1 0 15 21 1 1
Hawick YM 1 0 1 0 15 39 0 0
Murrayfield Wands 1 0 1 0 17 45 0 0
Fixtures
cricket
BORDER 20/20 CUP FINAL: Saturday, August 31 - Gala v St Boswells at Meigle Park (1pm).
BORDER SUNDAY LEAGUE: Sunday, September 1 - Gala v Hawick; Manderston v Penicuik; Selkirk v St Boswells (1.30pm).
football
LOWLAND LEAGUE: Saturday, August 31 – Selkirk v Preston Athletic; Stirling University v Gala Fairydean Rovers; Whitehill Welfare v Vale of Leithen (3pm).
EOS FIRST DIVISION: Saturday, August 31 – Hibs v Hawick Royal Albert; Kelso United v Peebles Rovers (2.30pm).
BAL BORDER CUP QUARTER-FINALS: Saturday, August 31 – Leithen Rovers v Chirnside United; West Barns Star v Newtown (2pm).
COLLIE CUP QUARTER-FINAL: Saturday, August 31 – CFC Bowholm v Tweedmouth Amateurs (2pm).
BORDER EMBROIDERIES BAL DIVISION A: Saturday, August 31 – Hawick Waverley v Greenlaw; Hearts of Liddesdale v Stow; Gala Fairydean Rovers v Ancrum (2.30pm).
BAL DIVISION B: Saturday, August 31 – Coldstream Amateurs v Hawick United; Eyemouth Amateurs v Jed Legion; Gala Hotspur v Gordon; Hawick Legion v Selkirk Victoria; Linton Hotspur v Biggar (2.30pm).
BAL DIVISION C: Saturday, August 31 – Hawick Legion Rovers v Earlston Rhymers; Melrose v Lauder; St Boswells v Kelso Thistle (2.30pm).
rugby
FRIENDLY: Friday, August 30 – Edinburgh v Newcastle Falcons at Hawick RFC (7.45pm).
RBS PREMIERSHIP: Saturday, August 31 – Ayr v Melrose; Heriots v Gala; Glasgow Hawks v Hawick (3pm).
RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Saturday, August 31 – Biggar v Kelso; Peebles v GHA; Selkirk v Watsonians (3pm).
RBS CHAMPIONSHIP B: Saturday, August 31 – Haddington v Jed-Forest; Hawick YM v Murrayfield Wanderers (2.30pm).
RBS EAST REGIONAL BOWLPRELIMINARY ROUND: Saturday, August 31 – Queensferry v Gala YM (3pm).
RBS BORDER REGIONAL SHIELD: Saturday, August 31 – Earlston v Hawick Linden; Hawick Harlequins v Langholm (3pm).
RBS RESERVE LEAGUE NATIONAL ONE: Saturday, August 31 – Selkirk A v Stirling County 2nds; Heriots 2nds v Gala A; Ayr 2nds v Melrose Stormers (3pm).
RBS RESERVE LEAGUE NATIONAL TWO: Saturday, August 31 – Biggar 2nds v Kelso A (3pm).
BORDER UNDER-16 LEAGUE: Sunday, September 1 – Melrose v Berwick; Langholm v Duns; Kelso v Jed-Forest; Peebles v Hawick Albion; Selkirk v Gala Red Triangle (1pm).
A huge entry of 460 cyclists tackled the Ken Laidlaw Sportive in what has been billed as its best year yet.
The Hawick Cycling Club event, now in its sixth year, saw 100 people take on the shorter 46-mile course to Newcastleton and back, while 360 cyclists rode the 104-mile route which takes in Langholm and Eskdalemuir.
Glasgow pair Jordan Doig and David Gibson came home joint first in the short route in two hours, 24 minutes and 19 seconds, while Hawick’s own Cameron Fraser was first equal with five other riders on the long course in five hours, six minutes and 53 seconds.
Organiser Hamish Smith said: “We try and make it the friendliest sportive around and I think we succeed.
“It is a very tough and challenging course and even the experienced riders were saying how difficult it was as they crossed the line.
“Some of the riders do not even stop on the way and carry everything they need with them, but those who took their time more will have enjoyed the beautiful scenery on a great day weather-wise.
“We get compliments every year from people saying it is one of the best sportives around and that makes the hard work worthwhile.
“We have a fantastic team of people in the cycling club who man everything, including the food stations.
“I have to thank the rugby club for its hospitality, police, the Red Cross and volunteers who helped make it our best event yet.”
Hawick-born Ken Laidlaw is one of only three Scots to ever finish the Tour de France, in 1961.
He ended in 65th place, but famously led stage 16 until late on and was awarded most aggressive rider for the day for his efforts.
The Borders Bowling Association’s finals day produced plenty of competitive action at Earlston, and a spread of winners from across the region.
The finals were slightly delayed due to rain, but when on the green it was Scott Morrison of Langholm Old who picked up the junior singles title from Liam Nicholson of Waverley.
After six ends, Morrison led 13-0 and eventually ran out a 21-11 winner.
The pairs final was between Dave Buglass and Dave Luggett of Chirnside and Gordon pair Kevin Donaldson and Craig Martin.
Both these duos had previously lifted the trophy, but it was Donaldson and Martin who triumphed.
A six on the fifth end helped them to a 22-8 victory, the third time Martin had picked up this trophy.
The triples final qualifiers were John Smyth, Bill Jaffray and Reece Taylor (Wilton), and Craig Brown, Michael Paterson and Neil McNally (Melrose) – and it was the Hawick trio who ran out 14-8 victors.
The fours final was contested by Alistair Law, Rob Hogg (Snr), Jim Straker and Steven Fisher from Jedburgh against Spittal’s John Lee, Peter Dixon, Ray Allen and John Renton.
An altogether-closer match saw both teams tied at 9-9 before the Northumberland rink edged ahead to win 19-13.
In the seniors’ fours, Waverley qualifiers William Brownlee, Alistair Gammie, Clark Chalmers and Tom Thorburn competed against Ancrum’s Sandy Munro, Scott Sinton, Ronnie McCulloch and Jimmy Renwick, and it was Ancrum who squeezed home 18-15.
The single-hand final between Ivor Hogg of Ettrick Forest and Abbotsford’s Brian Anderson was a marathon game lasting longer than any other on the day.
Anderson led 18-10 after 17 ends, but Hogg fought back to lead 20-19 going into the 25th end.
However, it was the Galashiels bowler who was to persevere, by grabbing two shots to take the title 21-20.
The next event is the Borders Bowling Association’s Champions of Champions event at Berwick Bowling Club on Sunday, September 8.
Bisley at Braidwood members have been busy over the last few weeks with sure shots of all ages enjoying the Midlem venue.
Competing for the Hermiston Cup, Donald Livingston and Davy Scott were both tied on a score of 37 ex-40 following a very tight round of competition. After a very exciting shoot off, however, it was Livingston who took home the trophy. Just missing out, on a score of 36, was Jim Brodie, followed by Kyle Smith with 35.
Shooting very well in the second round, Jed Burn scored 35 ex-40, with Kyle Smith, Nigel Rock and Keith Learmonth all one place behind on 34, followed closely by David Bertram on 33.
Local youngsters also enjoyed a day at the clay pigeon venue recently (pictured above) and learned about gun safety as well as having fun. The club is looking to have another Young Shots day in the October break.
For more information on any events at Bisley at Braidwood go to www.braidwoodsc.co.uk
SPORTING DIGEST
Archery
Border Bowmen
Leigh Christie won the Killingworth Open last weekend.
Competitors shot 12 dozen arrows over four distances each day.
Christie shot two Master Bowman scores of 1,188 on Saturday and 1,190 on Sunday. She needs one more score to gain the Master Bowman classification.
Christie thanked sponsors Roxburgh Sports Council and Forbes Technologies.
Bowls
Hawick
The seniors travelled up to Peebles in a league match and emerged the winners by 69-47.
Sunday saw the playing of the Alan Barker Triples as 28 players took part, with four rinks of four and four triples.
The winners of each section met in the final, which saw Les Clarkson, Rob Johnstone and Irene Wilson taking on Graham Lyall, Doris Willison, Dave Johnstone and Reece Johnstone, with the Clarkson triple emerging winners.
The club thanked the Barker family for their continued support.
Newtown
The club was represented at the Borders Ladies Champion of Champions event by Marie Todd, who, after four hard games, emerged the overall winner.
The club held a sponsored walk for club funds this month and managed to raise £230. Thanks were made to all who took part and donated.
Stow
The A & A Doyle Funeral Directors Open Pairs Competition saw entries come from Abbotsford, Waverley, Selkirk, Gorebridge, Lauder, Melrose, Carrick Knowe and Stow. An appreciative local crowd was treated to some very fine bowling from a full entry of competitors who also commended the Stow club on the excellent standard of their green.
Final: R. Nichol & A. Gilchrist beat G. Smith & D. Purves (Selkirk).
Cycling
Galashiels
A large field of 25 club riders took part in the last 10-mile TT of the 2013 season. Coming out on top was Alistair Meikle, setting a personal best time on the way.
The final race of the season is coming up on Wednesday with a five-mile TT, starting at Abbotsford House car park. Sign on from the earlier time of 5.30pm with the race starting at 6.30pm. Riders are reminded that rear lights must be used during club races.
Results: 1, A. Meikle 22 minutes 58 seconds (pb); 2= D. Johnston, R. Martin (pb) 23.14; 3, C. Tough 23.20; 4, N. Shephard 23.25; I. Pearson 23.51; 6, J. Leask 23.56 (pb); 7, S. Mills 24.01; 8, L. Parry 24.09; 9, J. Stark 24.37; 10, C. Adamson 24.55; 11, A. Dawson 25.37; 12, B. Lowes 25.38; 13, J. Houston 25.40 (pb); 14, B. Hamilton 25.55; 15, C. Forsyth 26.24 (pb); 16, J. Weston 26.34; 17, L. Thomson 27.14; 18, W. Mills 27.44; 19, J. Agnew 27.58 (pb); 20, D. McCudden 29.21; 21, T. Dawson 29.34; 22, G. Murray 30.31; 23, M. Rogan 32.00; 24, H. Watt 35.47.
Golf
Borders Strokeplay
Galashiels golfer Simon Fairburn was in sparking form to win the men’s title on his home course of Torwoodlee.
The 21-year-old finished five shots ahead of clubmate David Gillie to lift the coveted trophy.
Fairburn recorded a level par 69 in the first round and then hit a 64 in round two.
He said: “Now I am looking forward to playing in the Borders Match Play Championship at the Roxburghe course next month.”
Fairburn smashed the Torwoodlee course record recently with a stunning total of 61 – eight under par.
Earlston
Minto Golf Club was the venue where members of Earlston Golf Club competed for the Campbell Claret Cup, sponsored by Mark Reilly and A. S. Campbell Ltd. Conditions were extremely good and the course was in excellent condition.
Winner on the day was Ivor Aitchison, who also won nearest the pin in three at the par five, fifth hole. Runner-up was James Brotherston, with Steve Brown in third place.
Thanks were made to Minto for their hospitality on the day and the excellent catering.
Galashiels
Invitation Greensomes: 1, R. Wilson & K. Lochrie 75 (12.8) 62.2; 2, D. Chisholm & S. Ervine 77 (14.2) 62.8; 3, J. Millan & M. Allison 77 (13.4) 63.6 (best last six).
Wednesday Stroke: 1, D. Cairns 83 (17) 66; 2, B. Currie 71 (4) 67.
Championship Qualifier: A League – A. Bunyan 33 net; B League – R. Brown 36.
Hawick
August Medal/Rosebowl: 1, S. Donaldson 88 (23) 65; 2, P. Leithead 97 (23) 74. Scratch: A. Teague 90.
Lady Captain’s Prize Day and President’s Trophy: 1, M. Morrison 77 (7) 70; 2, F. Robson 93 (20) 73; 3, J. Wright 100 (26) 74. Scratch: Anne Teague 91.
Kelso
Grouse Foursomes: 1, I. Lauder & I Edwards 76 (9) 67; 2=, I. Mathewson + G. Lillie 77 (9) 68, B. Liddle & K. Roughead 86 (18) 68.
Tom Scott Trophy: 1, M. Hall 80 (12) 68.
William McHutchison Competition: 1, G. Lillie 71 (6) 65; 2, R. Hastie 72 (6) 66; 3=, I. Jerdan 72 (3) 69, J. Logan 76 (7) 69.
Hislop Dumma Putter: 1, B. Hastie 69 (5) 64; 2=, K. Roughead 83 (19) 64, W. Hastie 79 (15) 64.
Melrose
SLGA Brooch: 1, J. Shirra-Gibb 87 (16) 71; 2, A. Holton 93 (21) 72.
Kings Arms Competition: 1, G. S. Craig 71 (9) 62; 2, K. Haldane 70 (5) 65; 3, A. McSorley 78 (12) 66. Scratch: G. Hannah 71.
Minto
The senior gents defeated Castle Park by 4.5-1.5 in matches to avenge their defeat earlier in the season.
Gents Tuesday Stableford: I. Douglas 45 points.
Stewart and Paula Aitchison Memorial Trophy: M. Glendinning 79 (19) 60. Scratch: 1= B. Howden, P. Gibb 72.
Junior Division: R. Latta 68 (5) 63 (scratch winner). Junior August Medal: 1, L. Towers 83 (22) 61.
Gents Autumn Medal: Division 1 – A. King 73 (10) 63 (scratch winner); Division 2 – G. McDonagh 76 (12) 64; Division 3 – M. Sargenson 88 (24) 64 (Medal winner).
Ladies Past Captains’ Competition: T. Kirkpatrick 96 (21) 75.
St Boswells
Gordon Melrose Design Gents Open: 1, S. Brown 81 (21) 60; 2, K. Baillie 79 (18) 61; 3, K. Millar 66 (5) 61 (scratch winner).
August Medal: 1, S. McMullen 79 (16) 63; 2, N. Linton 72 (7) 65; 3, D. Murdoch 77 (11) 66. Scratch: S. Makepeace 71.
Torwoodlee
Tuesday Stroke: 1, D. Bowden 73 (10) 63; 2, J. Pollitt 82 (18) 64 bih; 3, R. Lacon 73 (9) 64 BIH. Scratch: A. Lawrie 66.
Saturday Stroke: 1, L. Rutherford 80 (17) 63; 2, C. Forsyth 77 (12) 65 bih; 3, D. Allison Jnr 68 (3) 65 (scratch winner).
Woll
Ladies Nine-hole Sweep: J. Craig 34 points. Ladies Stableford: M. Innes 37. Captains Day Texas Scramble Woll Burn Trophy: J. Thomson, T. Murray, K. Sheil, C. Sheil.
Gents Monthly Medals: A Class – R.Turnbull 82 (14) 68; B Class – K. Hendrie 86 (19) 67. Gents Tuesday Sweep: A. Lindores 74 (3) 71; Gents Tuesday Sweep: J. MacKenzie 79 (7) 72; Gents Saturday Sweep: M. Innes 80 (15) 65.
Entries are being taken for the Mixed Open on Sunday, September 22, and the Four-player Team event on Sunday, September 29 – call 01750 32711.
Homing
Earlston
Members sent 113 birds to the Westend Garage-sponsored Towlaw race. Results: 1, 3, 4, A. Simpson 1262.57; 2, 9, 14, 15, M. Upton 1258.49; 5, 8, W. Gray & Son 1213.72; 6, 7, 10, S.Hardie & Sons; 11, 13, 16, 18, A. Bain 1125.70; 12, 17, 19, 20, S. Martin 1115.06.
Galashiels
Thirteen members sent 158 birds to Towlaw, a distance of 72 miles. Results: 1, T. Klasicki 1222.320; 2, 3, 8, 9, J. Douglas 1210.596; 4, 5, 6, 7, 1204. 614; 10, K. Lawrie 1189.840.
Langholm
The club liberated 60 birds on Sunday from Lymm. Results: 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 7, R. V. Graham 1067.255; 3, A. Henderson 1057.855.
Pool
KO Cup
High Level B produced a shock by edging a thrilling last frame decider to put out their own A team. Of the First Division ties, Dryburgh unluckily went out to Waverley A again in a last-frame shoot out.
Results: Dryburgh 4 Waverley A (Hawick) 5; Ship A (Melrose) 5 Ship B 4; Red Lion A (Kelso) 5 Station (Hawick) 0; Reivers A 5 Fleece B 1; Waverley B 5 Red Lion B 3; High Level B (Hawick) 5 High Level A 4; Niki’s Bar 4 Fleece A 5.
Squash
Galashiels
Club matches: D. Burnie 2 I. Youseff 0; D. Sharratt 2 Mr Zee 0; D. Burnie 2 Mr Zee 0; D. Sharratt 2 I. Youseff 0; Mr Zee 2 I. Youseff 1; D. Sharratt 2 D. Burnie 1.
Tennis
Melrose Waverley 0ver 70s
In their return home game with Edinburgh Sports Club last Thursday, the over-70s lost 6-3, but the final score did not reflect the closeness of the ties.
Melrose are still hoping to get return matches with two of the other clubs they played last year.
St Boswells’ final Division One game of the season ended in anti-climax on Saturday as they were soundly beaten by Holy Cross.
With an end-of-term feel to the match, St Boswells won the toss and batted first.
Scoring was difficult as the rain fell continuously, with only Steven Broom and Craig Paterson convincing, scoring 45 and 35 respectively, to take the Villagers to 144 all out. Bainbridge and Javed were the star bowlers for Holy Cross, picking up four wickets apiece.
Although a small total, St Boswells were optimistic after picking up two quick wickets thanks to the accurate bowling of Elliot Ruthven, who finished with figures of three for 20.
As the weather improved, so did Holy Cross’ batting as Ellis compiled runs through hard work and some slices of fortune to make 65 and take the visitors to the verge of a six-wicket win.
St Boswells travel to Gala on Saturday for the Border 20/20 final, looking for revenge after Gala won the rescheduled 2012 final earlier in the season.
An unbeaten 76 from Jamie Grant proved enough for Broomhall to beat Kelso in Division three.
The Tweedsiders posted 172 all out, with Stevie Patterson top scoring with 40, but the Fife side went past the total with five wickets to spare.
Selkirk’s Division Five title party saw them beat Dunfermline Carnegie by 60 runs – but Dunfermline claimed enough bonus points to secure promotion.
And Melrose rounded off their Division Seven season with a heavy 103-run loss to promoted Heriots 3rds.
Despite outscoring Carlisle Academy by 41 runs in the Eden Valley Division Two, the result saw Langholm gain only seven of the eight points on offer.
It means that the league title is out of their hands as Carlisle Academy will need to drop two points.
Langholm were put in to bat on a dry wicket and were all out for 193, with Gregor Park scoring a fantastic 130, supported by Gregor Masterton with 42. Carlisle Academy never looked in the hunt to chase the Langholm total as they posted 152 for 6. However, a win this weekend at Carleton would secure promotion for Langholm.
Hawick defeated Woodcutters by three wickets to claim the Activity President’s Plate title after a quality bowling performance, writes Ronan Alexander.
The Teries bowled first at Broomhall and got off to a dream start, restricting Woodcutters to 24 for four. Pierce Solley took two wickets in his opening spell, with Neil Storey claiming one and a neat run out from Dave McWatters.
Gary Alexander then bowled a tight six-over spell, in which he took one wicket for the loss of just four runs to put Hawick on the front foot.
Stuart Hair, Ronan Alexander and Solley all took a wicket each as the non-league side were bowled out for 78.
In reply, Hawick got off to a flying start before they lost Euan Hair for a quickfire 13 which included one six.
The runs dried up after he was gone, and the wickets began to tumble to leave Hawick seven down with the score just over 60. However, Allan Moffat and McWatters kept their cool and steered the Teries over the line.
On Saturday, Phil MacTaggart’s unbeaten 70 was enough to give Hawick a convincing 148-run victory in their final Division Seven match of the season against Broomhall Seconds.
Hawick made 213 for six while Broomhall slumped to 65 all out, but missed out on promotion.
Gala won a thrilling President’s Trophy final against East Division One side Murrayfield DAFS in a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout.
It came down to Kris Mein knocking back Murrayfield number 11 Neil Yelland’s off-stump with third ball of the final over, with Murrayfield one run behind Gala’s total.
The victory capped off a superb weekend for Gala, who 24 hours earlier won East Division Two thanks to a five-wicket win at West Lothian.
Playing at the picturesque Lewisvale ground in Musselburgh for the final on Sunday, Stevie Halls chose to bat first, but Gala soon found the going tough as Halls, Josh Irvine and Duncan Millar found themselves back in the pavilion with only 16 on the board.
Neil Crooks added 18 before being given out lbw, but this brought Mein to the crease and the all-rounder batted with power alongside anchor Graeme Ormiston.
The pair added 93 before Ormiston was bowled by Sam Ferguson for 46. Mein would go on to score 50 not out, while Dinesh Tharanga crucially hit the final two balls for consecutive fours as Gala ended on 163 for 5 from their 40 overs.
Mein then opened the bowling and claimed Luke Hayes lbw with the score on 25. Tharanga had Phil Hawkins caught behind before Madhu Gaddam swung across the line and skied a catch to Millar off Crooks’ bowling to leave Murrayfield on 56 for 3.
Crooks picked up the crucial wicket of Ferguson for 41 and Gala looked well on top as further wickets fell to leave DAFS on 108 for 7.
However, Anand Venkatesh (38) and Somanna Chengappa (25 not out) put together a partnership which looked set to win Murrayfield the cup until Scott Paterson bowled the former.
A run out meant Murrayfield required three runs to win from the last over by Mein. After Chengappa picked up a single, Mein produced a dot ball, before bowling Yelland to spark wild celebrations.
On Saturday, Gala bowled out West Lothian for 56, Paterson taking four wickets, to set up what appeared to be an easy win over West Lothian 2nds.
Gala looked in control as Halls and Ormiston put on 24 for the first wicket in good time before Halls was short of his ground going for a second run.
Four more wickets fell cheaply, including Ormiston for 30, as Gala slipped to 45 for 5 to leave the Meigle Park team watching on nervously.
But Mein held his nerve to score an important 11 not out and take the visitors past the Linlithgow side’s total and into Division One.
The field of battle was eerily silent before the first volley of arrows were loosed, not one treetop swayed by breath of wind.
Five hundred years after the massacre of Flodden, Scots and English longbowmen and women were once again squaring up against each other.
This time, however, they were shoulder to shoulder, rather than facing each other across the field, and they were aiming for targets rather than people. But competition was still fierce, as is always the case when the Auld Enemies meet.
And this time it was the Scots who reigned supreme. Archers from Glasgow, Kilwinning and Ettrick Forest – propped up by a worthy contingent from the Royal Company of Archers – proved more than a match for the English raiders, the home team winning the inaugural Flodden Clout Shield by 991-445.
Top lady archer was Elizabeth Normand of the Green Hollow club with 55 hits, for a score of 134, with two clouts. Selkirk’s Elaine Pearson and Kilwinning’s Eileen Bilby took the first and second rounds, while Elaine won a torrid shoot-off – both she and junior champ Kyle Fairbairn hit the clout, sending the poor marker flying as tradition dictates – but her arrow was closer to the centre.
As for the men, Kilwinning’s Scott Notman, who is getting used to winning clout competitions, pipped Englishman Alan Fleming to the top spot with a cool and considered 35, 89, 1.
Selkirk’s Adair Anderson and Martin Stillie took the first and second rounds, while Fleming ruled the roost in the shoot-off, slipping his last arrow just inside the others in contention.
New archery competitions tend to struggle to attract attention, as the calendar gets busier each year. But it is down to the excellent organisation of those at Ettrick Forest Archers – not to mention their friendly and hospitable reputation – that this one has hit the ground flying.
And the club is blessed with a shooting field most archery organisations would maim for, thanks to owner Sir Michael Strang Steel, who watched the proceedings.
Also, Jake Wheelans, chairman of the local Flodden 500 Club, donated the attractive new shield, and his wife Dilys, also acted as Lady Paramount by presenting the prizes.
And as for the defeated English archers? They were sent home, not to think again, but with warm invites to return to do it all over again next year.
Counting results
Ladies at Six-score yards
Scotland: Elizabeth Normand 134, Elaine Pearson 130, Betty Wylie 118, Ev Craig 92. Total 474. England: Ann Conifey 71, Jill Collin 66, Helen Horsley 47, Kimberley Collin 24. Total 208.
Gentlemen at nine-score yards
Scotland: Scott Notman 89, Adair Anderson 86, Martin Stillie 85, Sam Mackay 68, James Bewsher 66, Rory McLachlan 63, Jim Bilby 60. Total 517. England: Alan Fleming 86, John Morris 38, Steven West 28, Tommy Down 26, Tony Cole 26, Ian Norwood 19, Frank Thornton 14. Total 237.
Scotland 991 England 445
Individual scores
Ladies - Clout First Round Second Round Double Round
Hit
s Score Clouts Hits Score Clouts
Hit
s Score Clouts
1 S Elizabeth Normand * 28 69 1 27 65 1 55 134 2
2 S Elaine Pearson * 29 80 3 23 50 0 52 130 3
3 S Betty Wylie 27 72 0 19 46 0 46 118 0
4 S Ev Craig 18 41 0 22 51 1 40 92 1
5 S Ina Morris 20 41 0 14 41 0 34 82 0
6 S Eileen Bilby 11 25 0 20 54 0 31 79 0
7 E Ann Conifey * 23 46 0 14 25 0 37 71 0
8 E Jill Collin 10 24 0 18 42 0 28 66 0
9 S Jenna Agate 16 32 0 15 27 0 31 59 0
10 E Helen Horsley 7 15 1 16 32 1 23 47 2
11 E Kimberley Collin 5 8 0 10 16 0 15 24 0
Penny Axon (Retired) 13 23 0 6 10 0 19 33 0
Juniors - Clout First Round Second Round Double Round
Hit
s Score Clouts Hits Score Clouts
Hit
s Score Clouts
1 S Kyle Fairbairn * 11 24 0 19 60 1 30 84 1
Gents - Clout First Round Second Round Double Round
Hit
s Score Clouts Hits Score Clouts
Hit
s Score Clouts
1 S Scott Notman * 18 44 1 17 45 0 35 89 1
2 E Alan Fleming * 20 42 0 16 44 1 36 86 1
3 S Adair Anderson 15 48 3 19 38 0 34 86 3
4 S Martin Stillie 15 41 1 22 44 0 37 85 1
5 S Sam Mackay * 17 39 1 12 29 0 29 68 1
6 S James Bewsher 14 37 0 12 29 0 26 66 0
7 S Rory McLachlan 18 40 1 13 23 0 31 63 1
8 S Jim Bilby 10 26 0 15 34 0 25 60 0
9 S Mike Younger * 13 29 1 13 30 0 26 59 1
10 S Frank Brown 12 22 0 15 36 0 27 58 0
11 S William Good 12 25 1 12 29 0 24 54 1
12 S Douglas Anderson 15 27 0 10 23 0 25 50 0
13 S Jimmy Stillie 12 27 0 13 23 0 25 50 0
14 S Mike Pearson 8 16 0 10 30 0 18 46 0
15 S Ned O’Neil 8 20 0 11 25 0 19 45 0
16 S Richard Tice 7 14 0 11 26 0 18 40 0
17 S Malcom McVittie * 7 19 1 9 19 0 16 38 1
18 E John Morris 5 15 1 7 23 1 12 38 2
19 S Jim Craig 7 12 0 10 23 0 17 35 0
20 S Ian Bradshaw 3 9 0 11 26 0 14 35 0
21 S Kevin Janiak 8 15 0 10 19 0 18 34 0
22 S Alex Blake 5 12 0 8 20 0 13 32 0
23 E Steven West 6 15 0 7 13 0 13 28 0
24 E Tommy Down 5 9 0 10 17 0 15 26 0
25 E Tony Cole 2 3 0 11 23 0 13 26 0
26 S John McKellar 7 16 0 2 4 0 9 20 0
27 E Ian Norwood 4 6 0 8 13 0 12 19 0
28 E Frank Thornton 2 2 0 7 12 0 9 14 0
29 S Rufus Stone 2 5 0 3 3 0 5 8 0
30 Michael Liddle 0 0 0 10 20 0 10 20 0
* – those who took part in the shoot-off by ends