JOHN LAMONT has criticised the SNP’s town centre action plan, claiming it is a ‘re-hash’ of previous announcements and has called for a regeneration fund with ‘real bite’.

Mr Lamont said: “The last few years have been very tough for some of the town centres in the Borders, with many of them seeing a drop in footfall and several shops closing down.

“We need to be doing all we can to rejuvenate them and that is why I was so supportive of the town centre regeneration fund, which the SNP chose to abolish.

“The measures announced by the SNP in this action plan are nothing but a re-hash of previous announcements. There is nothing new in this report and with little money being put up, it is doubtful if it will provide any meaningful help to our high streets.”

The plan has also brought criticism from the Federation of Small Businesses, with Scottish policy convenor Andy Willox calling for the Scottish Government, local authorities and the public sector to work together with businesses to ‘develop prosperous town centres’.

The SNP plan includes proposals to increase housing in town centres, including bringing empty properties back into use as affordable housing.

Powers for local councils to create town centre investment zones are also proposed.

The council’s efforts to promote the region’s cycling potential and work to create new routes has been praised in a new study.

Cycling Scotland assessed all 32 local authorities on various aspects of their work to promote cycling, make it safer and give children the necessary cycling skills.

The study gave Scottish Borders Council 3.5 stars out of five, putting it amongst the highest performing councils.

A spokesman said: “SBC is pleased with the results of Cycling Scotland’s national assessment, which acknowledges the work that has been undertaken to help develop cycling in the Borders.

“This includes the delivery of a new cycling website (www.cyclescottishborders.com) and the provision of new paths, such as the £1million Tweed Valley Railway Path, between Peebles and Innerleithen, which opened in August and has been a great success.”

He added: “We are keen to continue to develop off-road routes in all parts of the Borders as it encourages more tourists to the region and can help people to achieve a healthier lifestyle.”

Responding to the report, John Lamont MSP said: “When statistics suggest that 59 per cent of journeys taken in the Borders are under 5km it is imperative that we encourage as many of these journeys as possible to be taken by bike.

“This wouldn’t only be for the good of our environment but also for the health of Borderers.”

TWO leading figures in Galashiels-based pharmaceutical company ProStrakan have resigned from their positions.

Chairman Peter Allen and non-executive director Dr Michael Asbury will leave the firm’s board at the end of the year.

Dr John Brown CBE will take over as chairman of the board of ProStrakan Group, which is a subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kirin Company Limited, a Japan-based global specialty pharmaceutical company.

His new role commences on January 1, 2014.

A statement from ProStrakan on Monday said the changes were due to the “successful integration of ProStrakan into the Kyowa Hakko Kirin business following its acquisition in 2011.”

Dr Tom Stratford, chief executive of ProStrakan, said:“Peter and Mike have each been long-standing members of the ProStrakan board and, during their time with us, ProStrakan has grown significantly and transitioned from being a small independent company into an important part of Kyowa Hakko Kirin.

“I would like to thank them personally for their support and, on behalf of our other board members, for their commitment and contribution over the years.”

Dr John Brown brings with him a wealth of pharmaceutical expertise. He is currently chairman of the Cell Therapy Catapult and CXR Biosciences Limited, and senior non-executive director of Vectura Group plc.

In the public sector, Dr Brown co-chairs the Life Sciences Industry Advisory Board for the Scottish Government and is chairman of the Roslin Foundation.

Commenting on Dr Brown’s appointment, Mr Stratford said: “We are thrilled to have been able to attract someone with John’s credentials as our new chairman. John brings with him a wealth of experience of the life sciences industry, and we look forward to the guidance and advice that he will undoubtedly bring to the ProStrakan board.”

The importance of modern apprenticeships to two Hawick firms has been highlighted, with an awards nomination and a visit from an MP.

Hawick Knitwear representatives were anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winner of a Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Modern Apprenticeship Award at a ceremony in Glasgow last night (Wednesday).

The firm was shortlisted in the Employer of the Year category for businesses with less than 250 employees.

The firm is part of the industry-led Borders Textile Training Group (BTTG), which helped create a fashion and textile apprenticeship framework in partnership with SDS, Creative Skillset and Cardonald College.

Hawick Knitwear HR manager Rhona McLeod said: “The model is currently being rolled out throughout the textile industry in Scotland and we are now working with the BTTG on an apprenticeship for technicians.”

She added: “As one of the major employers in the area we needed to address the issues of an ageing workforce, as well as attracting young people into the industry who may have felt there were no prospects in it. By offering apprenticeships it has shown people that the company is willing to invest in them and their skills.

“It also means they get a qualification which is recognised UK-wide and we get loyal and enthusiastic employees who see that apprenticeships are not only good for the company but good for them too.”

Mrs McLeod added: “We see today’s apprentices as the trainers, assessors, technicians and managers of the future.”

As part of an ongoing campaign to increase apprenticeships locally, Michael Moore MP visited Hawick Cashmere to find out about their programme.

He said: “A successful textile industry is vital to the prosperity of our region and therefore, it was heartening to see this flourishing business training the next generation of textile producers.

“Along with most other textile companies in the town, Hawick Cashmere is very clearly investing in the future.”

It has emerged that a number of objections lodged against plans to build a skatepark close to Jedburgh’s riverside have been falsified.

After receiving correspondence from the council about their ‘objection’, eight people responded that they had not submitted any representation on the plan.

Katherine Campbell from Australia replied: “We have no knowledge of this letter or the planning application for a skatepark near Abbey Place.

“We have been to Jedburgh as tourists from Australia on several occasions and enjoyed our experiences greatly. However our most recent visit was in May 2012.

“It would appear that some of the public submissions you have received may be somewhat dubious.”

An SBC spokesman told The Southern: “When the department acknowledged the objections it received to this case, it was contacted by individuals who advised that they had not in fact sent in objections.”

He added: “Any submission of fraudulent representation in a planning application is a serious and potentially fraudulent act which could result in criminal proceedings.”

The plans had attracted 86 objections, although all but 10 were pro-forma letters. These included some with addresses from as far afield as New Zealand and Denmark.

A total of 69 supporting comments had been received, the majority submitted by individuals through the council’s online planning portal.

However, the plan has had to be withdrawn due to the location plan submitted being incorrect.

The applicants, the Jed Skatepark Group, hope a new application for ‘The Dip’ site will be submitted by the end of the month, which will prompt a fresh public consultation.

THE council’s social work department is fighting a losing battle to break even on its budget this year, councillors were told this week.

A report presented to the executive committee on Tuesday stated that increasing numbers of children requiring specialist care had led to a forecasted overspend of £612,000.

This is after the department’s staff have managed to make savings by reducing third-party costs and reviewing all placements.

The number of children requiring residential and day care due to social, emotional and behavioural needs has increased from 67 when the social work budget was set, to 82 in September.

The report before councillors stated: “The social work management team are continuing to seek to identify savings to reduce the forecast variances, however it is becoming much more challenging to identify further savings within the department.”

The need for a number of ‘high tariff’ placements for children which has arisen in the first half of this financial year has contributed to a £1.1million increase in costs, but with savings proposals identified within the department this had reduced the overspend by £500,000.

A Galashiels woman has paid tribute to the organ donors who transformed her life after being honoured at the Scottish Health Awards.

Lilian Irvine scooped the Unsung Hero award, but immediately thanked those who had provided her with two kidneys.

She said: “The donors who allowed me to live are the unsung heroes. So many people across the country make the most generous decision to help others live, and people don’t know who they are.

“I needed two kidney transplants – my first when I was just 17 – and will never be able to thank my donors enough for giving me the gift of life.”

Lilian, a smoking cessation adviser, has worked for the NHS for 24 years and was recognised for her fundraising work to establish and expand a dialysis unit in the BGH. Prior to her second transplant in 1987, Lilian had to travel to Edinburgh three times a week for dialysis and wanted to establish a facility locally.

She formed the Border Kidney Patients Trust and a year later had raised over £100,000, enabling a three-bed dialysis unit to open in March 1989. Lilian’s fundraising topped £250,000, with a 12-bed unit now in place. The original unit is named after her.

She said: “My work with the trust was about giving something back. When people saw how ill I was, everyone in the area got behind the cause and together we helped create a service which is improving the lives of those living with renal problems.”

Jacques Kerr, lead clinician in the BGH’s emergency department, won the renowned Doctor Award and the Critical Care Outreach Team were named as Quality Champion of the Year.

John Raine, NHS Borders chairman, said: “It must be encouraging for patients and the public to know that Borders NHS staff are up there with the best in Scotland.”

FOOTBALL

Lowland League

November 9

Dalbeattie Star 3 Preston Athletic 3

East Kilbride 1 University of Stirling 2

Gala Fairydean Rovers 3 Whitehill Welfare 0

Gretna 2008 2 Vale of Leithen 3

Spartans 1 Edinburgh City 0

Threave Rovers 0 Selkirk 0

P W D L F A Pts

Spartans 13 9 2 2 27 8 29

Stirling University 11 6 3 2 24 13 21

Gretna 2008 12 6 3 3 27 17 21

Vale of Leithen 13 6 3 4 23 23 21

Dalbeattie 11 5 5 1 33 17 20

East Kilbride 14 6 1 7 20 19 19

Preston Athletic 13 6 1 6 29 33 19

Edinburgh City 12 5 1 6 18 17 16

Whitehill Welfare 12 4 2 6 26 25 14

Threave 11 3 3 5 12 18 12

Gala F’dean Rov 13 3 2 8 29 42 11

Selkirk 13 1 2 10 10 46 5

EOS Premier DIVISION

November 9

Coldstream 1 Tynecastle 4

Craigroyston 6 Stirling University 1

Edinburgh University 1 Leith Athletic 3

Heriot-Watt University 0 Spartans 0

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 2 Civil Service Strollers 0

P W D L G Diff Pts

Stirling Univ EOS 9 6 1 2 23 7 19

Craigroyston 9 6 0 3 21 9 18

Tynecastle 10 6 0 4 27 5 18

Lothian Thistle HV 6 4 1 1 11 6 13

Spartans EOS 8 3 2 3 13 2 11

Edinburgh Univ 9 3 2 4 16 0 11

Coldstream 9 3 1 5 11 -9 10

Leith Athletic 6 2 1 3 11 -3 7

Heriot-Watt Univ 9 2 1 6 12 -7 7

CS Strollers 9 2 1 6 10 -10 7

EOS FIRST DIVISION

November 9

Duns 0 Berwick Rangers Reserves 1

Eyemouth United 3 Burntisland Shipyard 3

Ormiston 2 Kelso United 3

Peebles Rovers 3 Hawick Royal Albert 2

Easthouses Lily MW 4 Hibernian 1

P W D L G Diff Pts

Hibernian EOS 9 8 0 1 39 32 24

Easthouses Lily 8 5 3 0 27 15 18

Berwick Rang EOS 10 5 0 5 20 4 15

Kelso United 9 3 3 3 19 -1 12

Ormiston 7 3 0 4 11 -6 9

Hawick RA 6 3 0 3 9 -7 9

Eyemouth United 7 2 2 3 15 -4 8

Peebles Rovers 8 2 2 4 13 -11 8

Brntislnd Shipyard 7 1 2 4 11 -11 5

Duns 7 1 0 6 7 -11 3

Scottish amateur Cup third round

November 8

Melrose 1 Pencaitland 6

November 9

Glasgow University w/o Earlston Rhymers

Gordon 2 Glenburn Miners Welfare 1

BAL DIVISION A

November 9

Ancrum 4 Chirnside Utd 1

Hearts of Liddesdale P West Barns Star P

Newtown 2 Gala Fairydean Rovers 1

Tweeddale Rovers 1 Leithen Rovers 3

P W D L f A Pts

Hawick Waverley 14 8 4 2 35 21 28

Chirnside Utd 13 8 2 3 39 25 26

Newtown 12 6 3 3 24 18 21

Gala FR 13 5 2 6 37 34 17

Stow 9 4 1 4 22 15 13

Tweeddale Rovers 12 4 1 7 23 25 13

Greenlaw 10 3 2 5 17 29 -11

West Barns Star 7 3 1 3 21 23 - 10

Leithen Rovers 6 3 0 3 18 12 9

Ancrum 7 2 3 2 17 18 9

Hearts Lddsdale * 11 1 1 9 16 49 1

BAL DIVISION B

November 9

Hawick Utd (home win) Biggar

Jed Legion 3 Gala Hotspur 1

Langholm Legion 3 Linton Hotspur 0

Selkirk Victoria 0 Eyemouth Amateurs 8

P W D L f A Pts

Jed Legion 12 10 0 2 43 11 30

Hawick Utd 11 7 1 3 30 34 22

Hawick Legion 11 7 0 4 49 27 21

Eyemouth Ams 12 5 3 4 47 30 18

Gala Hotspur 12 5 2 5 39 34 17

Langholm Legion 11 5 1 5 39 23 16

Coldstream Ams 9 5 1 3 29 14 16

Gordon 7 5 0 2 45 13 15

Linton Hotspur 8 3 0 5 18 22 9

Selkirk Victoria * 10 0 0 10 1 100 -3

Biggar * 9 0 0 9 8 40 -6

BAL DIVISION C

November 9

CFC Bowholm 2 Tweedmouth Amateurs 1

Hawick Legion Rovers 4 Chirnside Utd Colts 4

Lauder 0 Kelso Thistle 2

P W D L G A Pts

Chirnside Utd Clts 10 7 1 2 38 21 22

Kelso Thistle 11 6 1 4 25 19 19

Earlston Rhymers 9 4 2 3 23 16 14

CFC Bowholm 9 4 0 5 19 25 12

Melrose 8 3 2 3 24 17 11

St Boswells 8 3 2 3 22 22 11

Lauder 7 3 0 4 17 20 9

Tweedmouth Am * 8 3 1 4 15 21 7

Hawick Legion Rov 10 2 1 7 15 37 7

* – points deducted

Rugby

Autumn tests

November 9

Scotland 42 Japan 17

PREMIER DIVISIOn

November 9

Edinburgh Accies 12 Ayr 34

Gala 18 Stirling County 12

P W L D F A B Pts

Ayr 10 8 2 0 282 153 8 40

Gala 10 7 2 1 291 185 9 39

Melrose 11 8 3 0 322 232 6 38

Heriot’s 11 8 3 0 237 209 5 37

Glasgow Hawks 11 4 5 2 280 239 8 28

Edinburgh Accies 10 5 5 0 199 256 3 23

Hawick 11 4 6 1 219 283 3 21

Aberdeen GSFP 11 3 8 0 234 276 7 19

Stirling County 10 2 8 0 149 229 6 14

Currie 11 2 9 0 184 335 2 10

Border Regional Cup

November 8

Jed-Forest 12 Selkirk 5

November 9

Melrose 30 Hawick 20

Hawick YM 14 Kelso 33

P W L D F A B Pts

Kelso 1 1 0 0 33 14 1 5

Melrose 1 1 0 0 30 20 0 4

Jed-Forest 1 1 0 0 12 5 0 4

Selkirk RFC 1 0 1 0 5 12 1 1

Hawick 1 0 1 0 20 30 0 0

Hawick YM 1 0 1 0 14 33 0 0

Peebles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

See fixture panel above for details of this weekend’s matches and kick-off times

JUDO players from the Sportif club, which has classes throughout the Borders, are in for a real treat on Saturday at the Loch Centre, Tranent, with the return of two of its succesful sons.

Euan Burton (Team GB London 2012) and John Buchanan (Judo Team Captain Team GB Syndney 2000) are both Olympians and world medallists who started at the Sportif Judo Club when they were as young as six years old.

The duo will be leading judo sessions which start at 8.45am and finish at 11am, followed by an individual club tournament for under-13s.

Scots Euan, pictured right, and John are looking to compete at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and have also, at the weekend, won medals at the European Cup in Malaga, Spain.

z The Under-18 Scottish Championships was held on Saturday at the Ravenscraig centre, Glasgow.

Sportif Judo Club won 10 golds, 10 silvers and 10 bronzes, placing them on the top of the medal table, as they have done in the six previous years.

Imagine, if you can, a local football team attending a coaching course held by a legendary player such as Pele, or local boxers being taught by Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson.

In the world of Judo, the name Hidetoshi Nakanishi carries the same elite status.

And coaches and players from Focus Judo Club in Galashiels were very privileged to experience coaching from this famous Judoka, one of the world’s most sought after coaches.

“The Gathering” was held at the Scottish Police training college in Tulliallan, Fife. Judo players from far and wide attended this masterclass, organised by Judo Scotland.

This was a residential two-day course hosted by Hidetoshi Nakanishi, who took a short break from his teaching at Tokai University in Japan to visit Scotland with his daughter and host this event.

Mr Nakanishi, former world champion, is one of Japan’s Judo superstars, so it was a memorable event for everyone involved.

Focus Judo’s coach, Lee Allan said: “Our club has had a very busy year. Early in 2013 we attended a masterclass with Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons then shortly after we visited the Edinburgh club, where Olympians Sarah Clark, Sally Conway, Sarah Adlington and GB coach Billy Cusack were sharing the mat with our players.

“We all took part in another residential weekend in Largs at Camp Alba in June with Eiji Kikuchi (4th Dan) from Japan and Frédéric Dambach (5th Dan) from France.

“Then, to top it all, we met Hidetoshi Nakanishi.

“Some of our kids are competing at the Hibari-kan junior open in Larkhall, and we are also hosting our own junior level competition in December, so it’s been a very healthy year for us.”

If you or your child would like to try Judo in the build up to next year’s Commonwealth Games, you will be met with a very friendly welcome at Focus Judo Club in Galashiels.

All details can be found on www.focusjudo.org

Fixtures

Football

Image Printers Qualifying Cup Second Round: Friday, November 15: Hawick Royal Albert v Gala Fairydean Rovers (7.45pm).

SCOTTISH LOWLAND LEAGUE: Saturday, November 16 – Selkirk v Vale of Leithen (2pm).

EAST OF SCOTLAND FIRST DIVISION: Saturday, November 16 – Duns v Ormiston; Peebles Rovers v Hibernian (2pm).

EAST OF SCOTLAND QUALIFYING LEAGUE, SECTION A: Saturday, November 16 – Kelso United v Eyemouth United (2pm).

SOUTH of Scotland Cup second round: Biggar v Leithen Rovers; Carluke Baps v Eyemouth Ams; Chirnside Utd v Newtown; Earlston Rhymers v Hawick Waverley; East Linton v Greenlaw; Gala Hotspur v Upper Annandale; Gala Fairydean Rovers v Stow; Gordon v Dumfries YMCA; Hawick Legion v Law Parish Church; Jed Legion v Ancrum; Musselburgh Windsor v Penicuik Utd; Selkirk Victoria v Maxwelltown Thistle ; Terregles Athletic v Pencaitland; West Barns Star v Mayfield & Easthouses (1.30pm).

BAL DIVISION B: Saturday, November 16 – Hawick Utd v Linton Hotspur (2pm).

BAL DIVISION C: Saturday, November 16 – Hawick Legion Rovers v Tweedmouth Ams; Chirnside Utd Colts v Melrose Ams; CFC Bowholm v St Boswells (2pm)

Rugby

AUTUMN TESTS: Sunday, November 17: Scotland v South Africa (3pm).

RBS PREMIERSHIP: Saturday, November 16 – Aberdeen GSFP v Gala (2pm); Glasgow Hawks v Melrose (2.30pm); Hawick v Edinburgh Accies (3pm).

RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Saturday, November 16 – Biggar v Watsonians; Selkirk v GHA; Hillhead/Jordanhill v Kelso; Peebles v Stewart’s Melville FP (2pm).

RBS CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION B: Saturday, November 16 – Musselburgh v Jed-Forest; Hawick YM v Kirkcaldy (2pm).

RBS EAST DIVISION ONE: Saturday, November 16 – Duns v Hawick Harlequins; Dunbar v Langholm; Hawick Linden v Linlithgow (2pm).

RBS EAST DIVISION TWO: Saturday, November 16 – Dalkeith v Berwick; Edinburgh Northern v Earlston (2pm).

RBS EAST DIVISION THREE: Saturday, November 16 – R oss High v St Boswells; Walkerburn v Gala YM (2pm).

SEMI-JUNIOR LEAGUE: Saturday, November 16 – Duns Colts v Hawick Wanderers; Jed Thistle v Kelso Harlequins; Hawick PSA v Peebles Colts; Langholm Colts v Melrose Wasps; Gala Wanderers v Selkirk Youth v Tynedale Colts v Berwick Colts (2pm)

Please check with all clubs regarding kick-off times.

Kelso under-15s proudly display their new shirts, courtesy of Greenvale AP, “the natural choice for potatoes”, to whom grateful thanks are given.Unfortunately, the team will have to wait another week to officially christen the strips as their home fixture against Selkirk had to be cancelled as a section of the pitch was too frozen to play on. Perhaps it could be said they should have left their ‘jackets’ on ...

SPORTING DIGEST

BOWLING

Tweedbank

For the seniors, the match last Wednesday was their first visit to the indoor facility at Berwick to play Berwickshire, who joined the Scottish Indoor Bowling Association this season.

The Tweedbank team had yet to win a match and it was hoped that this would be remedied here.

With this in mind, the visitors started quite well and after five ends they led by two shots, but after 10 ends it was Berwickshire who held a 10-shot lead.

That gap continued to grow and Berwickshire celebrated their win by 73-50.

There were two rinks up for Tweedbank, with Stuart Henderson, John Pringle, Tommy Mann Snr and Peter McGauchrane finishing five shots ahead.

And Tony Burton, Sandy Batchelor, Paul Butterfield and Rob Fulton managed victory by four shots.

On Saturday, the gents had their first home match, facing Berwickshire.

After losing their first two tough away games, it was important for Tweedbank to gain a comfortable victory.

But even they were startled with the scale of it, completely blowing the Berwickshire men away by a record score of 132-46.

This triumph moves them up to third place, but more important is the shot difference at plus 60.

The highest-up rink for Tweedbank was Liam Nicholson, Craig Martin, Ross Nichol and Kenny Johnstone. Their 37-shot victory included two counts of six, one of five and three of four. The rink of Gordon Bowers, Dougie Wilson, Tommy Mann Jnr and Stuart White also won by 30 shots.

Their fourth match in the series takes place this Saturday against neighbours Teviotdale at Hawick.

On Sunday, playdowns continued with the second round of the senior triples, and after their success in the previous round, Tom Thorburn, David Miller and Rob Fulton faced a triple from Midlothian at Dalkeith.

After a tight tussle, Tweedbank were one up going into the last end, in which Fulton looked to have drawn the shot with his last bowl, but after an umpire’s measure, Midlothian had the two shots required to win the match.

On the same day, Liam Nicholson travelled to Methil for the junior challenge for under-18s. His first match was against a player from the Abbeyview club in Dunfermline and a close encounter went in his favour by 15-13.

In the next round, Liam crushed his unfortunate opponent from Teviotdale by 15-0.

This put him in the quarter-finals where he unfortunately lost 15-7 to a player from Garioch.

At club level, members are reminded that there is a special general meeting tonight (Thursday) at 7pm. The subject is the immediate future of the club and it is a chance for them to learn more details of what is being proposed.

They will also be able to ask questions to satisfy any queries they may have. A good turnout of members will be much appreciated.

CARPET BOWLING

Tournament

The Scottish Carpet Bowling Association (SCBA) tournament is be held on November 30 at Castle Douglas Town Hall.

All entries to Phil Naish by no later than November 24. Call 01387 710507/mobile 07753 824088.

GOLF

Galashiels

Seniors Section, sponsored by John Scott ( Plumbing & Heating ), Winter League: winner,

W. Morrison net 35

Lauder

Gents’ Winter League second round, Sunday, November 10: Conditions were superb with bright sunshine and virtually no wind. The scores reflected the improved conditions.

Results: 1, Ivor Aitchison 79 (15) 64; 2, Billy Hunter 78 (12) 66; 3, David McPherson 82 (14) 68. Twos sweep: Tom Hogarth.

Current leaders of Winter League championship: 1, Ivor Aitchison 64; 2, Billy Hunter 66; 3, David McPherson 68.

Current leaders of Eclectic Competition: 1, Tom Hogarth 61; 2, Billy Hunter 63; 3, Micky Dunne 64.

Melrose

Belhaven Winter League, week one: 1, S.Bunyan 1 up; 2, I.Ramsey level. Week 2: 1, S.Marshall level bih; 2, S.Bunyan level.

Torwoodlee

Midweek eight-hole Stableford, November 7&8: 1, I. Thomson 17 points (best last four holes); 2=, G. Low, N. McCall and A. Lawrie 17 points. 20 played.

This week’s holes are the 1st to the 8th – play today or tomorrow.

Two-person Texas Scramble – November 9 & 10: 1, K. Rankin & C. Lees 60 bih; 2, J. Kelly & A. Grierson 60; 3, J. Temple & I. Clinkscales 61. 17 teams played.

This weekend sees an 18-hole Stableford on Saturday & Sunday – visitors welcome.

The Woll

Club dinner this Friday, 7.30 for 8pm, all welcome.

Please contact reception for tickets.

HOCKEY

East Premier Division

Kelso 4

Linlithgow 2

Kelso ladies started the game strongly, maintaining most of the possession, which led to the first goal scored by striker Corrinne Bird. Linlithgow equalised after a controversial penalty stroke was awarded. However, Kelso kept positive and scored a second goal through a penalty stroke, taking them into the break 2-1 ahead.

Linlithgow came out in the second half fighting and the Tweedsiders’ defence was put under pressure.

Despite some great saves from keeper Alison Chapman, Kelso conceded another goal.

Persistence and great attacking play from the midfielders and strikers led to Bird’s hat-trick goal. Then, with five minutes to go, Sarah Hope managed another counter for the Borderers.

East Division One

Erskine Stewart Melville 0 Fjordhus Reivers 1

A much-anticipated match against a strong Edinburgh side saw the Borderers contingent record a brilliant win in a closely-fought encounter.

ESM had looked the brighter of the two sides, moving the ball well around the pitch, but Reivers began to pass the ball cleanly stick-to-stick, creating space all over the pitch.

Near misses from Ashley Robson and Dizzy Whyte preceeded a number of penalty corners, however, a very good right post player blocked all shots on goal.

But into the second half, Robson netted a well-deserved goal – which proved the only score of the game.

Fantastic workrate and effort won this game for the Reivers which sees them move into fourth in the league table.

ORIENTEERING

Roxburgh Reivers

As the orienteering season draws to a close, the final of the Scottish Urban League was held in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Darnick’s Robin Sloan was leading the M65+ class going into the race, but had to win to make sure of overall victory, which he did, but the 10 second margin was cutting it fine.

Jedburgh’s Kirstin Maxwell was already assured of the top spot in the Women’s Open class, but capped it off with a win on the day, which also made her Scottish Universities champion.

Pauline McAdam and Lindsey Knox completed a successful haul for Reivers, taking third in their classes. Faisal Khursheed, in his first urban orienteering season, finished second on Saturday and fourth overall in the league in the under-16 age class, and the remainder of the Maxwell family – Ian, Eileen and Karen – all finished fifth in their classes.

The last chance for honours this year takes place at Duns Wood on Sunday, where the East of Scotland Championships will be hosted by East Lothian Orienteers.

Courses for beginners are also available. More details can be found by going to www.elo.org.uk

SNOOKER

Jean Yule Cup

Week eight results: Group 1 – St Boswells 3 Selkirk B 3; Hawick Burns A 3 Jedburgh Legion 3. Group 2 – Innerleithen 3 Hawick Burns B 2; Selkirk A 2 Hawick Con B 4.

Squash

Galashiels

Club Championship quarter-finals: John Sharratt 3 David Burnie 0 (10-9, 9-3, 9-1); Graham Laing 3 Bill Dennyson 1 (9-5, 9-0, 8-10, 9-2); Ian Chalmers 3 Issam Yousef 0 (9-0, 9-4, 9-0).

Racketball ladder maches: D. Sharratt 2 I. Yousef 1; A. Gill 2 D. Burnie 0; A. Gill 2 D. Sharratt 0.

Club night matches: Squash – I. Chalmers 2 D. Sharratt 0; A. Gill 2 D. Burnie 0. Racketball – D. Sharratt 2 M. Silies 0.

Anyone who thought Innerleithen sported only downhill mountain bike trails was in for a pleasant surprise at the Haglofs Open 5 adventure race last weekend.

Competitors were greeted with one of those glorious cold, but clear, autumn days – no winter weather in the series yet.

Starting in Traquair, competitors ran south along the southern upland way, and had to navigate open moor, as well as forest to the east, providing stunning views of the surrounding area. For cyclists, there were route options through Elbank and Traquair forests.

No-one managed to clear the entire course, although Kim Collinson and Ant Emmet, both of Team Mountain Hardwear, cleared the run and bike controls respectively.

Highest score of the event was husband-and-wife team Tom and Astrid Gibbs, for adidas TERREX/Prunesco, with 550 points, 70 clear of the closest competitor, Kim Collinson, who won the male solos with 530 points.

Heather Burrows continues her run of form, in her second race back after “maternity leave”, improving on the second place in Ilkley to win in Innerleithen.

Gala Harriers’ annual cross-country championships took place on a chilly, but beautiful, morning for running on Saturday.

Not only were overhead conditions good, but surprisingly, underfoot conditions were also remarkably favourable for the time of year.

Thirty-four club members and one guest runner took to the start line at Boleside in nervous anticipation of the tough 5.8-mile course that follows the river Tweed to Yair before steeply climbing up over the Southern Upland Way to the finish at Hollybush.

In the senior men’s race, the predicted pre-race battle between Fergus Johnston and Graeme Murdoch duly unfolded, with both setting a quick pace and matching each other stride for stride over the first 3.5 miles.

As they reached the start of the hill, it was Johnston who stayed strongest and built an unassailable lead on the first climb to take a long overdue first title in a time of 36 minutes and 44 seconds, with Murdoch finishing second in 37.22.

Both times are the two fastest on record for running the course from Boleside to Hollybush. In an equally-exciting battle for third place, it was Gavin Bryson (son of last year’s winner Mark) who stormed down the hill to the finish (38.46), passing guest runner Craig Mattocks (38.50) with only 50m to go. Mark Bryson finished fifth in 39.45, with Colin McCall (39.56) running another strong effort to duck under the 40-minute barrier.

Junior member Jason McIntosh also ran a really strong race to finish in an excellent 40.02. Other male members completing the course were Andrew Lawrie (41.04), Dave Nightingale (42.59), Steve Martin (43.25), Marcus Naylor (43.47), Derrick Brydon (44.25), Tony Lunn (44.49), Rory Campbell (44.53), Magnus Inglis (44.55), Billy McCulloch (44.59), Tommy Knox (46.08), Keith King (49.26), James Purves (49.44), Graham Pogson (49.47), and club president Gerry Moss (55.53).

This was King’s last race for the club for some years as he leaves for Adelaide within the week, and this was marked in style at the presentation night later on (see below).

In the women’s race, Dianne Lauder ran strongly, despite injury hampering her progress in recent weeks.

Her time of 41.31 was enough to finish more than two minutes ahead of defending champion and ladies’ captain Fiona Dalgleish (43.40).

Dalgleish had to work hard over the closing stages and just held off a late challenge from Kate Mattocks (43.41) who is back representing the club after a long spell with Hunters Bog Trotters.

Rachel Fagan can be pleased with a solid 44.22, as can Joeleene McKean who ran 47.03. Nine other ladies also completed the course: Nicola Porterfield (49.02), Eileen Nicol (54.12), Dawn Grant (55.53), Shelagh King (67.43), Judy Scott (71.27), Lynn Taylor (71.28), Jill Grainger (72.16), Anne Purves (73.16) and Susan Howel (73.16).

As well as the scratch race, there is also the added intrigue of the closed handicap Neil Potts race, which involves predicting each runner’s time prior to the race and assessing who exceeds this time by the greatest margin.

The younger members of the club dominated this year, with Gavin Bryson’s time earning him the trophy.

HAWICK jockey Jason Hart has been crowned this season’s champion apprentice jockey, writes Hilary Mactaggart.

The 19-year-old – one of the youngest winners – clinched the prestigious British title at the final Flat fixture at Doncaster on Saturday, following a tremendous season which saw him ride 51 winners.

“I’ve had a great year,” he conceded.

Jason follows in the footsteps of Flat icons Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery, Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore, who all won the title, along with Hawick’s Greg Fairley.

The Apprentice Jockeys Championship is decided on ridden winners of Flat and all-weather races throughout the campaign from Friday March 22 to the final race at Doncaster on November 9.

This term, Jason has enjoyed 365 rides, with a 14 per cent strike rate.

His association with horses began in his hometown, where he gained valuable experience competing in pony racing – also a starting point for former champion apprentice Fairley and top Flat jockey Keith Dalgleish, now a successful trainer at Carluke.

There are also family connections in racing, through his grandfather, Derek Campbell, a former jump jockey.

Jason was just 15 when he left his hometown to join Mark Johnston’s Middleham stable after emailing the yard in the hope of riding-out there.

“It was a great place to learn,” he said.

“My first ever ride was on Elusive Fame at Southwell in February 2011 and I was second, beaten by a quarter length.”

Jason then joined Sledmere trainer Declan Carroll, who provided him with his first winner – Spice Bar at Ripon in August 2011.

Hart returned to Scottish soil a few days later to score at Musselburgh on Catallout.

“When you are riding, and then winning, that is when people notice you,” he explains.

That philosophy has proved sound, with several other trainers seeking his services, including Tim Walford and Eric Alston, for whom he has ridden numerous winners.

“I think it’s important for any apprentice to build up contacts,” he says, “and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me.”

Jason’s first major title comes on the heels of him previously being crowned the best young jockey at Haydock Park racecourse.

He topped the BETDAQ-sponsored seven-race Apprentice Training Series by just one point from his nearest rival.

Jed Legion 3

Gala Hotspur 1

The opening period was an evenly-contested affair with the first real chance falling to the visitors, but Jed goalkeeper Sean Jack got down well to make a smart save at his back post.

Legion opened their account on the half-hour mark, Daniel Gillie on target with a brilliant header from a Graeme Hyland cross.

Jed then quickly doubled their lead, Dean Jeffrey with a fine half-volley from the edge of the box. They increased the gap 15 minutes into the second half, Nathan Gillie finishing off a fine move from the edge of the box after good build-up play from Daniel Chandler.

The visitors reduced the deficit soon after with a smart chip from inside the box. They should have had a second to make it a nervy final few minutes for the home side, but the substitute blazed the ball over the bar with only Jack to beat.

Matchday and match ball sponsor – Gilbert Developments.

Hawick Leg Rovers 4

Chirnside Utd Colts 4

A last-minute penalty earned table-topping Chirnside a share of the points.

In a game in which the form book was thrown out of the window, bottom-of-the-table Rovers took the lead when Ali Tripovic fired home after being set up by a Sean Clark pass.

Minutes later, Mark Philbin added to the Rovers’ tally. With the Colts at sixes and sevens, the Teries kept their foot on the gas and Philbin netted again from a Liam Hush cross.

Clark then put Chirnside into further arrears with a well-taken goal before the interval.

Seconds into the second half Colts reduced the leeway straight from the kick-off. The visitors followed this up with another goal ... and duly went on to score again.

Time was running out and it appeared as though Rovers were going to hang on for a surprise victory.

With a minute remaining, though, this changed.

Rovers defender Davis Hope handled in the box and the referee awarded a penalty, as well as sending off the Hawick man.

The Berwickshire outfit tucked away the resultant spot kick to complete an unlikely comeback.

Ormiston 2

Kelso United 3

Jordan Lauder continued his rich vein of form by bagging another couple of goals to help United take the three points at Recreation Park.

That makes seven goals in the last three games for the Kelso frontman.

United manager Prof Blaikie told The Southern: “We had to make one or two changes in the team due to Steven Tait being suspended and Chris Black and Ben Herdman unavailable, so it took a while for the team to get a hold in the game, but it was a good win.

“It was always going to be a difficult place to come and get the points.”

There was a lacklustre start to the game which only came to life in the second period of the first half when the home side was first to strike.

Launching a counter attack down the right, winger Brian McEwan outpaced the United defence and crosse for striker Conor Ramage to knock past keeper Elliott Turnbull from close range.

But the advantage only lasted five minutes and on the half-hour mark United drew level. Sean Angus drilled a free kick to the back post which was headed back across goal by Darren Bowie and defender Alan Morgan, trying to clear the danger, only succeeded heading past his own keeper.

United nearly made it two from the kick-off in the second half when Shane Bonnington grazed the outside of the post.

The home side fought back and Turnbull had to look sharp to save a couple of efforts from Ramage.

After Bonnington hit the side netting, a Lauder header was cleared off the line from a Grant Gass corner.

On the hour mark, United edged in front. The ball was passed to Liam Wallace down the right wing and the midfielder cut inside two defenders before crossing to Lauder, who placed his header into the top corner of the net.

At the other end, Turnbull dived bravely at the feet of Ian Adams, hurting himself in the process.

United made it three after 70 minutes with a route-one goal. A clearance from Turnbull saw Lauder beat the offside trap and, with keeper Simmonds advancing, the striker coolly lobbed the ball over him and into the empty net.

The home team threw everything into the last five minutes. Daniel Kane hit the post before Ormiston got a goal back when striker Scott Wright unleashed a shot from 20 yards.

Peebles Rovers 3

Hawick Royal Albert 2

There wasn’t a lot of attractive, silky football conjured up in this derby encounter, but for thrills and spills, the game took a lot of beating, writes John Slorance.

The pace was fast and furious throughout, there were five goals and seven bookings, and the crowd had certainly plenty to get excited about.

Peebles ended up deserved winners. The Whitestone Park outfit showed that little more hunger and desire.

Rovers manager John O’Hara told The Southern: “Hawick are a much-improved team from last season and it was a very pleasing result to get a win over them today.

“I thought we played the better football and could well have got a few more goals. Our back three coped very well and this was good to see as we have lost a few goals in recent games.”

During a lively opening period, Hawick came close to scoring in the second minute as former Peebles signing Andy Williamson sent a header inches wide from a Nicky Cairns corner kick.

Peter Keenan then had the ball in the net during the Albert’s next raid, but the goal was chalked off due to Michael Smith being offside.

Rovers began to gain the upper hand after this and broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute as Scott Sutherland rattled in a shot that glanced off the grounded Smith before sailing into the net.

But Peebles were sent spinning two minutes from the break when Hawick snatched an equaliser, Keenan dilly-dallying in front of goal before firing home.

At the start of the second period, Andy Noble and Declan Hogg both squandered golden chances to put Hawick ahead after some slack Peebles defending.

The Teries were now having their best spell and Sean Loughlin was just off target with a header on connecting with a Cairns corner kick.

Rovers then showed what they had to offer and Hawick keeper Dean Fry pulled off a superb stop, tipping a net-bound Jason Darling header over the bar.

A goal was only delayed, however, as Frank Arthur floated over the resultant corner kick which was headed home by Dale Richards.

In the 82nd minute, the home men went further ahead as a poor clearance from Fry caused havoc at the back and Anderson took full advantage.

With two minutes remaining, Albert reduced the leeway through Keenan.

Hawick boss Graeme Chadwick said: “I expected us to do a lot better. It was a disappointing show and a bad result.”

gala fr3

whitehill welfare0

Fraser Forrest says his young Gala Fairydean Rovers team-mates have what it takes to ensure Saturday’s clean sheet against Whitehill Welfare can become the norm rather than the exception.

While Stuart Noble grabbed a superb hat-trick to seal a convincing win, Forrest made an assured debut at the back alongside Andrew Common, Craig McBride and Jason Inglis for Gala’s first shutout of the season.

The 30-year-old, who retired from Alloa Athletic in January 2012 due to a back condition which has now improved, said: “The most pleasing thing was getting the clean sheet. The guys at the back have all the attributes to be able to defend, but are still young and maybe a bit quiet.

“I don’t want to take the credit, but maybe I have helped organise things a bit more and I thought we did well. John Dodds had two excellent saves as well.

“I thought we played some good stuff, especially in the second half when the game got a bit more stretched. We took advantage of that and Stuart took his goals well.”

This was Gala’s best showing of the season, as they outplayed last term’s East of Scotland Premier Division champions, who were poor through the majority of the match.

Welfare did create the first chance of the match, as Inglis was required to make an important header to deny Stephen Manson a chance to score from just six yards out.

But at the other end, Inglis was also a goal threat, with a superb 25-yard effort which Ryan McGurk tipped over.

Gala suffered a blow when captain Sean Paliczka was forced off with a shoulder injury, but Marc Berry proved a more than able replacement.

Whitehill lost top scorer Wayne McIntosh soon after to injury, but substitute Aaron Somerville almost opened the scoring within seven minutes of coming off the bench.

The former Vale of Leithen winger danced through the middle of Gala’s defence, only for Dodds to make a cracking stop.

It proved to be a vital save, as the home side notched the first goal on 39 minutes with a fantastic passing move. Dean McColm and Jason Inglis combined to set up Berry, whose first-time cross was toe-poked home by Noble.

Keeper McGurk was picking the ball out of net again on 52 minutes when Noble sidefooted the ball into the corner after battling through a number of challenges.

Whitehill pressed, but Gala always looked dangerous on the break, and should have sealed the victory after a fine Jamie Gibson run and cross, only for Berry to head over.

Noble missed a great chance after rounding McGurk on 84 minutes, but Berry more than made up for his previous error with a pass for his team-mate to complete his treble on 87 minutes.

Noble said: “I have not scored a hat-trick for around 10 years, but the main thing was to get the win. We had to defend well today and are going to have to be at that level for the rest of the season.

“Hopefully we can build from this and start winning more games.”

Gala Fairydean Rovers: J. Dodds, J. Inglis, C. McBride, D. Bonnar (D. Sutherland 68), F. Forrest, A. Common, A. Nicol, D. McColm, J. Gibson (C. Jardine 80), S. Paliczka (M. Berry 19), Stuart Noble.