The Scottish Borders looks set to host its first ever closed road cycling sportive this summer.

Up to 3000 amateur cyclists are expected to take part in this year’s Tour o’ the Borders – and for the first time participants will likely be able to enjoy the route completely traffic free.

Scottish Borders Council has granted, in principle, organisers of the event permission to close a selection of roads around the region on Sunday, August 10. The route will pass through Peebles, Cardrona, Selkirk, Clovenfords and Roberton, with participants choosing to take in either a 76 or 55 mile circuit. Organisers expect riders will take anywhere from three and a half to eight hours to complete the course. A full map of both routes is available at www.tourotheborders.com/event-info

Throughout the event the road closure team will minimise any inconvenience to locals. Tour o’ the Borders organisers have also set up a community page on their website, where anyone concerned about the road closure arrangements or implications can find out more. Anyone with specific questions can also reach out to the organisers by emailing community@tourotheborders.com.

The event is backed by both Scottish Borders Council and EventScotland and has grown rapidly – from 286 riders in 2012 to a predicted 3000 this year. Organisers predict this year’s ride will deliver around £500,000 to the local economy.

Tour o’ the Borders also has two new supporters, with Scottish cycle clothing brand Endura sponsoring the event and MacMillan Cancer Support acting as its charity partner.

There is currently only one other closed road sportive in Scotland, the Etape Caledonia in Perth and Kinross, which is now worth £1million to the area.

Neil Dalgleish, Tour o’ the Borders Director, said: “Sportives are really growing in popularity across the UK and the huge number of entrants we have this year is testament to that. There will be some disruption caused by the road closures, but we hope that people see the economic benefits outweigh that. The economic impact of the event stands at around half a million pounds, which is a huge sum for a one day event.”

Cycling is a key feature in the Scottish Borders Tourism Strategy, with the region trying to grow its share of the £239million that biking brings to Scotland’s economy each year.

Neil added: “When the Etape Caledonia was first planned some people were opposed to the road closures, but it is now widely recognised as a vital fixture in the region’s tourism calendar – there’s even calls for the event to be run twice a year. We hope that people in the Borders understand that we plan to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and they get behind us to support the event.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland added: “The Scottish Borders is home to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, which is just one of the reasons the area is a must-visit for cyclists. Mass participation events bring large numbers of people to the area, which in turn delivers a significant economic impact with additional spend in hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops etc. The Tour of the Borders was very successful last year, and the strength of the event has seen registrations fill quickly for the 2014 event. Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and this event has all of the necessary components to grow year on year and continue to drive benefits for the region.”

ancrum

WRI

At the March meeting, Allen and Janie Clark gave a talk on the origin of the Selkies Artisan Soap Co. and the procedure involved in producing the soaps. Competitions – fruit smoothie – 1, E. Munro; 2, M. Smail; 3, M. Goodfellow; bowl of bulbs – J. Butler. In April, members made an Easter card by using the method of T-bag folding under the supervision of Wendy Underhill. Competitions – scones – 1, M. Smith; 2, R. Walker; 3, C. Law; best handwriting – 1, E. Little; 2, M. Dorricott; 3, J. Macdonald. The next meeting is on May 14, featuring Police Constable Karen McIlroy. Competitions – baby’s blanket and carrot cake (Fete Cup).

caddonfoot

Church

The Reverend Elspeth Harley preached morning service on Sunday in Caddonfoot Church. The lessons were read by Christine Dorward. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is to be held on May 11 at 9.45am. There has been a request for a short communion service (30 minutes), and this will take place in Trinity Church, Galashiels, on the same day at 3pm. Christian Aid Week runs from May 11-17.

crailing

AGM

The annual general meeting of Crailing, Eckford and Nisbet Community Council is at Lothian Hall on May 21 at 7pm. Charles Johnston, from Scottish Borders Council, will speak about the Local Development Plan, focusing on proposed changes to policies.

earlston

Coffee morning

The women’s section of the Royal British Legion Scotland’s Earlston branch is holding a coffee morning in aid of ex-servicemen’s charities in Hanover Court on May 10 (10am-noon).

Plant sale

Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual bedding plant sale and coffee morning at Hanover Close, The Square, on May 17. All proceeds go towards supporting the 2014 Earlston Flower Show.

Parish church

The May 11 service will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods, followed by the trustees’ conference in the church hall during the afternoon. Christian Aid Week also begins that day.

AGM

Earlston Community Council AGM will be held on May 15 at 7pm in the primary school. The council is able to offer a limited amount of grant funding to community groups within the Earlston, Mellerstain and Redpath area – up to a maximum of £200. Application forms are available from karen.scott1@sky.com. Closing date for applications is June 1.

galashiels

Inner Wheel

May 20 sees the Inner Wheel Club of Galashiels birthday dinner at the Kingsknowes Hotel. As a celebration of 90 years of Inner Wheel nationally, the club is holding an exhibition in St Peter’s Church Hall on May 10 at 3pm.

glendouglas

Whist

The monthly whist drive is on May 12 at 7.30pm.

Lunch club

The monthly lunch club is on May 14 (11.30am-1.30pm).

Hawick

Equine evening

Hawick Veterinary Practice is holding an equine information evening on May 19 (7pm) at its new premises – 1 Earl Street. Keynote speaker is Patrick Pollock, a European and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons-recognised specialist in equine surgery. Numbers will be limited, so contact the surgery on 01450 372038 to book a place.

Rotary

Ian Loudon’s talk last week was entitled “Change – what change?”, his reflections on the car trade. A native of Skye, he started work in the motor trade in Glasgow during the 1960s when he was involved with Fords, mainly the Popular and Anglia models. He compared them with the modern car and many members, having owned one of the models he referred to, could only concur on how basic they were. Many questions ensued after which past president Jack Swanston proposed the vote of thanks.

innerleithen

Concert

There are still tickets left for the St Ronan’s Band concert on May 10 in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. They will be available at the door.

Introduction night

The St Ronan’s Standard Bearer for 2014 will be introduced to the public on May 9 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall. Other introductions taking place are the Standard Bearer’s Lass, Principal Guest and the Lady Busser. The town bands will play outside the hall from 7pm. Following the introduction ceremony, Innerleithen Pipe Band will lead the principals and townsfolk on a short parade, ending up back at the Memorial Hall forecourt where the Standard Bearer’s Reel will be danced.

Craft fair

Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society is holding a craft fair and table-top sale on May 17 (9.30am-12.30pm) in the Memorial Hall.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association will hold its annual coffee morning on May 24 in the Vale Club (10am-noon).

Ball

St Ronan’s Standard Bearer’s Ball will be held on July 12 in the St Ronan’s Marquee. Tickets are on sale on May 31 from 8am at Foresters, Wells Brae. Costing £32.50 each, full payment must be handed in at this time – maximum of 12 tickets per table and dress is strictly formal. Cheques should be made payable to “St Ronan’s Border Games”.

Fun day

Innerleithen Family Fun Day is on June 1, from 1-5pm, in Victoria Park. There will be stalls and other attractions, including a mini fun fair, inflatables, pony rides, face painting, raffles, balloon race, tombola, and cake and candy. Music will be provided by the pipe and silver bands. After the success of last year’s cricket march, this is to be repeated from 10am in the Vale Park – more information from Tom Harrison (01896 833492). There will be a car boot sale and anyone who would like to book a place should call 01896 831721 or email KJBelleville@aol.com. Should any local organisation wish to have a stall at this event, contact Keith on 01896 831721 or email KJBelleville@aol.com.

Services

The May 11 morning service will be at 11.30am in Innerleithen Church, followed by a Christian Aid service in St James RC Church at 6.30pm.

jedburgh

Coffee morning

Scottish Borders Africa Aids Group’s coffee morning in Jedburgh realised in excess of £500. On July 3, there will be a Palm Court Afternoon Tea in Kelso – details from 01573 224753.

kelso

Bridge club

April 30 – Celtic Nations Spring Pairs – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 2, John Miller and Marian Miller; 3, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; E/W – 1, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 2, Stuart Graham and Ian Watson; 3, Lynda Douglas and Russell Watt. May 1 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Val Fairbairn; 2, Alison Ireland and Russell Watt; E/W – 1, Lee Leeson and Bob Stevenson; 2, John Miller and Marian Miller; 3, Shirley Armstrong and Moira Ayton.

Thursday Group

At the last meeting before the summer break, Isabel Gordon reviewed the year with 25 speakers on a wide range of subjects. Nearly £300 had been donated to charity. The subscription for 2014-15 will rise to £7. On July 3, the group is sponsoring a Palm Court Afternoon Tea in aid of Scottish Borders Africa Aids Group, with Robert Fraser (violin) and Margart Dick (piano). For offers to help and more information, phone Isabel on 01573 224753.

Quilters

The next meeting of Abbey Quilters will take place on May 13 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. Discussion is to centre on members’ forthcoming exhibition and there will be ademonstration on what is required for sleeves and labels etc. for exhibits. Further information from Rineke Sansgter (01573 229414) or Sandra Kinnoch (01835 850324).

AGM

Kelso Area Paths and Kelso Community Woodland groups are holding their joint AGM at 7 pm on May 28 in the Abbey Row Centre.

Youth project

Kelso Youth Project invites all its adult friends, supporters and volunteers to a get-together on May 14 (7-8.30pm) at its new home at the Ace Centre (next door to the Borders Ice Rink) for a guided tour of the building and to hear about its plans for the summer, the rest of 2014 and 2015. For further information, contact Becki on 07432 525340, email beckikelsoyouthproject@gmail.com or see Facebook page www.facebook.com/kelsoyouthproject. The project still has places on its drumming and animation workshops – book a place via the above contacts.

Nifty 50

Kelso GP Rob Cutting will celebrate turning 50 on Saturday – by cycling 50 miles around the Borders with friends. The birthday challenge has a Tour de France dress code and culminates in a party for invited guests at the doctor’s home afterwards.

Sale

The Friends of Kelso Hospital are holding a table-top sale in The Square on May 10 (10am-noon).

U3A

The next Four Border Abbeys U3A group open meeting is on May 12 at 2pm in Kelso Rugby Club when David Savory will talk on “The Outer Hebrides – A World Apart”.

Langholm

Grants

The community council has made awards from the Minsca wind farm community benefit fund – golf club junior section, £500; Christmas lights committee, £400; cycling club, day centre, young riders’ club and the town drum restoration fund, £250 each.

Election

The public meeting and election of Cornet will take place in the Buccleuch Centre on May 9. Voting will close at 8pm, and prior to that the Town and Pipe Band will play round the streets. Common riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell will be in charge of the meeting, at which any issues can be brought forward and the new committee announced. He will announce the result from the stage. The new Cornet will have an added engagement this time when he carries the Commonwealth Games Queen’s relay baton in June, on horseback from the monument into the town.

MacDiarmid

A meeting has been held to discuss holding a festival to celebrate the life and work of Hugh MacDiarmid, who was born in the town. It was organised by Ruth Cockburn.

Langlee

Primary school

Pupils have spent the first two weeks of the summer term involved in their annual ECO Fortnight. This project has been packed with various activities and tasks. Langlee Primary School is an ECO school and proudly flies its Green Flag. To achieve and maintain the flag, three different elements are required to be studied in-depth every two years. The current elements are – litter, school grounds and health and wellbeing. Youngsters’ views were looked at by the school’s Green Thumbs team and principal teacher Kim Wilson. Together, a plan for the Fortnight was created and activities such as a scavenger hunt, Zumba by FitBorders, a community litter pick-up and a school picnic, which relatives could attend, were held.

Lindean

WRI

Members were given a demonstration on planting hanging baskets and containers by John Chisholm, of Selkirk High School, who also gave tips on choosing plants and how to care for them throughout the summer. He spoke about his work in schools across the Borders and the training programme for teachers. After tea, the AGM took place and the new committee was elected – president, Margaret Milne; vice-president and press secretary, Marjorie Lawrie; secretary, Valerie Mayo; treasurer, Margaret McKinlay; magazine secretary, Barbara Lothian; committee members – Grace Aitchison, Jenny Davies, Maureen Ewart, Margaret Inglis, Diana Murray and Edith Scott. Annual prize winners – Valerie Mayo, Miss McGowan Trophy for most points; 2 (equal), Margaret Inglis and Margaret Milne, who shared the Jess Hope Cup; Grace Aitchison, Miss Hope Trophy for most entries.

melrose

Church

Christian Aid Week (May 11-17) – let the office know if you can help with door-to-door collections; May 11 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); 7.30pm, Eildon Singers, “From Denmark to Polynesia”; May 14 – Chinese cookery demonstration in Blainslie village hall at 7.30pm for SBAAG; May 17 – coffee morning in Corn Exchange.

Trimontium

Local history, with the possibility of archaeology in the offing, tends to arouse interest and a splendid audience appeared in the Corn Exchange last Thursday to hear Dr Chris Bowles, of Scottish Borders Council, detail what is known of the background to the peninsula of Old Melrose, which juts into the Tweed below the cliffs of Scott’s View. It is a natural amphitheatre in a river meander with a ridge and a plateau, largely invisible from the surrounding area. Its early mediaeval monastery and association with St Cuthbert are known,but before that it may have been a pagan site, and its nearness to Trimontium would not have escaped the attention of the Romans. As for the future, Dr Bowles showed the latest LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) images of the peninsula taken from an aircraft. The vote of thanks was given by Dr Margaret Collin, leader of the steering committee which hopes to obtain a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for an archaeological investigation in 2015. The chairman for the evening was Ian Skinner, who guides the first-Monday-in-the-month walks round Old Melrose (1.30-3.15pm) from April to October.

Guided tour

Melrose Historical and Archaeological Association has organised a guided tour of Traquair on May 14 at 2pm. Tour guide will be Lady Catherine Maxwell Stuart. A private viewing of a selection of Traquair’s archives has been arranged in the High Gallery and Margaret Fox, archivist, will give a short talk on this unique collection. All are welcome on this trip. Assemble in the Melrose Health Centre car park at 1pm. There will be a charge of £9.60 per person for the guided tour – payable at Traquair on entry. For more information and to join the group, contact Margaret Collin (phone, 01896 820200; email, margaret.collin1@btopenworld.com.) before May 12.

morebattle

Fishing

The fly competition will take place on May 16 (6.30-8.30pm), with the draw being held in the Templehall Hotel the previous day (9pm). Names to David Gray before May 15.

Kilt Walk

The taste-and-try cookery demonstration held in the institute in aid of the Kilt Walk raised £350. Anne Redpath organised the event.

Youth project

See Kelso section.

Newcastleton

Coffee morning

There was a good turnout for the coffee morning in the village hall run by Liddesdale Ladies’ Ammenities Group (LLAG), and £520 was raised for the local First Responders Group. Fraser McLean, from the First Responders, gave a talk as other members demonstrated resuscitation on dummies. LLAG chairwoman Alice Forster thanked everyone for their support. Cheques, as a result of group fundraisers, were presented, with the First Responders getting £1,000, and the village hall and Polysport £500 each.

oxton

Plant sale

Oxton Horticultural Society will hold its annual plant sale and coffee morning on May 17 (10am-noon) at the Memorial Hall.

SELKIRK

Fair

Selkirk Lifeboat Committee

Turn to page 28

From page 27

held a spring fair in St Joseph’s hall. The event raised £337 for the RNLI. Organisers are grateful to store giant Sainsbury’s for a raffle donation and to all who supported this cause, particularly Viewfield Service Station for sponsoring the “Lucky Lifeboat Station” draw, winners of which will be announced on Saturday, May 31.

Standard Bearer

It’s been a busy past few days for 2014 Standard Bearer Greg MacDougall and his attendants. Last Friday they were in Melrose for the election of the Melrosian, while on Sunday the dancing practices for the Standard Bearer’s Reel began when, along with their partners, Greg and his attendants once again are being tutored by Audrey Craig to give a Strictly Come Dancing-like performance at the ball. Monday night was the first flag practice with the help of Ex-Standard Bearer Brian Rodgerson. And on Tuesday Greg had his casting practice, which is usually held on the Wednesday, along with all the other standard bearers, but due to work commitments Greg will not always be able to attend on a Wednesday, so on these occasions his practice with the burgh flag will be on a Tuesday. Tonight, Greg and his attendants will attend a reception hosted by the community council in the Town Hall.

On song

The Borders branch of Amnesty International has announced the acts that have reached the finals of its protest song-writing competition. The competitors, aged from 11 to 6th-year students, who will perform at the String Jam Club in June 7, are Corin Anderson and Leanne McFadden from Hawick; Erin Highton from Selkirk; Highrise (Tom Beards, James Carvalho, Jonny Paterson and Cameron Young Lee) from Peebles; and Unheard Voices (Lauren Batey, Aaron Lee, Cameron Rendall Reid and Joe Bispham) from Kelso.

stow

Church

The sacrament of holy communion will be celebrated in Heriot (9.45am) and Stow (11.15am) churches on May 11.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on May 18 at 10am.

Yarrowford

WRI

Members enjoyed a talk by Sandra Kinoch on the work carried out by the charitable Linus Quilts project. The raffle was won by Norma Stuart and Jean Scott was hostess for the evening. Competitions – knitted 6in square – 1, Annie Coltherd; 2, Hannah Young; cruet set – 1, Isabel Brown; 2, Cis Darling. The next meeting is a talk on gardening by Ema Emmerson, of Woodside, Ancrum, to be held on May 13. Competitions – six daffodils and the largest button.

yetholm

Village lunch

The next village lunch will be held on May 15 at noon in the Wauchope Hall, with proceeds going to the Floral Gateway organisation. Everyone welcome.

Bird life

Village twitchers were excited about a large black bird being sighted fishing on Romany Marsh. Those in the know identified it as a cormorant, generally considered a sea bird, so it was quite unusual for the visitor to have made its way, presumably from the Berwick area, to the local man-made loch.

Retiral

David Hutchinson, chairman of Yetholm Community Council, has stood down from that position. He has also retired as chairman of the village festival committee.At the installation ceremony for the 2014 Bari Gadgi and Manushi, the Reverend Robin McHaffiie thanked David for his efforts and warm applause followed. Stepping into both positions is Susan Stewart. She was on holiday last week, but sent messages of support for this year’s festival and principals.Standing in for her on the night was Robin, assisted as compere by Jonathon Dixon.

Community council

At the recent AGM, it was reported that all vacancies for councillors have been filled, with one exception. Procedures to fill that post will appear on village noticeboards .

Youth project

See Kelso section.

A jealous man tried to strangle his terrified partner, screaming that he was going to kill her as she gasped for breath.

The petrified woman had earlier dialled 999 while hiding in the kitchen.

Twenty-year-old Christopher Robertson was due to stand trial by jury, but pled guilty to an amended charge. The first offender admitted assaulting his partner at the flat they shared in North Street, Peebles, on May 19 last year, straddling her body while she was on the ground, restricting her breathing by placing his hand around her neck and threatening to kill her.

Robertson was said to have been jealous of the woman’s behaviour with a friend who had been drinking with them earlier, although the relationship between the couple – who have a young baby – was described as “quite fractious”.

At a previous hearing, prosecutor Tessa Bradley told how Robertson and his girlfriend, who was 17 years old at the time – shared the flat with their then nine-month-old baby.

“In the run-up to this incident, the relationship had deteriorated, as neither was working and both were at home most of the day with a young baby,” she explained.

On May 18 a friend visited the flat and all three were socialising – “They had all consumed alcohol, though not to excess,” continued Ms Bradley.

The man who was visiting left the flat at about 1.30am the following day.

“Shortly after he left the accused became jealous of the way she had been behaving with this man, calling her a whore,” said Ms Bradley.

Robertson picked up the baby, who started crying, and his girlfriend pleaded with him to put the child down and she took him back to his cot.

The woman tried to avoid the accused as his mood was deteriorating.

Added Ms Bradley: “She hid in the kitchen and dialled 999. She ended up on the floor and he straddled her with his knees and grabbed her tightly by the throat and squeezed, causing her to gasp for breath.

“She estimated this strangulation lasted for about 30 seconds, during which time he was screaming, ‘I’m going to kill you’. In the course of this he slapped her to the head and she managed to push her fingers into his eyes and push him away. She escaped, and took refuge in the bathroom,” said the prosecutor.

Police officers found the victim with bloodshot eyes and there was bruising to her neck.

Robertson told police there had been a verbal argument and they had been pushing each other.

Robert More, defending, said his client had been on bail since last May, with conditions not to contact the complainer or enter North Street in Peebles – and had abided by these.

“Quite sadly, we have two young people with a young child, who have struggled to cope, and the relationship had become quite fractious,” added the lawyer, reserving his plea in mitigation until reports had been prepared.

Hearing a previously-ordered criminal justice report was not available, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre deferred sentence further until June 6 for it to be prepared.

Fined for

knife crime

A 25-year-old man who had a knife in Newtown St Boswells was fined £200.

James Armstrong, of Glenburn Avenue, Newtown St Boswells, denied having a knife at Melbourne Place on March 15 last year, but was found guilty after trial.

Imposing sentence, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre said he took account of the fact Armstrong had been of good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence, and also the nature of the crime.

Woman admonished

A Hawick woman who punched a former partner was admonished after the court heard she had been of good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence.

Ashleigh Patterson, 24, of Burnhead Road, admitted assaulting a previous partner at Green Terrace, Hawick, on October 1 last year. She also pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking not to contact him by sending him text messages.

Must appear

in person

A van thief had sentence deferred until May 16 to appear personally.

Martin Charlotte, 32, of Borthaugh Road, Hawick, admitted stealing a van at the town’s Ruberslaw Road on April 5, and driving it without a licence and insurance on various roads in Hawick. Charlotte – who was on an ASBO (antisocial behaviour order) at the time – also admitted driving the vehicle with a breath/alcohol reading of 41 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.

Remanded

in custody

A thief was remanded in custody for reports until May 16.

Christopher Haddock, 33, of Elm Court, Hawick, pleaded guilty to stealing alcohol, tools, a bicycle and sleeping bag at Lockhart Place in the town on March 17.

Hearing a previously-ordered criminal justice report was not available, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre remanded Haddock in custody for the report to be prepared.


Medical

report

A 20-year-old who made persistent calls to the emergency services had sentence deferred until May 30 for a medical report.

Andrew Birney, of Sunnyhill Road, Hawick, admitted making the calls from his home on October 19 last year.

Damaged Hawick flat

A woman who caused some £1,600 damage to a Hawick flat had sentence deferred until May 30 to appear personally.

Danielle Mooney, 26, of Maxmill Park, Kelso, admitted recklessly damaging walls, household items and furniture at a house in Lothian Street, Hawick, between October 1 and 31 last year.

Victim’s £2,000 dental bill

A drunken man punched a stranger outside a nightclub, knocking out two of his teeth.

Darren Todd, 34, of Havelock Street, Hawick, pleaded guilty to assaulting a man to his injury at the town’s Baker Street on January 26.

Claire Bottomley, prosecuting, said the offence happened during the early hours of the morning outside Base nightclub.

The prosecutor went on: “He was a complete stranger and had to have his teeth capped, with £2,000 worth of dental treatment required. He has had to apply for a loan to meet the costs.”

Todd’s solicitor said there had been “some interaction” between the two men, adding: “I am not suggesting that is an excuse for his action or that he was justified in what he did, just that he had some perception of a difficulty, so it was not completely random.”

Sentence was deferred until June 6 for reports.

Injured partner

A drunken man bit his partner during a struggle.

Allan Hutchinson, 51, of Fairhurst Drive, Hawick, admitted assaulting the woman to her injury at a house in Dickson Street, Hawick, on December 30 last year.

At a previous hearing, procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the couple had been in a relationship at the time and described both as “alcohol dependent”.

Mr Fraser said the woman felt the relationship was “moving too fast” and there was an argument between them.

The fiscal added: “He poured himself a half-pint of vodka and drank it in one go before resorting to violence towards her. There was a struggle and he bit her, leaving her with injuries.”

The victim sustained tenderness to her body, a scratch to her forehead and cheek, and a tender jaw.

Defence solicitor Rory Bannerman said both parties had alcohol issues, adding: “They have been dating for a few months and want to stay in the relationship.”

Last Friday, solicitor Ed Hulme said: “There is no pattern to his behaviour and he had mended his drinking habits. They are still together, and plan to marry in August.”

Hutchinson had sentence deferred for three months, until July 25, to be of good behaviour.

Hawick man faces trial

A man who denies uttering threats of sexual violence towards two females will stand trial on September 4, with an intermediate hearing on August 8.

Remo Nardini, 55, of Ramsay Road, Hawick, pleaded not guilty behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Ramsay Road on January 19.But he admitted recklessly damaging property by kicking a cat flap at Ramsay Road on January 23, and sentence was deferred until August 8.

Struggling shoplifter

A thief who stole a packet of sweetener tablets worth £1.36 from a Galashiels store had sentence deferred for six months – until November 10 – for good behaviour.

Stephen Wallace, 35, of Galabank Street, Galashiels was spotted on the Asda CCTV acting suspiciously on November 18. When confronted by a security guard, he became abusive and there was a struggle.

“The two of them ended up struggling on the ground and a bystander assisted the security guard,” said depute procurator fiscal Tessa Bradley.

Wallace admitted theft and disorderly conduct.

Inn attack allegation

An accused who denies assaulting a woman at a pub is due to stand trial on June 3.

Frank Flannigan, 45, of Mansfield Road, Berwick, is alleged to have committed the crime at Tibbie Shiels Inn, St Mary’s Loch, on March 1/2 and behaved in a threatening or abusive manner.

A further intermediate hearing was set for May 12.

The operators of the Borders’ only crematorium have moved swiftly to reassure families in the wake of the scandal over babies’ ashes at Mortonhall.

A company spokesperson for the Westerleigh Group, which opened the crematorium at Melrose in 2012, was responding after The Southern contacted the firm to ask about its own procedures for the disposal of ashes following the row which has engulfed the council-run Mortonhall facility in Edinburgh.

Last week, former lord advocate, Dame Elish Angiolini, published a damning 600-page report, which followed the 11-month investigation into Mortonhall stretching back to the 1960s.

It emerged that systematic failings at Mortonhall Crematorium had led to parents being told there were no ashes left to scatter.

In reality, it seems there had been “extensive” mixing of babies’ remains with those of adults, and that it had been likely the ashes of babies had been “hoovered up” during cleaning of flues and then interred in a piece of land.

The distressing scandal has now seen a pledge from the Scottish Government that the investigation will be extended nationwide to find answers for any affected families.

In his first television interview on the issue, George Bell, the former crematorium manager who worked at Mortonhall for 30 years and who now manages the Borders Crematorium, last week apologised to affected parents if they were given wrong advice which led them to choose cremation at Mortonhall instead of burial.

“I tried my best to make sure that the message got out that there might not be the opportunity of recovering ashes after the cremation and we provided alternatives, but unfortunately relied on frontline professionals,” said Mr Bell in the interview.

“I must emphasise the crematorium staff didn’t make funeral arrangements.”

Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, has welcomed Dame Angiolini’s report.

Ms Grahame was contacted by a constituent early last year over the disposal of the ashes of dead babies.

She commented: “This must never happen again as it has caused such understandable heartache to the families involved.

“But I believe the 22 recommendations in the report will provide a much better system in future.”

Asked to comment on its own procedures at Melrose, a spokesperson for the Borders Crematorium told us yesterday: “I can assure you that Borders Crematorium and all of its staff operate to the highest modern standards.

“We take the utmost care to try and recover ashes where possible so that these may be returned to the family if that is their choice, although we can provide no guarantee.

“We work closely with funeral directors and the Borders General Hospital to ensure that families have all possible information about their options and can make an informed decision.”

Cricket

Saturday, may 3

ESCL DIVISION ONE

Largo (20) beat Gala (5) by 54 runs. At East Drive

Largo

A. Ali, c D. Tharanga, b R. Pringle 31

A. Warrender, c G. Ormiston, b R. Pringle40

G. Kinnear, c K. Paterson, b R. Pringle 1

A. Anderson, c D. Millar, b J. Halls4

D. Galloway, c S. Halls, b R. Irvine26

H. Gillin, b R. Irvine46

A. Duncan, b R. Irvine6

N. Robinson, not out5

A. Robertson, c D. Millar, b R. Irvine6

B. Bentley, not out 0

Extras7

Total for 8 (50 overs)172

Bowling: S. Paterson 0-39, D. Tharanga 0-18, G. Ormiston 0-21, R. Pringle 3-21, R. Irvine 4-45, J. Halls 1-26.

Gala

S. Halls, b H. Gillin 12

G. Ormiston, c A. Warrender, b A. Robertson 9

K. Paterson, b A. Robertson 0

D. Millar, lbw b B. Bentley 39

D. Tharanga, b A. Anderson 39

J. Halls, st A. Warrender, b A. Anderson2

R. Pringle, c A. Duncan, b B. Bentley5

A. Oliver, b B. Bentley0

S. Paterson, c A. Robertson, b A. Anderson 2

R. Irvine, not out0

J. Anthony, b A. Anderson0

Extras 10

Total all out (32.4 overs) 118

Bowling: A. Robertson 2-15, H. Gillin 1-34, B. Bentley 3-41, A. Anderson 4-20.

Musselburgh (20) beat St Boswells (2) by 6 wkts. At Lewisvale Park

St Boswells

R. Young, c R. Tufail, b R. Collins0

M. Williams, c&b J. Robertson 0

S. Broom, b H. Verma 24

R. Graham, c&b J. Robertson8

C. Paterson, lbw b H. Verma14

S. Marshall, c&b H. Verma 0

R. Elms, b H. Verma10

C. McNeill, c R. Ullah, b H. Verma 2

S. Hunter, b R. Ullah 4

J. Gillan, not out 0

J. Flynn, b R. Ullah 0

Extras5

Total all out (27 overs)67

Bowling: R. Collins 1-26, J. Robertson 2-16, H. Verma 5-15, R. Ullah 2-9.

Musselburgh

R. Ullah, c Unknown, b S. Marshall 15

E. Gatner, lbw b R. Young 3

D. Solanki, c R. Graham, b S. Marshall 13

R. Tufail, not out15

K. Dilly, c Unknown, b S. Marshall 8

V. Devaraj, not out 10

Extras5

Total for 4 (23.3 overs)68

Bowling: S. Broom 0-14, R. Young 1-24, S. Marshall 3-12, C. McNeill 0-12.

P W t L PTS %

East Knights U18 1 1 0 0 20 100.00

Edinburgh CC 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

Heriots 2 3 2 0 1 48 80.00

Largo 2 1 0 1 25 62.50

Marchmont 2 1 0 1 23 57.50

St Boswells 2 1 0 1 22 55.00

Musselburgh 2 1 0 1 20 50.00

Dunfermline 1 0 0 1 7 35.00

Gala 1 0 0 1 5 25.00

Watsonians 2 1 0 0 1 5 25.00

Edinburgh Accies 1 0 0 1 4 20.00

Saturday’s fixtures: Dunfermline v Watsonians 2, Edinburgh CC v Edinburgh Accies, Gala v Musselburgh, Marchmont v Largo, St Boswells v Heriots 2.

ESCL DIVISION two

Kelso (20) beat Livingston (2) by 6 wkts. At Kelso

Livingston

S. Lancaster, c B.M. Grindell, b. J.W. Gibson 11

H. Ahmed, b S. Cessford1

M. Ahmed, b J.W. Gibson 4

F. Ahmed, c M.I. Henderson, b R. Kit0

D. Devlin, lbw b J.W. Gibson 0

N. Asghar, lbwJ.W. Gibson 1

Z. Sharif, lbw b S.D. Patterson8

N. Ghafoor, not out 2

J. Wilson, c D. Wilson, b B.M. Grindell 1

M. Gray, b B.M. Grindell 0

M Collings, b S.D. Patterson8

Extras8

Total all out (35 overs)38

Bowling: S. Cessford 1-7, J.W. Gibson 3-10, R. Kit 2-2, S.D. Patterson 2-10, B.M. Grindell 2-2, C. Davidson 0-6.

Kelso

M.I. Henderson, b Z. Sharif 2

R.D. Hogarth, b Z. Sharif 0

S.D. Patterson, not out 14

R. Kit, b J. Wilson 7

B.M. Grindell, b Z. Sharif 4

J.W. Gibson, not out 1

Extras 2

Total for 4 (20.3 overs) 39

Bowling: Z. Sharif 3-12, M. Collings 0-5, H. Ahmed 0-3, J. Wilson 1-5, N. Asghar 0-6.

P W t L PTS %

Dunnikier 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

Kelso 1 1 0 0 20 100.00

SMRH 2 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

West Lothian 2 1 1 0 0 20 100.00

Broomhall 2 1 0 1 25 62.50

Clackmannan Co 1 0 0 1 7 35.00

Fauldhouse 1 0 0 1 6 30.00

MDAFS 2 2 0 0 2 6 15.00

Livingston 1 0 0 1 2 10.00

Leith FAB 1 0 0 1 1 5.00

Saturday’s fixtures: Clackmannan Co v Leith FAB, Dunnikier v Livingston, Fauldhouse v Broomhall, MDAFS 2 v Kelso, SMRH 2 v West Lothian 2.

ESCL DIVISION four

RHC 2 (20) beat Selkirk (5) by 138 runs. At Philiphaugh

RHC 2

J. McCarthy, b K. Paterson0

A. Sathiy, c D. Fenton, b G. Fenton 63

G. Hoffman, b K. Paterson 7

A. Moore, c&b K. Paterson4

S. Hoffman, c G. Fenton, b K. Paterson37

R. Taylor, c A. Beveridge, b G. Fenton5

Y. Ali, c J. Reid, b B. Agate2

N. Brunton, b D. Fenton21

J. Kay, not out8

J. Gibson, B. Gillie, b D. Fenton0

F. West, not out 0

Extras11

Total for 9 (45 overs)158

Bowling: K. Paterson 4-26, J. Reid 0-23, G. Fenton2-16, D. Fenton 2-33, B. Agate 1-53.

Selkirk

G. Fenton, b J. Gibson 3

S. Skeldon, b F. West 0

D. Fenton, c Unknown, b J. Gibson 0

J. Reid, b J. Gibson 3

K. Paterson, b J. Gibson 2

B. Agate, b R. Taylor 8

A. Massie, b J. Gibson 0

B. Gillie, c Unknown, b R. Taylor 2

A. Beveridge, c Unknown, b J. Gibson 0

H. Murphy, not out 0

D. Brown, c Unknown, b J. Gibson 0

Extras2

Total all out (16.3 overs) 20

Bowling: F. West 1-7, J. Gibson 7-5, R. Taylor 2-9.

P W t L PTS %

Grange 3 1 1 0 0 20 100.00

Holy Cross 2 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

RHC 2 1 1 0 0 20 100.00

Watsonians 3 1 1 0 0 20 100.00

Selkirk 2 1 0 1 25 62.50

Dunf Carnegie 2 1 0 1 24 60.00

Edinburgh South 2 2 0 0 2 11 27.50

Preston Village 1 0 0 1 5 25.00

Largo 2 2 0 0 2 7 17.50

Stirling Co 3 0 0 0 0 0 0.0

Saturday’s fixtures: Largo 2 v Edinburgh South 2, RHC 2 v Dunfermline Carnegie, Selkirk v Grange 3, Stirling Co 3 v Holy Cross 2, Watsonians 3 v Preston Village.

ESCL DIVISION five

Glenrothes 2 (20) beat Peebles County (5) by 5 wkts. 
At Whitestone Park.

Peebles County

P. Murray, run out3

C. Cormack, c I. Dale, b R. Hutchison10

P. Caddick, not out52

A. Maxwell, run out G. Dodds Jnr2

B. Webb, c I. Dale, b K. Graveling3

P. Walker, b S. Munro2

M. Swan, c A. Sim, b S. Munro12

S. Slater, c R. Hutchison, b G. Dodds Snr 0

J. Pace, b G. Dodds Snr0

J. McCosh, b D. Lewis6

N. Burns, not out1

Extras12

Total for 9 (45 overs)103

Bowling: D. Lewis 1-14, R. Hutchison 1-12, K. Graveling 1-10, D. Bremner 0-13, G. Dodds Snr 2-22, S. Munro 2-22.

Glenrothes 2

S. Munro, c P. Walker, b A. Maxwell 11

M. Braid, c A. Maxwell, b J. McCosh 4

I. Dale, c P. Murray, b A. Maxwell 14

A. Sim, not out 32

G. Dodds Jnr, c S. Slater, b A. Maxwell 5

G. Dodds Snr, c P. Walker, b N. Burns 9

D. Bremner, not out 5

Extras29

Total for 5 (29.2 overs) 104

Bowling: A. Maxwell 3-16, J McCosh 0-17, S. Slater 0-14, B. Webb 0-38, N. Burns 1-10.

P W t L PTS %

Drummond T 2 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

Glenrothes 2 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

Marchmont 2 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

Edinburgh Ac 2 2 1 0 1 30 75.00

S&S Penicuik 2 2 1 0 1 26 65.00

Peebles County 2 1 0 1 25 62.50

Livingston 2 2 1 0 1 22 55.00

MDAFS 3 2 0 0 2 14 35.00

Falkland 3 2 0 0 2 10 25.00

Boroughmuir 2 2 0 0 2 9 22.50

Saturday’s fixtures: Boroughmuir 2 v Stuart&Stuart Penicuik 2, Falkland 3 v MDAFS 3, Glenrothes 2 v Edinburgh Ac 2, Livingston 2 v Marchmont 2, Peebles County v Drummond Trinity 2.

ESCL DIVISION six

Hawick & Wilton (20) beat Musselburgh 2 (6) by 2 wkts. At Buccleuch Park.

Musselburgh 2

C. Turnbull, b G. Alexander14

D. Gilbert, b N. Storey1

J. Gemmell, b N. Storey0

R. Mackenzie, c N. Storey, b B. Hartop43

H. Martin, b N. Storey2

Q. Ahmed, not out21

D. Gibson, c&b N. Storey0

M. Ruth, c A. Moffat, b S. Hair4

N. Macdonald, b L. Stewart2

C. Miller, not out2

Extras14

Total for 8 (40 overs)103

Bowling: N. Storey 4-8, L. Stewart 1-9, S. Hair 1-20, G. Alexander 1-19, P. Solley 0-23, B. Hartop 1-21.

Hawick & Wilton

G. Alexander, b J. Gemmell4

A. Moffat, b C. Miller0

P. Solley, b C. Miller12

B. Hartop, st N. Macdonald, b J. Gemmell0

S. Hair, c M. Ruth, b D. Gibson29

P. MacTaggart, b J. Gemmell3

L. Stewart, b D. Gibson4

N. Storey, c Q. Ahmed, b D. Gibson0

B. MacTaggart, not out9

C. MacDougall, not out19

Extras14

Total for 8 (23.3 overs)104

Bowling: J. Gemmell 3-14, C. Miller 2-33, D. Gibson 3-19, Q. Ahmed 0-33.

OCCC (20) beat Melrose (5) by 8 wkts. At Melrose.

Melrose

C. Green, c J. Caldwell, b K. Thomson17

B. Scott, c B. Raza, b D. Mason87

T. Bristow, c A. Tocher, b B. Raza6

T. Brown, b B. Raza7

J. Brett, c A. Watson, b B. Raza1

A. Wolfe Murray, not out5

M. Sutherland, c S. Robertson, b B. Raza4

R. Ward, not out6

Extras9

Total for 6 (40 overs)142

Bowling: A. Lomax 0-7, S. Robertson 0-11, A. Hinstridge 0-23, K. Thomson 1-44, A. Watson 0-11, D. Mason1-19, B. Raza 4-24.

OCCC

L. Charlwood, c&b R. Ward2

S. Scobie, not out68

S. Robertson, c C. Green, b T. Brown41

B. Raza, not out27

Extras8

Total for 2 (32 overs)146

Bowling: T. Brown 1-36, R. Ward 1-14, C. Green 0-15, J. Brett 0-20, B. Scott 0-17, T. Bristow 0-10, M. Sutherland 0-19, R. Brett 0-9.

P W t L PTS %

Heriots 3 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

OCCC 2 2 0 0 40 100.00

Tranent 1 1 0 0 20 100.00

Edinburgh CC 2 2 1 0 1 29 72.50

Musselburgh 2 2 1 0 1 26 65.00

Teuchters 2 1 0 1 26 65.00

Hawick & Wilton 2 1 0 1 25 62.50

Dunbar 2 0 0 2 13 32.50

Melrose 1 0 0 1 5 25.00

West Lothian 3 2 0 0 2 10 25.00

Saturday’s fixtures: Dunbar v Edinburgh CC 2, Musselburgh 2 v Melrose, OCCC v West Lothian 3, Teuchters v Heriots 3, Tranent v Hawick & Wilton.

football

Wednesday, April 30

East of Scotland League Division 1

Kelso United 2 Hawick Royal Albert 1

East of Scotland League Cup First Round

Stirling University P Spartans P

the King Cup Second Round

Heriot-Watt Univ 2 Preston Athletic 3

Hibernian 3 Lothian Thistle H Vale 2 (aet)

Saturday, May 3

SPFL League two

Albion Rovers 1 Queen’s Park 0

Annan Athletic 2 Elgin City 0

Berwick Rangers 1 Peterhead 2

East Stirling 1 Montrose 2

Stirling Albion 4 Clyde 1

P W D L F A Pts

Peterhead 36 23 7 6 74 38 76

Annan Athletic 36 19 6 11 69 49 63

Stirling Albion 36 16 10 10 60 50 58

Clyde 36 17 6 13 50 48 57

Berwick Rangers 36 15 7 14 63 49 52

Montrose 36 12 10 14 44 56 46

Albion Rovers 36 12 8 16 41 54 44

East Stirling 36 12 8 16 45 59 44

Elgin City 36 9 9 18 62 73 36

Queen’s Park 36 5 9 22 36 68 24

Lowland League

Selkirk 1 Edinburgh City 3

Spartans 1 Dalbeattie Star 1

Threave Rovers 2 Preston Athletic 1

Vale of Leithen 2 University of Stirling 3

Whitehill Welfare 2 Gretna 2008 2

P W D L F A Pts

Spartans 20 15 3 2 54 12 48

Dalbeattie 20 10 6 4 54 32 36

Stirling University 19 11 3 5 38 21 36

Vale of Leithen 20 11 3 6 37 33 36

Whitehill Welfare 20 11 2 7 52 34 35

Edinburgh City 19 10 1 8 38 26 31

Gretna 2008 20 8 5 7 37 30 29

East Kilbride 22 8 4 10 28 31 28

Preston Athletic 20 7 1 12 37 50 22

Gala Fairydean 21 6 2 13 43 63 20

Threave 20 4 4 12 19 47 16

Selkirk 20 1 2 17 19 79 5

East of Scotland first Division

Hawick Royal Albert 2 Peebles Rovers 5

P W D L F A Pts

Hibernian 18 15 1 2 72 16 46

Easthouses Lily 18 13 3 2 56 21 42

Berwick Rangers 18 11 0 7 42 27 33

Peebles Rovers 18 7 4 7 37 39 25

Kelso United 18 6 4 8 28 38 22

Burntisland Ship 18 6 3 9 24 43 21

Duns 18 5 3 10 29 46 18

Ormiston 17 6 0 11 27 46 18

Hawick RA 17 5 1 11 27 44 16

Eyemouth United 18 4 3 11 31 53 15

East of Scotland League Cup First Round

Lothian Thistle H Vale 3 Leith Athletic 0

Stirling University 1 Spartans 5

Walls Cup Final (at Peebles)

Biggar 2 Gordon 3

Beveridge Cup Quarter-Final

West Barns Star 2 Hawick Waverley 3 (aet)

border amateur league division a

Leithen Rovers 2 Stow 1

robson cup final (at alnwick)

Lowick United 1 Wansbeck Juniors 6

Bilclough cup semi-final

Tweedmouth Rangers 5 Craster Rovers 2

north northumberland league

division 1

Bamburgh Castle 9 Highfields United 0

Rothbury 1 Shilbottle CW 4

Tweedmouth Harrow 2 Springhill 2

P W D L F A Pts

Shilbottle CW 14 13 1 0 83 22 40

Bamburgh Castle 15 10 2 3 53 36 32

Tweedmouth Rang 12 7 3 2 45 20 24

Red Row Welfare 14 7 3 4 47 32 24

N Sunderland 15 6 3 6 34 45 21

*Rothbury 15 5 1 9 37 54 13

Highfields United 16 4 0 12 31 70 12

Tweedmouth Har 15 3 1 11 29 62 10

*Springhill 16 3 2 11 21 39 8

north northumberland league

division 2

Wooler Reserves 7 Hedgeley Rovers 0

P W D L F A Pts

Wansbeck 18 15 2 1 102 24 47

Lowick United 18 13 2 3 87 30 41

Duns 18 11 1 6 77 28 34

Craster Rovers 18 8 7 3 48 28 31

Amble St Cuthbert 18 9 2 7 49 51 29

Alnmouth United 18 9 1 8 38 61 28

Embleton WR 18 7 1 10 52 56 22

*Wooler Reserves 18 5 2 11 32 78 14

*Lynemouth Ang 18 3 1 14 32 67 7

*Hedgeley Rovers 18 0 1 17 13 107 -2

*points deducted

sunday, may 4

East of Scotland Shield

Hibernian 2 Hearts 0 (at Easter Road)

monday, may 5

East of Scotland League Cup semi-final

Hibernian 2 Lothian Thistle H Vale 1

tuesday, May 6

Beveridge Cup Semi-Final

Hawick Waverley 0 Gala Fairydean Rovers 2

border amateur league division a

Stow 2 Leithen Rovers 1

P W D L F A Pts

Chirnside Utd 20 12 5 3 62 40 41

Stow 20 10 3 7 48 31 33

Leithen Rovers 19 10 3 6 46 38 33

Hawick Waverley 19 9 5 5 45 35 32

Greenlaw 20 9 3 8 45 50 30

Newtown 19 8 5 6 43 35 29

West Barns Star 19 9 2 8 63 57 29

Ancrum 20 8 5 7 55 58 29

Gala Fairydean Rov 20 7 2 11 54 59 23

Tweeddale Rovers 20 6 3 11 37 44 21

*Hearts of L’dale 20 1 2 17 27 78 -1

*points deducted

fixtures

FRIDAY, MAY 9

laidler/lancaster cup final 
(at SHIELFIELD PARK, 7pm)

Shilbottle CW v Duns

Saturday, May 10

Lowland League (3pm)

Edinburgh City v Vale of Leithen

Gretna 2008 v Preston Athletic

Selkirk v Gala Fairydean Rovers

Threave Rovers v Dalbeattie Star

Univ of Stirling v Spartans

East of Scotland first Division (2.30)

Hawick Royal Albert v Ormiston

Waddell Cup Final (at Greenlaw, 2pm)

Greenlaw v Gordon

border amateur league division a (2.30)

Leithen Rovers v Newtown

Hawick Waverley v West Barns Star

north northumberland league

division 1 (2pm)

Tweedmouth Rangers v Red Row Welfare

monday, may 12

north northumberland league

division 1 (6.30)

Tweedmouth Rangers v Bamburgh Castle

Tuesday/Wednesday, May 13/14

The King Cup, Semi-Finals

Whitehill Welfare/University of Stirling v Gretna 2008

Edinburgh University/Hibernian v Preston Athletic/Edinburgh City

wednesday, may 14

north northumberland league

division 1 (6.30)

Shilbottle CW v Red Row Welfare

Kelso High School’s Second Year hockey squad rounded off their season in style last week with a successful tour of Fife and Perthshire.

A squad of 27 girls and one boy, Joe Bisphan, headed north with coaches Mary Weir, David Ferguson and Angela Martin on a three-day tour which encompassed an incredible 14 games.

The squad rose to the different challenges each day extremely well with glorious sun and near 20 degrees Celsius on the first day to torrential rain on the second and bitter cold on the third day. But they came through it all smiling, with some wins, draws and defeats, but all delighted.

The Kelso HS ‘A’ team defeated Dunfermline High School’s S3s, Kinross High School S2s and drew with Perth Academy’s all-male S3 team, while the ‘B’ team also defeated Kinross and both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams also faced Perth Grammar and Perth High Schools. The squad also squeezed in go-karting, bowling, swimming and shopping before returning to the Borders.

Sports digest

Archery

Ettrick Forest

The club enjoyed another busy weekend, with a target competition in Ayrshire on the Saturday and another at their home at Thirladean on the Sunday.

The former was the BLBS Zingari shoot, held at Culzean Castle, and once again, Ettrick Forest Archer Elaine Pearson was in fine form, winning the ladies’ class (seventh overall), and the Dick Galloway Bow and silver medal for most hits, beating Inverness’ Barbara Campbell by one, a score of 71 hits, 295 score, 5 golds.

The club’s Kyle Fairbairn won the silver medal in the juniors’ class, with 31, 129, 3 (21st overall).

Alan Beatty top-scored for the gents, and although the male Ettrick Forest Archers were out of the main prizes, they produced some nice scores.

They were: 6, Mike Pearson 73, 321 4 (also gained first gold); 9, Doug Anderson 70, 282, 2; 18 Wullie Good 50, 226, 8 ; 23, Jamie Kelly 28, 90, 0; 25, Rufus Stone 21 103 1 (retired).

Sunday’s competition was a club scoring target. The results of the National round were as follows: Ladies – 1, Elaine Pearson 46, 184, 4; 2, Ev Craig 28, 112, 3. Gentlemen – 1, Alex Blake 57, 253, 3; 2, Alan Lindsay 54, 264, 8; 3, Doug Anderson 53, 241, 8; 4, Mike Pearson 47, 219, 5; 5, Michael Liddle 39, 153, 3; 6, Jamie Kelly 22, 102, 4.

Next Sunday sees a club scoring clout competition, first arrows at 1pm.

Golf

BLCGA

County Championships (scratch) First round: Julie Birdsall (Roxburghe) bt Jean Oliver (St Boswells) 6 and 4; Denise Richards (Torwoodlee) bt Anne Wood (Duns) at 19th; Sheila Cuthbertson (Peebles) bt Marny Waddell (Peebles) 5 and 4; Carina Bunyan (The Roxburghe) bt Ailsa Mitchell (Hawick) 2 holes; Dani Ker (Roxburghe) bt Fiona Ker (Roxburghe) 4 and 3; Judith Anderson (Hawick) bt Lorraine White (Torwoodlee) 7 and 5; Sharon Paterson (Kelso) bt Venetia Scott (Torwoodlee) 2 and 1; Claire Howden (Torwoodlee) bt Liz Campbell (Torwoodlee) at 19th.

Quarter-finals: Birdsall bt Richards 8 and 6; Bunyan bt Cuthbertson 1 hole; Ker bt Anderson 3 and 2; Paterson bt Howden 7 and 5.

Semi-finals: Bunyan bt Birdsall 4 and 3; Ker bt Paterson 4 and 3.

Final: Ker bt Bunyan 3 and 2.

Bronze Championship Quarter-finals: Elaine Brotherstone bt Zara Middlemass; Rhea Middlemass, June Craig & Diane Johnston (byes).

Semi-finals: Rhea Middlemass (Hawick) bt Elaine Brotherstone (Lauder) 8 and 7; June Craig (Selkirk) bt Diane Johnston (Duns) 1 hole.

Final: Middlemass bt Craig 6 and 5.

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Scott Cup Stableford: Winner, W. Crighton 20 points.

Kelso

Geoff Garratt Trophy: 1, H. Patterson 79 (15) 64; 2, W. Mulroy 77 (12) 65; 3, R. Newton 72 (6) 66.

This year’s gents’ outing was to Alnmouth Golf Club on Sunday, a very enjoyable day for the 24 members who attended. The winner was Bob Hogarth who had an excellent 38 points. Stuart Anderson also had a day to remember with a hole in one at the 216-yard 17th.

Ladies’ Nine-hole Stableford: 1, I. Boyd 15 points.

Ladies 15-hole Stableford: 1, L. Wilson 34 points.

Lauder

The fine weather brought out the biggest entry so far this year, with 18 turning out for the Lewis Stableford.

Scoring was the best so far also, with Tom Hogarth, on 21 points, pipping Billy Hunter on a better last six with David McPherson third on 18.

Overall for the month, Geordie Dun was first with 39 points and Hogarth was runner up with 37, beating Hunter into third again on countback. Both Geordie and Tom are the first qualifiers for the final to be played on October 19.

Gents Championship Qualifier (No 1): 1, M. Dunne 76 (11) 65; 2, I. Robinson 93 (24) 69; 3, M. Whiteford 81 (10) 71.

Lauderdale Elderly Gentlemen’s Golfing Society (LEGGS) Eclectic: 1, I. Scott (12) 37 points; 2, P. Docherty (18) 34; 3, H. Moffat (17) 33.

LEGGS is open to all male members of Lauder Golf Club aged 55 and over. It meets every Monday of the year, weather permitting, at the clubhouse for a 1pm start.

Melrose

Championship Qualifier (ladies): 1, J. Shirra-Gibb 87; 2, J. Whiteford 92.

Spar Competitiom (Round 2): 1, S. Ervine 44 points; 2, W. Wallace 40; 3, I. Swan 40; 4, M. Cowe 38.

Overall winners: 1, W. Wallace; 2, D. Page; 3, R. Falconer.

Minto

Seniors’ Stableford Summer League: 1, I. Oliver 39 points (after countback); 2, T. Glendinning 39; 3, D. Howden 38. Tam Glendinning is the current League leader with 27.5 league points.

Ladies’ Salver (No 2): 1, S. Law 105 (35) 70; 2, F. Kerr 96 (21) 75; 3, M. Glendinning 91 (15) 76. Scratch: L. Manson 95.

Juniors’ May Medal: 1, R. Middlemiss 95 (30) 65; 2, F. Lothian 95 (28) 67; 3, M. Scott 78 (11) 67 (lowest gross).

Whilst the juniors who already have a handicap were playing for the May Medal, local professional Frank Scott was taking five less experienced juniors through their paces at the golf range at Synton. In what was a busy evening for Minto juniors, 18 more juniors were being coached on the Minto course and practice areas by volunteer coaches.

Anyone interested in golf opportunities for juniors at Minto should contact the club secretary on 01450 870220.

Nineteen Minto members and friends played three Fife courses whilst based at Kinross. Jim Adams played the most consistent golf of the tour, scoring 37 Stableford points on the Montgomery course, 32 at Thornton and 30 at Bruce for a grand total of 99. The tour organiser, Albert Thompson, was second with a total of 95 with David Miller third on 94.

John Law and Gill Cartwright, the club and ladies’ captains, both led their teams to victory in the annual Captain versus Vice-captain’s fixtures.

In the gents’ match, John Law’s team won by 5.5 rubbers to 2.5, whilst Gill Cartwright’s team victory was similarly emphatic, the Ladies’ captain’s team winning by eight rubbers to three.

Radio Borders has confirmed that Minto Golf Club raised £100.24 towards their Cash for Kids appeal at the Adults and Juniors fixture on April 25. The club would like to thank all who contributed so generously.

St Boswells

Ladies Holmes Cup: 1, R. Thorburn (23) 3 up; 2, J. Knox (17) 2 up; 3, G. Oliver (6) 1 up.

President’s Putter: 1, A. Hume 81 (17) 64; 2, G. Hogg 71 (6) 65; 3, G. Donald 88 (23) 65.

Torwoodlee

Senior’s Closed JA Brown Cup: winner, K. Allen 65 BIH.

Tuesday Stroke: 1, M. Dodds 81 (20) 61; 2, K. Allen 78 (13) 65; 3, G. Low 69 (4) 65.

May Deal: 1, C. Lees 69 (6) 63; 2, B. Fotheringham 78 (12) 66; 3, C. Forsyth 77 (11) 66. Scratch: A. Lawrie 69 BIH.

Congratulations to George Meiklem who had a hole in one at the 7th hole.

Jackson Berry & Simon Fairburn were narrowly defeated in the final of the BGA Challenge Trophy which was played at Kelso Golf Club this weekend. Alan Turnbull & Jamie Morris of Peebles Golf Club beat David Gilie and Colin Riddle at the 19th hole in the semi-final before going on to beat Jackson and Simon at the last hole in the final.

Homing

Earlston & District

Five members sent 130 birds to Tow Law, liberated at 0815 into no wind. Results: 1, 3, 9, 10, A.Bain 1386.52; 2, 4, S. Hardie & Sons 1381.05; 5, 6, W.Gray & Son 1320.55; 7, S. Martin 1282.37; 8, A. Simpson 1281.98.

Galashiels

Eleven members sent 125 pigeons to Tow Law, a distance of 71 miles. Results: 1, 2, 4, J. Douglas 1310.371; 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Douglas & Spearman 1183. 239; 5, W. Hopewell 1109.811.

Jedburgh

Five members sent 171 pigeons to Tow Law, a distance of 62 miles. Results: 1, 8, 9, 10, A. Agnew & Son 1416.988; 2, 7, Mr & Mrs Simpson 1307.226; 3, 4, 5, 6, T. Wilson 1256.538.

Langholm

The club liberated 109 birds from Charnock Richards last Saturday with an east, south east, wind. Results: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, R. V. Graham 1507.030; 8, 10, D. Nordon 1436.137; 9, A. Henderson 1413.331.

Pentanque

Tweed Valley

Tweed Valley Pétanque Club based within Kailzie Gardens, Peebles, has been awarded £2,600 from Awards for All Scotland and a further £500 from Borders Sport and Leisure Trust.

This will enable the club to purchase a new shed and increase their pistes to three 15 x 4m or five 12 x 3m ones, therefore increasing playing ability to a maximum of 30 people at one time.

“This is a fantastic achievement for our small club,” said chairman Tommy Quinn.

Squash

Galashiels

League One: A. Gill 3 D. Sharratt 1 (9-2, 9-6, 9-10, 9-1).

Club night friendlies: R. Kohler 2 D Sharratt 0; A. Gill 1 M. Sillies 0; D. Burnie 2 R. Kohler 0; D. Sharratt 1 A. Gill 1; R. Kohler 2 M. Sillies 0; D. Sharratt 2 D. Burnie 0; A. Gill 1 D. Burnie 1.

Kelso’s 1st XI cricket team won their first game of the season in East League Division Two when Livingston visited Shedden Park on what was a cold and cloudy day.

Captain Dougie Wilson won the important toss on a soft and unpredictable wicket and elected to bowl first.

Kelso soon got the show on the road with Stewart Cessford getting the first wicket in the third over, bowling H. Ahmed for one. Jason Gibson and Kit Rotthier soon joined the party picking up five wickets between them.

Kelso had Livingston on the ropes as the visitors were going along at less than one run an over. Ben Grindell and Steven Patterson mopped up and Kelso restricted the visitors to just 38 off 37 overs.

Kelso got off to a shaky start in their innings with openers Mark Henderson and Robert Hogarth going cheaply. Those wickets brought Steven Patterson and Kit Rotthier to the crease.

A low ball caught out the latter for only seven and Kelso lost another wicket, Ben Grindell’s, before reaching the total required to win the match by six wickets.

Impressive bowling performances by Gala’s young attack was not enough to stop the Meigle Park side slumping to a 54-run loss at Largo in East Division One.

Robbie Irvine, Robbie Pringle and Jack Halls have a combined age of only 49, but the trio took all eight of Largo ’s wickets in the Fife side’s total of 172.

But under strength Gala lost their final seven wickets for just 16 runs to finish on 118.

Gala skipper Duncan Millar won the toss and decided to put Largo into bat. The home side’s openers Ali and Warrender batted patiently to reach 66 before Dinesh Tharanga took a catch from Pringle’s bowling. Largo slipped to 96 for 4 with only 14 overs left, but the hosts managed to add 76 runs, mainly through an impressive innings of 46 by Gillin. Fifteen-year-old Robbie Irvine finished with 4 for 45, Pringle 3 for 21 and Jack Halls 1 for 26.

Gala started briskly in reply, but lost three wickets with the score on 22.

Millar and Tharanga were brought together and put together a partnership of 80 to pull the visitors back into the game.

However, Tharanga was bowled for 35 with the score on 102, and Millar followed soon after, also for 35.

The departure of the pair sparked a collapse as Gala were all out in the 33rd over.

Go to page 68 for all Borders scorecards and results.

After a solid start in differing conditions at Brands Hatch, Hawick’s British Superbike star Stuart Easton made the journey to the picturesque 2.6-mile Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire.

Lying in fifth place with 20 points, the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider lined up to compete in two 18-lap races over the May Day Bank holiday in the second round of the British Superbike championship.

The Teri was narrowly pipped to the post in the second free practice session on Saturday by Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes, but the Scot still managed to lap consistently in the 1’ 35s, leaving him feeling positive ahead of qualifying on Sunday.

Easton’s best lap of 1’35.733 was enough to place him second fastest on the time sheets, and even out-paced team-mate Shane Byrne in the afternoon’s session, after the triple champ experienced technical problems.

Speaking after the session, a confident Easton said: “It is good obviously for me to get near to the top of the time sheets, but it’s only free practice and we have qualifying tomorrow.

“We have found a good setup after going backwards and forwards all day, but I am now happy with the feeling of the bike. I feel solid on it and everyone is working hard. I am hoping to continue to make small improvements throughout the weekend and this is a tricky track, but I am happy at the moment, and this is the best start that I could have hoped for.”

And in Sunday’s qualifying, he was very consistent and earned fourth place for the two Monday races.

In near perfect conditions for race one, Easton kept with the top three for several laps, but on lap six, a gap was opened on him and Tommy Bridewell, with the Teri finishing in fifth place behind the latter.

Race two produced a similar situation with the same top three of Josh Brookes, Shane Byrne, and James Ellison hitting the front. Easton battled for fourth place with Bridewell, this time getting the better of him and finishing fourth, which sealed another strong weekend for the Hawick pro.

These results move him into fourth place in the championship with 44 points.

The next round is at Snetterton in Norfolk in June.

The Villagers travelled to Musselburgh on Saturday, missing several key batsmen, and were greeted with a very soft, wet and slow wicket.

On winning the toss St Boswells opted to bat first and got off to a disastrous start when both openers were dismissed without a single run being scored. Young was caught behind off Curtly Ambrose lookalike Collins, while Aussie Mark Williams popped a catch back to bowler Robertson – a period of adjustment is required to get used to the slow Scottish wickets.

Stephen Broom, Ross Graham, Craig Patterson and Rory Elms all had brief moments of success to get the scoreboard moving.

Broom played the wrong line to be bowled for 24, Graham popped a catch back exactly the same as Williams had done earlier for 8, and Patterson went LBW for 14, albeit after responding superbly to sledging by West Indies star Collins by smashing him back over his forehead for four. Overall, no one looked like they were going to hang around for the duration and everyone else failed to get out of single figures, with Verma the best bowler, taking 5 for 15, to snuff out the St Boswells innings for 67.

Even on such a slow and difficult track, 67 was unlikely to be enough, although the visitors were aware Musselburgh had fallen themselves the previous week to a similar score.

Whereas the batting performance was horrible, the bowling was much better. Opening due to the conditions with the non-pacey Young, he quickly had Gartner trapped LBW for 3. Scott Marshall came on and bowled superbly to claim three more scalps, with James Gillan, Patterson and Graham taking good catches. However, despite periods of hope, the home team surpassed the total after 23 overs.

Vale of Leithen2

Stirling Uni3

Stirling University will finish second in the inaugural Lowland League – earning entry into the Scottish Cup – following their victory over Vale on Saturday.

First-half goals from Paul Sludden, Chris Geddes and a late winner from Jack Sutherland was enough to secure the crucial spot with one match remaining.

Vale goalkeeper Kieran Beveridge put on a solid display, while Vale displayed increasing intensity in the second half with John Ferguson and Keith Lough netting a goal apiece.

Gordon3

Biggar2

Gordon AFC won the Border Amateur League Walls Cup on Saturday when they beat Biggar in a well-contested final at Peebles.

Gordon, who are still in with a shout of the B League championship, and who play local rivals Greenlaw in the final of the Waddell Cup this weekend, picked up their first piece of silverware for the season when they came from behind to win.

And it was substitute Danny Simpson who was the hero of the hour, coming off the bench and netting twice after the Berwickshire side found themselves 2-1 down.

Gordon took the lead in what was a tense match, but Biggar always looked a dangerous side and after levelling at 1-1 they scored again.

The game changed when Simpson was introduced and he struck twice to give his side the trophy.

Gordon now go on to face Greenlaw in the final of the Waddell Cup this Saturday, at Greenlaw.

And they must face Biggar again the following weekend (May 17) in what could be a crunch league fixture.

z On Tuesday night, Gala Fairydean Rovers amateurs secured a final place in the Beveridge Cup with a 2-0 win over Hawick Waverley.

With no quarter given for much of the game, the Rovers finally struck in the 75th minute, with Paul Hossack scoring the first goal, before Shaun Hardie sealed the win two minutes into injury time.

The final against Newtown will be played at Greenlaw on Friday, May 16 (kick-off 6.45pm).

West Barns Star2

Hawick Waverley3

After extra time

Waverley booked their place in the semi-final of the Beveridge Cup against Gala Fairydean Rovers with an excellent extra time win at West Barns.

Following a non-scoring first half the hosts broke the deadlock after the changeover.

Waverley came rallying back and Darren Munro hit home an equaliser when beating the Star keeper all the way with a raging 25-yard drive.

With no addition to the scoring, the cup tie went into extra time and in the early part Liam Lavery put Waverley in front by nodding in a Scott Craig cross.

Minutes later, Munro stretched Waverley’s lead with another deadly finish.

West Barns duly reduced the leeway, but Waverley now had the upper hand and hung on well to gain victory.

The winners of the semi-final will play Newtown in the final on Friday, May 16 at Greenlaw (6.45pm).

Selkirk1

Edinburgh City3

Selkirk led the way for much of this tail-end Lowland League clash at Yarrow Park before a total collapse in defence resulted in yet another defeat for the Souters.

A Daryl Johnston shot from 25 yards was deflected into the net midway through the first half to give the hosts a lead which lasted until the 61st minute.

After that it was one-way traffic.

Dougie Gair slotted away a penalty, awarded for a handball incident, followed by goals from Mark Osborne and Ryan Wilson to seal the deal for City.

Hawick Royal Albert2

Peebles Rovers5

Peebles Rovers had their sights set on finishing the season in the top four of the East of Scotland First Division table.

And thanks to a five-goal blitz, as well as a five-star show, Rovers achieved their aim in pulling off a more than worthy win in this Albert Park encounter.

What’s more, they did it the hard way as they played a good part of the game with only 10 men, due to the red carding of Lee Zavaroni in the latter stages of the first half.

Indeed, being a man short made no difference whatsoever to Rovers. The Whitestone Park side were on song throughout and simply hit full chorus.

Peebles manager John O’Hara told The Southern: “It was a great win for us and I am absolutely delighted that we have ended the season in fourth place.

“We have learned a lot, both off and on the park, throughout the season, and have taken huge strides in a lot of different ways.

“I thought we played particularly well today. The sending off of Lee Zavaroni was a bit harsh, but you just have to accept these things.

“Due to going down to 10 men the side had to be reshaped. But at half-time I decided that we would not sit back and defend so we just went for it and this worked for us.”

After Paul Brown had squandered a chance to put Hawick ahead in the first minute, Rovers showed what they had to offer with a good move which ended with Duncan Ndineni rattling in a shot that home keeper Kerr Brown did well to save.

In the 16th minute, though, Peebles did break the deadlock.

Running onto a ball from the back, 16-year-old Ndineni, a young player of great potential, cut inside and stabbed the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Callum Hope then came close to putting Hawick on level terms with a shot that dipped over the bar.

With 23 minutes gone, Rovers went further ahead when Chris Lockhart took advantage of some poor marking to head home a Jordan Hall corner kick.

At the other end, Ndineni came to the Rovers’ rescue by clearing a Nicky Cairns header off the goal line.

Eight minutes from half time, Albert reduced the leeway.

Shillinglaw whipped a corner kick into a crowded goalmouth, only to be handled by Zavaroni.

A penalty was awarded and Zavaroni given his marching orders.

Cairns stuck away the spot kick with great precision.

Although down to 10 men, Peebles were undaunted and in the opening stages of the second period, the lively Ndineni came near to scoring.

A goal was only delayed, for after 54 minutes Rovers struck again, Chris Lockhart turning in a Hall free kick at the back post.

After Peebles keeper Chris Malcolm had pulled off saves from Hope and Jody Easdon, Hawick fell into further arrears.

A Jonathon Flockhart corner was only partially cleared by the home rear guard and the ball broke to the feet of Geri Rossi, who drove a shot out of the reach of Brown.

Scott Sutherland then made it a nap hand for rampant Rovers by surging forward and waltzing round Brown to tap the ball home.

In the closing stages, Albert made the score line a little more respectable with Cairns netting a second penalty after James Clarkson had handled in the box.

Hawick’s Ronald Fleming said of his side’s fall, “We started off well, but lack of concentration, which has been our story during the season, cost us two goals.

“However, we got ourselves back in the game by scoring just before half-time. Peebles then got a quick goal at the start of the second half and this killed us off. The best side won on the day”.

All eyes may be on Glasgow this summer, but on Saturday, thanks to National Lottery cash, rugby playing schoolchildren in the Borders will be making the 2014 Commonwealth Games their own.

Melrose RFC has received funding of £7,000 from the Commonwealth Games Celebrate fund to turn this year’s Crichton Cup event, which is 94 years old this year, into a sporting extravaganza to celebrate rugby sevens featuring in Glasgow 2014.

Melrose’s role in founding the abbreviated game and the fact that Saturday’s tournament is the oldest junior sevens event in the world.

More than 350 children from primary one to S6 will be at the Greenyards on Saturday (10.30am-4.30pm), with each team adopting the identity of a Commonwealth nation.

As well as a great day of rugby, including junior tournaments, a kicking competition, girls games, and coaching sessions with senior sevens players, the club has also organised a funfair and photo sessions with the Premier One trophy.

Guest of honour, Samantha Kinghorn, Commonwealth Games wheelchair athlete, will also be in attendance to award the trophies and medals.

Jockey Brian Hughes completed a double at Kelso’s penultimate fixture last Wednesday – including the feature Betfair Scottish Chase Series Final handicap chase.

Baileys Concerto, trained in Cumbria by Dianne Sayer, cruised home seven lengths clear of favourite Fiddlers Reel to lift the coveted Haddington Jubilee Cup.

“When I first got him he lacked confidence but we´ve taken it small steps at a time and he´s getting there,” explained the winning trainer.

“I didn´t want to run him over two miles at Perth last time but it was the last qualifier for this series so I had to,” she added.

“This had been the plan for a while.”

The winner gave Hughes his second success of the afternoon, having earlier partnered Harris Hawk to a comfortable 17-length win in the Bedmax handicap chase, where in-form Greenlaw trainer Sandy Thomson had to settle for the runners-up slot with Neptune Equester.

Runwsick Royal had victory in sight when pipped at the post by Master of the Game in the opening Aver Chartered Accountants novices’ chase.

In the hands of Andrew Tinkler, Nicky Henderson’s charge was locked in battle with the long-time leader, to get up by a short head for a victorious chasing debut.

“He´s not been easy, and it´s down to Andy who has schooled and schooled him,” explained the Berkshire trainer. “He even schooled him yesterday before he came up here.”

The Christine Clow Celebration selling handicap chase produced another exciting finish, with 3-1 fav Alchemy clinching victory by a neck from Allanard.

The winner, on his fourth start over fences, is trained in Cumbria by Nicky Richards, who commented, “It was a bad old race, but he dug in well.”

Racegoers were treated to another nail-biting finish in the NFU Mutual conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle race, where 14-1 chance Neville Woods made a victorious handicap debut when holding Captain Brown by a neck.

“He´s going to be a chaser so we haven´t rushed him,” explained Northumberland trainer Jim Gledson

Perth maiden hurdle victor Silver Gent made every yard of the running to land the Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers novices’ handicap hurdle race, ahead of Riskier, with High Fair – trained at Yetholm by Sandy Forster – in third.

The Donald McCain-trained grey was having just his fourth run over hurdles.

Hawick jockey Wilson Renwick landed the concluding Cheers Bar bumper with Doktor Glaz.

The four-year-old is on the market.

“He´s a huge horse but he´s very laid back and is going to make a lovely chaser,” said Northumberland owner/trainer Rose Dobbin.

Kelso’s final fixture is Ladies Day on Sunday, May 25.

RESULTS

1.55 – MASTER OF THE GAME (A Tinkler) 9-4; 2, Runswick Royal 15-8 fav; 3, Orsippus 18-1. Five ran. N Henderson, Upper Lambourn.

2.25 – SILVER GENT (H Brooke) 5-1; 2, Riskier 20-1; 3, High Fair 14-1. 13 ran. D McCain, Cholmondeley.

2.55 – WINTER ALCHEMY (B Harding) 3-1 fav; 2, Allanard 15-2; 3, Oh Right 7-1. Eight ran. N Richards, Greystoke.

3.25 – HARRIS HAWK (B Hughes) 3-1; 2, Neptune Equester 15-2; 3, Badger Foot 5-1. Seven ran. J Wade, Co Durham.

4.00 – NEVILLE WOODS (J Dawson) 14-1; 2, Captain Brown 7-2; 3, Cool Sky 3-1 jt fav. Seven ran. J Gledson, Bellingham.

4.35 – BAILEYS CONCERTO (B Hughes) 7-2; 2, Fiddlers Reel 5-2 fav; 3, Peachey Moment 15-2. Seven ran. D Sayer, Cumbria.

5.10 – DOKTOR GLAZ (W Renwick) 11-4; 2, Lewis 20-1; 3, Nicolas Chavin 10-11 fav. 12 ran. R Dobbin, Northumberland.

Pupils from Galashiels’ Balmoral primary school, pictured, visited Ibrox Stadium, home of Rangers, with 300 other children from across Scotland on Tuesday for the Tesco Bank Football Challenge.

SFA coaches provided encouragement, advice and fun-filled activities.

The Tesco challenge is a four-year community programme run in partnership with the SFA. It introduces football to P2/3 children to help get them engage in a healthy and active lifestyle.

Former Rangers and Scotland manager Alex McLeish was also there to meet the children.

wooler

At their weekly primestock sale last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold five new season lambs, 551 hoggs and 208 ewes and rams.

Quality easily sold, tail ends getting harder .

Leading prices per head:- Tex:- £104.50, £100, £98 (5), £97 Henlaw, £93 South Ditchburn, £91 Amerside Law. Bel.x:- £100.50, £99, £96, £94 (3), £92.50, £90.50 Henlaw. Suff.x:- £92 Murton Whitehouse Farm, £90 Newstead, £88 Fawdon Farms and Shotton, £86.50 Fawdon Farms, £81.50 Ladykirk, £80 Shotton. Mule:- £84.50 Henlaw, £83 Fawdon Farms, £82, £80 (2) West Longridge, £80 Shotton. BF:- £86, £81 West Longridge.

Leading prices per kilo:- Bel:- 228.4p, 220p Henlaw, 205.3p 204.8p Ladykirk, 204.4p Henlaw, 200p Ladykirk and Henlaw (2). Tex.x:- 227.2p, 222.7p (2), 222.2p Henlaw, 215.9p, 211.4p South Ditchburn, 208.5p (2) Henlaw, 205.7p Shotton, 204.2p Henlaw, 202.2p Amerside Law. Suff.x:- 195.6p Fawdon Farms and Shotton. Mule:- 195.1p West Longridge. BF:- 202.5p, 200p West Longridge.

More ewes on show, with less flesh available effecting returns.

Leading prices:- Suff.x:- £111 Brockley Hall. BFL:- £97 Alwinton. Suff.x:- £90 Lilburn Estates, £90, £86 Newstead, £84 Ladykirk. Tex.x:- £89 Ladykirk, £88, £87 Henlaw. Mule:- £79.50 Shotton and Greystonnes, £78 Milfield Demesne, Kimmerston and Alwinton. Chev:- £73, £66 Humbleheugh. Bf:- £64 Fawdon Farms.

Rams: Chev:- £106, £97 Humbleheugh.

st boswells

At their weekly sale of prime stock on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 74 clean cattle, 35 OTM cattle, 20 new season lambs 932 old season hoggs (757 SQQ) and 414 ewes

Bullocks (27) averaged 191.4p per kg and sold to 222p (n/c on week), heifers (47) averaged 216.6p per kg and sold to 244p (+15.5p on week) and 35 beef type OTM cattle averaged 119p per kg and sold to 161p (-2.6p on the week)

New season lambs averaged 269p per kg (+18.4p on the week) and sold to £128 while old season SQQ hoggs averaged 211.8p per kg (-6.7p on week) and sold to £105. Ewes averaged £64.91, and sold to £121.

Principal prices per head: Bee Edge £1479.74, £1449.60, £1449.36, £1429.22; Upper Nisbet £1427.40.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.44, 2.39 W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.41 M/s Black and Sons Ltd, 2.40 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Dunslaw 2.39 Malone of Edinburgh, 2.31 Robert Pringle and Sons; Upper Nisbet 2.37 (2) M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.34 Denholm Meat Supplies, 2.28 M/s Saunderson.

Bulls: Hoprigshiels £1443.04 (1.16).

Cows per head: Humebyres £1293; Legerwood £1117.56, £1006.08, £970.28; Cortleferry £1040.06, £872.50; Corsbie (Fullerton) £1028.70, £996.30; Firth £1003.40, £891; Stoneypath £1005.58, £956.34; Middlethird £979.88; Birkenside £934.72, £853.62; Southfield £871.22.

Cows per kg: Stoneypath 1.61, 1.37, 1.27; Humebyres 1.50; Firth 1.45, 1.35; Legerwood 1.39, 1.31, 1.27; Corsbie (Fullerton) 1.35; Cortleferry 1.33, 1.25; Middlethird 1.31; Hoprigshiels 1.29; Birkenside 1.27; Southfield 1.27.

New season lambs per head: Tex;- £128 (2), £125, £118 Lochside; Pri:- £100 Carterhaugh, Suff.x;- £128 (2), £115 (2) Smailholm Mains.

New season lambs per kg:- Tex;- 297.7 (2), 274.4, 260.4 Lochside, Suff.x;- 290.9, 284.4, 267.4 (2) Smailholm Mains.

The 932 hoggs averaged 204.9p; 757 SQQ hoggs averaged 211.8p.

Hoggs per head: Tex;- £105, £100 Muircleuch, £100 Legerwood, Suff.x;- £100(2) Legerwood, £98 Bonjedward Mill, Bel;- £93 New Blainslie, CM;- £90 Hawthornside, Ham;- £95 Redhouse, Con;- £92 Belford on Bowmont, Chev;- £98 Lurdenlaw, Saughtree and Thorlieshope, £91.50 Wester Ulston.

Hoggs per kg: Chev;- 231.6 Saughtree and Thorlieshope, 225.6 Swinnie, Suff.x;- 225 The Knock, Tex;- 226.8 The Knock, Con;- 230, 226.5 Belford on Bowmont, Bel;- 217.7 New Blainslie, CM;- 209.3 Hawthornside.

Ewes: Suff.x;- £121 Trows Cott., £101 Seafield, Tex;- £118 Muircleugh, £101 Bedrule, £100 Drum Est., Suff.x;- £92 Redheugh, £91 West Moneylaws, CM;- £88 (2) Muircleugh, Mule;- £81 Brothershiels and Craigend, BF;- £61 Douglasdale.

Rams: Suff;- £120 Whitsome West Newton, Tex;- £101 Seafield, Chev;- £100 Elmbank.

John Swan Ltd sold 385 store and grazing cattle at their fortnightly sale.

A mixed show of smaller grazing cattle sold to extreme rates.

Bullocks per head: Char.x;- £1345, £1220 Hoselaw, £960 Todshawhaugh, AA.x;- £1230, £1190, £1060 Hundalee (Wade), £1110 Clarabad Mill, £1000 Harwood on Teviot, BRB.x;- £1080, £1060, £1010 Harwood on Teviot, AA;- £1070, £940 Cheeklaw, £900 Borthwickshiels, Lim;- £1030, £990, £960 The Lee, £1025, £960 Hamildean, £950 Helmburn, Sim.x;- £900, £880 Whitchesters, Saler.x;- £790 Whitmuir.

Bullocks averaged overall 394.6kg, 233.4p per kg £921.15.

Heifers per head: Sim;- £1360, £1350, £1270, £1240, £1010 Graden, Char.x;- £1260, £1240, £1230, £1140 Graden, £870(2) Todshawhaugh, AA;- £1190, £1060, £970 Wedderlie, Sim.x;- £1050. £920, £890, £840 Hopton, £820 Orchard Hwk. AA.x;- £980, £910 Kirkton Hwk., £890 Birkenside, £860 Pogbie & Sauchenside, Lim.x;- £910 Dawyck Est., £900, £880 The Lee, £895 New Smailholm, £890 Hamildean, £880 Skelfhill, BRB.x;- £900, £870 Harwood on Teviot, £900 Sourhope, Blonde.x;- £860 Orchard Hwk.

Heifers averaged overall 402.4kg, 219.3p per kg, £882.40.

The firm also had forward a strong show of Ewes with Lambs at foot, more could have been sold to advantage.

Suff Gimmer with twins £305, £275 Springwood; Suff Gimmer with singles £245, £235, £210 Springwood; Suff.x Gimmer with twins £220 Springwood; Chev Mule with twins £185, £178 Wester Ulston; Lleyn.x with twins £172 Mervinslaw; Suff.x with singles £132 Hallrule Mill.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 15 prime cattle, seven young bulls, 15 over 30 month cattle, 43 spring lambs, 4,693 prime hoggs and 3,802 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

A similar show of prime cattle sold to recent rates with more quality sorts required. Heifers topped at 235.5p for Limousin from A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen, whose run of heifers averaged 226p.

Prime bulls continue to sell at national trend and topped at 188p for a Limousin from J. and P. Routledge and Son, Netherton.

A larger show of OTM forward and sold to 176p for a Limousin shown by Messrs Ritson, Swaites.

Spring lambs sold to a top of £108 for Charolais from Wester Parkgate and 271p per kilo for Texels from Dockray Hall. Good quality handyweight lambs much sought after, more lambs required to fill buyers requirements.

A good show of 4,693 prime hoggs sold to the usual ringside of buyers. Good quality export hoggs and lightweight hoggs were easily sold and maintained recent high rates, with only the best end of the heavy hoggs easily sold. Other heavy hoggs and second rate hoggs far easier on the week. The overall sale average was 208.3p (SQQ 217.5p). Top price was £116 for Texels from I. Davidson and Son, Muirhouses and to 300p per kilo for Beltex from Greenlane.

A larger of show of 3,802 ewes and rams sold to the usual ringside of buyers following a month of extreme prices and with a lesser quality show of ewes forward all classes were slightly cheaper on the week, with rams still very dear and short of buyers requirements. Top price was £170 for Texel ram from Drumhumphrey.

He’s already well known as an actor and singer-songwriter, but Blainslie-based Alan Windram has now turned his pen to writing for children.

Mac and Bob, The Unexpected Visitor, is his first foray into children’s literature and will be launched at next month’s Borders Book Festival.

Aimed at three to seven-year-olds, the colourful picture book, illustrated by Dave Sutton, tells the story of Mac the farmer and his dog, and best friend, Bob.

Windram created Mac about five years ago, when he was asked to join Sticky Kids’ Theatre, the live show based around Sticky Kids’ popular children’s music and movement CDs, which are used in schools around the country.

The shows proved a hit with young audiences, with Windram as Mac, and his stage partner Anne Butler (Molly Muddle) now regularly touring schools, festivals and theatres.

“Playing Mac on stage for so many years, it was a natural progression to do a book based on his escapades,” Windram told The Southern. “I’d been playing music to accompany readings given by children’s author Vivian French, and she suggested my wife Susan and I set up our own company to self-publish, which meant we could get the books out quickly to readers.”

It took Windram about 18 months from the initial idea to the finished book, in what he says, for him, was an exciting journey of discovery.

“I wanted Mac to have elements of me when I am on stage, so the kids can identify the two characters as the same, which is why in the book he wears what I wear on stage – the dungarees, rainbow wellies, etc. I’d also always imagined him with a side-kick, and Bob seemed the perfect partner – like Calvin and Hobbes, or Wallace and Gromit.”

Windram says it was important to him as a singer/songwriter that music played an integral part in the project and that’s why the book comes with a CD of catchy pop songs.

“Hopefully, children and families will enjoy the story and songs as much as I enjoyed creating them,” he said.

And French agreed to read the story for the audio book, which is also included in the CD. The book will be the first of five Mac and Bob stories and is published by Little Door Books.

Mac and Edinburgh illustrator Dave Sutton stage an event on Festival Saturday, in the Lochcarron Marquee at 12.15pm, including storytelling, pictures, songs and plenty of audience participation... watch out for the flying carrots! There will be abook-signing session following the show.