Edinburgh City7

Vale of Leithen2

The half-dozen players who remained after the departure of Chic McAleavy were supplemented by trialists and overseen by Stuart Robertson on the bench.

On balance of play, the result was perhaps a little harsh on Vale, but their defence was exploited in ruthless fashion.

Gordon Donaldson volleyed home an Aaron James corner to give the home side the lead in 19 minutes, against the run of play. The lead was doubled by Dominico Gibson.

Vale pulled one back before half-time, Keith Lough scoring from the spot.

But in the second half City attacked down the flanks and a Donaldson shot was turned into his own net by left-back Craig McManus.

McManus then fouled Ryan Wilson to hand City a penalty, which Wilson himself converted.

More defensive calamity handed Gibson his second of the afternoon, before Gibson cut the ball back for Ian McFarland to shoot home their sixth.

With a minute remaining, Vale got some reward for the effort they had put in when a Mark Smith ball into the box found Matthew Hunter, who sent a header over Stobie’s head and into the net.

But straight from the restart, City restored the five-goal lead as subsitute Peter Stenhouse netted.

Hawick Royal Albert2

Ormiston0

Royal Albert ended a season of ups and downs on a high note with excellent goals in each half guiding Graeme Chadwick’s men to a worthy win.

It’s a win that saw them gain three points that cemented a seventh place position in the East of Scotland First Division – Hawick’s highest finishing league spot for several seasons.

Albert opened the game in determined fashion and forced a succession of corners.

It was Ormiston, however, who were first to create a scoring chance. In a sweeping raid, Brian McEwan sprayed a pass to the feet of Scott Wright, who fired wide.

Andy Noble almost put Royalists in front when rifling a Ronald Fleming pass just past the target.

Hawick continued to push for a goal and in the 27th minute, one arrived.

Fleming’s cross found Kevin Strathdee and the Albert striker produced a spot-on finish.

Minutes later a slick passing move involving Cairns and Strathdee tore a gap in the Ormiston defence, but visiting keeper David Simmonds saved well from Strathdee.

Hawick were on top for the rest of the first half and at the beginning of the second period began to push even harder.

Noble clipped the bar with a thunderous drive and Strathdee came close to notching a second goal following good play between Paul Brown and Graeme Young.

Just on the hour mark, Hawick received a jolt when Fleming was given his marching orders for foul and abusive language towards an opponent.

The 10-man Teries, however, took this on the chin and two minutes later went further in front.

After racing on to a Young pass, Strathdee drove in a shot that was pushed away by Simmonds. Noble stepped in to blast the rebound high into the rigging.

Ormiston came bouncing back and Albert number one Dean Fry proved his worth in keeping out an effort from Richard Weir.

Operating with three men up front, Ormiston pushed for goals from here on, but failed to make any headway against a resolute Albert defence that gave absolutely nothing away.

Hawick manager Graeme Chadwick told The Southern: “I thought we played very well and it was a good way to finish the season.

“Even when we went down to 10 men, we were in control and we also played some good football throughout the game”.

Selkirk0

Gala FDR3

Gala Fairydean Rovers completed a Lowland League double over local rivals Selkirk at Yarrow Park on Saturday, but they left it very late.

A Jamie Gibson tap-in was all that separated the sides going into the last five minutes but goals from Dean McColm and Sean Paliczka eventually put a truer reflection on the match.

The Braw Lads squandered a series of chances to wrap up the three points earlier on and not for the first time this season, came up against Selkirk goalkeeper Gregor Amos in inspired form.

Gala manager Steven Noble was just delighted to get the victory and end the season on a winning note.

He said:”We made it difficult for ourselves by the amount of chances we passed by, but the players kept working hard and they eventually got their rewards.

“It has been a tough season, but the players have acquitted themselves well at Lowland League level and we will strive to keep improving.”

Goal hero Gibson took his season’s tally to 17, but is already looking forward to next season.

He said: “It looked like one of those days for us when the ball wouldn’t go in.

“But we kept plugging away and it was good to finish the season on a high with a victory.

“I will be with the Dean next season and hopefully we can build on what has been achieved this term and keep getting better.”

Without his four French players and the suspended duo of Phil Addison and Daryl Johnstone, absent it was always going to be a tough ask for Selkirk boss Steve Forrest and he would have been proud of his players for going right to the end.

Last Saturday saw the inaugural Gala Fairydean Rovers presentation night attended by over 150 people in Langlee Community Centre.

Presenting the awards on the night were legends from the past in Gala football: Davie Miller, Colin Tancock, Brian Patterson and Ellis McGregor.

Chairman Kevin Temple reflected on a successful season for the club, both on and off the field, with the Lowland League side competing well at a new level and the reserve side reaching the Beveridge Cup final.

He also praised the conduct of the players from both teams acting as role models for the hundreds of youngsters playing under the club banner.

Trophy winners (pictured on page 70) were: Gala Fairydean Rovers player of the year, Stuart Noble(also top scorer with 22 goals); players’ player of the year, Craig McBride; young player of the year, David Bonnar.

Gala Fairydean Rovers Amateurs player of the year, Welsh Curran. players’ player of the year, Paul Hossack; top scorer, James Scott; young player of the year, Tommy Patterson.

After what was arguably the best final so far on this year’s Kings of the Sevens circuit, Melrose added another 10 points to their tally at Philiphaugh on Saturday.

But not before hosts Selkirk had made the 2014 Champions fight hard for the honours in a final clash that ended with a sudden-death try after a full eight minutes of extra time.

Indeed, Melrose had to endure two extra-time wins as Peebles ran them close in the first round

But they got over the finish line and won the Selkirk 7s for the first time since 2000.

Could they be tiring?

Possibly not. They had an easier time against Stew Mel with a 28-0 triumph before knocking out Gala 19-7 in the second semi-final.

Melrose coach John Dalziel told The Southern: “Selkirk wanted the win so much at their home sevens so we always knew it was going to be tough and I can’t praise the work ethic of our boys enough, but credit must also go to Selkirk who played out of their skins in tricky conditions.

“Our boys really love their sevens and no matter how tough it gets out there they always seem to be able to turn it up another notch. They were outstanding today.”

The win did not come without a price, however. Bruce Dick, who has just returned this season following a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury, broke his other ankle in the closing stages of the final and was taken to the Borders General Hospital where he underwent an operation on Sunday.

Unlike most of the Borders on Saturday, the sun shone on Selkirk for most of the afternoon and a large crowd gathered to watch the penultimate round of this year’s competition.

Excitement built throughout the afternoon as Selkirk carved a path to the final by beating Berwick (34-7) Glasgow Hawks (33-0) and Edinburgh Accies (20-12) and none present could question the home side’s determination to take their seventh win in eight years at their own event.

Along with the final came the predicted downpour, which made conditions tricky for the 14 battle-scarred players who took to the field.

But the hosts revelled in it. Darren Clapperton got the ball rolling with a try in the first minute, converted by Mikey Davies, before Melrose came back with a Richard Mill charge, converted by Skeen.

Selkirk dug deep as first Clapperton and then Callum Marshall made dashes for the line, but it was Ross Nixon who eventually managed to scramble over in the increasingly difficult conditions and Davies’ conversion made the half-time score Selkirk 14 Melrose 7. The Greenyards men showed just why they were Kings in the next couple of minutes with an excellent display of sevens rugby resulting in a try and conversion from Skeen.

Once again, though, Selkirk rallied and after having a try disallowed for a knock-on, were denied yet again when they were beaten to a chip and chase by Wilson. Callum McEwan then had the home crowd on their feet, only to be bundled into touch yards from the Melrose line.

Inevitably, the final whistle sounded with the score standing at 14-14 and the game moved into sudden death extra time.

Melrose had the first chance to take the victory as Skeen hacked the ball upfield, himself in hot pursuit, but again the ball was knocked on just shy of the line.

Selkirk defended like demons as Melrose upped the pressure and eight minutes passed with no quarter given by either side in the home 22.

Pressure paid off in the end, however, as the ball squirted out to Lewis Mallin, who danced his way through to score the golden try.

A councillor has been accused of making outdated sexist comments during an independence debate and has been urged to apologise.

Tory Jim Fullerton is said to have made an offensive remark during a National Farmers Union Scotland discussion at The Lodge at Carfraemill on Monday.

Kirsty Boyle says she heard the councillor describe the Yes We Can campaign slogan as being “better than a woman closing her legs and saying no”.

She says the remark was made during the last third of the debate while Councillor Fullerton was on his feet at the back of the hall.

Ms Boyle, who was sitting two rows from the councillor, concedes it wasn’t heard by the chairman or the six-strong Yes-No panel. But says others sitting close to her did.

She works for Scot Nat MSP Paul Wheelhouse but denies her claims are political.

She told us : “I found it horrendous because I had personal experiences and issues about 10 years ago. I don’t see this as a referendum issue and I don’t see it as a reflection on the Conservatives as a whole.”

And in a letter to our sister paper the Berwickshire News she urged him to apologise and wrote: “I would encourage him to engage with women who have suffered abuse – mental, physical and sexual – to find out why his comments are unacceptable, because I don’t for a minute think he will fully understand why his ideas are so misplaced in modern society.”

Lib Dem MSP Jim Hume was on the panel.

He told us: Councillor Fullerton was sitting at the back. I can’t say if he said it or not. It was a robust meeting.”

A spokesperson for the NFUS commented: “There has been no negative feedback to either the chair of the event Stuart McNicol or the organisers.

“It was a robust debate with quite a lot of interventions from the floor.”

Councillor Fullerton failed to respond to attempts by both the Berwickshire News and The Southern to obtain a comment. Conservative HQ in Edinburgh said they had not received a complaint, but added: “We believe both sides in the independence argument should use appropriate language and keep the quality of debate as high as possible at all times.”

At the time of going to press The Southern understands party officials had not been able to speak to Councillor Fullerton.

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said he was not aware of any complaint being made to the council or the Standards Commission.

He added: “The Code of Conduct is clear – councillors should not use inappropriate language. If such a comment was made in the council chamber it would warrant a discussion with the councillor.”

Visitors to picturesque Riverside Park on Saturday can be guaranteed a warm welcome and an enjoyable day for what will be the finale to the domestic rugby season.

The ‘friendly’ tag of course refers to the pleasant Jethart welcome, rather than the action on the field, which should be as hard fought and eagerly contested as ever, as 16 teams compete in the last tournament on the 2014 Kings of the Sevens circuit.

Local firm Mainetti are sponsoring the Jed-Forest tournament for the second year and there will be a double celebration in the corporate tent where Mainetti are celebrating 40 years in Jedburgh along with the Jed Sevens team that won the Melrose tournament 40 years ago.

Jed Forest always look forward to hosting the final tournament in the Kings of the Sevens competition and, although the competition has already been won by Melrose, there is still prize money up for grabs for the top four finishers which should ensure a competitive days rugby, the Kings of the Sevens trophy will be presented after the final by the Border league president Chris Budzynski.

As it stands only seven points separate second and sixth teams (see full points standings on page 76).

If Melrose win on Saturday it will put them on 88 with 8 wins - but even now they have ripped up the record books and broken the previous highest total of 65 held by their own 2011 squad.

If Gala make the final they will come second. Hawick, Edinburgh Accies, Selkirk, Watsonians and hosts Jed-Forest are also in the mix.

The hugely popular event, now in its 104th year of playing will attract 16 quality teams from all over the country.

Jed-Forest president Billy Grieve told TheSouthern: “All the teams taking part are Scottish club sides which gives the ordinary club players the opportunity to play against the best Sevens sides in the country.

“The unique format of the tournament has city clubs playing borders clubs in the first round, the four seeded teams are Jed Forest as last year’s winners and the top three teams from the kings table, we believe this format makes for a fair and even draw and look forward to welcoming all the players, officials and supporters to our tournament.

He added: “Everyone from Jed-Forest RFC is delighted that Mainetti are sponsoring the tournament for a second year and help keep our fine reputation as a quality club tournament.”

This important day in the club’s calendar will also yield revenue from the ever-bustling beer tent.

And after the final both beer tents will remain open to the public until dusk while the main bar in the clubrooms will remain open throughout the evening. As ever though, the main action will be on the field and, in what has been an exciting sevens season, the battle for the Jed-Forest Cup looks set to be as thrilling as it has been regularly in recent years.

J Renwick Bookmakers will be present throughout the afternoon for anyone who wants to add a bit more excitement to what is already set to be a thrilling afternoon of rugby.

Tickets & Entry: Stand Tickets – £16; Adults – £12; Concessions – £8; School Children 12-18 – £8; School Children U12 - free with adult.

Please note that in agreement with Lothian and Borders Police and Scottish Borders Council Licensing Board that it is a condition of entry that alcohol cannot be brought into the ground.

First Tie 1.30pm

Hamilton v Selkirk

Berwick v Jed-Forest

Heriots v Hawick

Watsonians v Gala

Edinburgh Uni v Kelso

Stewarts Melville v Melrose

Musselburgh v Langholm

Edinburgh Accies v Peebles

Selkirk’s Co-op NGT superstore will close in July, with the loss of 12 full-time and four part-time local jobs, staff were told last Friday.

The electrical and furnishing store had faced a “tough trading environment”, the Co-op admitted.

The struggling outlet on Dunsdalehaugh is the second to close there this year, after Baxters shut its shop in February, with the loss of 20 jobs.

“It’s another blow to Selkirk,” Selkirkshire Councillor Gordon Edgar said. “I understand they’re trying to relocate jobs, but it looks like there will be a number of redundancies. It’s a disappointing loss for Selkirk. It is an attraction, so businesses in the whole of the town will suffer. It’s part of the gateway to Selkirk, but now they’ll have to shutter the glass, and it’ll look quite bad.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Staff have been informed of the decision, which has been taken with the greatest reluctance and follows strenuous efforts to find a way to continue to operate the store on a sustainable basis. It is not, in any way, a reflection on the commitment and hard work of the store team.

“Every effort is being made to redeploy as many as possible of the 12 members of staff with The Co-operative, or to help them find alternative employment. The Co-operative food store in High Street, Selkirk, is unaffected by this decision and will remain open.”

Earlier in March, we reported how staff were told the store stood in danger of closing, unless urgent changes were made. Managers, we were told, were “open minded” about options – one they pursued was sharing floorspace with interested retailers. The Co-op then sought clarification of planning conditions with Scottish Borders Council (SBC), to confirm it was legal to sell any food retail items at the store. An SBC spokesperson told us: “We accepted that the permission allowed use for food retail, provided that the parking provision was in place to meet the necessary standards.”

But Cllr Edgar added: “It looks like their recovery plan has not worked.”

The country’s first horse festival is in a period of transition, say organisers.

The Borders Festival of the Horse – which starts tomorrow (May 16) – was the brainchild of former British Horse Society access officer Ann Fraser, who set up the unique event to help the region recover post Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001.

But this year some sources of funding came to an end, Ann has retired and the local volunteer committee of the British Horse Society are increasingly relying on the goodwill of the event’s loyal supporters and local businesses, said committee member Polly Fraser.

She told The Southern: “We’re in transition and the festival is now run by the committee. We’ve got a really busy programme this year. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us in the past and who is supporting us in the future.

“We hope everyone enjoys the festival and if anyone has any suggestions for things they would like to see in the future or who would like to volunteer, whether its their time, an interest or skill, we would love to hear from them.”

New events this year include a treasure hunt on horseback and foot from Lochtower Farm, near Yetholm on Monday, an open day with Norwegian Fjord ponies at Mindrum at Cornhill, and Stable Life, a Borders charity which works with horses to help teenagers, is hosting an afternoon with horse behaviourist Alison Rowan.

Tomorrow sees the opening of the festival’s equestrian art exhibition at the Kinsman-Blake Gallery at Smailholm, the start of the three-day Floors Castle Horse Trials (www.floorscastlehorsetrials.com) and Jedburgh troupe, Les Amis D’Onno staging their equestrian cabaret at Lanton Hill Farm in the evening.

In addition to the aforementioned attractions, on Saturday, enthusiasts have the opportunity to see Innerleithen horse loggers Rab and Caitlin Erskine at work with horses Angel and Rhona in Glentress or to take part in the 20k Eildon Endurance Pleasure Ride (also on Sunday, www.sercborder.org.uk) starting at Newtown St Boswells.

Other events over the week include trying carriage driving at Seacliff Stables at North Berwick, a talk by vet Harry McKerchar about his experiences as a Mongol Derby vet, eventing expert David Gatherer’s cross country training over Floors’ course and the annual equine car boot sale at Jed-Forest Rugby Club in the evening.

In addition, two sessions of Four Legged Magic with equine behavioural consultant Alison Rowan take place at Dryden Farm, Ashkirk on Monday afternoon and evening.

There is a vaulting display at Monteviot on Tuesday; a talk by Equitait Vets on strangles and moody mares on Wednesday; Stable Life’s open day, showing and explaining the charity’s work, also on Wednesday from 10am-2pm; a picnic and donkey walk near Heriot; equine reiki at Overwells Farm, Jedburgh; a dressage workshop, a tilting demonstration and international competition at the Haining, Selkirk. Guided rides this year include Stable Life’s ride from Dryden Farm, Ashkirk, the 12-mile Linton Drovers Ride from near West Linton, the Kelso ride from Wooden House, an evening ride starting from Sorbietrees, Newcastleton and a walk and trot ride from Marigold Farm, Duns.

For more information visit www.bordersfestivalhorse.org

After months of planning and hard work, Floors Castle Horse Trials are finally upon us and with record entries of more than 600, it’s looking to be an exciting weekend.

Floors Horse Trials have been running within the parkland of the castle for nearly 25 years and have gone from strength to strength. At a time when Scottish events such as Thirlestane and Scone Palace were ending, Floors reinvented itself and has come out stronger than ever.

The international classes are offering some of the best prize money in the country which has generated a huge amount of interest from the likes of Oliver Townend, who was second at Badminton last weekend, and Olympic rider Nicola Wilson.

Some of the Borders’ best talents will also be competing, including 4-star rider Emily Galbraith and the former Under-18 National Champion and one fourth of GB’s 2012 gold medallist European Junior team, Isabella Innes Ker (competing on home ground, of course).

Exciting new developments include an NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) Show Jumping competition that will see students from the high schools of Jedburgh, Kelso and Berwickshire battle it out for a chance to qualify for a spot in the Championships in Buckinghamshire later this year. Whilst local pony clubs participate in a friendly games competition to hone their skills for their championship.

It’s not all about the horses as Sunday is family day. Running alongside the event will be family entertainment including dog agility and a pet show in which spectators can enter their dogs for a chance to win a prize. There is also the opportunity to shop at some the wonderful trade stands, enjoy some delicious food and, all being well, enjoy the sunshine.

Floors Castle Horse Trials takes place on May 16-18 in the beautiful grounds of Floors Castle, Kelso.

Gates open from 9am with competition on throughout the day. Admission is £5 per adult and free admission to children.

Jockey Brian Hughes completed a double at Kelso’s penultimate fixture last week – 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Crailing’s Amber Graham and her much loved Connemara Snowy have lifted a British Eventing title, on only their second outing on the circuit, at the Warwick Hall Horse Trials.

A member of the Buccleuch Pony Club Amber, 13, won her BE 80 as well as the “High and Dry Dubarry Challenge” sponsored by Maiden Marine.

This was a demanding challenge to any level of Rider and Amber managed to win it whilst competing at only her second ever British event.

This special prize of a £300 voucher for Dubarry boots was to be awarded to a rider who went clear in both the show jumping and cross country, achieved the optimum time cross country and record an under 25 Dressage score.

This is Amber’s first year of British eventing and on her previous outing she came fourth at Dalkieth BE 80, her ambition is to one day ride at Badminton.

Nearly 500 mountain bikers started the Selkirk MTB Marathon event on Saturday which also incorporated the British MTB Marathon Championships.

The British Champs race brought the star names of the sport out in force, including ex-Olympian Nick Craig, pro-riders Rab Wardell, Rob Friel, Lee Williams, Dan Fleeman and Ben Thomas, while the women’s field was equally strong with several ex-British Champions and pro-riders including Sally Bigham and Melanie Alexander.

After the High Street start the courses then moved out onto the trails hills above the Yarrow and Tweed Valleys, including land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, Buccleuch Estates, Philiphaugh Estate and many more. Course options of 25km, 50km and the Championships 80km meant a range of abilities, including families were catered for.

The event is locally organised having been taken over in 2013 by Selkirk residents Paul McGreal of Durty Events, and Peter Laing when the previous organiser backed out. Both felt that it was too good a course and too important an event for the Borders to lose. Laing said: “We really wanted to showcase the incredible trails that the Borders has.

“We aimed to add new features, including popular timed ‘Enduro’ sections to keep it fresh, and to produce a challenging but achievable course that everyone would enjoy – I reckon we managed it.”

The weather and trail conditions added an additional layer of challenge – rain and hail were frequent, resulting in some very muddy sections.

First rider back, and therefore the new British Champion was ex-professional road rider Dan Fleeman (Metaltek-Kuota) in 3 hours, 44 minutes for the 80km race. In 2009 he was a member of the Cervélo TestTeam.

He won the Tour des Pyrenées in 2008 with An Post-Sean Kelly.

Dan was closely followed, only two seconds later, by Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles), and Nick Craig (Pioneer/Scott/Syncros)

In the women’s race, Sally Bigham (Topeak Ergon Racing Team) came home in an incredible 4.14, with a lead of nearly 30minutes over second placed Rickie Cotter (559 Bikes), Melanie Alexander (Contessa Scott Syncros) completed the podium.

“We’re really grateful to the people of Selkirk, our sponsors, and to Scottish Borders Council for their support,” added McGreal.

“We wanted the whole thing to feel relaxed, and have local ‘feel’.

“Judging from the comments we’ve received, and the smiles at the finish line, hundreds of cyclists and spectators enjoyed the experience, and riding their bikes on the incredible Borders trails.

“This is an event that will only get bigger and better in future years.”

Gala Fairydean Rovers players can now play safer, thanks to the purchase of vital lifesaving equipment by the club with the help of a local charity.

Working in partnership with Scottish HART, the club are now in possession of two defibrillator units, meaning that both the Netherdale club’s Lowland League and Border Amateur squads can carry the devices with them to all of their games.

Coaching staff and other officials at the club will receive training in the use of the devices and further instruction in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Steven Noble, manager of Gala Fairydean Rovers Lowland League side said: “The fact that there have already been two instances of people suffering a heart attack at Lowland League clubs this season focused our minds on the need to buy these devices to travel with both our teams at all times.

“We are grateful to Wilma Gunn and Scottish HART for helping us to get this vital equipment.”

The club were determined to ensure the devices were purchased following a number of high-profile incidents, including the collapse of Fabrice Muamba with a cardiac arrest during the FA Cup tie played at Tottenham Hotspurs’ White Hart Lane Ground in 2012. Horrified supporters in the stadium and millions watching live on television saw medical staff battle to revive the 23-year-old Bolton Wanderers player. Muamba’s heart stopped beating for two hours, but he survived thanks to the use of a mobile portable device on the pitch.

Others have not been so lucky, however.

The Scottish HART charity was formed by Wilma Gunn following the death of her son Cameron who collapsed after playing five -a-sides with his workmates on the eve of his 20th birthday.

The Cameron Gunn Memorial football tournament for young people takes place each summer in Galashiels and has become the biggest event of its kind in Scotland.

Mrs Gunn is due to receive an MBE for her services to charity later this year.

Greenlaw4

Gordon1

Greenlaw manager Lawrie Dunn was more than happy to lose his hair after his club ended their 35-year wait to win the historic Waddell Cup.

As promised, Greenlaw’s players were allowed to shave off their manager’s precious locks immediately after this historic triumph.

Two William Smillie goals on either side of half-time and late strikes from Chris Robertson and Dean Carruthers made sure Dunn’s men didn’t pass up another opportunity to win their own trophy for the first time since 1979.

“It feels like destiny, especially after what happened in last year’s final,” said Dunn, still hurting from the 3-0 defeat to Gala Rovers in last season’s showpiece. “It means so much to everyone at the club and in the village.”

In an entertaining game played in front of more than 200 spectators, the Division A side had to be at their best against a Gordon team who have already won two cups this season and are expected to win the Division B title.

The final score may have flattered them, but Greenlaw certainly deserved their victory for such stout defending and clinical finishing.

“Up until 75 minutes, Gordon were well in the game and we were getting worried,” said Dunn. “But a bit of magic from Dean Carruthers and Chris Robertson, who was my man of the match, made it 3-1 and it was game over.

“We knew they were a bigger and stronger team than us and would put balls in the box, but our defence and goalkeeper coped with that well. With Chris, William and Dean up front, we knew they would score goals. We told them that, they believed it, and that’s what happened,”

On a wet afternoon at Greenlaw’s home ground, chances were few and far between in an evenly-contested opening 40 minutes. But two goals suddenly arrived in as many minutes. Smillie collected Robin Brown’s clipped through-ball to put the hosts ahead five minutes before half time with a neat lob over Gordon keeper Chris Anderson.

But Gordon went straight up the other end to equalise when former Greenlaw midfielder Alan Redpath fired home from 14 yards.

It was 1-1 at half-time, but Carruthers found space on the right and squared for strike partner Smillie to side-foot home his second goal 10 minutes after the interval. It was another composed finish.

Gordon pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but with Greenlaw defending well they struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances.

Gordon player-manager Craig Livingstone, struggling with an injury, brought himself on for the last 15 minutes.

But with time running out and Gordon piling more men forward, two Greenlaw goals in the last 10 minutes sealed victory. Robertson, who impressed all afternoon, fired home a right-foot shot from 16 yards to make it 3-1, and it was all over when his low cross from the left was turned in by Carruthers with a superb side-foot volley from eight yards.

Hawick Waverley3

West BaRns Star5

West Barns broke the deadlock during the early part of the game through a Calvin Bisset goal.

Liam Lavery put Waverley on level terms in slotting away a Steven Sharkey cross.

Towards the interval, Lugton restored Star’s lead.

Waverley began the second half in rip-roaring style by scoring twice in the opening three minutes through two strikes from Darren Munro.

Munro got his first after Scott Craig and Liam Lavery had done the spade work.

The Waverley striker then produced the scoring touch again by turning in a Tony Craggs pass.

West Barns were undaunted, however, and Craig Smith snatched an equaliser.

Star began to shine after this and took the lead when Alan McLean hit a Ross Peffers cross past Waverley keeper Ali Willison.

A minute from time, Lugton wrapped up victory for West Barns when netting with a header.

Councillors have agreed to continue to allow applicants and objectors speak at the planning committee meetings.

A report from Brian Frater, head of planning, revealed committee members and those who had spoken before the committee had felt that the trial, introduced at the end of last year, had been positive.

However the surveys did indicate areas for potential improvement, with issues regarding the audibility of the debate for those hard of hearing and speakers feeling intimidated by the layout of the chamber.

Chairman Ron Smith said: “I think we are totally unanimous that the acoustics in this chamber are totally unsatisfactory and this needs to be borne in mind for improvement.”

He added that he tried to make speakers feel relaxed and welcome and said layout changes would not improve the situation.

Two of the most important jobs a weekly newspaper has is to speak out for those who alone would struggle to be heard, or to get behind great causes that are important to the communities we serve.

This week is Local Newspaper Week, an annual initiative by the industry. And this year, under the title Making a Difference, the project highlights the power of local newspapers to campaign for positive change in the areas they circulate – in print, online and on social media.

As the Borders’ most widely-read weekly paper, we at The Southern pride ourselves on giving our communities a voice – telling your stories and using our influence to campaign for issues that matter to you, on your behalf, aiming to make a real difference to your lives.

One of our biggest campaigns was to help the fundraising efforts for The Margaret Kerr Unit at Borders General Hospital by supporting the fundraising team’s appeal for money, running regular updates on the cash raised and making sure that Borderers efforts did not go un-noticed – sharing stories and photographs about the lengths people went to to raise cash for this great cause.

And, a year after the appeal was launched, the palliative care unit, built for the people of the Borders, with the help of Borderers, opened its doors to patients.

Teamwork, that’s what makes things happen. And we couldn’t do it without you.

One hundred and fifty Borders primary school pupils will perform a special dance routine tomorrow as part of the Big Dance Pledge 2014.

Big Dance is the UK’s biggest celebration of all types of dance, for all ages and all levels of ability. The Big Dance Pledge is a chance to learn, make and perform dance with the rest of the world.

Now in its fifth year, 2014’s Big Dance Pledge routine has been choreographed by the Scottish Ballet as part of the Cultural Programme of the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Communities around the world have been rehearsing the dance in preparation for two simultaneous performances taking place at 1pm and 7pm on Friday May 1pm 2014.

Pupils from Melrose and Westruther primary schools will perform the Big Dance Pledge in their school playgrounds at 1pm tomorrow.