Scotland’s Rural College vets are urging farmers not to bury their heads in the sand about the threat from the incurable viral sheep disease, Maedi Visna (MV).

Caused by a retrovirus and introduced through imported animals, MV can lead to poor body condition, poorer fertility, increased mastitis, smaller and weaker lambs and increased mortality. And so far ther is no cure or vaccine.

Veterinary investigation officer at SAC Consulting at St Boswells, Lynn Gibson said: “The disease is spread by contact so any bought in animals are a risk. The incidence of the disease is increasing so the risk of buying it into your flock has increased.”

Recent samples found 11 out of 12 ewes in one flock tested positive and in another 41 out of 48 were positive and outbreaks are increasing.

SAC Consulting’s health schemes manager, Ian Pritchard said: “It is true to say that these flocks suspected an issue and were prepared to deal with it. But how many flocks out there could have an issue but have not, or are afraid to look for MV? Producers cannot afford to be complacent

and underestimate the risks of the disease.

“It could have a severe effect on the productivity and economics of their sheep system.”

He recommended sheep producers buy in any breeding replacements from MV accredited flocks, and those selling do likewise.

He said: “The British sheep flock is renowned for the high quality of its product – let it be renowned for high standards of animal health. Do not let MV get a foothold.”

Two new community councils are to be established in the Borders following representations from the communities.

Tweedsmuir residents have voted in favour of setting up their own community council to deal with issues specific to the area.

Likewise, Upper Liddesdale and Hermitage proposes breaking away from the current Newcastleton and District Community Council.

Supporting Upper Liddesdale and Hermitage, Councillor David Paterson said: “The people who want to set this up have big plans for the area and Hermitage Hall and I feel we have got to listen to what the people have said. It will be sustainable – I’m all for it.”

Other community council changes include: Sprouston increasing from six to seven members; Stow and Fountainhall Community Council changing its name to Parish of Stow Community Council; Innerleithen, Traquair and Glen Community Council changing its name to Innerleithen and District Community Council; the subdivisions for Upper Tweed Community Council to be two from Tweedsmuir, two from Drumelzier and six from Broughton; and a sub division created for Bannerfield on Selkirk Community Council if the community council wishes it to happen.

The City of Edinburgh Running Festival celebrated its second anniversary on Friday evening and what a capital occasion it turned out to be.

Apart from being ran like clockwork there was some tip top running and exciting racing conjured up on the Meggetland track itself.

Flying Fifer Cumbie Bowers of Glenrothes in particular hit the fast lane in producing the goods to the full by winning the main event on the card – the 110 metres which had a first prize of £3,000.

Coached by Jimmy Beattie, Bowers showed he had something special to offer in his heat when breezing home in positive style from his 9 metres mark. Bowers then clocked up a winning time of 11.50 seconds in his cross tie.

This victory earning him a final place along with Kelso Games double winner Amy Clancy of Peebles (20m), Craig Grieve of TLJT (6.5m), Leigh Marshall of Hawick (6m), Kieran Reilly of Edinburgh (8m) and Ewan Dyer of Pitreavie (6.5m).

The stop watch pointed to a Bowers win and a Bowers win it turned out to be. After getting off to a great start, Bowers showed why he was odds on betting favourite with a top notch run that saw him break the tape in 11.54 seconds. Reilly emerged second, while Grieve and Marshall dead heated for third place.

Full event report and pictures in this week’s Southern Reporter, out on Thursday.

RESULTS

Youths’ 800m: 1, A. Innes (Moorfoot) 185m; 2, J. Amos (Jed AC) 190m; 3, J. Kinghorn (Chirnside) 160m. winning time: 1 minute 50.43 seconds.

800m Open: 1, P. Cameron (Edinburgh) 55m; 2, J. McIntosh (Kelso) 60m; 3, N. Cox (Morpeth Harriers) 30m. 1 minute 53.53 seconds.

110m Open: 1, C. Bowers (Glenrothes) 9m; 2, K. Reilly (EAC) 8m; 3=, L. Marshall (Hawick) 6m, C. Grieve (TLJT) 6.5m. 11.54 seconds.

Youths’ B 90m: 1, K. Martin (Lasswade AC) 23m; 2, A. Bryce (TLJT) 18.5m; 3, A. Campbell (Hawick) 19.5m. 9.76 seconds.

Youths A 90m: 1, S. Turnbull (Peebles) 20m; 2, G. Goodfellow (TLJT) 18m; 3, N. Turnbull (Peebles) 20m. 9.92 seconds.

1600 Open: 1, R. Burns (Pitreavie AC) 270m; 2, K. Stevens (Moorfoot) 195m; 3, J. Thomson (Glenrothes) 200m. 4 minutes 12.70 seconds.

Youths’ 1600m: 1, M. Dougall (TLJT) 240m; 2, J. Brown (Chirnside) 360m; 3, J. Amos (Jed AC) 350m. 4 minutes 12.21 seconds.

200m Open: 1, C. Sowerby (Seaton) 28m; 2, D. McKay (Kelso) 36m; 3, F. Neil (Kelso) 26m. 20.82 seconds.

Youths B 200m: 1, C. Rae (Hawick) 61m; 2=, K. Martin (Lasswade) 44m; 3, A. Bryce (TLJT) 35m. 23.06 seconds.

Youths’ A 200m: 1, C. Clamp (TLJT) 24m; 2, G. Goodfellow (TLJT) 37m; 3, N. Campbell (Hawick) 33. 22.84 seconds.

Selkirk-based Stark Main & Co has collected the Accountant of Year for Scotland 2014 award in the small firm category following a rigorous judging process.

Director Jim Stark said: “This is a wonderful achievement for the whole team. We are proud of the difference we can make together and our work in supporting our clients to improve their businesses and reduce their tax bills has been well received.”

GALA Fairydean Rovers are stepping up their pre-season build-up with three home games in seven days.

East of Scotland League outfit Eyemouth United are the visitors to Netherdale on Saturday, kick off 3pm, for what is likely to be a stern test.

This will be followed by an exciting fixture against Dunfermline Athletic on Thursday, July 17,(kick off 7pm) when Jim Jefferies will be returning to his managerial roots.

Bonnyrigg Rose are the opponents on Saturday, July 19, at the 3G Arena before the squad heads up the A7 to face Arniston Rangers on Saturday, July 26.

Gala have been handed a tough start to this season’s Lowland League campaign with two away trips to face Preston Athletic(Saturday, August 2) and Vale of Leithen(Wednesday, August 6) before home matches against Spartans(Saturday, August 9) and Whitehill Welfare(Wednesday, August 13).

But manager Steven Noble can’t wait for the action to get started for real.

And although he has already brought five new faces to Netherdale, he is still hoping to add one or two more signings to strengthen his squad before the big kick off.

He said: “Pre-season has been going well and all the players are working to get fit.

“We now have a busy schedule of home friendlies coming up and the purpose is to give of all the lads game time.

“The publication of the league fixtures has handed us a tough start but at Lowland league level it was always going to be the case.”

Admission to Saturday’s game against Eyemouth is £3 with concessions £1 and children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult.

Please note, the only access to the bar and canteen area before the game will be through the turnstile gate at the cafe side of the stadium.

See Thursday’s Southern Reporter for a report on the club’s AGM.

There’s a new spectator attraction at Eyemouth Harbour, as dredging work is currently being carried out.

During the operation, all vessels must contact the Harbour Master or MV Reclaimer on channel 12 before entering or departing the harbour. ’MV Shearwater’ will monitor VHF channels 12 and 16 – and they should navigate with caution in the vicinity.

In particular they should ensure that the dredging vessels are not operating in the entrance (‘canyon’) before committing to enter or depart.

Our photographer Stuart Cobley took this video of the dredging in action.

An Yvette Jelfs creation has been voted the best Royal hat worn at Royal Ascot.

Made at the firm’s new premises at Tweed Horizons, St Boswells, the hat was bought online by the Countess of St Andrews, daughter-in-law of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. More than 10,000 people voted on the Royal Hats online blog.

Rory Bremner’s wife Tessa Campbell Fraser also wore one of Yvette’s designs in the royal carriage.

Borders Sport and Leisure is running a massive summer holiday programme for children across the region featuring over 200 bookable, coached sessions including athletics, badminton, judo, football, gymnastics, squash, hockey, table-tennis and triathlon.

The organisation is also hosting hundreds of “pay as you go” fun activities in all of its 14 centres and in community halls and schools across the region.

The sessions have been designed to cater for all ages from pre-school and primary school children to high school pupils.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport and Leisure said: “We have a vast array of sports and activities taking place across the summer months to help to keep children active and entertained.

“Hundreds of youngsters are already taking part each day but we hope to welcome many more over the coming weeks.

“We are also trialling a new concept at our centres called pop-up play so that when the weather is fine children can enjoy informal outdoor games and activities such as rounders, putting and swing-ball.”

Borders Sport and Leisure has also unveiled details of a host of new Asymmetric Week Friday afternoon sports session that it will run from the start of the new school term.

“We have devised an extensive timetable of new Friday afternoon activities to coincide with Scottish Borders Council’s introduction of the asymmetric week where schools will close at lunchtime on Fridays,” explained Mr Jackson.

“The sessions range from swimming lessons, inflatable fun and an inflatable disco to rookie lifeguarding and family workouts. Some of the activities will run as eight-week blocks and we are already accepting bookings for these.”

More information on the summer holiday programme and the new Asymmetric Week sessions can be found at www.bslt.org.uk or by calling Borders Sport and Leisure on 01896 661150.

Borderers are being encourage to take part in a sponsored walk in Melrose in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The ’Roaming in the Gloaming’ is leaving at 7pm on Friday, July 18 from Gibson Park and has been organised by the local fundraising group.

Anyone can take part and enjoy the stroll at their own pace in the company of fellow walkers along a six mile route which organisers have selected for the peace and quiet and wonderful views of Melrose.

A short walk of just over a mile is available for families or those less able to walk, and is also wheelchair and buggy friendly. There will be a drink and comfort stop available in Newstead and light refreshments will be available when walkers return to Gibson Park.

Brenda Robertson from the Melrose Fundraising Group said: “Hopefully this will be the first of many such walks for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“You don’t have to be a super fit walker to take part, everyone is welcome and all the money raised will help our local Marie Curie Nurses provide more hours of free nursing care for people with terminal illnesses.”

Advanced registration is £10 per individual or £20 per household or family, with the promise to raise sponsorship. Contact 01573 224440 for more details.

Ten drivers from local bus operator First Borders will be swapping Galashiels, Hawick and Selkirk for Hampden Park, The Emirates Arena and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome this summer and could be transporting some of the world’s top athletes.

First Bus has won contracts to transport athletes, officials and the media, as-well as provide spectator shuttle services at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The ten Borders drivers have volunteered to be part of a 900-strong First Bus driving pool for Glasgow 2014.

More than 300 First Drivers from across the company’s UK operations and around 600 sub-contracted drivers will take part in the games.

One of the ten Borders drivers heading to Glasgow is Derek Gray from Hawick.

He said: “I volunteered to drive on behalf of First at the London Olympics and Paralympics and thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere was incredible and being so close to the event was an amazing experience.

“All ten drivers are proud to be part of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and proud to represent First Borders. We’ll be going all out to set new driving and customer service personal bests.”

Derek added: “I’m hoping to be fortunate enough to transport some athletes, maybe even Usain Bolt! “

Managing director of First Borders, Paul McGowan, said: “I’m delighted that ten of our drivers are to be part of the First team this summer and I’ve no doubt they will act as fine ambassadors for First Borders.”

cricket

Saturday, july 5

ESCL DIVISION ONE

Gala (20) beat Largo (5) by 8 wkts. At Meigle Park

Largo

A. Warrender, c D. Tharanga, b K. Mein 51

A. Ali, c K. Paterson, b N. Crooks 36

N. Getti, c K. Paterson, b D. Moir 22

A. Brown, c R. Pringle, b N. Crooks 28

B. Coates, c G. Ormiston, b N. Crooks 2

H. Gillin, c G. Ormiston, b N. Crooks 0

A. Robertson, c J. Halls, b R. Pringle 1

M. Baddeley, b R. Pringle 6

D. Scott, c R. Irvine, b R. Pringle 15

J. Gillin, not out 3

I. Brown, not out 1

Extras9

Total for 9 (50 overs) 175

Bowling: D. Tharanga 0-25, R. Pringle 3-34, N. Crooks 4-38, K. Mein 1-42, D. Moir 1-35.

Gala

S. Halls, c&b A. Brown 50

J. Halls, c A. Warrender, b A. Brown 15

G. Ormiston, not out 37

D. Millar, not out 72

Extras6

Total for 2 (42.4 overs) 180

Bowling: H. Gillin 0-51, A. Robertson 0-38, A. Brown 2-29, M. Baddeley 0-31, D. Scott 0-30.

St Boswells (20) beat Musselburgh (3) by 227 runs.

At The Green

St Boswells

E. Ruthven, c T. Middlemass, b R. Ullah 131

R. Young, c A. Ahmed, b J. Robertson 11

S. Broom, c D. Dale, b R. Ullah 0

M. Williams, b R. Ullah 75

R. Graham, st R. Tufail, b J. Allen 6

J. Broom, b A. Ahmed 10

S. Marshall, not out 8

C. Paterson, not out 0

Extras20

Total for 6 (50 overs) 261

Bowling: J .Robertson 1-26, T. Middlemass 0-49, R. Ullah 3-49, K. Dilly 0-31, A. Ahmed 1-42, J. Allen 1-34, E. Gatner 0-11.

Musselburgh

R. Ullah, c S. Broom, b R. Elms 0

D. Dale, c S. Broom, b E. Ruthven 2

E. Gatner, b R. Elms 0

R. Tufail, b R. Elms 0

K. Dilly, b E. Ruthven 0

T. Middlemass, b R. Elms 0

A. Ahmed, b R. Elms 2

J. Allen, c R. Graham, b R. Elms 5

C. Miller, b E. Ruthven 6

M. Benson, c R. Graham, b R. Elms 5

J. Robertson, not out 11

Extras 3

Total all out (16.2 overs) 34

Bowling: R. Elms 7-14, E. Ruthven 3-20.

P W t L PTS %

Edinburgh CC 8 8 0 0 160 100.00

East Knights U18 4 3 0 1 67 83.75

Heriots 2 9 5 0 4 125 69.45

Watsonians 2 8 4 0 4 107 66.88

Marchmont 10 5 0 5 128 64.00

Gala 8 4 0 4 101 63.13

St Boswells 8 4 0 4 99 61.88

Musselburgh 10 5 0 5 121 60.50

Edinburgh Accies 7 3 0 4 83 59.29

Largo 8 2 0 6 70 43.75

Dunfermline 8 1 0 7 51 31.88

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

Sunday: Edinburgh Accies v Eastern Knights Under 18.

ESCL DIVISION two

Kelso (20) beat Livingston (4) by 7 wkts. At Turpie & Co Sports Ground

Livingston

R. Bowering, b S. Cessford 0

J. Sohail, c N.J. Dagg, b B.M. Grindell 12

S. Asghar, b S.D. Patterson 25

A. Wilcock, c N.J. Dagg, b S. Cessford 5

H. Ahmed, c S. Cessford, b B.M. Grindell 0

M. Ahmed, run out 1

J. Hilton, c F. Sultan, b C. Davidson 2

R. Duvvuri, c G.J. Davidson, b S.D. Patterson 10

N. Asghar, c N.J. Dagg, b G.J. Davidson 31

N. Subhanaboina, not out 31

S.K. Jindal, b G.J. Davidson 0

Extras17

Total all out (50 overs) 134

Bowling: S. Cessford 2-20, B.M. Grindell 2-12, C. Davidson 1-9, S.D. Patterson 2-9, M. Scott 0-18, G.J. Davidson 2-27, F. Sultan 0-25.

Kelso

D. Wilson, b J. Sohail 50

G.J. Davidson, b N. Asghar 20

S. Cessford, c S.K. Jindal, b R. Duvvuri 8

S.D. Patterson, not out 41

B.M. Grindell, not out 0

Extras17

Total for 3 (43.1 overs) 136

Bowling: N. Subhanaboina 0-21, R. Duvvuri 1-24, H. Ahmed 0-20, S. Asghar 0-24, N. Asghar 1-23, J. Sohail 1-17.

P W t L PTS %

Dunnikier 8 7 0 1 147 91.88

Kelso 8 7 0 1 145 90.63

Clackmannan Co 7 5 0 2 116 82.86

SMRH 2 9 6 0 3 138 76.67

Livingston 8 5 0 3 113 70.63

Broomhall 9 4 0 5 107 59.45

West Lothian 2 8 2 0 6 76 47.50

*Leith FAB 8 3 0 5 74 46.25

MDAFS 2 9 1 0 8 61 33.89

*Fauldhouse 8 1 0 7 47 29.38

*conceded 1 match

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

ESCL DIVISION four

Selkirk (20) beat RHC 2 (7) by 11 runs. At Royal High

Selkirk

J. Everitt, c A. Abid, b C. Clarkson 66

G. Fenton, c A. Sathiy, b. A Abid 7

S. Skeldon, not out 51

D. Fenton, b A. Moore 4

R. Banks, c J. Mccarthy, b D. Moss 6

K. Paterson, b D. Moss 4

J. Graham, b F. West 0

J. Reid, lbw b F. West 0

A. McKirgan, c D. Lawrie, b D. Moss 2

A. Massie, not out 2

Extras15

Total for 8 (45 overs) 157

Bowling: A. Abid 1-21, F. West 2-27, D. Lawrie 0-28, D. Moss 3-24, C. Clarkson 1-28, A. Moore 1-23.

RHC 2

J. Mccarthy, c Unknown, b Unknown 7

A. Sathiy, c Unknown, b Unknown 16

A. Abid, c Unknown, b Unknown 7

A. Moore, lbw b Unknown 17

Y. Ali, b Unknown 6

N. Brunton, b Unknown 8

D. Lawrie, b Unknown 26

F. West, not out 38

D. Moss, not out 8

Extras13

Total for 7 (45 overs) 146

Bowling: K. Paterson 0-18, J. Reid 2-18, G. Fenton 1-12, D. Fenton 2-46, R. Banks 0-20, J. Everitt 2-28.

P W t L PTS %

Selkirk 9 8 0 1 165 91.67

RHC 2 7 6 0 1 127 90.72

Grange 3 7 5 0 2 112 80.00

Watsonians 3 8 5 0 3 115 71.88

Dunfermline Car 10 5 0 5 130 65.00

Holy Cross 2 9 3 1 5 101 56.12

Largo 2 8 3 0 5 84 52.50

Preston Village 8 2 1 5 73 45.63

Edinburgh South 2 9 2 0 7 75 41.67

*Stirling Co 3 7 1 0 6 36 25.72

*conceded 1 match

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

ESCL DIVISION five

Glenrothes 2 (20) beat Peebles County (2) by 192 runs. At Gilvenbank Park

Glenrothes 2

G. Robinson, c P. Moynihan, b P. Caddick 97

M. Braid, c P. Caddick, b R. Thompson 9

I. Dale, c P. Caddick, b J. Moynihan 66

A. Sim, not out 31

W. Morrison, not out 32

Extras27

Total for 3 (45 overs) 260

Bowling: P. Moynihan 0-31, P. Caddick 1-22, R. Thompson 1-82, A. Anderson 0-52, J. Moynihan 1-60, S. Caddick 0-5.

Peebles County

P. Murray, lbw b J. Davidson 3

J. Pace, b K. Glen 7

P. Moynihan, c I. Dale, b L. Thomas 22

P. Caddick, c K. Glen, b R. Cox 7

R. Thompson, c&b L. Thomas 3

P. Walker, b R. Cox 0

J. Moynihan, not out 10

S. Brown, c J. Davidson, b B. Wardle 0

S. Caddick, st I. Dale, b B. Wardle 0

A. Anderson, c G. Dodds Snr, b L. Thomas 3

Extras 0

Total all out (27 overs) 68

Bowling: J. Davidson 1-10, K. Glen 1-11, R. Cox 2-13, L. Thomas 3-17, B .Wardle 2-13.

P W t L PTS %

S&S Penicuik 2 8 7 0 1 146 91.25

Glenrothes 2 7 6 0 1 126 90.00

MDAFS 3 9 7 0 2 154 85.56

Marchmont 2 9 7 0 2 153 85.00

Livingston 2 9 4 0 5 96 53.34

Peebles County 10 4 0 6 106 53.00

Edinburgh Ac 2 9 4 0 5 95 52.78

Drummond Trinity 2 9 3 0 6 92 51.12

Falkland 3 9 2 0 7 80 44.45

*Boroughmuir 2 9 0 0 9 25 13.89

*deducted 5pts – late match return

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

ESCL DIVISION six

Hawick & Wilton (20) beat Musselburgh 2 (4) by 8 wkts. At Lewisvale Park

Musselburgh 2

C. Turnbull, c A. Moffat, b B. Hartop10

D. Gibson, c P. Solley, b S. Hair 1

D. Burton, c S. Hair, b B. Hartop 22

R. Mackenzie, run out (A. Moffat) 4

V. Kumar, run out (A. Moffat) 41

Q. Ahmed, b L. Stewart 9

R. Pickard, c P. MacTaggart, b C. MacDougall 7

D. Bell, run out (A. Moffat) 1

V. Mathew, not out 8

Extras 13

Total for 8 (40 overs) 116

Bowling: S. Hair 1-12, L. Stewart 1-23, B. Hartop 3-21, P. Solley 0-25, C. MacDougall 0-32.

Hawick & Wilton

S. Hair, c V. Kumar, b Q. Ahmed 9

A. Moffat, not out 62

B. Hartop, c Q. Ahmed, b J. Pleasance 24

P. Solley, not out 12

Extras11

Total for 2 (25 overs) 117

Bowling: D. Bell 0-18, Q. Ahmed 1-20, V. Kumar 0-17, D. Burton 0-19, R. Pickard 0-15, J. Pleasance 1-25.

Melrose (20) beat OCCC (5) by 6 wkts. 
At Inverleith Park

OCCC

L. Charlwood, c A. Wolfe Murray, b C. Green 7

A. Hinstridge, lbw b J. Loftus 0

S. Scobie, c A. Wolfe Murray, b C. Green 15

E. Robertson, c A. Wolfe Murray, b J. Loftus 12

G. Shah, lbw b C. Green 5

V. Mohanan, c C. Green, b W. Owen 29

S. Robertson, c D. King, b T. Brown 30

J. Caldwell, b T. Brown 10

A. Watson, c B. Scott, b T. Brown 0

A. Lomax, not out 12

D. Mason, c&b W. Owen 0

Extras5

Total all out (36 overs) 125

Bowling: J. Loftus 2-15, T. Brown 3-23, D. King 0-35, C. Green 3-25, F. Fawcett 0-16, W. Owen 2-5.

Melrose

C. Green, not out 60

W. Owen, lbw b D. Mason 21

B. Scott, b E. Robertson 6

S. Hosney, st J. Caldwell, b A. Watson 5

J. Loftus, c V. Mohanan, b A. Watson 20

A. Wolfe Murray, not out 4

Extras 12

Total for 4 (32.3 overs) 128

Bowling: A. Lomax 0-23, S. Robertson 0-11, D. Mason 1-17, E. Robertson 1-24, A. Watson 2-20, L. Charlwood 0-12, A. Hinstridge 0-4.

P W t L PTS %

Tranent 9 9 0 0 180 100.00

Heriots 3 9 7 0 2 152 84.45

Edinburgh CC 2 9 6 0 3 144 80.00

OCCC 9 6 0 3 135 75.00

Hawick & Wilton 11 7 0 4 161 73.19

Teuchters 9 4 0 5 114 63.34

Melrose 8 2 0 6 72 45.00

Dunbar 10 2 0 8 90 45.00

Musselburgh 2 9 2 0 7 73 40.56

West Lothian 3 9 1 0 8 66 36.67

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

bowls

thursday, june 26

border ladies league

Hawick 23-21 Gala

Jedburgh 26-29 Ettrick Forest

Kelso 29-19 Abbotsford

Lauder 48-25 Buccleuch

Melrose 28-33 Wilton

Newtown 20-27 Selkirk

monday, june 30

border league division one

Abbotsford A 89-75 Ancrum

tuesday, july 1

border senior league

Gala 68-39 Selkirk/Ettrick Forest

Hawick 66-38 Buccleuch

Kelso 66-48 Earlston/Melrose

Peebles 51-72 Abbotsford

Wilton 67-51 Jedburgh

P W D L F A Pts

Wilton 11 9 0 2 725 485 18

Earlston/Melrose 11 8 1 2 637 521 17

Jedburgh 11 8 0 3 661 551 16

Gala 11 6 1 4 624 578 13

Hawick 11 5 1 5 601 570 11

Abbotsford 11 5 0 6 584 620 10

Kelso 10 5 0 5 490 560 10

Selkirk/Ettrick F 11 4 0 7 476 551 8

Buccleuch 11 3 1 7 561 583 7

Newtown 9 2 0 7 413 566 4

Peebles 11 2 0 9 452 639 4

border ladies league

Wilton 31-16 Newtown

Buccleuch 29-19 Melrose

Abbotsford 30-28 Lauder

Ettrick Forest 18-29 Kelso

Gala 26-30 Jedburgh

Waverley 23-33 Hawick

P W D L F A Pts

Hawick 10 14 1 5 363 200 39

Wilton 10 15 0 5 311 236 39

Waverley 9 13 0 5 266 211 32

Buccleuch 9 11 0 7 285 224 28

Newtown 9 9 0 9 239 249 23

Kelso 9 9 0 9 226 234 22.5

Jedburgh 9 8 2 10 255 297 22

Gala 9 7 1 10 227 247 18

Ettrick Forest 9 7 1 10 224 250 18

Selkirk 9 7 0 11 215 258 17

Lauder 9 6 1 11 244 267 16

Abbotsford 9 7 0 11 204 286 16

Melrose 9 4 0 14 200 282 9.5

wednesday, july 2

border league division one

Hawick A 73-89 Wilton A

Jedburgh 82-69 Earlston

Kelso A 85-72 Ancrum

Lauder 62-87 Melrose

Waverley A 85-82 Abbotsford A

P W D L F A Pts

Waverley A 11 8 1 2 915 815 17

Jedburgh 11 7 1 3 851 800 15

Hawick A 11 7 0 4 909 858 14

Abbotsford A 12 6 0 6 969 874.3 12

Earlston 12 6 0 6 900 916.5 12

Kelso A 11 5 1 5 863 833 11

Melrose 10 5 0 5 693 685 10

Wilton A 11 5 0 6 850 862 10

Ancrum 12 4 0 8 878 987.7 8

*Lauder 11 1 1 9 691.5 888 1

*points deducted

border league division two

Buccleuch 93-71.7 Newtown

Peebles 65-36 Ettrick Forest

Selkirk 107-80 Gala A

St Ronans 125-52 Stow

P W D L F A Pts

Selkirk 8 8 0 0 741 513 16

St Ronans 8 7 0 1 717 565 14

Buccleuch 8 5 0 3 639.5 635.7 10

Gala A 7 4 0 3 491 476 8

Ettrick Forest 7 2 0 5 478 559 4

Stow 8 2 0 6 559 685.5 4

Newtown 8 0 0 8 532.7 693 0

Peebles 8 3 0 5 496 527 6

border B league

Abbotsford B 10-0 Gala B

Wilton B 74-69 Kelso B

P W D L F A Pts

Wilton B 7 6 0 1 471 315 12

Waverley B 6 5 0 1 247 235 10

Kelso B 7 3 0 4 445 436 6

Abbotsford B 5 2 0 3 215 249 4

Hawick B 4 1 0 3 194 273 2

*Gala B 7 1 0 6 175 239 -4

*points deducted

friday, july 11

border league division one (7pm)

Kelso A v Abbotsford A

Melrose v Wilton A

Waverley A v Hawick A

monday, july 14

border league division one (7pm)

Lauder v Jedburgh

Wilton A v Kelso A

border B league (7pm)

Kelso B v Gala B

tuesday, july 15

border senior league (11am)

Gala v Hawick

Kelso v Buccleuch

Newtown v Abbotsford

Peebles v Selkirk/Ettrick Forest

Wilton v Earlston/Melrose

border ladies league (7pm)

Buccleuch v Selkirk

Abbotsford v Newtown

Ettrick Forest v Melrose

Gala v Lauder

Waverley v Kelso

Hawick v Jedburgh

wednesday, july 16

border league division one (7pm)

Earlston v Abbotsford A

Hawick A v Ancrum

Jedburgh v Melrose

Waverley A v Lauder

border league division two (7pm)

Ettrick Forest v Gala A

Peebles v Newtown

Selkirk v Stow

St Ronans v Buccleuch

border B league (7pm)

Abbotsford B v Wilton B

The Borders Ladies Golf Association squad retained the South Divisional Championship at Torwoodlee Golf Club.

Playing Dumfriesshire on the first day of the jamboree, Borders went 2-1 down after the morning foursomes, but they battled back well to take four of the six singles to win the day 5-4.

Day two saw Dumfriesshire to take on Galloway, with the former once again leading after the morning foursomes. Yet again they failed to capitalise and lost 5-4 overall. With all to play for on the third day, the Borders were again 2-1 down, with the pairing of Judith Anderson and Sharon Paterson the only victors in the foursomes. The afternoon singles proved exciting, with Borders winning five of the remaining matches.

Pictured back row from left: Tara Mactaggart, Liz Campbell, Judith Anderson, Julie Birdsall and Danielle Ker. Front, Carina Bunyan, Fiona Ker (captain), and Sharon Paterson. (Missing from picture, Leanne Wilson).

Sporting digest

Bowling

Abbotsford

The A team played two Border League fixtures last week.

On Monday, at home to Ancrum, three of the rinks lost narrowly and one had a draw. However, a convincing win for Keith Campbell’s rink secured the points for Abbotsford.

On Wednesday, the team travelled to play league front-runners, Waverley. On this occasion, three of the rinks won their games, but the end result was an 85-82 victory for Waverley. Campbell skipped the top rink for Abbotsford.

On Tuesday morning, the senior team travelled to play Peebles. With three of the triples ahead, the result was a 72-51 triumph for Abbotsford.

On Tuesday evening, the ladies played a league match at home to Lauder. Each team had a winning rink, but with Abbotsford just ahead on shots, the match was won 3-2.

On Friday, the Top Ten team played at home to Stow in a second round match. In the singles, Tommy Newall won by 21-9, while in the pairs, the shots tally was boosted by a 31-10 win for Campbell and Tommy Mann Jnr. The triple and rink also won, giving Abbotsford an 8-0 victory. Next opponents will be Melrose.

On Sunday, the Braw Lads Pairs competition was held on the Gala green. Finalists were Gordon Bowers and Newall from Abbotsford and the Waverley/Abbotsford combination of Brian Kimber and Callum Riddell.

In an excellent contest, the scores were tied at the start of the last end, where Bowers and Newall played the winning bowls to lift the trophy.

On Sunday, the club is holding the Open Pairs tournament sponsored by Cleland’s.

Entries are currently being taken for the Open Singles tournament, sponsored by David Nichol Financial Planning, on Sunday, July 20.

Enter at the club, or by contacting Alan Howlieson on 01896 757629.

Hawick

The Seniors entertained near neighbours Buccleuch in what can only be described as tropical conditions.

This led to some good bowls being played from both sides. Top rink for the Hawick side was the J.H. Reilly-skipped rink, ably supported by C. Anderson and D. Thomson. The final score was Hawick 66 Buccleuch 38.

The A team also had a local derby at home on Wednesday when they played Wilton.

The match was nip and tuck all the way, until the last few ends when Wilton came through by 89-73.

Langholm Old Town

The club held an open pairs tournament on Sunday, sponsored by Zander Turnbull, with 21 entries.

The winners from the New Town club were Duncan Ritchie and Alan Aitken, who beat the host entry of Steve Barker and Ian Henderson in the final.

The eventual winners knocked out the father and son entry of Kevin and Wayne Irving in the semi-finals and also out at that stage was Stuart Beadle of Newcastleton, playing with Alan Maughan.

Elma Aitken presented the David Pool Memorial Cup to the winners, and she thanked the kitchen helpers Joyce Jackson and Pamela Bell, and Grant Fletcher and Colin Turk for looking after things at the tournament.

Lauder

A total of 16 pairs took part in the annual G&G Open Three-bowl Pairs competition, which was played in a round robin format.

The final was won by Keith Atkinson (Lauder) and 
Ross Nichol (Melrose), who overcame the father-and-son pair of Raymond and Chris Brock from 
Haddington in a very close match.

Also, the Border Ladies Tournament took place over the same weekend.

Well done to Anne Clarke who made it to the semi-final of the singles and Gwenda Ainslie and Amanda Ogilvie who were runners-up in the pairs.

Cycling

Kelso Wheelers

The ‘call of the hills’ was answered by Kelso Wheelers when they held their Continental Hill Climb time trial over the Broomloan to Hume Castle course last week.

Heard first, seen second and some serious heavy breathing was the pattern for all riders on the final rise to the finish.

Colin Stevenson tamed the course for the second year in succession, coming home in an excellent time of 16 minutes and 28 seconds. All three youths taking part set new pbs, with seven in all being recorded.

Times: C. Stevenson 16.28; D. Burgher 17.08 pb; D. Richardson 17.46; G. Easson 19.22; R. Connell 19.36; G. Dalglish 19.56 pb; R. Kerr 22.50 pb; S. Onley 23.57 pb; D. Small 24.14. Youths: O. Onley 18.36 pb; B. Simpson 20.05 pb; D. Easson 23.41 pb.

GolF

Galashiels

John Scott Plumbing and Heating Seniors July Stableford: Winner, I. Young 19 points.

Summer Tankard: 1, S. Scott 72 (12) 60; 2, S. Yeomans 72 (9) 63; 3, J. McDonald 90 (27) 63.

Jedburgh

LGU Medal: 1, M. Smail 97 (32) 65 BIH; 2, H. Hughes 99 (34) 65; 3, P. Hogg 86 (15) 71.

Unionist Trophy: 1, B. Colvine 80 (18) 62; 2, R. Nagle 78 (12) 66 BIH; 3, J. Field 87 (21) 66.

Kelso

Intersport Midweek (3): 1, I. Thompson 40 points; 2, J. Gibson 39.

Maxwell Motors Trophy: 1, G. Taylor 75 (8) 67 BIH; 2=, A. Lyall 80 (13) 67, R. Ainslie 81 (14) 67, S. Anderson 73 (6) 67.

D S Dalgleish Trophy: 1, D. Thomson & C. Russell 50 points; 2, S. Pringle & A. Mulvie 46.

Ladies NPFA Shield: 1, D. Tomlinson 88 (17) 71; 2, L. Wilson 80 (8) 72.

Olive Middlemas Trophy (over 36 holes): 1, P. Robson nett 135; 2, M. Wilkinson 148; 3, A. Wild 149.

Lauder

Captain’s Day: 1, M. Dunne 37 points; 2, G. Cessford 35; 3, B. Hunter 34.

Lewis Stableford: 1, G. Cessford (21) 36 points; 2, R. Malcolm (13) 35; 3, C. Lumsden (3) 33.

Thirty pairs contested the popular Anderson Invitation Greensomes on Sunday. The winners, with an excellent 71 (9) 62 were Kenny and Andrew Gillan, with Micky Dunne (Lauder) and Jimmy Gillie (Ladhope) taking the scratch prize.

Minto

Gents’ July Medal (Fox & Hounds No 7): 1, D. Miller 82 (15) 67 after contback; 2, R. Pringle 79 (12) 67; 3, T. Mulvee 83 (14) 69.

Seniors’ Stableford League: 1, J. MacFarlane 38 points. League leader is Tam Glendinning on 46.25 league points.

Gents’ and Seniors’ Stableford: 1, D. Whiteley 37 points; 2, A. Nichol 36 after countback; 3, P. Inglis 36 after countback. League leader is last year’s winner, Ian Learmonth, on 172 points.

Juniors’ Stableford (no 1): 1, F. Campbell 41 points; 2, G. Dodds 39; 3, R. Nichol 38.

Ladies’ Teviotdale Cup (no 4): 1, G. Cartwright 99 (31) 68; 2, K. Telfer 89 (19) 70; 3, M. Towers 91 (20) 71. Scratch winner: F. Kerr 93.

Gents’ Captain’s Prize Day: 1, G. Lothian 76 (18) 58; 2, R. Latta 73 (6) 67 after countback; 3, G. McDonagh 75 (8) 67.

St Boswells

Ladies Championship Qualifier (no 1): 1, J. Oliver 89 (19) 70 (lowest gross); 2, M. Allen 91 (20) 71; 3, N. Burnyeat 100 (29) 71.

The Gents’ Senior Open was a well-attended and successful event. Thanks go to Green Keeper Allen Whellans, starter Bill Barthram and to Frank Cunningham and Watt Lees for their time and help during the day.

Results: Overall winner, H. Oliver (St Boswells) 78 (20) 58. Scratch: 1, L. Wallace (Melrose) 74 (3) 71; 2, R. McCartney (Hawick) 77 (9) 68.

A-Class : 1, G. Melrose (St Boswells) 81 (13) 68; 2, G. Forsyth (Galashiels) 76 (6) 70.

B Class: 1, G. Hogg (St Boswells) 73 (6) 67; 2, M. Davis (Hawick) 80 (12) 68.

C-Class: 1, J. Rutherford (St Boswells) 79 (17) 62; 2, I. Murray (St Boswells) 85 (21) 64.

Championship Qualifier (no 4): 1, E. Johnstone 82 (20) 62; 2, A. Whellans 71 (08) 63 (lowest gross); 3, A. Hardie 76 (12) 64.

Torwoodlee

Order of Merit (round 8): 1, J. Pollitt 78 (16) 62; 2, R. Lowrie 83 (20) 63; 3, C. Lees 70 (5) 65.

Ladhope Inn 4BBB Open: 1, H. McDonald & S. Evans (Lochgelly) nett 61; 2, C. Lees & K. Rankin (Torwoodlee) 63; 3, A. Thomson & R Thomson (Torwoodlee) 64.

The Woll

Gents’ Nine-hole Sweep: 1, R. Cowan 39 points; 2, P. Noble 37; J. Hood 37.

Gents Saturday Medal (A Class): 1, C. Thorburn 77 (12) 65; 2, R. Cowan 76 (9) 67; 3, A. Gillie 80 (5) 75. B Class: 1, A. Willison 85 (18) 67; 2, S. Bell 87 (16) 71; 3, R. Charters 93 (21) 72.

Squash

Galashiels

League One: A. Gill 3 D. Sharratt 1 (9-8, 9-5, 5-9, 9-0).

Tennis

Charity

Lucy Tile, a request officer for the Borders Children’s Charity (BCC) organised a tennis funday on Sunday, June 29.

Nearly 40 players took part from St Boswells, Hawick, Melrose, Duns and Kelso tennis clubs, with the tournament ending with a finals afternoon at St Boswells Tennis Club.

The sum of £390 was raised for the BCC and Lucy would like to thank St Boswells Tennis Club for donating their courts for the afternoon and all the players that took part and provided lunch and cakes.

Gala Fairydean Rovers recently staged their first annual general meeting at the Netherdale clubrooms since the merger of the town’s two senior clubs was confirmed.

Chairman Kevin Temple reflected on a “whirlwind” 12 months for the club, but said matters had progressed in a structured and controlled manner.

He pointed out that since the amalgamation of Gala Fairydean FC and Gala Rovers AFC, income, sponsorship, attendances, lottery sales, bar receipts and Premier Club membership were all up.

Mr Temple said that while entering the Lowland League had been an eye-opener for everyone at the club, he expressed satisfaction that the standard of football had improved and the team had competed well.

He said that the club was on a steady footing, with plans to integrate more into the community, youth development extended and to strive for SFA Bronze Licence Status

In his annual report secretary Graeme McIver said that despite the understandable scepticism of some, he believed it had been conclusively proven that the decision to merge the two clubs was the correct one. Treasurer Susan Swan reported a profit of £4,842.44 for 2013-14, which compared favourably with a loss of £2,856.37 the previous year.

Office bearers elected for 2014-15 were: chairman Kevin Temple; vice-chairman Derek McGill; secretary Graeme McIver; treasurer Susan Swan; match secretary Robert Fairburn. Committee: Alan Allison, Darren Bunker, Tom Cass, Sharon George, Jim Gray, Paul Gray, Shane Greene, Adam McClory, Alan McConnell, Bruce Noble, Steven Noble, Mike Riddell and Debi Ritchie.

The pre-season build-up is about to get serious for Gala Fairydean Rovers as the club prepares for three home games in seven days.

East of Scotland League outfit Eyemouth United are the visitors to Netherdale on Saturday, kick off 3pm, for what is likely to be a stern test.

This will be followed by a fixture against Dunfermline Athletic on Thursday, July 17 (7pm) when Jim Jefferies will be returning to his managerial roots.

Bonnyrigg Rose are the opponents on Saturday, July 19, at the 3G Arena before the squad heads up the A7 to face Arniston Rangers on Saturday, July 26.

Gala have been handed a tough start to this season’s Lowland League campaign with two away trips to Preston Athletic (Saturday, August 2) and Vale of Leithen (Wednesday, August 6) before home matches against Spartans (Saturday, August 9) and Whitehill Welfare (Wednesday, August 13).

Manager Steven Noble can’t wait for the action to get started for real and is still hoping to add one or two signings to strengthen his squad before the big kick-off.

Langholm secured their first away win of the season in the Eden Valley League when they beat Wigton 2nds by 75 runs.

Langholm batted first and reached a total of 161 for 8 wickets in the 40 overs. Top scorer was skipper Duncan Elliott, who made an excellent 73 before going out to Taylor. Gregor Park (15) and Ross Rae (10) supported Elliott well, before being bowled by Thomlinson and Ward respectively.

Davie Gordon (20 not out) and Jack Pool (7) carried things along after Elliott had departed with the score on 134, and helped boost the final total.

Thomlinson was the best of the home bowlers with 3 for 34.

Wigton made a useful start and reached 19 before Holiday (12) was caught and bowled by Graham Park. Steve Johnstone was in fine bowling form and snapped up the wickets of Evans (1) and Peile (0), then had Flemming caught for a duck by wicket keeper Gregor Park and it was 27 for 4.

Hollyoak made a quickfire 14, but was clean-bowled by Johnstone. Elliott and Graham Park also picked up wickets, and the home side just could not recover and were all out for a total of 86 in 27 overs.

In the Langholm bowling, Johnstone had 6 for 24, with Elliott 2 for 23 and Graham Park 2 for 26.

Gala secured an important victory and 20 league points with an eight wicket win over Largo at Meigle Park on Saturday.

Skipper Duncan Millar returned to action after a hand injury to guide Gala home with a sparkling 72 not out, while there was a welcome return to action for Kris Mein, who played his first match of the season following an ankle injury sustained during the rugby season.

While the win looked comfortable enough on paper, there were still some flat periods in the match for the home side, still slightly down on confidence after recent poor performances, none more so than when Warrender and Ali were putting together a good opening partnership of 70 for the visitors.

Indeed, with Largo at 108 for one after 29 overs, the visitors looked set to post a total comfortably over 200. However, the Gala attack started to take wickets, restrict the scoring rate and kept Largo to 175 for nine.

For the home side, Neil Crooks took four wickets and Robbie Pringle three, while Mein and Dean Moir picked up one each.

In response, Stevie and Jack Halls got Gala off to a good start, before Jack gloved an attempted hook shot to Warrender.

Stevie brought up his 50 then chipped a return catch to Brown to reduce Gala to 68 for two, when Millar joined Graeme Ormiston in the middle.

The pair took their time to play themselves in, as the required rate slowly increased, before Millar especially exploded in a flurry of runs as the final 57 required were knocked off in just 6.4 overs and Gala passed their target with 7.2 overs to spare.

Millar, who had reached his half-century with his first six, finished the match with his second, and also found the boundary on nine occasions, while Ormiston finished unbeaten on 37.

z On Sunday, Gala recorded their second eight-wicket win of the weekend to progress to the ESCA President Trophy semi-final after seeing off Westquarter and Redding at Falkirk.

The home side were bowled out for 138 with just over five overs unused. Scott Paterson and Moir made early breakthroughs as three of the home top four fell without scoring. The home wickets were shared out, with Paterson taking three.

In the Gala batting, Stevie Halls (13) and Josh Irvine (13) made a steady impact before Millar (55) joined Jack Halls (55) and the pair took the game away from the home side with a fine partnership.

Hawick Boxing Club held its annual dinner and awards night at the Three Ones in Commercial Road earlier this month.

Although attendances were down on previous years, it was an action-packed evening with first-class food and entertainment which was second to none.

Billy Finn, who has been involved with the club since the 1960s, was recognised for his involvement as a boxer and coach, and presenting the award to his life-long friend, John ‘Jonky’ Sharkey, he said: “I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than Billy Finn.

“He is, without doubt, the best coach I have ever worked with and his knowledge of the game is immense. He has represented this club both as a boxer and coach and has been a huge asset to boxing in Hawick.”

Accepting the award, Billy Finn said that although he had taken something of a quieter role this season past, he was keen to get back into the gym for the new season: “Come the winter nights I will be back helping out in the gym.

“I’m always there to help and am happy to do so. I am never far away and the club means a lot, not only to me, but to everyone who has ever been involved in it. I really appreciate this award. It means a lot.”

Also making their annual pilgrimage to the event were three of the Borders’ finest fighters – John and Bobby Black and Alistair Laurie from Selkirk. This trio had more then 600 fights between them as amateur boxers in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Trained by Harry Hill, the Selkirk lads were always in high demand throughout Scotland and the North of England.

Speaking after the dinner, Alistair said: “We enjoy coming to the dinner and are always keen to support the Hawick club and what they do. This has been another great night. It’s always a good laugh and it’s good to see some of the lads again.”

Club president Eddie Brogan spoke of a club that has, over the last 50 years and more, consistently punched above its weight in Scottish amateur boxing, and a club that has produced many Eastern District and Scottish Champions at both youth and senior level, as well as an ABA champion and Olympic representative and numerous Scottish caps.

Jock Thorburn was in excellent form and after presenting his award, he entertained those gathered to a brilliant rendition of I Wish I Was Eighteen Again.

Other musical entertainment came from Dave Finnie and Drew Gibb, and the evening ended with the brilliant comedian Jimmy Stirling from Fife.

Bonchester’s Paralympic archer Kate Murray has contributed to a fantastic total of five medals as part of Archery GB at their recent European outing.

The team was on world-class form at the Para Archery world-ranking event at Nove Mesto in the Czech Republic, securing a total of three gold medals, a silver and a bronze.

The 66-year-old Borderer won the bronze medal, along with David Phillips, in the recurve open mixed team event after beating Ukraine 5-3.

Michael Peart, Paralympic coach at Archery GB, said: “We had high hopes for the team flying out to Nove Mesto and they proved themselves to be more than capable of competing on the world stage.

“There’s a really strong sense of teamwork in the current Paralympic squad and the team medals won across the weekend really exemplify this.”

Kate and the team will now travel to Nottwill in Switzerland for the Para European Championships, which runs from July 25 – August 3, where they hope to continue their success. The team has signed up to a milestone target of three to five medals with UK Sport.

To find out more and for all the results, go to www.worldarchery.org/PARA-ARCHERY/Events/Nove-Mesto-2014

The latest Scottish Urban League at St Andrews last weekend brought more success for Roxburgh Reivers Orienteering Club as the season enters its final few weeks.

Using a double-sided A3 map of the whole of St Andrews, runners had to navigate between the alleyways of the old town, as well as a variety of university campuses.

On the under-16 men’s course it was a terrific clean sweep for Reivers with Faisal Khursheed, Patrick Heger and Marc Heger taking the top three places.

Not far behind, Yousuf Khursheed finished in fifth place.

This leaves Faisal in second place in the league standings and Patrick in third with just two rounds to go.

Kirstin Maxwell used the event as preparation for the World Student Championships later in the year, with a convincing win in the women’s open category.

Lindsey Knox also enjoyed a relatively easy win on W55.

Pauline McAdam was in good form, taking second on W55 after having run Dollar Hill Race the previous day. Kirstin now lies second in the league and Lindsey is in an unassailable position in first place.

The World Orienteering Championships are taking place in Italy this week and local athlete Douglas Tullie will be running in the middle distance final tomorrow (Friday) and potentially in the relay on Saturday.

With the 2015 World Championships being held in Scotland, Selkirk’s Paul McGreal, 2015 event director, is also in Italy getting a behind-the-scenes look at the event.

The last four major events were selection races for the Scottish veteran team and two Reivers, John Tullie and Lindsey Knox, have been picked for the team competing in the Forest of Dean in September.

Fiona Forrest, Pauline McAdam and Robin Sloan are first reserves for their age classes.

Judy McNeilly, club president, commented: “Considering that we are one of the smallest clubs in Scotland, to get five members into the squad of 38 is great.”

The jewel in the crown of the Border Games athletic scene is set to take place on Saturday – Jedburgh Games is the occasion and Riverside Park the setting.

And this year there is more than a ripple of excitement in the air as the Jedburgh Games Committee get set to mark not one but two historical events.

In recognition of the 700th Anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn and the 325th Anniversary of the Battle of Killiecrankie, the committee have organised a procession at this year’s sports meeting, with replicas of the original flags captured by the Jedburgh weavers at both encounters heading the march.

The gold and green flags were integral to the Jedburgh Border Games celebrations from its inception in 1853 until they were destroyed in the fire that gutted the Corn Exchange (museum) in 1898.

And as a gesture to commemorate the march to the original Games events, held on the Dunion Moor, when the original flags were proudly carried at the head of the procession up Castlegate, two identical pennants have been beautifully recreated locally.

Saturday’s parade will take place at around 3pm, led by Jedburgh Royal British Legion Pipe Band, and will march from the entrance to Riverside Park before completing one circuit of the running track. The Bannockburn flag will be carried by this year’s Jedburgh Grammar School male sports champion, Kyle Amos, while the Killicrankie flag will be borne by Jedburgh Grammar School female sports champion, Jazmine Tomlinson.

Jedburgh Games president Kennie Hogg told The Southern: “Since the fire there have been two world wars and I feel that a little bit of Jedburgh’s history got lost along the way.

“It’s great to see the flags back now and hopefully they will make Saturday’s Games all the more special.

“We would also like to extend our grateful thanks again this year to all our sponsors who help make this traditional event in our calendar an annual success.

“The very best of luck to all participants and a happy, fun-filled day to all spectators.”

A free bus to Riverside will be provided for spectators, picking up at Crossroads, Howden Road, Square and the phone box at Bongate.

Times: morning – down 10.15am; up noon; afternoon – down 1.15pm; up at finish of games.