The polling stations are open, and today is the day we finally get to cast our vote on whether we think Scotland will be Better Together, remaining as part of the UK, or whether we believe it is time to say Yes to Scotland becoming independent.

Some 95,533 Borderers are registered to vote, with 2,181 new sign-ups between August 11 and September 9, and 2,539 voters under 18.

There has been a phenomenal response to the campaign, with thousands of people, many for the first time – and not just the 16-17-year-olds – engaging with politics.

There has been a lot of discussion, plenty of debate – much of it heated and passionate on both sides. And there is no doubt, we will all be feeling the weight of this momentous decision.

But regardless of where you place your cross on the ballot paper today, it is important 
to remember that we still have to live and work together 
tomorrow.

Whatever the outcome, there will be many people – our family, our friends, our neighbours and work colleagues included – who will be delighted and relieved, but there will be others who will be disappointed, heartbroken or scared for the future because the vote did not reflect what they sincerely believed was best for Scotland and those who live here. It is important to remember that.

But we will have had our democratic say and we need to move forward. We need to hold our politicians to their promises.

So, regardless of the final vote, let’s not sit back and think we’ve done our bit, but use the passion, concern and drive for a better future that this referendum has brought out in us, and continue to push for a fairer and more just society for us all, regardless of who is in power.

A Selkirk man has been found guilty after a trial of following a woman during the early hours of New Year’s Day, shouting and swearing, making derogatory remarks about her and placing her in a state of fear and alarm.

Christopher Silverstein, 39, had denied the charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Selkirk’s Bleachfield Road and Scott’s Place.

But after listening to the evidence of Sarah Walker, 28, – who is now engaged to Silverstein – and also a 999 call tape recording, Sheriff Peter Paterson found him guilty of the charge.

Ms Walker said she had left a party in Raeburn Meadow, Selkirk, in the early hours of New Year’s Day after earlier receiving a telephone call from Silverstein who she previously had a relationship with, but on New year’s Day was “just good friends with”.

She explained that as she headed home, Silverstein who was leaning against a wall stood upright and made a derogatory comment towards her.

Ms Walker told the court Silverstein was subjecting her to abuse and she headed for Selkirk police station where she dialled 999 as the accused continued to shout and swear at her.

In her evidence she said she later fled to the father of her son’s home to escape from Silverstein.

She also told the court she was now engaged to Silverstein and there was not a problem if he took his medication and refrained from alcohol.

In his summing up, defence lawyer Robert More said that Ms Walker had told the court they both had got frustrated and angry and there was a disagreement of sorts but he said the actions were not criminal.

However, Sheriff Paterson said Ms Walker’s evidence had been conspicuously honest, clear and succinct, and that this was corroborated by Silverstein’s own statement to the police.

He deferred sentence for six months for good behaviour until February 23.

Denies threat to burn down officer’s home

A Galashiels man who denies threatening to burn down a police officer’s home, has been remanded in custody pending trial on October 14.

Twenty-seven-year-old Gary McBride, pleaded not guilty to a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Jura Drive, Tweedbank, last weekend, while on bail.

McBride appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Friday, and bail was opposed by the Crown.

Prosecutor Alasdair Fay said it was alleged McBride had stated he did not care if the constable’s children were in the house and died in the process. He also highlighted McBride’s previous failures to appear in court.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond refused bail and remanded McBride of Hawthorn Road, in custody, with an intermediate diet set for September 22.

Sentence deferred

A painter and decorator who reacted angrily when his partner received text messages from another man has had sentence deferred for three months to be of good behaviour.

Thirty-five-year-old Robert Lundy, of Leeburn Way, Cardrona, appeared from custody and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at their home on September 12.

Prosecutor Alasdair Fay said both had been drinking and in the early hours of the morning Lundy questioned his partner about text messages she was receiving from another man.

Not believing her explanation, Lundy began shouting and swearing, and a neighbour contacted police.

Defence solicitor Mat Patrick said the couple had been together for the past five years and Lundy was not proud of his behaviour.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond deferred sentence until November 26 at Peebles Sheriff Court.

Jailed over breach of bail

A Galashiels man who breached his bail conditions not to contact his partner, has been jailed for four months.

Thirty-six-year-old Jamie Wilkinson of Thistle Street appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Tuesday on indictment and pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened at a house in Kirkbrae, Galashiels, on January 31.

He was found not guilty during a jury trial of shouting and swearing, and possession of a knife.

Remanded in custody

A Greenlaw man has been remanded in custody after his second court appearance within a week.

Christopher Moran, 46, of Wester Row, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Tuesday when he denied a charge of stealing a car from a yard in Greenlaw at the weekend and the vehicle was allegedly traced in Yorkshire.

A trial date of October 8 was fixed and a request for bail was refused.

Moran had appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of fuel from the Shell Garage in Edinburgh Road, Jedburgh, on March 16.

He also admitted a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour at the same premises on May 24, driving on the A68 with no insurance and obstructing an officer at Hawick police station.

A warrant had been granted for the arrest of Moran after he failed to appear at a previous court hearing.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick explained his client had been receiving treatment in Bradford Northern General Hospital in Yorkshire between August 25 and September 11 and had undergone an operation.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond deferred sentence until October 6 for the production of background reports previously called for.

Granting bail, he added he wanted to see vouching from the hospital that he was a patient for the two and a half weeks when he missed the court date.

Bail breach accusation

A police sergeant awaiting trial for alleged sexual offences has been accused of breaching the conditions of his bail.

Kevin Storey from Melrose, appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court where he made no plea or declaration and his case was continued for further examination.

The 48-year-old has been charged under the Criminal Procedure Scotland Act 1995 and the offence is said to have happened last month.

He was released on bail by Sheriff Peter Paterson and his next court appearance has still to be confirmed. Storey is due to face trial at the High Court on a number of sexual-related charges on October 27.

Dangerous driving charge

A doctor has appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of causing serious injury to two people by dangerous driving.

John Mosley, who is head academic of Edinburgh University’s Hospital for Small Animals, made no plea or declaration and his case was continued for examination. It follows a road traffic accident on the A72 near the 49-year-old’s home at Blyth Bridge on June 20.

He was released on bail by Sheriff Peter Paterson pending the next court hearing.

Text message breach

Sending text messages to a woman he was banned from contacting resulted in Ryan Edmison being fined £70 at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old appeared from custody and pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at his home in Gala Park, Galashiels.

The offence came to light when the woman visited Edmison’s home on Friday at 5.15am and neighbours called the police due to the noise.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “He wants nothing to do with this young lady.”

Thief caught by technology

A mobile phone thief was caught red-handed by new technology which traced the device, Selkirk Sheriff Court was told.

Police officers were able to arrest Spanish hotel worker Antonio Carajaval after they followed the 21-year-old, and after ringing the phone moved in when he took it out of his pocket and answered.

The incident happened following a private function in the Burgh Hall in Peebles during the early hours of Sunday morning when a woman noticed her £210 phone had disappeared from her handbag.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “It was just after midnight when the woman noticed her handbag had been moved.

“It was later found in the foyer and the phone had gone.

“Her husband activated some software which allowed them to put a trace on the whereabouts of the phone.

“The Park Hotel came up, where the accused was working. It then showed the phone was in the Eastgate and the accused was followed as he was recognised as being at the function.

“The police were notified and the accused was spotted standing at a bus stop. The phone was phoned and he took it out of his pocket as it was ringing – the police saw him do this and he was arrested.”

His defence lawyer told the court: “He says he found the mobile phone in a toilet cubicle. He had the intention of returning it to the owner but he could not access the passcode to find out who owned it, so he did not have a way of contacting the owner.

“He did not have the intention of keeping the phone but did not hand it into the police. He does not have any previous convictions.”

Carajaval, from Seville but who is living at a hostel in Edinburgh and is a relief hotel worker, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and was fined £150 after admitting theft.

Chef admits sexual assault

A chef who sexually assaulted a woman who had offered him a place to stay has had his name placed on the Sex Offender’s Register.

Paul Kelly, 25, admitted going into the woman’s bedroom in the Langlee area of Galashiels after being out on a drinking session and lifting the covers before touching her naked thigh.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said the couple were not in a relationship and Kelly had been staying on the sofa as he had nowhere to stay following a previous court case.

He said: “It is not clear whether he knew she was not wearing any clothes while sleeping, but at around 3.30am on Sunday, May 18, the sheet was lifted up and he could see she was not wearing any clothes. He touched her on the leg, halfway between the knee and hip.

“The complainer shouted what the hell are you doing and the accused said: ‘I don’t know’.

“She told him to get out of the room and he got up and left. She was naturally upset”

Mr Fraser said that in the morning the woman told Kelly to get his stuff and leave, which he did.

Kelly later sent her a message saying: “Sorry, I hope you can forgive me.”

Mr Fraser said police were alerted and carried out enquiries into the incident.

He explained: “He accepted he touched her inappropriately. He said he had been been drinking heavily and was staggering about .

“He bumped against a wall and ended up in her room. He said he had some contact with her, but was unable to relay any coherent answer.

“The woman is still upset about it.”

‘Kelly’s lawyer accepted it was a “pretty distasteful incident”.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred snetence until October 27 for backgrounds and ordered that Kelly of Dixon Road, Whitburn, West Lothian, have his name placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

A local trust has stepped in to help a young Selkirk student realise her dream of studying at the UK’s top music conservatoire in London.

Chloe Heatlie grew up in the Royal Burgh, where she was a member of the school choir and Selkirk Opera.

“This is where my passion for musical theatre began to grow and I decided to pursue it as a career instead of taking up my place on a medicinal chemistry degree at the University of Glasgow,” Chloe told The Southern.

She spent three years studying for a degree in musical theatre at Motherwell College, with much of her spare time spent performing in musicals, cabarets and shows throughout Glasgow and North Lanarkshire.

She graduated in July with a first-class honours degree, but next week takes up her studies again when she begins a postgraduate musical theatre course at The Royal Academy of Music in London.

“I still felt that I needed an extra year to continue to develop my skill base within the three disciplines of musical theatre –singing, dancing and acting – in order to compete with the best in what is a very competitive industry,” Chloe explained.

She is just one of 15 female students offered a coveted place on the postgraduate course.

“Unfortunately, the tuition fees for the course are very high [£14,200] and with the added cost of living in London for a year, the course will cost around £25,000.

“Since having been accepted, I have managed to raise a total of £12,000 towards my fees, including a donation from The John Leishman Memorial Trust in Galashiels.

“It was a very kind offer from the trust and I wanted local people to know about their generosity. I still have a total of £2,200 to raise before the full amount is paid and I am hoping to raise this whilst on the course.”

Kelso Race Course’s historic twilight meeting yesterday saw race goers treated to some thrilling finishes.

The cancellation of both chases, due to water irrigation logistics, produced a card of five hurdle races and one bumper.

Course specialist Endeavour recorded his fifth victory at the track to head the opening Racing UK Anywhere Available Now handicap hurdle race.

Ridden by ex-Braw Lad and Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania, from Galashiels, the 8-1 chance got the better of Push Me, who produced another gallant effort to finish runner-up for in-form Hawick handler Iain Jardine.

There was a brief delay to the start of the Straightline Construction maiden hurdle race, for remedial work on some of the bends.

Calton Entry outbattled Like A Diamond in the closing stages, to post a rare Kelso success for Carluke trainer Ian Semple.

“We decided to make the running with him today,” said Semple. “He went to post quite keen but he settled well in the race and he´s jumped them into the ground.”

Seven lined up for the Straightline Construction Congratulates Keith Dalgleish handicap hurdle, where Foot The Bill recorded his first hurdling success under John Kington.

“We’ve alternated him between fences and hurdles, as he can be a bit flippant,” explained Middleham trainer Patrick Holmes.

Shantou Tiger produced a gutsy display to post a third hurdling victory in the World Horse Welfare novices hurdle race and provide jockey James Cowley with a first course success.

Highlight of the evening was the feature Lamont Racing Congratulates Jason Hart handicap hurdle which developed into a ding-dong battle to the post between Satanic Beat and Gold Chain.

Ryan Mania was deprived of a double by a neck when Brian Harding refused to be headed on Satanic Beat.

“He´s very tough and he really stuck at it.,” said the winning jockey. “He´s a grand horse and he tries hard.”

The concluding racinguk.com maiden open bumper saw another driving finish, with Divine Port reversing previous form with favourite Luccombe Down.

“That didn´t surprise us,” admitted victorious trainer Alan Swinbank. “He´s too slow for the Flat, so we´ll give him one more run in a bumper then we´ll go jumping.”

Racing returns to Kelso on Sunday October 5.

RESULTS

4.35 – ENDEAVOUR (R Mania) 8-1; 2, Push Me 5-1; 3, Claude Carter 14-1. 11 ran. Mrs D Sayer, Cumbria.

5.05 – CALTON ENTRY (D Costello) 11-1; 2, Like A Diamond 2-1; 3, On Vacation 22-1. 11 ran. I Semple, Carluke.

5.35 – FOOT THE BILL (J Kington) 6-1; 2, Dun to Perfection 5-1; 3, Dumbarton 9-2. Seven ran. P Holmes, Middleham.

6.05 – SHANTOU TIGER (J Cowley) 3-1; 2, Factor Fifty 2-1 jt fav; 3, Spieta 5-1. Four ran. D McCain, Cholmondley.

6.35 – SATANIC BEAT (B Harding) 2-1 jt fav; 2, Gold Chain 11-2; 3, Phoenix Returns 13-2. Five ran. J O’Keefe, N Yorks.

7.05 – DIVINE PORT (P Moloney) 100-30; 2, Luccombe Down 5-2 fav; 3, The Last Leg 9-2. 10 ran. A Swinbank, N Yorks.

A total of 95,533 people in the Borders have registered themselves to vote in today’s historic Yes-No independence referendum.

Youngsters aged 16 and 17 years have been given a referendum vote, with 2,539 new voters registered.

The total electorate in the Borders shows a big jump from the council elections of 2012, when the roll stood at 89,711.

It’s also up from the 91,406 that were registered for this year’s European poll.

There was a late surge between August 11 and the cut off date of September 9 – a total of 2,181 putting their names forward for the roll.

The rise is being looked on as an indication that the turnout today will be large.

At the 2012 Scottish Borders Council election the turnout was 41.9 per cent.

It’s being predicted that across Scotland today, more than 80 per cent of the electorate will make their way to the polling stations.

In the Borders 14,628 postal votes have issued and a further 1,020 have been give proxy voting rights.

There are 108 polling stations in the region, controlled by 381 staff.

Polling ends at 10pm sharp. Counting officer Tracy Logan stressed: “Make sure you leave plenty time before the 10pm deadline.

“Anyone that arrives after 10pm, by law, will not be able to vote.”

The referendum is being conducted on council areas –not parliamentary constituences – resulting in 32 counts.

Votes from the Borders will be counted overnight at the Border Union Agricultural Society complex at Springwood Park in Kelso.

Ms Logan will declare the Borders vote there and all local authority areas will send their results to the chief counting officer at Ingliston in Edinburgh. An all-Scotland running total will be made public throughout the night, with a final declaration expected around 7am – but by then the result should be clear.

Ms Logan commented: “As the world looks to events in Scotland, we will deliver a count which showcases the Borders and the professionalism of the Scottish Borders.”

But she isn’t predicting when the Borders result will be announced.

WOOLER

At their weekly sale of primestock last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 950 lambs and 514 ewes and rams.

Lamb numbers tight due to vendors thinking the job must improve, all classes similar on the week.

Lambs, leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £80 Springhill, Seahouses, £77 Wandon and Brandon, £75.50 West Rennington, £75 Holy Island and Kimmerston, £73 (2) Holy Island, £72.50 Fowberry Moor, £72 Holy Island. Bel:- £78 Lilburn Estates.

Lambs, leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 176.3p Fowberry Moor, 170p Low Middleton, 167.5p Yetlington Lane, 166.7p Shipley Smallburn, 165.5p Bewick Folly. Bel:- 167.9p Chillingham Home Farm and Ladykirk.

As everywhere more ewes on offer resulting in the gloss just leaving trade.

Leading prices:- Tex.x:- £98 Kettleburn, £97 Wandon. Suff.x:- £91 Wandon, £90 Holy Island (M. Patterson), £85 Wandon and Branton Eastside. Chev:- £83 Reavley. HB:- £79 Brandon. Mule:- £70 Wandon.

Rams:- Tex:- £101 Kimmerston. BF:- £79 Lilburn Estates.

ST BOSWELLS

At their fortnightly Store Cattle Sale last Thursday John Swan Ltd sold 46 cattle.

Bullocks per head: Lim.x;- £1040, £995, £970 Broomiebank, Sim.x;- £1040 Whitemire, Saler.x;- £930 Whitemire, Luing.x;- £750 Tushielaw, AA.x;- £710 Earlston Mains.

Bullocks per kilo: Lim.x;- 220.5 Broomiebank, AA.x;- 211.9 Earlston Mains.

Heifers per head: AA.x;- £1020 Stouslie, Lim.x;- £930, £925 Saughtree, Saler.x;- £930 Whitemire.

Heifers per kilo: Lim.x;- 237.2, 222.9, 218.8 Saughtree, 220.5 Broomiebank, 211.9 South Common.

At their weekly sale of primestock on Monday, John Swan Ltd sold 70 clean cattle, 32 OTM cattle, 1,795 new season lambs and 516 ewes.

Bullocks (27) averaged 219.1p per kg and sold to 246p (+2p on week), heifers (43) averaged 225.4p per kg and sold to 251p (+9.4p on week) and 32 beef type OTM cattle averaged 132.9p per kg and sold to 198p (-1p on the week).

New season lambs averaged 1.53p per kg (n/c on the week) and sold to £85, top price 189p per kg for Beltex.x.

Ewes averaged £56, and sold to £90 for Texel. Heavy ewes averaged £61, Light ewes sold to £71 for Lleyn and averaged £51.

Principal prices per head: Lennoxlove £1564, £1489.44, £1482.40; Longnewton £1529.34, £1529.34; Dunslaw £1487.80.

Principal prices per kg: Snawdon 2.51 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, 2.46 Colin Peat, 2.40 M/s J. Gilmour and Co Ltd; Bee Edge 2.48, 2.44 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, 2.36 W. Taylor (Lockerbie); Upper Hundalee 2.46 Malone of Edinburgh, 2.36 Charles Wilson Edinburgh; Dunslaw 2.46 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, 2.41 M/s J. Gilmour and Co Ltd; Greenknowe 2.40 (2) Robert Wilson Edinburgh and M/s J Saunderson, 2.36 Malone of Edinburgh; Muircleugh 2.36 Malone of Edinburgh.

Bulls: Woodhouse. J £1251.20 (1.36).

Cows per head: Kersknowe £1692.60, £1283.10; Brothershiels £1142.60; Huntlaw £1098; Corsbie £1071.20; Greenknowe £1053.36, £989.52; Queenscairn £1034.58; Muircleugh £1011.84, £952; Lustruther £993.20, £961.92, £885.60; Skelfhill £961.88; Easter Middleton £926.10.

Cows per kg: Greenknowe 1.98, 1.86; Lustruther 1.67, 1.35; Kersknowe 1.55, 1.41; Huntlaw 1.50; Brotherstone 1.45; Skelfhill 1.39; Woodhouse. J 1.36; Muircleugh (2) 1.36; Stoneypath 1.35; Easter Middleton 1.35; East Redfordgreen 1.35; Mossilee 1.33.

Lambs per head: Tex.x;- £85, £80 St Leonards and Crumhaughhill, £80.50, £79, £78.50 Huntington, Suff.x;- £85 Huntington, £80 Stoneypath, £73 St Leonards, £72 Howden and Hermiston, Bel;- £85 Craigsford Mains, £85, £75.50, £74, £72 Crookston, £72 Lylestane, Char;- £69 West Mains. L, CM;- £66 Hawthornside.

Lambs per kg: Bel;- 189.7, 189.5, 177.1, 175.6 Crookston, 175.170.7 Threeburnford, 170 Eildon Mains, Tex.x;- 177.8, 170.5 Lower Ashtrees, 172.5 Torsonce Mains, 166.7 Wedderlie and ST Leonards. Suff.x;- 170 Huntington, 163.8 Stagehall, 163.3 Stoneypath, Char;- 162.2 Ladyflat.

Ewes: Tex £90, £83 Rawburn, £84 Mid Harrietsfield, £75 Kittyfield, Suff.x;- £85 Berryhill, £83 Craigsford Mains, £79 Ecclaw, £77 Leetside, Bel;- £78 Quarry Bank, CM;- £77 Hyndsidehill, HB;- £73 Smailholm Mains, SM;- £72 Hyndsidehill, £71 Crailing Nook and Wedderlie, £69 Ecclaw, Lleyn;- £71, £65 Upper Samieston, Chev;- £69, £63 Stobshiel, £63 Birneyknowe, £60 Rawburn, BF;- £49 Wedderlie.

Rams: Chev;- £84 Wedderlie, Tex;- £70 Mossilee, Suff;- £70 Brothershiels.

LONGTOWN

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 19 prime cattle, seven young bulls, 12 over 30 month cattle, 3,957 prime lambs and 6,397 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

Clean cattle were forward in similar numbers with heifers being considerably dearer than last week and steers a very similar trade. Top price per kilo was a Limousin heifer at 223.5p from W. and W. Faulder, Houghton House, followed by 217.5p for a Limousin heifer from J.W. Slack and Son, Newby Farm.

Prime bulls maintained recent high rates, top of the tree in this section was G. Mitchinson andf Son, Gallowberry, with a Saler bull at 175.5p (£1,193). Messrs Tattersall, Enzieholm, sold a run of Angus bulls achieving £1,080.45, £1,076.33 and £1,033.05. Black and White bulls peaked at £1,018.53 and £988.90 from T. and M. Irving, Becton Hall.

A similar show of OTM cattle were forward with the better sorts achieving an increase of 5-8p on the week. Top price was an Aberdeen Angus heifer at 185.5p from J.A. and E. Dinwoodie, Archerbeck. Black and White cows peaked at 118.5p from Messrs Ramsay, Dockray Hall.

The 3,957 prime lambs forward saw a sharper trade on the week with the overall average of 160.4p per kilo exceeding other centres this week.

Top was £94 for Suffolks from Dunglass Farm and to 231p per kilo for Beltex from High Greenhill.

Another large show of 6,397 cast ewes and rams were forward to our usual ring of buyers, with trade being very similar on the week, all classes still remaining easily sold. Top price of £220 for a Millenium Blue ram from Dormonsteads.

Hawick Waverley2

Jed Legion1

After a scrappy start, the home side opened the scoring in this Division A clash.

Jordan Yardley made the most of a gap in the visiting defence to slot the ball past Sean Jack in the Jed goal.

Jed came close to equalising just before the break when an Aaron Swailes cross was met by Cammy Grieve, but the youngster couldn’t get quite enough power to steer it into the corner.

The visitors had a good spell early in the second half, but came up against a resolute home defence. Waverley added a second midway through the half when Yardley drilled home from a cut-back.

Jed got back into the game with 10 minutes to go after a smart turn and shot from Terry Marshall.

Waverley’s Davis Hope and Swailes for Jed both saw red for their part in some handbags exchanges in the closing stages and Hawick managed to hold on to their lead to record their first win of the season.

A busy weekend for orienteering saw members of Roxburgh Reivers Orienteering Club scattered across the country.

On Friday, John Tullie, Pauline McAdam and Lindsey Knox made the long trip south to the Forest of Dean for the two-day Veteran Home Internationals.

With a few call-offs due to a clash of events the team was always going to struggle to win, but the three Reivers all put in solid performances to help Scotland take second place behind England.

Meanwhile, other club runners headed north to Falkirk for a combined Junior Inter Area and Scottish Interclub competition at Falkirk Wheel.

The East Juniors, with several Reivers in the squad, finished in third place, but there were excellent performances from Patrick Heger who was part of the winning Open team, and from Faisal Khursheed, who was fourth on his course.

On Sunday the penultimate race in this year’s forest league was held at Craig A’ Barns at Dunkeld.

Runners faced tough, hilly courses and Robin Sloan was the only club winner, taking top spot on M65. The last race is near Aviemore in two weeks’ time.

This coming Saturday sees the first local event of the autumn on a new map of Traquair House and Estate, with courses to suit all abilities. Start times are from 1-2pm.

In addition, an exciting joint venture between Traquair House and Roxburgh Reivers will see a new permanent non-competitive course unveiled during the event and club members will be on hand to offer advice. More details at www.roxburghreivers.org.uk

Selkirk Tennis Club held its annual Junior Championships last weekend and the crowds were treated to a fantastic quality of tennis, from 41 entries, over two days.

On day one, it was the turn of the youngest participants in the mini tennis categories.

Competing in their first tournament, the under-eights section was played in a sporting manner, with Oliver McClymont beating James Dalrymple in the final.

The under-nines section was a very hard-fought category and contained some very promising players.

After 18 round robin matches and two very high-quality semi-finals Ivan Burt Smith and Ruaridgh Woodland Broome contested the final, with the former emerging as the winner.

The under-10s category followed a similar pattern to the under-nines with the ultimate winner being Ivan Burt Smith, closely followed by Daniel Main.

The club runs an under-12s special category for players who haven’t won a club trophy in the past, named The Starter Cup, and this year’s section was played in a very sporting manner and resulted in a family showdown in the final, with Fraser Cullen playing younger brother Blake – the older sibling just edging it in the final.

With day one completed, it was time for the older junior members to take their turn on court.

This brought more high quality tennis on view and there were some fantastically close matches during the day.

Building on his success in the Starter Cup, Fraser Cullen reached the final of the Under-12 boys and played against Cameron Welsh. In what was potentially the match of the day, the assembled crowd were treated to a very close game which had to be split by a championship tie-break, with Welsh emerging as this year’s champion.

And making it a real family affair, Cameron’s elder sister Anna Welsh became under-16 girls’ champion for the second year running.

In the final category, the under-16 boys contested the Club Championship in a very entertaining manner. In the end, a fantastic final ended the weekend in style with Josh Thomson getting the edge over Gregor Nichol in a championship tie-break.

Selkirk Tennis Club wish to thank everyone who made the weekend the success it was and invite anyone who would like to give the game a try to get involved with the club’s structured coaching programme, along with free coaching for all junior members.

Contact Ian Main on selkirkjuniortennis@yahoo.com for more information.

Vale of Leithen3

Edinburgh Uni2

Vale claimed another three Lowland League points, but it was a narrow squeak against the Students, who were well worth at least a point from the game.

Vale were in the unusual position of starting a game as favourites and certainly lived up to the tag, holding a two-goal lead after just a quarter of an hour. Jason Stevens ran on to a through-ball to slot home after just seven minutes and Kenny O’Brien doubled the lead as he left Uni keeper Scott Hainey standing with a free kick.

The visitors bounced back three minutes later with virtually their first attack of the game, when a ball into the area was diverted into his own net by Vale defender James Elliot.

Burgh came out all guns blazing for the second half and drew level on the hour mark as the ball deflected across to George Nikolaidis, who slipped the ball beyond Vale keeper Mark Wilson.

You wouldn’t have bet against Uni going ahead, but they couldn’t get the better of Wilson, who made tremendous saves from Guthrie and Nikolaidis to keep the score level.

In the 84th minute, a ball found Josh Morris, who showed great composure to control and shoot home.

Cove Rangers9

Hawick Royal albert0

Ruthless Cove Rangers smashed nine unanswered goals past Hawick Royal Albert on Saturday to send the East of Scotland Division One side hurtling out of the Scottish Cup.

Daryl Nicol opened the scoring with a tap-in after four minutes and it was all Cove from that point forward. Daniel Park beat a defender and scored with a shot across the keeper and Nicol quickly added his second. Michael Selfridge then got his first goal of the afternoon to put Cove 4-0 up with just 11 minutes on the clock.Following Jonny Smith’s strike midway though the first half, Hawick kept their opponents at bay until half-time.

Cove came flying out of the traps after the break, with Blair Yule blasting in a half-volley from the edge of the penalty area. Smith soon made it 7-0, and in the 74th minute Selfridge drove in a great shot from the right-hand side for Cove’s eighth. Gordon Ramsay was sent off late on for Hawick, before Selfridge completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

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Gala FDR1

Maradona 1986; Rivaldo 2002; Ronaldo 2006 – Connor Graham’s Scottish Cup antics won’t gain the same level of notoriety as the previously mentioned trio, but it still left a bitter taste to Gala Fairydean Rovers’ exit, writes Kenny Paterson.

The Gretna 2008 winger, who opened the scoring, was involved in an altercation with Gala’s Daryl Devlin after half an hour which saw Graham dramatically fall to the floor holding his face.

While Devlin was stupid to push his opponent, the ex-Edinburgh City player deserved a booking rather than the red handed out by referee Craig Napier. By this time, Graham had made a dramatic recovery and was punching the air in delight, to the anger of the Gala support.

Gala boss Stevie Noble called Graham’s performance “blatant cheating” while Gretna manager Stuart Rome said he never saw the incident, but either way it appeared to put Gala on the verge of defeat.

But a brave second half showing meant Gala were edged out by the narrowest of margins as Gretna 2008 enjoyed victory in their first Scottish Cup tie.

The visitors, missing four players in Sean Paliczka, Lee Stephen, Ross Aitchison and Darran Thomson, took a surprise lead on the quarter-hour mark as Devlin scrambled the ball in after Gretna stopper James Greenall failed to hold Craig McBride’s header.

Gretna drew level with 27 minutes gone as Gala failed to clear the ball and Ian Anderson set up Graham for a decent finish past John Dodds.

Devlin then saw red, but the Braw Lads held firm for the remainder of the first half and continued to frustrate their hosts at the start of the second.

The industrious Jamie Gibson went close to grabbing Gala the lead again, but his low free kick struck Gretna’s post and spun across the front of the goal.

As the game edged into the final quarter, Gala’s depleted side finally began to tire and with 10 minutes to go, David Rea’s superb header left Dodds helpless.

Going behind for the first time sparked a reaction from Gala, and it appeared Noble’s men had clinched a replay when McBride powered a header towards the corner of the net one minute from time, only for Greenall to fly to his right and palm the ball to safety.

Noble said: “I can’t fault our guys’ efforts – every one of them gave everything and we created the better chances despite being a man down.”

Selkirk0

Bo’ness United4

Bo’ness United marched into the second round of the Scottish Cup with a comprehensive victory over their Lowland League opponents at Yarrow Park on Saturday.

The visitors took the lead after 10 minutes with the first real opportunity of the game.

Will Snowdon swung in a free kick which Paul Murphy nodded towards goal and Chris Donnelly reacted quickly to stab the ball home from close range.

Selkirk looked to respond immediately and Gary O’Connor had an opportunity, but scuffed his 20 yard shot and moments later almost stole in to capitalise on some hesitant defending, but Snowdon did well to clear his goal-bound effort behind for a corner.

The open start to the match continued with Darren Gribben firing narrowly over, after running onto a Donnelly flick on, and Selkirk responded with a Julio Tonelle drive from distance, which was saved comfortably.

The lead was increased on 33 minutes, when Snowdon played down the line to Donnelly, who showed great strength to hold off his marker and put in a fine cross that Gribben nodded home.

The remainder of the half saw the Bo’ness midfield control the play against a deflated home side as they deservedly went in at the interval ahead.

After the break, the visitors continued to pile on the pressure and on 50 minutes Nicky Walker passed to Gribben, whose shot was well saved, the rebound coming to Ross Philp, who somehow saw his attempt deflected wide for a corner. Selkirk failed to clear the corner and the ball came to Gribben, whose cross found the head of Murphy, forcing a good save from Jamie Newman.

Bo’ness were completely controlling the midfield, with Selkirk resorting to long balls to O’Connor, who was being well shackled by the visitors backline, and on the hour mark more good play from Bo’ness saw Nicky Walker put in a dangerous cross that Donnelly nearly got on the end of with the keeper stranded.

Selkirk finally got back on the offensive with a Phil Addison long-range drive that Peat did well to save, and when the rebound broke to Daryl Johnston, Peat was quickly and bravely down at his feet to block the chance.

The killer third goal for Bo’ness came in the 79th minute, when Scott Pittman played the ball wide to Snowdon and his cross came to Gribben, who calmly slotted home for his second of the afternoon.

The scoring was completed on 84 minutes as Walker got to the ball before the outrushing keeper, passed it to Pittman and he rolled it into the empty net to round off the win.

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Hillhead Jordanhill5

Selkirk rocketed to the top of the BT National League Division One table on Saturday following a dazzling 12-try victory over Hillhead-Jordanhill at Philiphaugh.

The high-scoring Souters have now racked up 32 tries in their past four games.

However, head coach Peter Wright is far too wily a campaigner to let such remarkable statistics cloud his vision, and after the final whistle, he was at pains to stress the size of the task facing the team at Dundee this coming weekend.

He said:“It’s obviously pleasing to have made a good start to our league campaign, but it’s very early days and these wins will count for nothing if the players don’t front up at Mayfield on Saturday.

“I thought we held our shape and discipline really well today, and showed we’re capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.

“It was also good to see the three youngsters come off the bench in the second half. They all made a contribution, and the experience should stand them in good stead for future appearances.”

The three teenagers in question – Darren Knox, Phil Anderson and Sam Mackay – only came up to Philiphaugh this season from Selkirk Youth Club, and repaid the selectors’ confidence with workmanlike displays.

Josh Welsh opened the scoring with a sixth minute penalty before converting Selkirk’s opening try from Darren Clapperton.

Callum McColm raced under the posts for the home side’s second try before Clapperton went on a 55m sprint down the touchline for his second try of the match.

Straight from the restart, McColm managed to weave his way past three would-be tacklers, before returning Mikey Davies’ earlier favour by creating the space to send the scrum-half over the line for Selkirk’s bonus point try.

Welsh’s conversion sailed over and shortly afterwards he outstripped the Hills cover to score near the corner and give the Souters a 34-0 half-time lead.

Selkirk showed no sign of taking their foot off the gas after the interval, with tries by James Bett, Welsh (2), Clapperton and Ewan MacDougall taking the score to 65-0 before Craig Bryson scored a consolation touchdown for the visitors.

Selkirk had the final say with late touchdowns from Lewis MacLennan and Callum Marshall.

Josh Welsh finished the game with a personal haul of 30 points from three tries, a penalty and six conversions, while Rory Banks chipped in with the match’s last conversion to set the seal on Selkirk’s biggest-ever league win.

Hawick Linden9

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On a gloriously sunny day, the Volunteer Park crowd were anticipating an afternoon of entertainment.

Alas, for the Linden faithful, the majority of the rugby, certainly in the first period, was played by the visitors from Dalkeith.

The lighter home pack struggled to cope, while Dalkeith also showed great enterprise in the backs.

Early tries from Graeme Duke, Steven Hamilton and Ryan Reid were each followed by a penalty goal from Linden’s Kirk Ford. Dalkeith secured the try bonus when Chris Naylor stepped inside and a huge gap opened up to allow him to race over.

Three conversions and a penalty from Paul Clugston and one conversion from Hamilton saw Dalkeith 31-9 ahead at half-time.

Linden were staring at a heavy defeat, but showed great character in the second half which was scoreless until Naylor ran in his second, Hamilton converting, with the final play of the game.

Langholm Colts0

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A strong-looking Jed Thistle side took Milntown by storm on Saturday, with a barnstorming win over Langholm Colts in the Borders Semi-Junior League.

The home side never gave up, but they just lacked the power and pace of their visitors, who ran in 14 tries, of which nine were converted.

Thistle tries came from Gary Munro (2), Callum McNeil (2), Rory Marshall (2), Rory Smith (2), Craig Cowan (2), Callum Young, Robby Yourston, Aidan Wallace and Joe Amos. Yourston had seven conversions and Munro two.

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Kelso got their first win on the board in National Division One on Saturday with a hard-worked victory over Biggar at Poynder Park.

Kelso showed dominance in the scrum in the early stages, but their enthusiasm was curbed when referee Duncan McClement decreed they had pushed too early and awarded Biggar a penalty.

Graham Hunter converted to give the visitors the first points on the board.

Their lead was short-lived as a good line-out take by Liam Tait allowed Callum Rowlandson to drive over for Kelso’s first try, converted by Andrew Skeen, who added a penalty goal shortly afterwards.

A similar effort from Hunter followed before the hosts took command once more and following several strong attacks, Rowlandson popped up for his second try of the game, converted by Skeen.

Just before half-time, Skeen made a tremendous break to set up an easy try for Ally Johnston, making the half-time score 22-6 to Kelso.

Some changes after half-time seemed to disrupt the rhythm of the game and Biggar enjoyed some good passages of play leading to a try by Craig Bachurewski, converted by Hunter.

Following the yellow carding of Biggar hooker Andrew Muir, Kelso grabbed a push-over try by Alistair Grieve, converted by Skeen.

With Biggar back up to 15 players on the pitch, Giles Boland broke through for an excellent try, but, with five minutes to go, Kelso put the game out of sight when Skeen’s pinpoint kick saw Ally Johnston race in and dive on the loose ball to score his second try of the day.

Everybody but Biggar thought the game was over, but their determination rewarded them with a try on the 80th minute from Hunter.

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Dundee HSFP22

Dundee’s Harry Millar denied Jed a share of the spoils from this National League match at Riverside, with the last kick of the game.

The hosts were 12-7 up at half-time thanks to tries from Ryan Gibson, converted by Richie Jackson, and Ross Combe.

Two tries from Dundee in the opening 20 minutes of the second half, one converted, put the visitors ahead, but a try for Robert Hogg, converted by Jackson, levelled the scores before Millar’s penalty ended the contest.

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Glasgow Hawks10

Gala moved to the top of the BT Premiership table after achieving an eventually comfortable victory over Glasgow Hawks at Netherdale with a dominant second half performance.

It’s a result which will only heighten interest ahead of this weekend’s hugely anticipated Borders derby at Mansfield Park.

Yet, despite the 19-point margin of victory, Gala won the try count by only 3-2, largely because of Hawks’ strong play in the first half and partly because of the Maroons’ propensity to concede penalties.

“We gave away far too many penalties and frankly never really adjusted to the referee’s interpretation at the break down and the offsides,” said Gala coach George Graham.

“The penalty count was 10-2 against us in the first half. It takes the pressure off the opposition when we give away penalties. We just have to be a bit more savvy when it comes to playing the referee. If he’s blowing for certain things you just have to make sure you’re not doing these things.”

Hawks’ first half performance was helped in no small part by the presence in their pack of the former Scotland captain, Al Kellock, who was giving his shoulder a final test before making himself available for Glasgow Warriors team selection.

Kellock admitted afterwards that the game was “physical” and added: “I’m feeling good after 65 minutes on the park. The lungs got stretched, too, because it was a fast game. The shoulder felt fine. I’ll now push for a place in the Glasgow team.

“I really enjoyed the game, but it was disappointing to lose. We played really well in the first period and we probably should have been further ahead. They were far better in the second half. They came away really fired up after the break.

Kellock & co led 10-6 a minute before the break with driven line-out tries from Andy Redmayne and Finlay Gillies. But Gala, who had kept in contact with two penalty goals by full back Craig Dods, made a crucial strike on the stroke of half-time with a try in the corner by winger Graham Spiers.

Then in the second half as Gala turned up the heat, lock Opeta Palepoi and Gavin Young ran in tries, the other points coming from two further penalty goals and a conversion by Dods,the son of the Scotland and Lions full back, Peter Dods, and one of several relatively new players to impress on Saturday, the others being flanker Josh Irvine and stand-off Ruairi Howarth.

Speaking about teenager Howarth, coach Graham said: “Ruairi is maturing, but you have to remember it’s only his third game.

“He’s getting better and better each week. He’s a bit of a talent. We’ve got a few boys coming through, like Josh (Irvine). He, too, will get better the more rugby he plays at this level.”