Melrose 22 Gala 10

PREMIERSHIP

Melrose outpowered their near neighbours and close rivals, Gala, in last Saturday’s, at times, tense Border derby match at the Greenyards.

The key to this victory was undoubtedly the heightened performance of the Melrose forwards who, after a modest start gradually took control of the game to finish masters of the frontal battle.

At times Gala put huge pressure on Melrose especially in a ten minute period before half time. But their attempts to bludgeon their way through the Melrose defence came to nought and thereafter Gala never seemed to have the same fighting spirit.

Two tries, both scored by Melrose number 8, Graham Dodds contributed to a Melrose 15-5 lead at half time, Helps having kicked a conversion and a penalty, and number 8 Euan Dods having touched down for Gala from a five metre scrum.

Then on the hour mark Melrose killed off the contest by driving a line-out for a try by Peter Eccles converted by Helps. The Maroons responded with a late try by replacement wing Shaun Law but thereafter they could play only a secondary role as Melrose wound down the clock with the grim efficiency of an executioner towards an unstoppable victory.

See Thursday’s Southern Reporter for full analysis and comment on this game.

Melrose: F. Thomson; C. Anderson, T. Mua, J. Helps, G. Tayor; A. Lockington, M. McAndrew; N. Beavon, T. Pearce, E. McQuillin, J. Head, L. Carmichael, N. Irvine-Hess, P. Eccles, G. Dodds. Subs: R. Ferguson, N. Little, R. Miller, B. Colvine.

Gala: R. Howarth; B. Thompson, K. Young, A. Emond, G. Somerville; R. Jeffrey, George Graham; R. Sutherland, C. Mackintosh, G. Robertson, C. Weir, O. Palepoi, Gary Graham, S. Cairns, E. Dods. Subs: R. Anderson, E. Johnstone, T. Weir, G. Hart, S. Law.

Referee: F. Kirby (RFU)

More cases of birds of prey crime and of hunting with dogs went before the courts in Scotland last year than the year before, according to latest statistics.

The Scottish Government’s latest report on wildlife crime (2103), published today (Monday, October 20) shows 19 people were proceeded against in relation to birds crime, compared to 15 the years before. And 11 people faced hunting with dogs charges last year compared to five the year before.

But there was a drop in poaching and game laws offenders’ cases with only one brought (and found guilty) compared to eight in 2011-12.

In the Lothian and Borders police area, Police Scotland recorded a buzzard shooting in March last year, a tawny owl trapped in April and another buzzard shot and poisoned some time over June and July last year.

The region overall saw 12 crimes against birds recorded last year, seven involving cruelty to wild animals, three to deer, one of hunting with dogs and 15 salmon and freshwater fisheries offences. The area came middle of the table for wildlife crimes, with 79 recorded in the police’s northern area, 62 in Grampian, 60 in central while neighbours Dumfries and Galloway had just 12 and Fife, even less, with nine.

Recorded crimes in Scotland as a whole over 2012-2013 were 319, up 12 on the previous year but down by over 30 on 2010-11.

And the Borders, in line with the rest of the country, is seeing a significant percentage of its wildlife crime related to angling. In Scotland overall salmon and freshwater fisheries cases made up over 40 percentage of all recorded wildlife offences in 2012-13.

Environment minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Wildlife crime is still taking place at unacceptable levels in our countryside. Crucially there is a real risk to the conservation status of some of our most important species.”

The Berwickshire politician continued: “Wildlife crime can have seriously damaging effects on the functioning of Scotland’s ecosystems as well as our wildlife tourism industry and our international reputation as a country that values its natural environment and the wildlife within it.”

Young Borders photographers keen on nature are invited to enter a national competition.

The Scottish Nature Photography Awards, celebrating the country’s nature, wildlife and landscape, has several categories, including the junior section open to young people up to the age of 18.

Youngsters are invited to send up to five images taken in Scotland and the winner’s prize includes a one-day masterclass with Scottish Natural Heritage photographer Lorne Gill, who is also one of the judges.

And winning images will be part of a touring exhibition next year and will appear in a portfolio yearbook.

The awards also include an adult competition open to professional and amateur photographers and an award for students.

Entries close on November 30. For more information visit www.scottishnaturephotographyawards.com

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) started an eight-month tree felling programme in mountain biking mecca, Glentress Forest, near Peebles, yesterday (Monday October 20).

Foresters will be urging visitors to follow the diversion signs on biking and walking trails closed for nearby felling work.

Glentress’ recreation manager Katie Jarvis said: “This is a very large programme of tree thinning which is aimed largely at improving the forest structure and its biodiversity. We plan to improve an area of forest equivalent to 100 football pitches.

“For public safety we’ll need to temporarily close off sections of our trails whilst we do this work. We’ll keep everyone updated on these diversions on our website and in the main car parks to the forest.”

FCS says thinning out the forest is necessary to increase the amount of light and space under the tree canopy, which encourages trees to grow and allows new seedlings and plant life to thrive.

A spokesperson said: “Once the work is complete it will create a more open and welcoming setting for forest visitors and promote more wildlife in the forest.”

The Buzzards Nest Car Park and the road leading up it will be closed from the middle of November to the start of the Christmas holidays and there will be no access for vehicles past the Falla Brae Car Park.

To keep up to date with temporary trail closures and diversions visit www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/tweed-valley-forest-park/glentress or http://www.7stanesmountainbiking.com/Glentress---Innerleithen

eDINBURGH aCCIES28

hAWICK13

A rather disjointed performance at Raeburn Place on Saturday resulted in another loss for Hawick which in turn puts them in a rather precarious position at the foot of the league table.

Having led 13-5 at half time the travelling Teri’s looked on course for victory over fellow stragglers Accies, but, it was the hosts who had the finishing power with a second half performance which belies their lowly league position.

Lee Armstrong’s trusty boot provided two early penalty goals for the visitors before a piece of Rory Hutton magic unfolded. The versatile stand-off carved open a static home defence for Nick Mactaggart to touch down, Ali Weir landed the extras to send the Greens in at half time justly ahead.

Playing a far more expansive game after the restart Accies got themselves back into the game. Poor tackling and unforced errors by Hawick didn’t help the cause with the back division, in particular, coming apart at the seams, allowing Accies to run in another three tries with no reply for a bonus point win.

Borders/East Lothian suffered their second successive defeat in the under-18 inter-district championship after losing by 17-15 to Glasgow in the second round of the series at Murrayfield.

“It was an improvement on our first game [against Caledonia] but we’ve still got someway to go” said coach Ross Miller, adding, “We’re hoping to have several key players back for the final round match against Edinburgh next Tuesday.”

Borders were without the Hawick Wanderers’ back Darcy Graham and the Jed-Thistle scrum half Gary Munro , who are both in the national under-18 squad, in addition to several other top performers, among them the Hawick Wanderers’ centre Sean Chapman, who injured a hamstring muscle playing for Hawick High School against Galashiels Academy in the Brewin Dolphin under-18 regional Plate quarter final.

Against Glasgow Borders/East Lothian looked to be in command in the opening phases of the match but their only reward was a penalty by the Hawick Wanderers’ stand-off Kyle Brunton, quickly answered by a converted try for Glasgow by the St Aloysius College flanker Nick Moore. But before the break Borders/East Lothian hit back with a try by the North Berwick prop Finn Hobbis for a 8-7 interval lead.

Two tries by the Ayr centre Gregor Paxton put Glasgow in the driving seat but a late effort by Borders resulted in a try by the Melrose centre Thomas Klein converted by Brunton to round off the scoring.

The annual general meeting of St Margaret’s Parent Council in Galashiels will be held in the town’s Golden Lion public house this evening (Thursday) at 6pm.

All parents, carers and friends of the school are invited to attend.

Wooler

At Wooler Livestock Centre last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 1567 lambs and 310 ewes.

In spec lambs dearer, well in advance of early market trades, heavy weights very similar.

Leading Prices Per Head:- Bel:- £80 Henlaw, £74.50 Edlingham Demesne, £73.50 Yetlington Lane, £72 (2) Ladykirk, £71 Lilburn Estates, £70.50 Henlaw and Lilburn Estates. Tex.:- £79 South Ditchburn, £77, £74.50 (2) Cockhall, £73 Wandon, £72 Auchencrow Mains, Springhill, Seahouses, South Charlton, Greenhead, Reston and Cockhall, £71.50 Auchencrow Mains, £71 Springhill, Seahouses and Yetlington Lane. Suff.x:- £75.50 Auchencrow Mains, £75 Castlelaw, £72 Springhill, Seahouses, £71.50 Brockley Hall, £70 Mindrum and Craigshouse, £69.50 Shotton, Castlelaw, Auchencrow Mains (2), Springhill, Seahouses and Low Middleton. Chev:- £68.50 South Charlton, £68 South Charlton (M Hall). CHM:- £69 Wandon, £66.50 Great Ryle (2). Zwa:- £76.50 Mindrum. Ven:- £66 Craigshouse. Leading Prices Per Kilo:- Bel:- 200p Henlaw, 191p Edlingham Demesne, 185.5p Lilburn Estates, 179.3p Yetlington Lane, 175.6p (2) Ladykirk. Tex.x:- 183.3p, 177.4p, 171.4p Cockhall, 170.7p Lorbottle, 170p Shipley Smallburn, 169.1p Yetlington Lane, 167.4p South Charlton, 166.5p Henlaw, 166.3p Edlingham Demesne, 165.9p Wandon, 165.5p Village Farm, 165.1p Springhill, Seahouses, 165p Lilburn Estates. Suff.x:- 157.1p Biddlestone Home Farm, 156p Lilburn Estates, 153.5p Shipley Lane and Doune Brae, 153.4p Lilburn Estates. Chev:- 157.1p Great Ryle, 153.5p (2) South Charlton. CHM:- 154.7p Great Ryle.

Ewe trade very similar and excellent for this time of year.

Leading Prices:- Tex.:- £100 Ladykirk, £97 Alnham, £83 Ladykirk, £81 Low Middleton, £75 Charlton Mires and Ladykirk, £73 Lorbottle, £71 Amerside Law and Ladykirk. Suff.x:- £87 Charlton Mires, £85 Castlelaw, £83 Pallinsburn, £77 Low Middleton, £75 Great Ryle and Lorbottle. Chev:- £87 Alnham, £67 Hethpool, £63 South Charlton. Mule:- £71 Brockley Hall, £69 Pallinsburn, Castlelaw and Charlton Mires, £63 Low Middleton and Cockhall. BF:- £57, £47 Alwinton Farm. Swa:- £41 Charlton Mires.

St Boswells

John Swan Ltd sold 349 suckled calves and store cattle at their weekly sale.

Bullocks per head: AA.x;- £1280, £1140, £1050 Kirktonhill, £1040, £1025 Minto Kames, Char.x;- £1240, £1140, £1120 Crookston, £1145, £1135, £1100 North Synton £1080 Todshawhaugh, AA;- 31200 Milrighall, Lim.x;- £1165, £1090 Fens, £1110, £1050 Saughtree, £1090 Craiglea, £1030 Parkhill, Sim.x;- £1160 Eildon Mains, £1140, £1080 Kirktonhill, £1080 Sunwick.A, BSH;- £1120, £1070, £1005 Kirktonhill, £990 Clifton Park, Blonde.x;- £1090 Eildon Mains, Saler.x;- £940 Kersheugh.

Bullocks per kilo: Char.x;- 256.4 Fens, 246.3, 244.2, 240 Todshawhaugh, 238.5, 236 North Synton, 234.6 Northhouse, Lim.x;- 241.6, 241, 235.9, 230 Parkhill, 237.5 Saughtree, 227.1 Craiglea, AA.x;- 236, 235.4 Kirktonhill, 223.9 Minto Kames, Sim.x;- 231.6, 229.6 Kirktonhill, 225.2 Eildon Mains, Saler.x;- 229, 223.8 Kersheugh, BSH;- 222.9, 218.5 Kirktonhill.Bullocks averaged overall 438kg, 222p pkg.

Heifers per head: Lim.x;- £1190, £1000 Fens, £1030 North Synton, £990 Foulshiels, Char.x;- £1080 Mossilee, £1000 Swinewood Mill, £990 Crookston, Saler.x;- £1010 South Riccalton, Sim.x;- £970 Swinewood Mill, £920 Kirktonhill, AA.x;- £890, £815 Kirktonhill.

Heifers per kilo: Char.x;- 239.5, 234.3, 226 Todshawhaugh, 234.9 Fens, AA.x;- 237.5 Minto Kames, Lim.x;- 236.5, 225.4, 222.2 Parkhill, 223.9 North Synton, 222 Foulshiels, 218.2 Saughtree.

Heifers averaged overall 397.9kg, 210pkg. The firm also had forward and sold 1114 Store Sheep. Tex.x;- £67, £64 Crailing Nook, £63, £62.50 Kirktonhill, £62 Bhalu, Suff.x;- £62 Kirktonhill, £60.50 Chapelhill Hwk. £60 Monklaw, £59.50 Ruletownhead, Bel.x;- £61 Threeburnford, Chev.x;- £57 Priesthaugh, Whitefield. E, £56.50 Shoestanes, £55.50 Langhope.

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 72 clean cattle, 60 OTM cattle, 2095 new season lambs and 966 ewes.

Bullocks (30) averaged 221p per kg and sold to 242p (+0.7p on week), heifers (42) averaged 217p per kg and sold to 245p (n/c on week) and 60 beef type OTM cattle averaged 124.9p per kg and sold to 197p (+6.9p on the week).

New season lambs averaged 159.4p per kg (+2.7p on the week) and sold to £93, top price 196.3p per kg for Beltex

Ewes averaged £53.65, and sold to £100 for a Texel Ram. Heavy ewes averaged £64 while ight ewes sold to £77 for Cheviots and averaged £41.

Principal prices per head: Woodhead. A £1561.76; Upper Nisbet £1449.60, £1417.26; Bee Edge £1432.76, £1421.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.45 Shaws of Lauder, 2.40 (2) W. Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.38 (2) Malone of Edinburgh; Upper Nisbet 2.42 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, 2.40 M/s Moor, 2.387 (2) M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons and Shaws of Lauder; Woodhead. A 2.36 M/s J. Saunderson, 2.34 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, 2.27 M/S J.A. Waters and Sons; Snawdon 2.32 J.F. Finlay and Co Ltd, 2.28 Malone of Edinburgh; New Channelkirk 2.27 Shaws of Lauder; Cauldshiel 2.27 Gosford Bothy Shop.

Bulls: Willowford £1237.68 (1.91); Cauldshiel £1166 (1.00p).

Cows per head: Queenscairn £1465.68, £1034.28; Hyndsidehill £1260.16, £1223.54, £1021.80; Fens £1141.14; Stouslie £1080.18; Hamildean £1079.70; Shoestanes £1071.20; Thirlestane £1043.94, £1038.46; Clarence House £1036.80; 5 Lamberton £1023.04; Ecclaw £995.60.

Cows per kg: Queenscairn 1.97; Hamildean 1.83; Willowford 1.80; Hyndsidehill 1.79, 1.33, 1.31; Stouslie 1.53; Fens 1.43, 1.35; Honeyburn 1.40; 5 Lamberton 1.39; Thirlestane 1.37(2); Clarence House 1.35; Ecclaw 1.31.

Lambs per head: Bel.x;- £93 Sydenham, £85, £83 Crookston, £82 Craigsford Mains, Tex;- £92.50 Boon, £90 Huntington, £85, £84 St Leonards, Suff.x;- £90 Huntington, £82 St Leonards, £80.50 Hermiston, Char.x;- £72 Mansefield, £70.50 Ladyflat, CM;- £72 Gospelhall, £68.50 Hawthornside, £68 Gilston.

Lambs per kg: Bel;- Bel.x;- 196.3, 191.7 Sydenham, 194.9, 193 Crookston, 187.5 Threeburnford, Tex;- 190.50, 186.1 Applecross, 185.9 Lighthouse, Orkney, Suff.x;- 181.4 Muirhouse, 176.8 Lighthouse, Orkney, 170.3 Castleside, CM;- 161.9 Gilston, 159, 159.8 Wedderlie, Char.x;- 164 Ladyflat, Chev.x;- 161 Wedderlie.

Ewes: Tex;- £97, £90 Corsbie, £90 Rawburn, £80 Lighthouse, Orkney and Calaburn, Suff.x;- £83 Newton Hwk., 81 Legerwood, £80 Brotherstone, HB;- £79 Smailholm Mains, Chev;- £77 Upper Huntlywood, 
£67 Stagehall, SM;- £67 Bonjedward 
Mill and Haystoun, £65 Corsbie and 
Sorrowlessfield, Newton Hwk. and Greenend, CM;- £65 Hamildean Mill, Suff;- £61, 
£60 Brotherstone, Lleyn;- £54 Brotherstone, BF;- £49 Edston, £45 Burncastle, £43 Bowland.

Rams: Tex;- £100 Rawburn, £98 Upper Huntlywood, Suff;- £97 Brotherstone, BFL;- £68 Newbigging Walls.

John Swan Limited sold 349 Suckled Calves and Store Cattle at their Weekly sale.

Bullocks per head: AA.x;- £1280, £1140, £1050 Kirktonhill, £1040, £1025 Minto Kames, Char.x;- £1240, £1140, £1120 Crookston, £1145, £1135, £1100 North Synton, £1080 Todshawhaugh, AA;- 31200 Milrighall, Lim.x;- £1165, £1090 Fens, £1110, £1050 Saughtree, £1090 Craiglea, £1030 Parkhill, Sim.x;- £1160 Eildon Mains, £1140, £1080 Kirktonhill, £1080 Sunwick.A, BSH;- £1120, £1070, £1005 Kirktonhill, £990 Clifton Park, Blonde.x;- £1090 Eildon Mains, Saler.x;- £940 Kersheugh. Bullocks per kilo: Char.x;- 256.4 Fens, 246.3, 244.2, 240 Todshawhaugh, 238.5, 236 North Synton, 234.6 Northhouse, Lim.x;- 241.6, 241, 235.9, 230 Parkhill, 237.5 Saughtree, 227.1 Craiglea, AA.x;- 236, 235.4 Kirktonhill, 223.9 Minto Kames, Sim.x;- 231.6, 229.6 Kirktonhill, 225.2 Eildon Mains, Saler.x;- 229, 223.8 Kersheugh, BSH;- 222.9, 218.5 Kirktonhill. Bullocks averaged overall 438kg, 222p pkg.

Heifers per head: Lim.x;- £1190, £1000 Fens, £1030 North Synton, £990 Foulshiels, Char.x;- £1080 Mossilee, £1000 Swinewood Mill, £990 Crookston, Saler.x;- £1010 South Riccalton, Sim.x;- £970 Swinewood Mill, £920 Kirktonhill, AA.x;- £890, £815 Kirktonhill. Heifers per kilo: Char.x;- 239.5, 234.3, 226 Todshawhaugh, 234.9 Fens, AA.x;- 237.5 Minto Kames, Lim.x;- 236.5, 225.4, 222.2 Parkhill, 223.9 North Synton, 222 Foulshiels, 218.2 Saughtree.Heifers averaged overall 397.9kg, 210pkg.

The firm also had forward and sold 1114 Store Sheep.Tex.x;- £67, £64 Crailing Nook, £63, £62.50 Kirktonhill, £62 Bhalu, Suff.x;- £62 Kirktonhill, £60.50 Chapelhill Hwk. £60 Monklaw, £59.50 Ruletownhead, Bel.x;- £61

Threeburnford, Chev.x;- £57 Priesthaugh, Whitefield. E, £56.50 Shoestanes, £55.50

Langhope.

Two of the Borders most prominent referees will help officiate at international matches next month.

Andrew McMenemy of Galashiels, a member of Scottish Rugby’s elite referee panel, will be an assistant referee in three games.

McMenemy will appear on the touchline for matches in Leeds (Tonga v USA) and Bucharest (Romania v Canada), as well as Georgia v Tonga at a venue yet to be confirmed..

Meanwhile Iain Ramage fromBerwick will be video referee for the French Barbarians v Nambia match in Toulon and Fiji v USA in France.

Peebles26

Dundee HSFP9

Peebles got off to a strong start at The Gytes with an early penalty from Greg Raeburn and a try from captain Callum Scott.

Raeburn missed the conversion but put over another three pointer before the visitors’ notched their first points with a similar effort.

Another two penalties either side of the break took the visitors to within two points before the hosts stepped up a gear to seal the victory.

Neil Hogarth, Craig Mitchell and Raeburn all secured tries to give Peebles a bonus point win.

Aberdeen Grammar27

Kelso22

Kelso continued their run of ‘almost won’ or ‘should have won’ on their long distance trip to Aberdeen where a much depleted side had been blown up north.

With players missing because of injury, unavailability and Saturday morning employment, the Tweedsiders got off to the worst possible start.

Facing the elements they kicked off only for an early turn over, and a missed tackle, to allow No 8 Louis Kinsey to plough over. Alex Hagart slotted the conversion and it looked as if Kelso would be in for a long hard day.

An Andrew Skeen penalty lessened the gap only for Grammar to pull away again with a similar effort from Hagart.

Kelso gained a semblance of control up front and eventually drove Chris Keen over for a try.

Once again their success was short-lived as Grammar’s burly Fijian winger Peceli Nacamavuto sent Calum Champion home. The hosts increased their lead when Kinsey crashed over near the posts to allow Hagart an easy conversion and a 22-8 half time lead.

Kelso re-started with a bang. Ian Wallace raced through for a try which Skeen converted and the comeback was on. After 50 minutes Kelso equalised when Frankie Robson scorched over and Skeen again added the extras.

The momentum seemed to be all with Kelso but it was not to be as Aberdeen weathered the storm and full back Grant Walker scored out wide to secure the win.

Marr14

Jed-Forest15

Playing at Fullerton Park for the first time, Jed found the Marr RFC pitch very much in great conditions although the strong wind gave both teams a challenge.

The visitors scored the first points when a turnover allowed a quick counter attack and an inside pass saw Fraser Harkness find space to scamper over. Donald Grieve converted and added a penalty 10 minutes later.

Not long afterwards however home full-back Rory McGee converted a penalty and continued to be a thorn in the visitors’ side. He touched down for a try, which he also converted before adding a further two penalties to put the hosts 14-10 ahead at the break.

With the wind advantage now in their favour Jed began to pressurise and showed good patience before finally being rewarded when Declan Wallace shrugged off a couple of Marr defenders to score a good individual try to secure the narrowest of victories.

Fjordhus Reivers1

Granite City
Wanderers0

Fjordhus Reivers ladies hockey team maintained their excellent early season form on Saturday with their sixth league win.

The Tweedbank outfit pressed hard from the off to create some great attacking play to keep themselves at the top of the table.

A fantastic opportunity was provided by Jill Chalmers with an excellent ball straight to the visitors’ ‘D’ but the Reivers’ sticks just couldn’t get on the end of it.

The young Aberdeen side became more threatening after the first five minutes, but the Reivers coped well and worked the ball out from the back via the Maris and Morven Cawthorn double act. Beating their front line provided Morven with a gap to fire the ball down the line to a Reivers forward who then cut it back to Maris. Finding a Wanderer’s foot Fjordhus’ youngest player won the first corner.

Although Fjordhus Reivers created a number of opportunities, the Aberdeen side were still a danger, slipping past the Reivers’ back line. But the home goal keeper, Caroline Duff, soon shut the Wanderers’ attacks down with great clearances.

In the second half the possession remained 50/50 and although Reivers continued to dominate, the Aberdeen side still found gaps.

Exceptional discipline at the back from the ever-dependable Jackie Wilson thwarted any attempts at goal. Reivers kept persisting with wave after wave of attacks. Jack sent a fantastic ball into the ‘D’, finding Laura Mclean’s stick, deflecting to the penalty spot for youngster Leia Mackinnon to smack it past the Granite City keeper’s foot, which put the home side ahead and ultimately gave them the win.

Nine man Legion made an exit from the South of Scotland Cup following a penalty shootout at Wilton Lodge Park which the visitors won 4-3.

Earlier Dalmore had opened the scoring with an early goal, before Andrew McFarlane put Legion on level terms in nodding home a Liam Lavery free kick.

Legion were then reduced to ten men when Steven Lowe was dismissed for a foul and minutes later Liam Lavery, as well as a Dalmore player, were red carded following an off the ball clash.

With neither side adding to their tally, the tie duly went into extra time, which also failed to produce a goal.

It was then left to penalties to decide the outcome. Darrel Johnstone, Andrew McFarlane and David Fraser all netted for Legion.

Over in Earlston Hawick United also ran out with a share of the spoils in a B Division clash.

United dominated the first half, but apart from taking the lead through a stunning goal from Sean Solley,
who found the net with a superbly struck 40 yard drive, had nothing to show for their efforts.

In the second period Earlston came more into the picture and got on level terms when scoring with a header.

Table topping Tweedmouth maintained their unbeaten record in what turned out to be a hard fought Division C game against Hawick Legion Rovers.

In the first half, Michael Moir and Sean Clarke both came near to scoring for Rovers, as well as John Shankie who rattled the upright with a fierce drive.

Ten minutes from half time Tweedmouth took the lead.

In the second period the Amateurs hit home another two.

Jed Legion2

Hawick Waverley1

Two second half goals from Daniel Chandler saw the home side through to the next round of the South Cup last Saturday.

Jason Inglis put Hawick ahead on the half hour mark, slotting home from the edge of the box.

Having travelled with only 11 players, Waverley were forced down to 10 men shortly after when Taylor Hope hobbled off with a leg injury. Jed took advantage in the second period although they found it hard to break down a spirited Waverley.

Chandler’s first came just after the hour mark when he was on hand to head home a cross from the right.

His winner came five minutes from time when he slotted home from close range following a Carl Stephenson free-kick.

Match Sponsor: Deans Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Hawick.

Vale of Leithen3

Glasgow BSC1

It is not quite X-Factor, but Mark Lamb is on the look out for new talent for Vale of Leithen after his wafer-thin squad managed an impressive victory over Broomhill.

The Victoria Park team boss was forced to start 41-year-old coach Ian Little and Scott Devlin, who had not played football for 12 months, for the game.

But Lamb cannot rely on both for the remainder of the season, added to which Jack Blaikie and double goal hero Jason Stevens suffered injuries in the second half.

“I signed three players ahead of this game, but we definitely need to recruit more,” he said.

“We have a great club here, and would welcome any players.

“Jason can play at a higher level, and we also have Kenny O’Brien who has played against Rangers at Ibrox for Berwick Rangers.”

Talking about the match itself Lamb added: “I thought we should have been 4-0 up at half time but we were under pressure in the second period due to Broomhill’s excellent set pieces.”

Vale were on a rotten run of form, having lost three in a row, and with top scorer and captain Josh Morris injured, Ewan Saunderson suspended and player/coach Chris Anderson having left the club, it appeared the successive defeats would extend to four.

But instead Vale, who included ex-Linlithgow Rose midfielder Brydon Fairgrieve in their starting line-up, were on course for victory within ten minutes as Stevens and O’Brien found the net.

Ex-Hibs man Stevens had some luck with the first goal after five minutes when the ball rebounded back into his path to score from ten yards. But there was no fortune needed for Vale’s second as O’Brien danced past Broomhill’s static defence and produced a superb finish.

Ainslie Hunter should have made it 3-0 when he scooped over a Devlin free kick after visiting goalkeeper Matt McGinley made a hash of catching the ball, but it mattered little as Stevens slid in the third on 35 minutes.

Vale were never in danger of losing, even when Broomhill pulled a goal back after Craig Duncan bundled in Ross McKinnon’s vicious free kick.

Former Gala Fairydean Rovers right back Ryan Sclater and centre half James Elliot, from Earlston, were both outstanding at the back as the hosts jumped above their opponents to ninth in the Lowland League.

Teams from the Lowland and East and South of Scotland leagues are set to be in action in the first round of the South of Scotland Challenge Cup on Saturday, writes John Slorance.

The competition consists of a South and West zone as well as a North and East zone and set to do battle in the latter group are Peebles Rovers, Kelso United, Selkirk, Gala Fairydean Rovers and Vale of Leithen.

The draw has conjured up a Border derby clash between Peebles Rovers and Kelso United at Whitestone Park and Peebles manager John O’Hara told TheSouthern: “It’s good to get a break from the pressures of the league and we shall be hoping to progress into the next round.”

Kelso team boss Scott Dowie said: “Thankfully we have a full squad this Saturday and this will make a huge difference as this is the first time this has happened for some time.”

Having fallen to Edinburgh University by the odd goal in nine, in a Lowland League encounter, Selkirk get an early opportunity to gain revenge as they lock horns with the students again. The University are the hosts this time around.

Gala Fairydean Rovers entertain Heriot Watt University while Vale of Leithen travel to Edinburgh to tangle with Craigroyston.

Hawick Royal Albert are off to the seaside to meet Eyemouth United in East of Scotland first division business and Albert manager Graeme Chadwick has high hopes his side can come away with a victory.

“We have a lot of catching up to do but I think we can start climbing up the league now,” he said.

Threave Rovers2

Gala FDR3

A strong blustery wind made for a scrappy opening quarter of an hour, with neither side being able to hang onto the ball for very long.

With the wind at their backs in the opening half, it was the hosts who took control first.

Threave went ahead from a quickly taken corner that reached Grant Parker, who was on hand to squeeze his shot home between John Dodds and the post.

Davie Bonnar beat the home keeper’s dive to notch the equaliser but a failed clearance resulted in Andrew Donnelly shooting Threave back into the lead before half time.

Gala used the wind advantage after the restart and penned Threave back into their own half. Keith Lough stabbed home the equaliser before notching a dramatic winner in the 88th minute. The Gala striker steered the ball wide of the keeper, and there was an agonising wait as the ball trundled just inside the far post.

Young Borders riders saw success at last weekend’s rural showcase, Countryside Live.

The Great Yorkshire Showground main ring in Harrogate proved the perfect setting for the Northern Show Cross equine finals, with the junior competitions taking place on Saturday and the seniors in the spotlight on Sunday.

Katy McFadyen, 11, from Kelso, and her pony, Bounty II, travelled to the show with her older brother, Duncan, 13, riding Milo, and family friend Ellie Meldrum, 14, also from Kelso, riding Sylvester. The trio were competing as Team Border Reivers in the Northern Show Cross Junior championship, coming fourth in a field of 36 competitors. Katy and Bounty II also took the crown as winner of the 70cm individual event. Another Kelso rider, Louise Hebden, 14, came third in the 90cm individual event, riding Blue Shadow.

All four are members of the British Showjumping Association Scotland Junior Academy Team who train together in Edinburgh. Ellie won the Search for a Talented Showjumper competition at the event last year, also riding Sylvester. As part of her prize, she spent a weekend at the Oxfordshire yard of Olympian riders and competition hosts Graham and Tina Fletcher earlier in the year.

She met up with them again last weekend, telling them about her latest achievements, which include competing at the National Schools Equestrian Association Championship in London.

Reivers Vaulting ended its competitive season at Ingilston Stud near Glasgow with the Scottish and British championships.

Shannon Purves completed the Scottish and British double in the junior female individual class. Having been part of Junior Team GBR in the summer, she put her experience to good use and came out the clear winner on both days, vaulting on Philip Hewit’s Bankey Moon.

Also on board Bankey Moon was Charlie Lochead who put on best performance in the junior male individual class to take the Scottish Championship Shield. He was just pipped for the double by class veteran Andrew Maclaclan to finish second in the British event.

Elsa Hibbert, competing in her first child individual class, put on a superb freestyle to emulate her clubmate and do the Scottish and British double competing on Andy Miller’s Bart Simpson. Also on Bart, Chloe Aitchison finished fourth in both championships, with Gaby Purves sixth place in the British.

In the male division, Henry Johnston Smith vaulted on Margaret Morgan’s Royal Dalton, coming fourth in the Scottish and third in the British.

Stacey Macpherson completed her first season in the senior class and was proud to finish in the bronze medal slot. Vaulting on Bankey Moon, she clinched fourth place in the British championship behind three vaulters who had competed for team GBR at the World Equestrian Games.

In the intermediate team section, the Reivers entry of Henry Johnston Smith, Emma Counsell, Katy Hammond, Chloe Aitchison, Gaby Purves and Elsa Hibbert bagged the Scottish title and took runner-up in the British, vaulting on Royal Dalton and lunged by Julie Purves.

The young pre-novice team of Katy Buchan, Lily Beth Bromley, Amelie Johnstone Jones, Willow Bellam, Abbie Aitchison and Anna Pettie, on board Bart Simpson and lunged by Anna Marie Macpherson, finished third place in both the Scottish and British competitions.