Following last Tuesday’s devastating fire which wiped out some of the club’s most treasured possessions, Gala Fairydean Rovers FC have been overwhelmed by the response of the local community.

Offers of help for building work and financial support have been pouring in to the Netherdale club and an emergency committee meeting was held in the clubrooms on Sunday when the various issues surrounding the consequences of the blaze were discussed.

While any proposals have to be put on hold until the outcome of discussions with insurers, it was agreed to set up a special bank account entitled the Gala Fairydean Rovers Hospitality Suite Restoration Fund.

Club treasurer Susan Swan is collating the list of the many generous offers from individuals and local businesses and these will be acted upon and acknowledged as soon as possible.

A collection at the Gala RFC v Melrose match over the fence at Netherdale on Boxing Day raised in the region of £800.

A club spokesman said: “It has been fantastic how the local community has rallied round the club at this time.

“There are so many people the club wishes to thank it is difficult to know where to start.

“Early morning jogger Schan Doogan first spotted the smoke and ran straight up to the fire station to raise the alarm. His actions prevented the fire from spreading and causing even more damage to neighbouring cabins, so we are obviously very grateful to him.

“Offers of help came in as soon people realised the club had lost its hospitality suite which contained so many of the club’s old photographs and mementoes.

“The bank account details for the restoration fund will be made public as soon as possible and we will be in contact with the businesses who have made fabulous offers once discussions with the club’s insurers are completed. The club is extremely grateful for all the pledges that have been made so far.”

Meanwhile, it is business as usual with Selkirk visiting the 3G Arena for a Lowland League fixture on Saturday, with a 3pm kick-off.

Salmon catches on the River Tweed and its tributaries fell drastically in 2014, with only around 2,500 fish taken by rod and line over the three-month autumn season.

This compares to the 8,000 which were caught in the corresponding period – which finishes at the end of each November – in 2013.

Fishing was so poor that the beat at Tillmouth closed 10 days early.

And across the entire season from February 1, just 4,000 salmon were caught, compared to the five-year average to 2013 of 11,000.

The slump is revealed in the online magazine FishTweed, but the exact totals won’t be known until the River Tweed Commission AGM in March. That amalgamation of beat owners, which runs an industry worth an estimated £15million a year to the Borders, has already introduced a compulsory catch-and-release policy from February 1 to June 30.

Hawick Angling Club, the largest in the Borders with 10 miles of double-bank fishing on the Teviot and its tributaries, posted on the website: “Thank goodness that this season is over, far fewer fish than there should be. Disease is rife with a high proportion of fish showing fungus in varying degrees. Let’s just hope this has been a one-off bad season.”

Tillmouth, downstream of Coldstream Bridge and with five full-time boatmen, is considered one of the best performing beats with a rod costing around £200 a day in high season. But over the year, just 311 salmon were landed, compared to 685 in 2013 and a five-year average catch of 758.

On November 20, Tillmouth head boatman Willie Elliot posted: “Over the last few days it has become apparent that the river is beginning to shut itself down and it was felt it was not sporting to fish over spawning and, in some cases, diseased fish. As a consequence it has been decided, in consultation with the owners, to close the fishing down for the rest of the season.”

Theories abound as to the shortage – from the overharvesting of krill at sea to the spread of lice from commercial salmon farms. But there appears to be consensus on the need for a curb on wholesale coastal netting.

Well, another year done and dusted, and a few more grey hairs into the bargain. I didn’t think it possible, but a check in the mirror confirmed it. In fact, it’s not so much grey now as snowy-white.

Truth is I didn’t need a mirror to spot the changes.

Up until the week before Christmas, my locks dangled gracefully over my collar and onto my shoulders. My ears were invisible.

To the front my fringe dripped low and, at times, obscured my vision. I knew it was time for a cut – but it is winter and a good heid o’ hair is, to me, better than a bonnet or a balaclava, or one those woolly things that seem to be all the rage now.

My four-times-a-year cuts are normally done by Paula in Selkirk, but she’s been a bit busy of late.

So, I had decided that I would stay long-haired until early spring and then submit myself to clippers and scissors.

But it was not to be. I’ve been on holiday for a couple of weeks. Doing nothing but lazing around and kidding that this year I would be well prepared for Christmas and not scurrying around at the last minute on Christmas Eve. I did manage to get a fair bit done in advance of the 25th – I even managed to get my real tree erected on the 23rd. However, I still shopped on Christmas Eve, although not – as usual –for everything. Just a few important last-minute purchases. I have this theory that if I have just a few hours instead of a few weeks, I can’t dilly-dally and just have to set to and get on with things.

But I digress. I would not be, as some friends call, the big hairy yin over the festive season. It came about thus.

I was in Galashiels the week before Santa was due to visit, determined to wrap up Christmas early. I was sauntering along Bank Street and was just past Dalgetty the bakers when I got the call. Gordon the barber was standing in his shop doorway, resplendent in maroon tunic and clutching a pair of shears. His free hand raised and his index finger beckoned me. I was well and truly collared.

Ushered past the ladies’ salon, I took my seat in the room reserved for gentlemen. And that’s when it happened. I wasn’t asked what kind of cut I wanted. Gordon had decided.

And he was right. I watched my locks tumble to the floor and spotted how, in four months, they had turned more white than grey. I still have my hair, whatever the colour, albeit a bit shorter.

But in four months’ time I’ll avoid Bank Street and use Channel Street.

Youngsters at Newlands and Kirkurd Playgroup and Out-of-School Club have received a boost – thanks to a donation of pipework from Scottish Water.

The company has cut two small sections of surplus pipes – each about 2m in length and over 1m in height – for the club in Romanno Bridge to use as play equipment.

Bill Elliot, the firm’s Borders community team manager, said: “These are the kind of pipes which we install to move water from our supply sources like reservoirs to water treatment works. In recent times, we have been working to improve services and maintain high drinking water quality by laying new water pipes in this part of the Borders.

“As a token of our appreciation to the community while this work was carried out, we were delighted that Newlands and Kirkurd Playgroup and Out-of-School Club have accepted our offer of surplus pipework, which can be adapted into play equipment like tunnels for children to play safely in under the supervision of the nursery staff.

Manager Rodna Angus said: “We would all like to say a big thank you to Scottish Water for the donation and delivery of our new water pipes for the children to play in/on.”

Bill and project communications adviser Catherine Henderson are pictured with some of the children and staff with existing pipework – which the donation will complement.

Speculation that the region’s four community hospitals could be closed has “got out of hand”, according to the chairman of NHS Borders.

Leading a delegation at Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) final meeting of the year in response to what he admitted was a “furore”, John Raine claimed some media coverage of a review of all clinical services in the region had been alarmist.

“At no time has the health board spoken about closures, but that is unfortunately how the review has been interpreted,” said Mr Raine.

“However, the public reaction has served to reinforce just how passionately communities care about their local facilities.”

NHS Borders has already confirmed that a report on how its review will be taken forward, starting with the process for the 23-bed community hospitals in Hawick, Kelso, Peebles and Duns, will be considered at the board’s February meeting.

A timescale for “effective engagement with the public, staff and other stakeholders” will also be set at that gathering.

After listening to Mr Raine’s presentation, Councillor Stuart Marshall said closing the Hawick hospital would “rip the heart out of our town”.

Councillor Watson McAteer, also from Hawick, said: “No one should be surprised that people have a passionate interest in maintaining their community hospitals.

“What we need now is an assurance that any consultation with the public on the outcome of the review is as inclusive and transparent as it can be. It must not be seen as a fait accompli.”

And a third Hawick councillor, Davie Paterson, demanded a “categorical guarantee” from Mr Raine that the town’s hospital would not be closed.

Mr Raine responded: “Such speculation has got out of hand ... we are carrying out a review so it would be wrong of me to give absolute assurances because we cannot pre-empt the outcome.” But he promised full consultation with councillors and their constituents on any review proposals through the SBC network of area forums.

Earlier, the NHS Borders delegation had stressed the unsustainability of the status quo for a health service under severe financial pressure, not least from the demands of an ageing population.

“We need to change the way we do things,” said medical director Dr Sheena MacDonald, claiming that, under current in-patient arrangements, provision of an extra 27 beds a year for the next seven years would be required.

And she cited cost pressures beyond the control of the board, including the price of drugs.

“One drug, which cost us £3 just four weeks ago, now costs us £47,” she revealed.

Selkirk was the place to be on Christmas Eve for a night featuring carol singing and a living nativity.

Backed by the Selkirk Silver band, people young and old sang a host of seasonal tunes at the top of their voice with some of the locals donned in costumes, and some feasting on mince pies during the seasonal fun.

A wooden stable was built with shepherds, the three kings and a Roman centurion all in attendance as local youngsters watched Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus.

With the tree in the Market Square beautifully lit, observers wrapped up warm and braved the dipping winter temperatures to ensure Christmas was heralded with some annual yuletide cheer.

An ear which was ripped from a lamb by a dog is being kept on ice and a search is under way for the injured animal.

It’s hoped the sheep can be found and a vet can stitch the ear back on, and the animal saved.

The incident happened around 3pm on Sunday and police have appealed for witnesses.

Police Scotland say two men in their early 20s were seen walking three out-of-control dogs over the hill between Martin’s Bridge and Hawick Moor.

One of the dogs, said police, attacked a lamb on the Moor and tore its ear. It is being kept on ice, but the farmer is still searching for the mutilated animal.

The area is well used by walkers and police believe a number of people will have seen what happened.

Constable Brian Murray said: “This incident has not only caused considerable distress to the sheep and its owner, it has also caused destruction to the farmer’s property.

“We are appealing for witnesses to contact is immediately. A vet may still be able to save the sheep and attach its ear.”

z Information can be passed to police on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Work is now under way to upgrade the local gas supply network in the Bank Street area of Galashiels and will last approximately 17 weeks.

The existing metal gas mains and services in Bank Street will be replaced with modern plastic polyethylene (PE) pipe which has a minimum lifespan of around 80 years.

To minimise disruption, work will be carried out in three phases.

Phase one will take around three weeks and will take place in Bank Street Brae between Bank Street and Gala Park. Traffic will not be affected during this phase.

However, road closure will be put in place during phase two, lasting around eight weeks. Bank Street will be closed between the junctions with Bank Street Brae and Sime Place. A local diversion will be in place via Albert Place, Braw Lads Brae, George Craig Bridge, Currie Road, Ladhope Vale and Bridge Place.

Work has been planned in close collaboration with the council, which will be carrying out resurfacing works in Bank Street and High Street when phase two is completed.

Phase three will see work carried out in Bank Street between the junctions with Bank Street Brae and St.John Street, for approximately six weeks. Traffic will be able to pass the roadworks. All businesses will be open as usual.

Access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times. Assistance will be given to maintain deliveries to businesses.

Work will be carried out Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.15pm during phases one and three. During phase two work will be carried out seven days a week.

A compensation scheme in place for small businesses which suffer genuine loss of trade due to the works. Details of this scheme and how to apply are at www.sgn.co.uk

During the work, SGN will l have a base in the vicinity and at allocated times will have a member of their finance team available to help with questions about our compensation scheme.

SGN Construction Manager Stuart Pender said: “We will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and complete our works as quickly as possible.

“We understand that roadworks can be frustrating and we’re sorry for any inconvenience caused. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out our essential works.”

Melrose Wasps eventually ran out comfortable winners by 60-12 against Kelso Harlequins at The Greenyards on a glorious sunny Saturday, ideal for running rugby.

The hosts did not disappoint in this respect running in nine tries to the visitors two. Backs and forwards combined well although they did not have it all their own way against a big Kelso pack who picked and drove determinedly when the line was in sight. However it was when the ball was spun to the backs where the home side had the upper hand with a number of very good tries scored - well done to both sides for an entertaining match.

DETECTIVES have stepped up the hunt for the killer of an artist who was bludgeoned to death with a hammer just months after leaving her Borders home to settle in the south of England.

The bloodstained body of 55-year-old grandmother Valerie Graves, who ran a craft studio at Harestanes and lived at Maxton, was discovered in her bed by her sister Jan at a house in the Sussex village of Bosham on the morning of December 30, 2013.

The pair, along with their elderly mother Eileen and Jan’s partner Nigel Acres, had been “house sitting” the luxury mansion for friends who had travelled abroad for Christmas.

A post mortem revealed that Mrs Graves had suffered significant head and facial injuries.

Despite the offer of a £20,000 reward, a BBC Crimewatch appeal and the involvement of the National Crime Agency, her brutal killer has never been found.

But, last week, detectives announced plans to DNA test every man aged over 17 in the 3,000-population village as well as outlying areas in a bid to make a breakthrough in the investigation, codenamed Operation Ensign.

The voluntary testing will take place in a Bosham hotel over three weeks, starting on January 21.

Detective Superintendent Nick May, who is leading the investigation on behalf of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said police had a limited DNA profile of the killer, but it was not enough to match on the police database.

“We need to match it to the person,” he told a press conference which was attended by Mrs Graves’ two children Tim Wood, 32 and Jemma Harrison, 35.

Both fought back tears as they described spending their first Christmas without their mother.

It is understood the partial DNA sample was obtained from the handle of the murder weapon – a 16oz claw hammer which was discovered on New Year’s Day, 2014, half a mile from the house.

“The weather the night Valerie Graves was killed was terrible and Bosham was not quite, but almost, flooded,” said Det Supt May.

“That is one of the reasons we think the person responsible for this crime has connections to Bosham – what else would they have been doing in such an out-of-the-way location at a time like that? Maybe they were visiting, working or perhaps a resident of the village.”

The officer also revealed that the owners of the house – Malcolm and Caroline Chamberlain – had not moved back since the murder and the property was now up for sale.

Mrs Graves had lived in the Borders for 10 years before moving to West Sussex to look after her 87-year-old mother. She had graduated from Heriot-Watt University in Galashiels in 2007 before setting up her Harestane studio, showcasing her flair for felted textiles.

Rod Webster, the founding managing director of Radio Borders, died shortly before Christmas at the age of 69.

He was recognised as a highly successful radio executive who delivered high ratings, major awards and commercial success at a string of stations.

As an inspirational manager, commercially-savvy salesman and talented broadcaster, Rod was ideally suited to the world of independent local radio.

He helped set up Moray Firth Radio in Inverness and also served as managing director at Northsound in Aberdeen and as head of training for Scottish Radio Holdings.

But his greatest achievements arguably came at Radio Borders, which celebrates 25 years on air this month.

Rod set up the station from scratch and led it to instant success. The first set of ratings showed 68 percent of potential listeners tuning in – a record audience reach for any UK radio station that stands to this day.“Rod was a great innovator and mentor, a commercial radio genius,” said Danny Gallagher, the first Radio Borders breakfast presenter who succeeded Rod as managing director and also went on to run Moray Firth Radio.

Rod lived in Galashiels with his family while he ran Radio Borders.Rod was diagnosed with lung cancer two years.

Rod is survived by his wife Anne, a close partner in all their endeavours who was also a key member of the Radio Borders staff; by their three children, Sharon, Stuart and Colin; and by 10 grandchildren.

A plumber killed his partner’s 20 goldfish by pouring washing-up liquid and pepper into their tank.

Andrew Davidson also assaulted Amy Currie by pushing her and throwing a glass at her in a Hogmanay domestic bust-up at their home at Weaver’s Linn in Tweedbank.

At Selkirk Sheriff Court the 25-year-old admitted assault and behaving in an threatening or abuse manner.

He told police he killed the fish because he knew it would annoy Miss Currie. He later sent a text, apologising for scaring her.

Davidson’s lawyer told Monday’s court hearing that the relationship was over.

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed fines totalling £400 and ordered him to pay his former partner £100 in compensation for the loss of her pet fish.

Border Area Darts pool of players to play West Lothian away on Saturday, January 17 2015.

Men: Adam Ballantyne, Graeme Bell, Peter Craig, Barry Dalgleish, Norris Forsyth, Ian Graham, Kevin Green, Darren Gray, Robert Hay, Ryan Hogarth, Kevin Inglis, Richard Lackenby, Craig Martin, Jimmy McGuigan, Steven J Patterson, Gordon Peters, Kevin Richardson, Callum Stewart. Reserves: Paul Black, Darren Bohme, Callum Donaldson, Kenny Lattimer, Chris Waddell & Kevin Wright.

Women: Karen Darling, Irene Hogarth, Nicola Hogarth, Helen Knight, Alison Mitchell, Janice Mitchell, Jackie Robertson, Lyn Scott, Susan Smith & Laura Virtue. Reserves: Alison Burnett & Moira Middlemas.

Buses leaving Kelso & Newtown St Boswells at 8.30, Gala 8.45 & Peebles 9.15.

Any call offs or queries please contact Robert 07504 493676.

In conditions that can only be described as “hysterical”, although some other words certainly sprang to mind when looking through the rain-soaked and wind-battered windows of St Boswells Cricket Club, the teams were solemnly chosen for the annual Village vs Club New Year’s cricket match.

The game had, as always, been going ahead, regardless of the weather but, with a yellow warning for wind and rain hanging over the Borders, the match promised to be something different from previous years.

The Village team, named the Blue Coo, in honour of the donor of a bottle of Glenmorangie for the winners, was captained, in the loosest possible sense by local farmer Grant Todd backed by a core of St Boswells personalities plus ringers in the shape of last-years 1st team captain Craig McNeill and Scott Hunter taking keeping duties.

The Club team was picked from the whoever was in the clubhouse at the time, captained by this year’s 1st team skip, Steven “Winnie” Laidlaw. It was certainly not a done deal.

Club batted first, opened by Winnie and Farnish, the former to be undone immediately by Mucky’s spin on a splodgy pitch, backed by a fierce gale. No helmets required today – the ball was barely clearing knee-height. Marsh came in and went out, then a little resistance in the form of Rory and Joey, with Farnish exemplifying the problems of the day skidding from wicket to wicket in walking boots. Jack then came in to speed the run rate, but with only chairman Jim Thomson bravely backing up the final score of 38 for 6 (all out) seemed fair, if disappointing. Catch of the day came from Spencer – given the wet ball and pace no one is quite sure how he held onto it.

The Village team came out confidently. The wind had eased a little (to whip up later to foil at least 2 catches) but the rain was now lashing. In a pun-filled innings, the opening pair of Gareth and Spencer rained on the Club’s bowling parade, while Grant Todd’s drink-fuelled captaincy whipped up a storm in the middle. Steady batting from all, especially Gareth who carried his bat and is a key signing for 2015, easily led the Village to a 3 (or was it 4) wicket victory, and only Elms in the last knockings made any real impact with the ball for the Club.

So, the Village got the whisky and the, still to be found, ceremonial quaich (we suspect it’s in someone’s front room). The teams along with far more clubhouse drinkers continued into the evening helping with club funds, and contributing to the new synthetic pitch which should be installed in time for the new season.

St Boswells Cricket Club wish everyone – players, supporters and helpers alike – a very happy new year and are looking forward to a successful 2015.

Borders Sport and Leisure has launched a new initiative to help Borderers kick-start a healthier lifestyle through low-cost access to fitness facilities.

The Fight for Your Life campaign is offering Borderers the opportunity to sign-up for six-months of access to a number of the region’s leisure centres for just £99.

The deal, which is only available during January, offers unlimited access to gym, pool and fitness class facilities, enabling those who have not participated in exercise before to find out what suits them best.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, explained: “We have never taken an approach like this before, however inactivity is now such a huge issue and has such dramatic effects on lifespan that we feel it is time to try something different.

“The campaign aims to take away barriers that may prevent people from participating in exercise – whether it is cost, apprehension over attending formal inductions or difficulties in sticking to a rigid attendance schedule.

“Our Fight for Your Life access provides free rein to experience what we have on offer for an amazing low cost.

“It gives people the chance to kick-start the new year with a healthier outlook and provides access to a range of activities, from gym facilities and swimming to a wide programme of different classes.

“Our hope is that this will enable people to find an activity they enjoy so they can opt for the right kind of leisure membership for the future and change their lives for ever.”

The new Fight for Your Life campaign will run for one month only (throughout January).

For more information, just drop into your local leisure centre or BSLT-run swimming pool.

Borders MP Michael Moore has been appointed to the Liberal Democrat election team as European spokesperson.

Over the past year Mr Moore has been acting as European Business Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg. He will now have a broader role on European policy on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.

Commenting on his appointment, Michael said: I am pleased to be asked by Nick Clegg to take on this role for the election. Europe is a key issue for people in the Borders, including farmers and exporting businesses. Nationally, it matters hugely and making the sensible case for a reformed European Union is very important at this time.”

As predicted by many a cynical Borders rugby follower Kelso RFC have drawn local rivals Hawick RFC for the quarter finals of the BT Scottish Cup.

The winner of the tie, which will be played at Poynder Park on Saturday, February 14, will earn a home tie semi-final against either Heriot’s or Howe of Fife.

Draw for the Quarter-finals of the BT Cup to be played on Saturday, February 14 (home teams first): Heriot’s v Howe of Fife; Boroughmuir v Stirling County; Glasgow Hawks v Ayr; Kelso v Hawick.

Former Borders darts player Gary Anderson was on top of the world at the weekend after winning the William Hill PDC World Championship.

Anderson, who comes from Eyemouth, lifted the title over 16-times winner Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor at the Alexandra Palace in London on Sunday.

And on winning, he immediately dedicated the victory to his two greatest heroes, former double world champion Jocky Wilson, and his late father, Gordon.

He said: “I remember my dad cheering at the TV when Jocky won the title against John Lowe.

“I was a schoolboy playing around in the house, and seeing that passion in my dad and Jocky got the sport into my blood.

“Over the years, I’ve always tried to emulate and achieve what Jocky did.

“I always hoped that one day I could bring the world championship back to Scotland for them.

“Now I’ve done it. It would be lovely to think they were chucking a few darts and having a wee dram when I lifted that trophy.”

In Sunday’s final Anderson led 3-1 and 6-4 only for Taylor to fight back to level at 3-3 and 6-6, taking the match into a last set decider.

In an all or nothing final set Anderson won all three legs for his first ever world title, putting the 2011 defeat to Adrian Lewis well and truly behind him.

After the game he said: “Me and Phil have had some battles over the last five or six years, he’s won a lot of them but I’ll take my win now!

“I think it’s going to take a while to sink in.”

Anderson, who celebrated his victory with a cup of tea, was cheered on stageside by his partner Rachel, and he later said the win was also for his boys, Ryan, Joel and baby Tai.

But it’s not always been about the success – he once threw his darts away into the Lakeside water after losing a match in the BDO version of the championships, claiming he ‘couldn’t buy a double’.

The championship trophy was presented by champion jockey Tony McCoy, and immediately after the event it was confirmed by promoter Barry Hearn that Anderson will now contest the 2015 Premier League as one of the four automatic qualifiers, along with Taylor, van Gerwen, and Lewis. The remaining participants are Raymond van Barneveld, Peter Wright, James Wade, Stephen Bunting, Dave Chisnall and Kim Huybrechts.

Training smart, eating good fuel and getting plenty of sleep were some of the key messages delivered by athlete Chris O’Hare to the best young distance runners in the Borders.

Back home in West Linton for the festive period from his United States-training base in Boston, O’Hare’s inspirational visit to Tweedbank on Sunday gave an insight into his journey from the Peebles Three Bridges Primary School races to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and his European bronze medal.

The young invited audience comprised of runners from across the region who have represented their clubs in championship cross-country races or Team Borders in the East League. They listened intently as O’Hare, a full-time Adidas athlete, explained what had helped him progress, including the importance of his school studies, which allowed him to take up the offer of a scholarship at Tulsa University.

“It was a pleasure to take some time out from my training to speak to the young distance runners from the Borders,” he said.

“Potentially, somewhere in that room were future international athletes and I hope I managed to pass on some useful advice about what that takes. It really is imperative for me as a person to pass on anything I can to the next generation of Scottish athletes.”

Of himself, Chris said: ”Training is going well and I’ll get a good indication of my winter form on Saturday at Holyrood Park in the Great Edinburgh Cross-Country.

“I’ll then be heading back to Boston and will race indoors with my eyes firmly fixed on the European Indoor Championships in Prague in March.”

The last games of the Agrii Border League 2014 sessions have taken place, with Ayton Castle defeating Greenlaw and Duns going down to Glendale in Section A.

This, being Duns’ second loss of the season, has knocked them off the top of the table with St Boswells now in front and Glendale and Yester not far away.

Section B sees Earlston at the top following a win over Lees and Swinton’s defeat of Roxburghe brings them into second spot.

The league resumes its 2015 sessions on Tuesday, January 13.

With the possible/probable change of things relating to John Swan’s auctioneers, if the pun can be pardoned, the recent playing of that trophy may mark the swansong thereof. This long-contested event, mostly the domain of senior sons of the soil with livestock leanings, just lately became the province of the professionals. In the men’s final, the peasantry were swept aside by the pros. Jim (Houdini) Cullen scraped through his first-round game with a final stone of devastating effect on his opposition, and his team went on to triumph in the aforementioned final.

Creeping ever earlier is the Border Bonspiel, which at this rate will fall on Hogmanay if something isn’t done to halt its forward movement. This event concludes today, followed by the Quizspiel.