A ceremony to mark the completion of the £5.2million Galashiels Transport Interchange will be held on Thursday, August 6 – exactly a month before the Borders Railway carries its first paying passengers.

The building will be open to the public on Monday, August 10, with Thursday’s event seeing Scottish Borders Council Leader, Councillor David Parker, and David Houston of the Galashiels Roads Stakeholders Group jointly opening the landmark building.

It will provide a direct link from the railway, as well as forming the town’s new bus station and business hub.

A plaque to mark a time capsule created by TD1 Youth Hub, which has been buried at the site, will also be unveiled to mark the occasion.

Also, it was revealed this week that the Transport Interchange’s café area will be run by Born in the Borders, which last year opened its visitor centre at Lanton Mill near Jedburgh.

The new café will be situated on the ground floor between the railway platform and bus stances, and will open later this month.

Born in the Borders owner John Henderson said: “For Born in the Borders to be right at the heart of the new Borders Railway in the Galashiels Transport Interchange is a huge opportunity for us.

“We want to showcase the very best food and drink products the Borders has to offer to both tourists and local commuters.”

And Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for economic development, Stuart Bell, said: “Born in the Borders already has a fantastic reputation in the region and I am sure the new café will be a real asset to the Transport Interchange.

“The Transport Interchange will be an eye-catching entry point to the Borders Railway, directing footfall into the centre of the town and providing a business hub.

“Having a vibrant and welcoming café for those travelling through the interchange will provide a great first impression.”

A fine weekend of exciting sport is almost upon us as Hendersyde Park prepares to combine a beautiful setting with top class equestrian sport.

Once again the Agnew family have opened their grounds to host their annual Horse Trials and to raise money for local charities.

Over the years the event has raised over £45,000 and this year it is the Borders Children’s Charity that is being supported.

The Trials has grown year on year and the courses, designed by David Evans, contain fresh challenges at every level. Evans is a renowned course designer and his beautiful wood and fence carvings make the event a visual spectacular, with animals and birds dotted around the landscape to catch the eye.

This year there is a new complex of wagons and barrels to test horse and rider with the beautifully set water feature expected to attract a big crowd to watch the action.

Hendersyde provides courses from BE 90 to Novice and holds the Scottish Championship series. The prize money is generous with £500 going to the winner of the Novice Championships, £200 for the BE100 Champion and £150 to the BE90 champion.

The competition starts on Saturday with the BE90 and BE100 level classes and on Sunday the Novice and Intermediate Novice classes will run. The maximum cross country fence height for the Intermediate Novice is 1.10m with the show jumping phase reaching 1.20m.

The quality of the event draws some stars of the eventing world with Louisa Milne Hume and Anna Warnecke competing regularly.

The weekend is not only about the sport but is a great social occasion as well. The park is an inviting place to visit and the show has a range of trade stands with some tasty food outlets including pizza and frozen yogurt. There is a seating area to relax and soak up the atmosphere while Borders Children’s Charity will be serving up fruit punch and strawberries and cream. Mr Keith Grieve from Belhaven has kindly donated a Child’s bicycle for the raffle.

Livy Agnew heads a huge team of volunteers and helpers all working to make the weekend a success and the trials are very kindly supported by many local businesses who provide much appreciated help. The Hendersyde team like to look after their competitors and visitors alike and welcome all to enjoy the sporting weekend.

Tweed Chiropractic will also be on hand to support the riders, volunteers and visitors.

Recently crowned Border Athletics 90 metres sprint champion Cameron Tindle of Berwick is back marker for the Morebattle Games 110 metres handicap on Saturday.

Tindle, who won the 90 metres Championship in tip top style at Langholm Games last week, has been placed on the scratch mark by handicapper Ernie Blair while Hawick speed merchant Dylan Ali, who came in a place behind Tindle in last week’s title battle, runs off three metres.

A lady runner has yet to win a sprint handicap on the Border Games circuit this season and bidding to change this on the Morebattle card are Langholm Games sprint finalist Martha Douglas (22.5m), Megan Shiel (25m), Holly McKay (25m) and Mhairi Henderson (27.5m).

Amongst a host of Border athletes set to get down on their marks for the feature Morebattle sprint are Cameron Grieve (10.5m), Darren Tomlinson (16m), Eoin Lowther (10.5m), Kevin Amos (19m), Connor Gillan (9.5m), Craig Bruce (11m), Gordon McPherson (15.5m) and Leon Ali (11.5m).

All of the competitors in the sprint also compete in a one lap handicap (266 metres).

Berwick youngster Nathan Cox of Morpeth Harriers, a runner of great ability, is off scratch in the 800, 1600 and 3200 metres handicap.

Sophie Collins of Moorfoot AC (270m) and Niamh Shaw of West Linton (270m) are the two lady representatives in the 1600 metres handicap while Kobe Stevens (45m), Jacob Adkin (50m), Andrew Thomson (110m) and Bruce Hughes (80m) are some of the Borderers in the mile.

A full programme of youth’s events completes the card.

Borders based rider Isabella Innes-Ker has been selected to represent the Great Britain Young Rider Team in the Under 21 European Eventing Championships held at Strzegom in Poland on August 27th-30th.

Bella is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, and lives at Floors Castle and is trained by Ian Stark, Andrew Hamilton and Kate Paskins, all Scottish based.

She was previously part of the U21 team in 2014, and also represented GB and won a Gold medal in the Juniors U18 Team in 2012. The two horses she has achieved this on are Carolyn, a German bred mare and Rosses Captain, an Irish bred Sports horse by Captain Clover.

Bella is sponsored by Humphrey Butler Fine Jewellery, Indigo Ivy, Northumberland Tweed, Devoucoux and Teviot Designs. She has also been supported by and received funding from Sport Scotland and Horse Scotland.

Dulux brushed off the opposition to win the Gala Cricket Club Sixes tournament on Sunday.

The firm managed to defeat Ladhope Golf Club in the final to claim the title which they deserved after winning all three games in Pool A.

The Golf Club had a less straightforward route to the final after winning an extraordinary four team bowl off.

All four sides in Pool B had the same record, including two draws in the last two games, but Stuart Yeomans hit the wickets in the bowl off to take the golfers through.

However, in a one sided final, Dulux emerged victorious.

Eight teams in total competed in the competition, with Bruce Henry of Dulux being named the tournament’s best player for his impressive batting performances.

Gala CC is now planning to make the Sixes an annual tournament again, having previously been run as the Pub Sixes before it was scrapped.

Tournament organiser Keith Irvine said: “Many thanks to all the teams who took part in a great day.

“We also have to thank the players and committee who volunteered to umpire, score, organise teams, run the bar and barbecue and prepare the pitch.

“Final thanks to Guy Frater at The Trophy Guy for the medals and best player trophy.”

Any player who enjoyed Sunday’s competition is encouraged to come along to the club on Friday nights to play for Gala Thirds, starting this Friday at 6pm.

Kelso’s march towards the Division one championship hit a bump against Heriots II at the weekend while Gala and St. Boswells made it a hat-trick of off-days for Borders sides in the East of Scotland Cricket Division One.

Kelso had threatened to run away with the first division title at one stage this season but after a blistering start the league leaders have allowed the title parade to remain on hold with stuttering performances in recent weeks.

The Shedden Park side, however, still remain favourites for the title but must win at least two of their remaining three league fixtures to guarantee success and to secure back-to-back promotions for the first time in club history.

“It was a sore one to take on Saturday but if we win two of our last three games then we are promoted, which was always the aim at the start of the season,” said Kelso Captain Dougie Wilson.

“We basically played Heriots at the worst time as they had a full squad with some real stud players while we were without a few lads due to call-offs. That being said we still managed to make a game of it and only miss out on the victory by three runs in the end.”

Batting first, Heriots fought reasonably well on a slow and damp wicket, reaching a not that momentous 118 - 9 in 45 overs. Heading into bat with dark clouds above and an increasingly slower wicket, Kelso struggled to make much of a chase as their batting order collapsed. Opener, Craig Adams, managed to put up the only real resistance, batting well and surviving until the final over but the league leaders ultimately ran out of batsmen as they were bowled all-out for 115 in an agonising three-run loss.

At the other end of the table, cellar-dwellers St. Boswells welcomed second-placed Dunnikier to a damp Green and the title challengers put on a show with bat and ball, thrashing their hosts by seven wickets.

Winning the toss, the visitors sent St. Boswells in to bat first and using a combination of spin and pace managed to skittle the home side out for a poultry 52 runs from 26 overs.

After lunch, the Kirkcaldy side wasted little time in wrapping-up the victory, taking just 17 overs to pass 52, reaching 55-3.

For fourth placed Gala their inconsistent 2015 season continued at Myreside, losing to Watsonians 2 by 34 runs in a rain interrupted contest. Batting first Watsonians took advantage of a good wicket and early mild-conditions to knock 233 all-out in 50 overs.

In reply, the Maroons could only manage 188 from 40 overs as the rain and poor conditions slowed their chase.

This weekend’s fixtures, Kelso travel to the capital to take on Watsonians II while Gala and St. Boswells square-off in a Borders derby at Netherdale.

Down in division Six Hawick recorded a five wicket victory over Kirk Brae to ensure they keep their hopes of gaining promotion alive.

Christo Beukes and Stuart Hair guided the Teri’s home within 28 overs as they chased down their target of 101. Opening bowlers Ryan Johnston and Neil Storey each claimed a wicket to reduce the visitors to 15 for two.

Kirk Brae looked to rebuild and took the score to 42 before three quick wickets put Hawick in the driving seat as they restricted the visitors to 45 for five. These wickets came through a run out with a direct hit from Phil Mactaggart before Hair and Gary Alexander each took a wicket a piece.

A rapid 39 from Afzal brought the only fightback but the final four wickets came from Beukes who took three in another excellent spell of bowling with Gary Alexander taking the final wicket as the Edinburgh men were all out for 100.

It was another solid display in the field from Euan Hair as he claimed three catches in the innings. In reply Gary and Ronan Alexander made a measured start and took the score to 23 without having any real problems before the latter was given out lbw and the former was bowled to put Hawick into a dangerous position.

With the Buccleuch Park men all out for 90 in the away game to Kirk Brae, the fact they were reduced to 54 for five brought nerves to the Hawick side as if it could happen again with another collapse. However, Beukes and Stuart Hair eased any nerves and coasted Hawick over the line as they both finished unbeaten on 35 and 28 in vital knocks.

The promotion chase took more twists and turns with leaders Old Contemptibles being defeated by Dunbar which make the last three matches even more important as Old Contemptibles, Hawick and Livingston all compete for the closely contested title.

Even by his own high standards, TLJT athlete Cameron Tindle had a very good weekend on the local and international athletics circuits last week.

Not only did the 17-year-old from Berwick win the Borders 90m Championship at Langholm Games on Friday, but the following day, representing Scotland Under-18s, he won the 100m and 200m at the 40th Anniversary Celtic Games international at Grangemouth.

Tindle recorded a championship best of 21.36 seconds in the 200m and recovered from a poor start – by his own admission – to win the 100m in 10.68.

He said: “It is the best I’ve run the distance outwith the actual start.

“For some reason I didn’t react to the gun, but actually to the others getting off the mark. So I had to make up the ground, but the main part of the race was good and I’m pleased to win for Scotland.”

Elsewhere, at Ambleside Sports on Thursday, TLJT athlete Cameron Clamp’s journey over the border was rewarded with first in the youths’ 400m.

Following their midweek clash with near neighbours Duns, Kelso United continue their East of Scotland League Cup campaign with a home meeting with Spartans on Saturday.

Looking ahead to the match, United manager Prof’ Blaikie said: “I was quite pleased with the result in our first game for getting a draw with Stirling University away from home will do me just fine.

“We have a few new boys in the squad. It’s like starting a painting with a blank canvas and I am quite excited about this.

“The squad is made up of a good blend of youth and experience and I am happy with this balance.

“I don’t know that much about Spartans this season but no doubt they will be a good side and real test for us.”

Peebles Rovers travel to Edinburgh to take on Craigroyston at St Marks Park and commenting on this encounter, Peebles manager John O’Hara says: “We got off to a poor start in getting beaten by Hawick last weekend.

“Last season however we got off to a bad start as well in losing our opening game and then went on to have a fantastic season.

“I know that we are capable of playing much better than we did against Hawick so we will just have to dust ourselves down and get on with things.”

Hawick Royal Albert also visit the capital in tackling Lothian Thistle HV. New look Hawick have added to their backroom staff in bringing in Dean Robertson, a former senior player as coach.

In the Lowland League, Vale of Leithen who have former Berwick Rangers manager Ian Little as there team boss this term, entertain Whitehill Welfare at Victoria Park.

Vale vice chairman Stuart Robertson said of the forthcoming meeting: “We lost our first game of the season 2-1 to Dalbeattie Star.

“However, we had seven players missing for various reasons and considering this we didn’t do badly at all and indeed gave Dalbeattie a good game.

“We have guys back for the Whitehill game and I think we could do well.”

Gala Fairydean Rovers square up against East Kilbride while Selkirk line up against BSC Glasgow away from home.

David Bogie and Kevin Rae won the Macdonald and Munro Speyside stages in Elgin, the sixth round of the 2015 ARR Craib Scottish Rally Championship

The Dumfries driver and his Jedburgh co-driver beat their closest rivals Jock Armstrong and Paula Swinscoe by 50 seconds after nine special stages.

However, they did not have it all their own way in their Fiesta R5+ as Jock Armstrong and Paula Swinscoe pressed them hard in their Subaru Impreza taking second overall and the final podium spot went to Inverness Crew Donnie Macdonald and Andrew Falconer in their Culloden Car sales Mitsubishi Evo 9.

Finishing in 13th place and first in class 6, Malton driver Steve Bannister and Jedburgh co-driver Dave Robson were first in the two wheel category in their Ford Escort MK 2.

Hawick’s Ian Baumgart with Mike Dickson of Gala on the notes, finished 17th overall in his Subaru Impreza while Jedburgh co-driver Alasdair McIlroy partnered Ullapool driver Steven Bellshaw to 43rd and second in class in a Peugeot 205GTi.

Jedburgh’s Paul Wood was on the notes for Glasgow driver Douglas Cameron but they retired their Peugeot 205GTi on the third stage with mechanical problems.

A new generation of karate black belts has been born in the Borders, and the squad of five are the youngest yet to be developed by local 6th Dan Martin Brownlee.

Shannon Atkinson, 17, Steven Wittet, 17, Jack Templeton, 16, Matthew Wight, 15, and Lewis Watt, 14, underwent 12 months of highly-intensive preparation to achieve their first black belt gradings – and for all five it was well worth the effort.

“I have been doing karate since I was five and when it was suggested to me that I take the grading it just seemed like a natural progression,” said Shannon, who hails from Hawick and has just left high school to take up mental health studies at Borders College.

“Yes, it meant a lot of hard work for all of us, but we get on great as a group and I think that knowing that we were all going through the same thing helped us support one another, too.

“Someone is always getting ribbed at sometime or other by the others, but when it comes to it we all stick together and help one another out. I will definitely be looking to do more gradings in the future.”

Lewis is the youngest in the group, but does not think that he has had to work any harder than the rest and has just taken everything in his stride, even the three-hour-long dan grading sessions the group had to undertake, along with their usual training sessions.

“I really enjoy learning the different techniques and then demonstrating them along with the others,” said the Galashiels Academy pupil.

Jack is also from Galashiels, Matthew, from Peebles, and Lewis, from Bowden.

“I think we have all benefitted in our own way from the discipline that karate installs and should benefit from that whatever life should throw at us,” said Jack.

All five teenagers have been part of Martin Brownlee’s Borders’ Karate Federation from a young age and were specially selected by the man who became the highest-ranked instructor in the region in 2008.

“This particular group have been with us since they were about five years old and have came up through all the gradings to junior black belt,” he said.

“For people of that age to then achieve a senior black belt is pretty rare, and this group is really quite exceptional.”

Also instrumental in this most recent success were 3rd Dan Alan Murray, 1st Dan Darren Davies and Hawick instructor Malcolm Elliot.

Former European champion and karate professional Douglas Fowler, 7th Dan, carried out the grading.

Brownlee said: “It has taken a lot of time and effort from everyone involved to get them this far and everyone is really happy that they have made it.

“Traditional (non- combat) karate is a discipline that takes a lot of effort, sweat and sometimes even tears to perfect, but if you stay the course you will be successful and hopefully reap many benefits from it, including fitness and self-discipline.”

The Borders Karate Club meets at Galashiels Academy on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Call 01896 756326 for more information.

The eight-year council tax freeze may have saved Band D householders in the Borders £1,151, but it has come at the expense of local democracy.

That is the view of Councillor Catriona Bhatia, the only Borders representative on the independent commission set up by the Scottish Government last year to review alternatives to council tax as a means of funding local government.

The Lib Dem member for Tweeddale East said this week that she was “very concerned” about the impact of the freeze on the property-based tax which funds around 20% of Scottish Borders Council’s revenue spending.

“Firstly, it disproportionately benefits those in higher-banded properties and therefore people who are better off, so the freeze has not been progressive,” said Mrs Bhatia.

“Secondly, and more importantly, the effective setting of council tax by central government takes away the main element of accountability for local elected councillors.”

And in a swipe at the SNP administration at Holyrood, she added: “I find it very difficult to understand why a government, which is so keen to have full fiscal autonomy for Scotland, has effectively removed that democratic link at local government level.”

The £1,151 figure was revealed in a written parliamentary answer by finance minister John Swinney who said the average saving for Band D householders across Scotland’s 32 local authorities since the freeze was introduced was “around £1,200”. He added that the freeze had been “fully funded”, thanks to an additional £70million provided to councils by the Scottish Government.

Mrs Bhatia’s commission is considering a range of options, including the retention of a property-based tax, but with more tax bands and allied to a revaluation of house prices, a PAYE-based local income tax and a land value tax.

“I know none of us really like to pay tax, but it is important our local services such as schools, roads and homecare are properly funded and that the Borders public is able to hold its locally-elected representatives to account for how they raise income and spend it,” said Mrs Bhatia.

“With the Scottish Government elections in May next year, there will undoubtedly be a choice of how the council tax is going to change.”

She revealed that her commission was meeting tomorrow (Friday) when details of a feedback gathering public meeting in the Borders, scheduled for next month, would be finalised.

Continued improvements achieved by Scottish Borders Council’s planning service have been reported to the Scottish Government.

It is anticipated that when performance measures are analysed, the council will see an improvement compared to the 2013/14 report, which rated nine areas ‘green’, three ‘amber’, and one ‘red’. This year, ten green ratings and three amber are expected.

Councillor Ron Smith, executive member for planning and environment, said: “While last year’s response from the Scottish Government to our planning performance framework was generally very good, there were some areas which required further work, and I am delighted that the department has progressed well in this respect and hopefully that will be reflected in the ratings achieved this year.”

The average time to decide planning applications fell in 2014/15, the council has reported to the Scottish Government. This includes the average time to decide major applications (eg wind farms and major housing developments), falling from 73.3 weeks in 13/14 to 30.9 weeks last year.

In addition, local non-householder developments and householder developments saw reductions in average decision-making timescales.

The year to the end of March 2015 also saw a reduction in the number of applications over a year old in the system – known as legacy cases. Almost 200 were cleared, an increase of 15 per cent on the previous year, with just over 200 left in the system.

The high number of legal agreements the council enters into in respect of its development contributions policy continues to have an impact on processing times for applications.

The time taken to determine applications subject to a legal agreement has fallen from 99 weeks in 2012/13 to 62.7 weeks in 2014/15 – 47.6 weeks when pre-2009 legacy cases are removed from the figures.

caddonfoot

Parish church

The moderator of Melrose and Peebles presbytery, Fraser Simm, plans to visit as many church services as he can during his year in office – and on Sunday he kicked off with a visit to morning worship held at Caddonfoot Parish Church. Mr Simm, a member and treasurer of St Mary of Wedale in Stow and Heriot, was accompanied by his wife, Nettie. Mr Simm is taking a year out as presbytery treasurer.

During the service, Mr Simm read from the Bible, as did Margaret Blyth, who also conducted prayers. Music was played by Andy and Catriona Bird. Starting on September 2, weekly Bible study evenings run on Wednesdays from 7.30-8.30pm at the manse in Galashiels.

crailing

Whist

The whist session which was to have been held this week has been changed to August 12 at 7pm.

Denholm

RNLI award

A member of the former Hawick and Denholm branch of the RNLI – Giles Passmore, Burnside Cottage, Loaning – has received the charity’s Silver Medal.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

Quartet

Last Friday the village hall hosted the Keats Quartet and a capacity crowd was treated to a mixed programme of classical, show music and Beatles songs, among others. The evening reached a climax with a Scottish section which

brought the audience to their feet, demanding an encore.

Folk singer

August 28 sees the return to the hall of Kieran Halpin, an Irish folk singer. Tickets from Linda on 01750 52257.

galashiels

Trinity church

The Reverend Elspeth Harley once more conducted the service on Sunday morning, with Dorothy Howden on the piano. The Bible readings were delivered by Alastair Bell. Owing to Elspeth having developed a sore throat, Marette Hose led the congregation in prayers. Session clerk Bill Cheyne announced that the coffee morning which was held in the hall on Saturday morning raised £222.

glendouglas

Lunch club

The next gathering will be on August 12 (11.30am-1.30pm). All welcome to come along and enjoy a bowl of soup.

hawick

RNLI award

A member of the former Hawick and Denholm branch of the RNLI – Roy Veitch, Lindisfarne Lodge, Stirches Road – has received the charity’s Gold Medal.

Book sale

Hawick Book Sale – a new event which aims to promote the works of local authors, writers and poets – will take place at the Border Club, North Bridge Street, on August 8 (noon- 3pm). There will be work by a range of people, including Alastair Redpath, Derek Robertson, Thomas Clark, Sara Clark and Iain MacIntosh. The gathering has the backing of Teviotdale Writers’ Forum. If this initial event proves a success, there are hopes to make it permanent in order to encourage people of all ages to begin their writing careers.

Innerleithen

Church

The service on August 9 will be at 11.30am.

JEDBURGH

St John’s Church

With the retirement of the Reverend David Dalglish after six years in September, the vestry and congregation face a period of interregnum until a new rector is appointed. St John’s will endeavour to maintain links with primary and secondary schools in the town, for visits and outreach in the community. The Messy Church annual outing, or fun day, is on August 14. During the period without a rector, four members of the congregation are authorised to administer the chalice at holy communion services. Two members able to lead services, sacristans, sidesmen and other helpers, along with visiting priests, will enable services to continue. Choral evensong will be celebrated at 6pm on August 16, and August 22 sees the annual Jedburgh Churches Together outing to Morpeth – contact any church member for details. Mr Dalglish’s last service will held at 10.30am on September 13 when the Creation Tapestry, stitched by Barbara Dalglish as a gift to St John’s, will be dedicated. After this service a celebratory lunch is being held in Glendouglas community hall at 1pm for the congregation and friends to show their thanks and appreciation of Mr Dalglish’s work. Anyone who has had an association with him during his ministry in Jedburgh is welcome to attend –contact Marion Anderson or Elizabeth Martin. The congregation will continue to welcome all to services at 9.30am and 10.30am on Sundays.

kelso

Bridge club

July 29 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Ian Watson & Alison Ireland; 2, Lesley Dick & Lynda Douglas; 3, Val Johnstone & Mary Millar; E/W – 1, Archie Stewart & Billy Potts; 2, Christine & Ian McCreath; 3, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger. July 30 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Nancy Porter & Jock Dun; 2, James Duncan & Ged McIvor; 3, Jon Bridger & Gerry Eglington; E/W – 1, Mary & Nigel Lindsay; 2, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; 3, Annie Mitchell & John Loudon.

SPORTKelso

The next meeting is on August 18 in the Planet Youth Centre (adjoining the curling rink) at 8pm. All representatives of sporting clubs in the Kelso area welcome, as are self-employed fitness professionals, coaches, sports volunteers, parents and individual athletes who may not be attached to a particular club. Contact Lynn Young for more information on 07805 034932 or yfit40@aol.com. SPORTKelso’s annual 2 Bridges race is on September 20 at 11am at Shedden Park. Registration is from 10am. Entry forms available via Lynn Young (07805 034932 or yfit40@aol.com).

Langholm

Simmer Fair

It was fine and dry on the Simmer Fair Night (Thursday) and a large crowd assembled in the Market Place to be entertained by Langholm Town Band, and they were later joined by the Pipe Band to play a few selections. Cornet Fletcher and his Right and Left-hand Men, ex-Cornets Irving and Cavers, were joined early on Thursday evening by the Common Riding committee to inspect the floral crown made by Les Murray, and the giant thistle chosen from the garden of Robert Warwick. The flute and pipe bands went to the Townfoot to meet= “the last train” at 9 pm. The railway closed in 1964, but the tradition remains. They then played up the High Street and round the streets of the town, along with rows of enthusiastic followers.

lauder

Common riding sports

Sunday Fun Day Sports – Flat Races – 3 and under, Jackson Ransom; Boys 4&5, Rory Gibb; Girls 4&5, Evie Hogg; Boys 6&7, Neco Lennie; Girls 6&7, Lexie Craig; Boys 8&9, Lucas Henveld; Girls 8&9, Tilly Lakie; Boys 10-12, Kit McRitchie; Girls 10-12, Jessica Donald. Egg & Spoon – 3 and under, Jackson Ransom; Boys 4&5, Rory Gibb; Girls 4&5, Evie Hogg; Boys 6&7, Neco Lennie; Girls 6&7, Elle Lennox; Boys 8&9, Lucas Henveld; Girls 8&9, Ellyn Wilkinson; Boys 10-12, Max Lennox; Girls 10-12, Rhianan Girling. Sack Race – 3 and under, Keira Lennie; Boys 4&5, Rory Gibb; Girls 4&5, Amy Martin; Boys 6&7, Neco Lennie; Girls 6&7, Elle Lennox; Boys 8&9, Leo Lennox; Girls 8&9, Tilly Lakie; Boys 10-12, Max Lennox; Girls 10-12, Abigail Anderson. Three-Legged Race – 3 and under, Jackson Ramson & A. N. Other; Boys 4&5, Rory Gibb & Harry Brady; Boys 6&7, Neco Lennie & Lewis Robertson; Girls 6&7, Lexie Craig & Evie Lakie; Boys 8&9, Callum Baxter & Cameron Couper; Girls 8&9, Sophie Miller & Ellyn Wilkinson; Boys 10-12, Kai Lennie & Ben Hawkins; Girls 10-12, Ruby Skye Forrester & Joanne Douglas; Joint winners of Woodheads Shield, Rory Gibb and Neco Lennie.

Fancy dress

Common riding fancy dress – Boys under 5, The Kelpies - Hector Emmerson; Girls under 5, Teddy Bears picnic - Iona Ritchie; Boys 5&6, Lego man - Rory Gibb; Girls 5&6, Fairy Biker - Petra Willen; Boys 7-9, Shark - Lewis Brown; Girls 7-9, Box of Tricks - Megan Henry; couples under 10, The Princess and the Pea - Imopgen McRitchie and Theo Taylor; groups under 10, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party - The Batchelors; Boys 10-15, Tot an’ Come in - Lewis Jeffs; Girls 10-15, Simpsons - Hannah & Bailey; couples 10-15, Lauder’s Got Cup Cakes - Verity McBride and Anna Mirley; best family group, Jubilee Cornet - Gail and Max Hogg; best-dressed lady, French Minion - Sandy Boa; best-dressed gent, All the Way from the Arctic - Mike Whellans; adult couples, Strictly Dancers - Linda Hogarth and Liz Coutts; adult groups, Last Chance Saloon - Pam Forsyth and Friends; best

Turn to page 38

From page 37

vehicle, Noah’s Ark - Wilsons, Strangeways and Friends.

z Lauder Common Riding picture special – pages 40-45.

makerstoun

Gardens

The Makerstoun gardens competition was held on Sunday. The judge, Mrs Michael Charles, was accompanied by Lady Mary Biddulph. Results – vegetables and cup – 1, Ian Little (the postie); 2, Nick Biddulph; 3, Geordie Duncan; 4, Kenny, Wester Muirdean. Best cottage – 1, Geordie and Joan Duncan; 2, Kenny and Pamela, Wester Muirdean; 3, Mr and Mrs Dorsett, 1 Manorhill. Best all-year-round cup – 1, John and Anne Piercy, Park House; 2, Andy and Barbara Carter, East Dalcove House; 3, Kirsty Baird, Walled Garden, Manorhill. Junior cup – 1, Jonah Wyatt, Greatridgehall; highly commended – Ian and Avril Dixon, Sucklawridge, Steward’s House. Best improver – Jamie Wyatt, Greatridgehall. Tallest sunflower – Ian Little. The presentations will be made in the village hall at the October social night.

melrose

Parish church

August 9 services – Bowden, 9.30am; Melrose, 11am.

Trimontium station

“Here then was the Roman station for which General Roy had searched,” said James Curle, describing how he uncovered the wide base of the huge rampart of Trimontium fort. The impending arrival of the railway at Tweedbank is a reminder of the description that historians and guide books of the day gave to Roman forts and installations – “Roman stations”. Perhaps that’s a link that Trimontium should have spotted earlier. The people at Wallsend and the Metro station at Gateshead seized their Hadrian’s Wall opportunity for decoration. The walkers on Tuesday last week were drookit (and the guide had to change clothes), while Thursday’s weather was kinder. The Antonine Wall trip is on August 8. Trimontium walks are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1.30pm, Sundays (from Newstead) at 2pm.

NHS meeting

NHS Borders board will hold a public meeting today (Thursday) in the authority’s boardroom in Newstead, 3-5pm.

morebattle

Lunch club

Twenty members and helpers enjoyed tea at Mayfield Garden Centre, Kelso, during their summer outing.

Festival Week

Festival Week kicked off with a five-a-side football tournament organised by Eric McNulty when 22 players turned up. Winners – Liam Burke, Jamie Heppell, Callum Banks, Joe Flannigan, Kyle Scott, Charlie Scott, Sam Johnstone. Runner-up – Andrew Scott, Jason Scott, Graeme Lang, Ewan Hutchison, Greg Cessford, Archie Barbour, Bradley Adams, Daniel Anderson. Games Queen Kym Cessford presented the medals. A new venture this year took place on Saturday night when a car treasure hunt, organised by Craig and Michelle Anderson, and involving 12 vehicles cars, was held. Winners – Team Minions (Tim, Denise, Sasha and Luke Jackson, and Catherine Mabon). Runner-up – Team Crap (Keith Wilson, Helen Fletcher, Drew and Gail Gibson).

Sunday Family Day

Races, side shows and boules were enjoyed by all. Results – welly throwing – girls, Kym Cessford; boys, Charles Lang; ladies, Denise Jackson; gents, Stan Scott. Penalty kicks – junior, Kyle Scott; senior, Nicole Di Lorenzo. Boules – Greg Cessford. Number of sweets – Alan Thomson. Treasure hunt – Elliot Murray.

newtown

Stock judging

Ettrick and Lauderdale JAC is hosting an open stock judging at John Swan’s auction mart on August 12 (7pm for 7.30pm). Food and refreshments will be available.

PEEBLES

Dance day

The Fiona Henderson School of Dance and Performing Arts is holding an open day at the Eastgate Theatre on August 8 (10am-4pm).

Parking charges

New charges at three car parks in Peebles will come into force on August 1. At Edinburgh Road, the revised fees for Saturday only will see motorists pay 20p for the first two hours. Meanwhile, at the Greenside and swimming pool parks, the first four hours of a stay between Monday and Saturday will also have a 20p charge. The changes are being made after a decision at Tweeddale Area Forum in May, which followed recommendations made by the Tweeddale Area Forum Parking Sub-Group. Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, said: “The introduction of a nominal 20p charge at these car parks has been made to avoid confusion and will ensure motorists understand that a ticket has to be displayed during charging periods.”

Traquair

Service

There will be a Songs of Praise service held in Traquair Kirk on Sunday, August 9, at 6.30pm.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be held on Sunday, August 16, starting at 10am.

yetholm

Golden Ticket

Sheila Jeffrey and Angela Lyall, who come from the village, will be among the first to travel along the new 35-mile long Borders Railway in September. They were awarded Golden Tickets for their service to the community in the post office and delivering the mail.

cricket

Saturday, august 1

ESCA Division One

Heriots 2 (20) beat Kelso (7) by 3 runs. At Goldenacre

Heriots 2

S Knox c MI Henderson b SD Patterson 9

C Goddard c MI Henderson b GJ Davidson 21

S Clinton Baker b SD Patterson 2

B Ashraf lbw b SD Patterson 8

R More st MI Henderson b C Davidson 29

C McDougall c MI Henderson b GJ Davidson 3

M Shean c D Wilson b GJ Davidson 13

JA Penman b GJ Davidson 0

A Farooq b TH Grindell 8

G Singh Not Out 16

J Sinclair Not Out 3

Extras 2b 1lb 5w 1nb 9

TOTAL for 9 wkts (45 ovs) 118

Bowling: JW Gibson 0-28, SD Patterson 3-8, C Adams 0-22, GJ Davidson 4-15, C Davidson 1-25, TH Grindell 1-17.

Kelso

D Wilson Run Out (S Knox) 9

C Adams c A Farooq b S Clinton Baker 67

TH Grindell lbw b M Shean 0

SD Patterson lbw b M Shean 1

P Dunkley b G Singh 3

MI Henderson c&b G Singh 8

GJ Davidson c M Shean b G Singh 0

JW Gibson b A Farooq 16

I Flannigan Run Out (C McDougall) 4

C Davidson Not Out 0

M Scott c JA Penman b S Clinton Baker 0

Extras 2b 2lb 2w 1nb 7

TOTAL All Out (45 ovs) 115

Bowling: A Farooq 1-16, C McDougall 0-11, M Shean 2-16, G Singh 3-24, S Clinton Baker 2-31, B Ashraf 0-13.

Dunnikier (20) beat St Boswells (2) by 7 wkts. At The Green

St Boswells

J Goodman lbw b M Fareed 0

C McNeill b S Rowley 29

S Broom lbw b M Safi 2

R Young c F Rafi b M Fareed 3

R Graham c F Rafi b M Fareed 1

J Broom b M Safi 0

S Marshall b M Safi 0

S Laidlaw c S Mohammed b M Sharif 3

R Elms Run Out (M Sharif) 2

J Flynn Not Out 4

R Borthwick b S Rowley 1

Extras 2b 3lb 2w 7

TOTAL All Out (26.1 ovs) 52

Bowling: M Fareed 3-15, M Safi 3-14, M Sharif 1-18, S Rowley 2-0.

Dunnikier

A Yousaf b J Goodman 6

S Rowley Not Out 12

T Aziz b J Goodman 0

F Rafi Run Out (J Flynn) 13

S Mohammed Not Out 20

Extras 1lb 2w 3

TOTAL for 3 wkts (17 ovs) 55

Bowling: J Goodman 2-30, S Marshall 0-24.

Watsonians 2 (20) beat Gala (9) by 34 runs (ELC). At Myreside

Watsonians 2

R Murray c R Irvine b Mein24

A Thompson run out23

A Cockburn c Jones b Moir 61

K Rae lbw b Jones 74

B Fox b Tharanga 21

E Robertson lbw b Jones 3

F Hutchison run out 11

R Evans b Moir 3

C MacPherson c J Irvine b Moir 0

N Yelland not out 2

C Wilsdon b Tharanga 2

Extras:11

Total for 10 wickets 233

Bowling: D Tharanga 2-40, D Moir 3-38, G Ormiston 0-26, G Mein 1-38, J Halls 0-33, M Jones 2-53.

Gala

G Ormiston c MacPherson b Wilson 0

J Halls lbw b Yelland 2

J Irvine c MacPherson b Wilsdon 17

D Millar b Rae 35

D Tharanga b Hutchison 44

M Jones b Hutchison 2

K Gallagher st MacPherson b Murray 37

G Mein b Yelland 34

R Irvine not out 6

D Moir b Yelland 0

Extras11

TOTAL for 9 wickets 188

Bowling: C Wilsdon 2-14, N Yelland 3-42, E Robertson 0-30, F Hutchison 2-19, K Rae 1-41, B Fox 0-10, R Murray 1-30.

P W T L pts %

Kelso 15 11 1 3 251 83.67

*Dunnikier 10 9 0 1 147 73.50

Musselburgh 13 7 0 6 185 71.16

Gala 14 7 1 6 194 69.29

Heriots 2 12 7 0 5 164 68.34

+Watsonians 2 13 5 1 7 160 61.54

East Knights U18 5 2 0 3 60 60.00

Edinburgh Accies 12 5 0 7 138 57.50

West Lothian 14 6 0 8 151 53.93

Edinburgh South 16 5 0 11 151 47.19

#St Boswells 12 2 1 9 77 32.09

*deducted 40 points - from last season

+deducted 5 points - late and incomplete match return

#deducted 5 points - default on day of game (rule 15.4)& conceded 1 match

Saturday’s fixtures: Dunnikier v Musselburgh, Edinburgh Accies v Heriots 2, Gala v St Boswells, Watsonians 2 v Kelso, West Lothian v Edinburgh South. Sunday: Edinburgh Accies v Eastern Knights Under 18.

ESCA Division three

Kirk Brae (20) beat Selkirk (3) by 114 runs. At Double Hedges

Kirk Brae

D Sangster Not Out 104

A Qazi c R Banks b J Graham 57

M Gandhe Not Out 57

Extras 9b 4lb 7w 2nb 22

TOTAL for 1 wkt (45 ovs) 240

Bowling: K Paterson 0-33, J Reid 0-49, R Banks 0-40, J Everitt 0-39, J Graham 1-44, A Massie 0-8, B Gillie 0-15.

Selkirk

J Everitt c B Smith b V Gupta 39

J Graham b B Smith 2

R Banks c B Pearse b V Gupta 21

K Paterson Not Out 30

J Reid b K Shahzad 19

B Gillie b K Shahzad 0

A Massie Run Out (A Ghafoor) 1

M Ford c&b B Smith 3

Extras 4b 3lb 2w 2nb 11

TOTAL All Out (41.5 ovs) 126

Bowling: K Shahzad 2-10, B Smith 2-21, Us Tahir 0-21, K Blake 0-19, V Gupta 2-25, A Ghafoor 0-21, M Gandhe 0-3.

P W T L pts %

RHC 2 14 10 0 4 232 82.86

Kirk Brae 14 10 0 4 227 81.08

Drummond Trinity 14 10 0 4 224 80.00

Carlton 3 15 8 0 7 213 71.00

MDAFS 2 13 7 0 6 177 68.08

Selkirk 13 6 0 7 146 56.16

Boroughmuir 14 5 0 9 146 52.15

Dunf & Carnegie 14 5 0 9 142 50.72

Haddington 14 4 0 10 141 50.36

Leith FAB 15 5 0 10 137 45.67

Saturday’s fixtures: Boroughmuir v Selkirk, Carlton 3 v Drummond Trinity, Haddington v Dunfermline & Carnegie, Leith FAB v Kirk Brae, MDAFS 2 v RHC 2.

ESCA Division five

Stirling Co 3 v Peebles County. Match cancelled - rain

P W T L pts %

*Edinburgh CC 2 12 10 0 2 211 87.92

Tranent 13 11 0 2 227 87.31

MDAFS 3 15 12 0 3 254 84.67

Heriots 3 12 6 0 6 158 65.84

+Preston Village 13 7 0 6 169 65.00

Stirling Co 3 10 4 0 6 114 57.00

+Peebles County 13 5 0 8 134 51.54

Drummond Trin 2 14 4 0 10 144 51.43

Edinburgh Ac 2 14 4 0 10 133 47.50

**Falkland 3 14 2 0 12 80 28.58

*deducted 5 points - scorebook inaccuracies

**conceded 2 matches +conceded 1 match

Saturday’s fixtures: Drummond Trinity 2 v Edinburgh CC 2, Edinburgh Ac 2 v Peebles County, Falkland 3 v Stirling Co 3, Preston Village v Heriots 3, Tranent v MDAFS 3.

ESCA Division six

Hawick & Wilton (20) beat Kirk Brae 2 (5) by 5 wkts. At Buccleuch Park

Kirk Brae 2

H Rasheed c C Beukes b R Johnston 4

I Ul Hassan c P MacTaggart b N Storey 9

H Raja c E Hair b C Beukes 17

D Ponala Run Out (P MacTaggart) 6

A Bansode c E Hair b G Alexander 4

M Raja c E Hair b S Hair 1

R Afzal c P MacTaggart b C Beukes 39

P Shetty c B MacTaggart b C Beukes 4

U Tahir Not Out 6

G Batchelor c A Moffat b G Alexander 1

Extras 2lb 4w 3nb 9

TOTAL All Out (27.4 ovs) 100

Bowling: R Johnston 1-21, N Storey 1-18, C Beukes 3-4, S Hair 1-27, G Alexander 2-8.

Hawick & Wilton

G Alexander b H Raja 11

R Alexander lbw b H Rasheed 5

C Beukes Not Out 35

A Moffat c A Bansode b H Rasheed 0

P MacTaggart b H Rasheed 4

E Hair b U Tahir 6

S Hair Not Out 28

Extras 9b 1lb 2nb 12

TOTAL for 5 wkts (28 ovs) 101

Bowling: D Ponala 0-24, H Raja 1-14, H Rasheed 3-26, U Tahir 1-19, A Bansode 0-8.

Melrose (20) beat Dunfermline & Carnegie 2 (1) by 9 wkts. At Melrose

Dunfermline & Carnegie 2

G Coles c S Hosney b R Ward 1

B Pearson c J Loftus b R Ward 23

S Panaganti c C Howard b D King 4

K Ross c L Gaddie b J Loftus 11

Doug Petrie c B Scott b J Loftus 0

C Hill c J Loftus b D King 2

J P arsonage b D King 2

J Honeyford b J Loftus 0

C Harris b J Loftus 1

A Payne Not Out 0

Extras 1b 2lb 6w 9

TOTAL All Out (20.2 ovs) 53

Bowling: T Brown 0-13, R Ward 2-22, J Loftus 4-8, D King 3-7.

Melrose

M Adam Not Out 26

D Rhatigan b S Panaganti 0

S Hosney Not Out 27

Extras 1b 2w 3

TOTAL for 1 wkt (9.2 ovs) 56

Bowling: S Panaganti 1-15, G Coles 0-15, C Hill 0-4, B Pearson 0-14, C Harris 0-7.

P W T L pts %

OCCC 13 11 0 2 233 89.62

Hawick & Wilton 10 8 0 2 174 87.00

Livingston 2 11 8 0 3 176 80.00

Dunbar 13 8 0 5 194 74.62

SMRH 3 13 7 0 6 188 72.31

Kirk Brae 2 13 6 0 7 157 60.39

**Melrose 12 6 0 6 139 57.92

+Teuchters 11 5 0 6 118 53.64

Boroughmuir 2 13 1 0 12 80 30.77

*Dunf & Car 2 13 1 0 12 51 19.62

*deducted 5 points - late match return & conceded 3 matches

**conceded 2 matches +conceded 1 match

Saturday’s fixtures: Dunfermline & Carnegie 2 v Dunbar, Kirk Brae 2 v Melrose, Livingston 2 v Boroughmuir 2, OCCC v Teuchters, SMRH 3 v Hawick & Wilton.

bowls

monday, July 27

border league division 1

Jedburgh 85 - 71 Kelso A

Wilton A 75 - 80 Selkirk

P W d L F a pts

Hawick A 15 12 0 3 1291 1131 24

Melrose 13 11 0 2 1098 904 22

Jedburgh 15 9 0 6 1238 1135 18

Waverley A 13 8 0 5 1137 971 16

Abbotsford A 14 8 0 6 1185 1078 16

Wilton A 16 8 0 8 1348 1255.5 16

Earlston 15 8 0 7 1192.5 1176 16

Kelso A 14 5 0 9 1100 1178 10

St Ronans 15 3 0 12 1071 1322 6

Selkirk 16 1 0 15 1023 1533 2

Fixtures: Wednesday, August 12 (7pm): Abbotsford A v Selkirk, Earlston v Kelso A, Jedburgh v Melrose, St Ronans v Hawick A, Wilton A v Waverley A.

border league division 2

Ancrum 89 - 68 Stow

Newtown 105 - 53 Buccleuch

Peebles 70.5 - 74 Gala A

border b league

Gala B 0 - 10 Hawick B

P W d L F a pts

Wilton B 9 7 0 2 503 380.7 14

Kelso B 9 7 0 2 468 400 14

Hawick B 10 6 0 4 496.5 535 12

Waverley B 9 5 0 4 415.2 441 10

Abbotsford B 9 3 0 6 437 463 6

Gala B 10 0 0 10 0 100 0

Fixture: Thursday, August 13 (7pm): Wilton B v Kelso B.

tuesday, july 28

border senior league

Abbotsford 54 - 30 Newtown

Earlston/Melrose 62 - 60 Buccleuch

Gala 48 - 55 Hawick

St Ronans 52 - 62 Wilton

P W d L F a pts

Earlston/Melrose 16 12 0 4 949 831 24

Wilton 16 10 0 6 951 763 20

Selkirk/Ett Forest 15 10 0 5 863 775 20

St Ronans 16 10 0 6 909 856 20

Jedburgh 15 9 1 5 908 733 19

Gala 15 9 1 5 731 689 19

Kelso 15 9 0 6 736 729 18

Buccleuch 16 8 0 8 842 889 16

Abbotsford 16 5 0 11 794 907 10

Hawick 16 5 0 11 813 946 10

Newtown 15 3 1 11 745 875 7

Peebles 15 1 1 13 627 875 3

Fixtures: Tuesday, August 11 (11am): Abbotsford v Hawick, Gala v Buccleuch, Kelso v Earlston/Melrose, Newtown v Selkirk/Ettrick Forest, Peebles v Wilton, St Ronans v Jedburgh.

monday, august 3

border league division 2

Ettrick Forest 10 - 0 Lauder

P W d L F a pts

Ancrum 13 12 0 1 1341 775.5 24

Ettrick Forest 13 12 0 1 1045 857.7 24

Gala A 13 8 0 5 1088 951.2 16

Newtown 13 7 0 6 882 1007.7 14

Peebles 13 5 0 8 825.7 917.2 10

Buccleuch 13 4 0 9 776.5 1024 8

Lauder 13 2 0 11 606.1 799.5 4

Stow 13 2 0 11 904.7 1136.2 4

dr lightbody knockout plate quarter-finals

Fixtures: Wednesday, August 12 (6.30pm): Abbotsford B v Kelso B, Wilton B v Gala B.

Football

Saturday, August 1

Ferrari Packaging Lowland League

Dalbeattie Star 2 Vale Of Leithen 1

East Kilbride 2 BSC Glasgow 1

Edinburgh City 3 Gretna 2008 0

Preston Athletic 0 Gala Fairydean Rovers 3

Selkirk FC 2 Edinburgh University 0

Whitehill Welfare 1 Threave Rovers 2

University Of Stirling 1 Spartans 1

P W D L F A Pts

Edinburgh City 1 1 0 0 3 0 3

Gala FR 1 1 0 0 3 0 3

Selkirk 1 1 0 0 2 0 3

Dalbeattie Star 1 1 0 0 2 1 3

East Kilbride 1 1 0 0 2 1 3

Threave Rovers 1 1 0 0 2 1 3

Spartans 1 0 1 0 1 1 1

Univ of Stirling 1 0 1 0 1 1 1

Cumbernauld Clts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BSC Glasgow 1 0 0 1 1 2 0

Vale of Leithen 1 0 0 1 1 2 0

Whitehill Welfare 1 0 0 1 1 2 0

Edinburgh Univ 1 0 0 1 0 2 0

Gretna 2008 1 0 0 1 0 3 0

Preston Athletic 1 0 0 1 0 3 0

Fixtures: Saturday, August 8 (3pm): BSC Glasgow v Selkirk; Cumbernauld Colts v Edinburgh City; Gala Fairydean Rovers v East Kilbride; Gretna 2008 v University of Stirling; Spartans v Dalbeattie Star; Threave Rovers v Preston Athletic; Vale of Leithen v Whitehill Welfare.

Wednesday, August 12 (7.45pm unless otherwise stated): Dalbeattie Star v Gretna 2008 (7.15pm); East Kilbride v Threave Rovers; Edinburgh City v Gala Fairydean Rovers; Preston Athletic v Edinburgh University; Selkirk v Spartans (7.15pm); University of Stirling v Cumbernauld Colts; Whitehill Welfare v BSC Glasgow (7.15pm).

EAST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE

Qualifying League Section A

Civil Service Strollers 5 Tynecastle 4

Burntisland Shipyard 1 Eyemouth United 1

Qualifying League Section B

Lothian Thistle HV 3 Craigroyston 0

Peebles Rovers 0 Hawick Royal Albert 1

Qualifying League Section C

Stirling University Res. 1 Kelso United 1

Spartans Res. 7 Duns 2

Qualifying League Section D

Coldstream 1 Leith Athletic 3

Ormiston 4 Heriot-Watt University 3

Tuesday, August 4

EAST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE

Qualifying League Section B

Peebles Rovers 3 Lothian Thistle HV 3

Hawick Royal Albert 1 Craigroyston 2

Qualifying League Section D

Coldstream 3 Ormiston 0

Leith Athletic 2 Heriot Watt University 0

Fixtures: Saturday, August 8: Qualifying League Section A – Burntisland Shipyard v Tynecastle; Eyemouth United v Civil Service Strollers. Qualifying League Section B – Craigroyston v Peebles Rovers; Lothian Thistle HV v Hawick Royal Albert. Qualifying League Section C – Duns v Stirling University Reserves; Kelso United v Spartans Reserves. Qualifying League Section D – Heriot-Watt University v Coldstream; Leith Athletic v Ormiston.

Lauder’s Blinkbonny Quarry/Express Tyres sidecar team of Stephen Kershaw and Rob Wilson (far right of picture) have reclaimed their third position in the British F1 Championship.

Last weekend, the pair made the trip to Hampshire for round seven which took place on the 2.3-mile Thruxton circuit.

Lying in fourth place, only three-and-a-half points from third-placed Roger Lovelock and Aki Alto, the local duo were third in qualifying, averaging 105mph, to take their best ever position on the grid for Saturday’s two races, finishing third in both. On Sunday a three-way fight for second place saw them narrowly losing out on another podium with a fourth-place finish.

The Lauder lads are now back into third overall, 38.5 points ahead of their nearest rivals.

Visit www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk to read more on this.

The next round is in seven weeks at the TT circuit of Assen in the Netherlands.

Sporting digest

Bowling

Abbotsford

On Tuesday, the seniors had a home fixture against Newtown. The match was played in persistent rain and both clubs agreed to finish after the minimum 11 ends were completed. At this point Abbotsford had three triples ahead for a 54-30 win, thus ending a long run of defeats.

The highest-up triple for Abbotsford was Bert Adamson, Stuart Aitchison and John Manczak.

On Wednesday the A team returned to Melrose and were hoping for another win following the narrow victory in the knock-out cup on the previous Friday. Once again there was little to separate the two teams and while Melrose held a slight lead for the bulk of the match, Abbotsford gained enough shots in the final two ends for a 77-75 victory. Highest-up rink for Abbotsford was that of Alan Howlieson, Calum Todd, John Manczak and Keith Campbell.

On Saturday, 17 teams competed for the Factory Fours cup, sponsored by Skippy’s Taxis. In the semi-finals, SBC 3 defeated Gala Star Vets, while SBC 1 defeated the Window Wipers. Then, in a closely-fought final, Tommy Sutherland, Craig Miller, Donald Elliot and Dean Dodd from SBC 3 defeated the SBC 1 team of Ray McLaughlin, Carolyn Prentice, Graham Prentice and John Manczak. Thanks go to Graham Gray from Skippy’s Taxis for presenting the cup and prizes.

Hawick

With the National Championships being played at Ayr over the past week, Hawick only managed to play their seniors fixture.

The A team match against Gala Waverley was cancelled due to the Hawick green being unplayable.

The seniors travelled to Galashiels on the Tuesday, to play the Gala club. It was a keenly-fought match with Hawick emerging winners 55-48. Top rink for the Hawick club was the J.H. Reilly-skipped rink, ably supported by Wilson Blaikie and Ronnie Graham.

Langholm New Town

The triple of Paul Warwick, Scott Morrison and Roy Park won the open triples bowling tournament at Lockerbie last Sunday.

In the final, they beat the host entry of Ricky Thomson, Jim Lauder and Willie Shearer. The beaten semi-finalists were the Eastriggs entry of A. Service, D. Ferguson and J. Smith, and the Dalbeattie triple of S. McCubbin, R. Gibson and J. Richardson.

Newcastleton

The Triples tournament sponsored by Wattie Elliot took place last Saturday and had 24 entries.

The eventual winners were the host entry of Robert Robson and Jemima and Elizabeth Richardson, who beat the Wilton triple of C. Miller, D. Gentleman and J. Smyth. In the semi-finals, Wilton beat the Gretna entry of W. O’Hara, J. Hetherington and J. O’Hara. Also knocked out in the semi-finals to the eventual winners was the Langholm New Town triple of Scott Morrison, Duncan Ritchie and Malcolm Johnstone.

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors July Medal: A league winner, A. Hogg net 36 BIH; B League winner, W. Crichton 35.

Graham Cup: 1, K. W. Simpson 42 points; 2, D. Carruthers 39; 3, I. Casson 38.

The next competition is the Shish Tandoori Shield.

Jedburgh

Ex-Captain’s Texas Scramble: 1, C. Brown, J. Browne, F. Mortimer 60; 2, S. Oliver, T. Riddell, C. Goodfellow 64; 3, K. Oliver, D. Oliver, D. Easton 71. Nearest the pin at 14th hole: D Miller.

Kelso

Gents’ Kelso Show Stroke: 1, J. Maxwell 79 (16) 63; 2, P. Stewart 80 (13) 67; 3, W. Foster 89 (21) 68.

AA Hunter Trophy: 1, G. Fletcher 80 (12) 68 BIH; 2, B. Hogarth 70 (2) 68; 3, P. Wilson 78 (9) 69.

Millennium Trophy: Winners, G. Welsh, P. Henderson and Les Murray 87 points; Runners-up, L. Small, G. Small and A. Burns 83.

Wullie Douglas Trophy:1, I. Jerdan 70 (4) 66 BIH; 2, S. Anderson 73 (7) 66; 3, S. Hawker 78 (11) 67.

Congratulations to our team of Bob Hogarth, Allan Chalmers, Ian Lauder and Ian Ford, who won the BGA Team Tournament over our home course on Sunday.

The team can now look forward to playing in the national final at Fortrose in September.

Ladies’ Summer Stroke: 1, D. Tomlinson 93 (19) 74; 2, D. Pringle 101 (21) 80.

SLGA Medal: 1, L. Wilson 79 (6) 73; 2, D. Pringle 100 (21) 79 BIH.

Invitation Mixed Tri-am: 1, L. Small, G. Small and A. Burns net 127. 2, L. Mathewson, I. Mathewson and S. Anderson 130; 3, D. Pringle, T. Pringle and I. Halliday 132. Many thanks to our sponsor for this event, Corran Properties.

The club are holding their annual Mixed Open Foursomes on Saturday, playing for both scratch and handicap trophies. Late entries are available by phoning 01573 223009, if leaving a message, please leave your contact details and your preferred tee time.

Seniors Section Trophy: Overall winner, C. Jefferies 51; Gents winner, G. Small 52; 2, B. Nicholson 53; Ladies winner, M. Wilkinson 58; 2, Ann Wild 60.

Melrose

August Clubhouse Competition: 1, L. M. Wallace 69 (3) 66; 2, C. Creamer 75 (7) 68; 3, I. Swan 87 (18) 69. Scratch: D. Page 77.

Lauder

Lewis Stableford: 1, M. Dunne (11) 33 points; 2, B. Hunter (12) 32; 3, R. Malcolm (12) 32.

Louis Scott Friday Night Bash: 1, T. Hogarth (7) 17 points; 2, S. Paton (7) 15; 3, R. Malcolm (6) 15. Order of Merit: 1, T. Hogarth 21 points; 2, R. Malcolm 20; 3, M. Todd 14.

Jefferies Greensome: 1, K. Gillan and G. Robson 78 (14.4) 63.6; 2, M. Dunne and R. Malcolm 78 (11.8) 66.2; 3, J. Jefferies and D. Kellett 84 (13.6) 70.4. Scratch: M. Dunne and R. Malcolm 78.

Minto

Junior July Medal: 1, R. Nichol 83 (16) 67 lowest gross; 2, C. Paterson 104 (36) 68 after countback; 3, J. Goodfellow 92 (24) 68.

Minto’s youngest juniors held their regular Six Hole Competition and picnic recently. The winner of the competition, played from the 100yd markers, was Ollie Robson. Ewan Stevenson and Craig Lothian were the top two players from the 150yd marker, while William Brodie and Sam Allott were the top two from the blue tees.

Margaret Donaldson Open Mixed Foursomes: 1, F. and T. Kerr 87 (21.5) 65.5; 2, L. Bruce and B. Whiteley 89 (18) 71; 3, M. and A. Towers 87 (15) 72 BIH. Scratch: C. and R. Allott 81. Nearest the hole (8th), D. Whiteley; Nearest the hole (17th), M. Towers.

The Minto Mail on Sunday Classic team progressed to the eighth round and last 16 of this national competition with a tremendous 3.5 to 1.5 rubbers win over former champions Murrayfield Golf Club on Sunday. The Minto team of Mary Towers, Lynn Bruce, Lily Towers, Cherry Thom and Lesley Moore showed they were not overawed by their opponents’ success in the 2010 competition. The team’s success means that Minto is one of only three Scottish clubs remaining in the UK-wide competition. Two other members of the squad, Margaret Bland and Anne Paterson, who have contributed significantly to the team’s progress to this stage, were on the course to witness their teammates’ triumph.

The draw for the next round will be made on Monday.

St Boswells

The Championship finals produced an exciting days golf, Colin Ovens won the Gents Championship for the 24th time and Gillian Oliver won the Ladies for the 10th time.

Many thanks to Lawries Garage St Boswells for their continued sponsorship and to everyone who helped during the week and on the day.

Gents C Class: Winner, G. Donald; Runner-up: M. Gallagher. Gents B Class: Winner, J. Forsyth; Runner-up, R. Barrie. Gents Championship: Winner, C. Ovens; Runner-up, A. Smith. Senior Gents: Winner, J. Ross; Runner-up, J. Cumming. Ladies Bronze Class: Winner, V. Shirra-Gibb; Runner-up, S. Braithwaite. Ladies Championship: Winner, G. Oliver; Runner-up, A. Forrest. Junior Under 14s: Winner, S. Murdoch; Runner-up J. McDonald.

Torwoodlee

Junior 9-Hole Competition: 1, G. Anderson 59 (33) 26 new handicap - 28; 2, S. Lawrie 64 (37) 27 new handicap - 32; 3, L. Gillie 52 (20) 32 new handicap – 18

Homing

Earlston & District

One member sent 20 birds to Ridsdale, liberated at 09;55 into a south west wind. Result: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, S. Martin 775.33.

Langholm

The club liberated 75 young birds in a light south west wind in the second race from Shap last Saturday. Result: 1, 2, 3, D. Nordon 1486.723; 4, 5, 6, W. Irving 1403.219; 7, 8, A. Henderson 1361.575, 1323.967.

Squash

Galashiels

League 2 result: Luis Molero 3 Rachel McAleese 0.

Club night friendlies: D. Sharratt 2 J. Borowska 0; I. Chalmers 2 A. Niemczewski 0; J. McLean 2 R. McAleese 0; D. Quinn 2 J. Borowska 0; I. Chalmers 2 L. Molero 0; D. Sharratt 2 D. Quinn 1; A. Niemczewski 2 D. Sharratt 0; J. McLean 2 D Quinn 0; L. Molero 2 D. Sharratt 0.

More than 2,000 riders are expected to take part in the Tour O’ The Borders as it covers its 75-mile journey around the Borders on Sunday.

The route will take in Stobo, Tweedsmuir and St Mary’s Loch and local cyclists who set up the event claim the route includes “some of the best road cycling terrain in the UK”.

This year’s event will include a new timed hill climb section, improved feed stations, more road signage and an event village at the start in Peebles.

Event organiser Neil Dalgleish said they were able to develop the improvements with the help of their new partner, Tesco Bank.

Borders based Isabella Innes-Ker has been selected for the Great Britain Young Rider Team in the Under-21 European Eventing Championships.

The event will be held at Strzegom in Poland between August 27-30.

Daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, Bella is trained by Ian Stark, Andrew Hamilton and Kate Paskins.

Bella is sponsored by Humphrey Butler Fine Jewellery, Indigo Ivy, Northumberland Tweed, Devoucoux and Teviot Designs. She has also been supported by, and received funding from, sportScotland and Horse Scotland.

There was no birthday bonanza for Tweedmouth bowler Stuart Bebbington on Sunday, as his hard-fought campaign in the National Finals at Ayr came to an end.

After beating Stuart Roseburgh (Loanhead) 21-11, Fraser Mitchell (Scone Recreation) 21-9, Stephen Scott (Upper Cowal) 21-20 and 2010 champion Jonathan Ross (Priorscroft) 21-14, the 2004 junior champion, who represents Ayton, faced a title decider against Blackwood Victoria’s Iain McLean.

The Borderer made the early running, taking a 6-2, seven-end lead, but McLean turned in a ruthless performance where he counted a total of five trebles, two doubles and a single for the loss of just two singles to power home 21-8 in just over an hour.

Success did come the Borders’ way in Ayr, however, via Fife, when former Galashiels man Mark Neil claimed the triples crown after he, and his Inverkeithing team mates Gary Tait and David Junor, held off a late challenge from Hyndland to win 15-12.

Neil competes regularly on the Borders circuit and recently won the Abbotsford triples.

“We played 10 games overall and in the five we played over the weekend we were never behind, so we were pretty pleased with our performance,” said Neil, who will now play in the British Isles Championship in June 2016.

Elsewhere at Northfield, there were mixed results for local bowlers.

Gala Waverley’s Lauren Upton put on a fine display in her first National Finals, making it through the opening two rounds before falling to tournament runner-up Lorna Smith of Linlithgow 21-10 in the quarter-finals.

Also making the final eight was Hawick Bowling Club’s senior singles entry Alison Clarkson, who was knocked out by Helen McVicar (Upper Cowal) 21-15.

The Ancrum gents’ pair, Wilton gents’ senior rink and Coldstream ladies’ duo all won their first-round ties and went out in the second, while all other Borders representatives made their exits during the opening round.

Kelso’s march towards the title hit a bump last weekend, while Gala and St Boswells made it a hat-trick of off-days for Borders sides in the East of Scotland Cricket Division One.

Kelso had threatened to run away with the championship at one stage this season, but after a blistering start, the division leaders’ title parade remains on hold after stuttering performances in recent weeks.

The Shedden Park outfit are still favourites for the title, but must win at least two of their remaining three league fixtures to guarantee success and secure back-to-back promotions for the first time in club history.

“It was a sore one to take on Saturday, but if we win two of our last three games then we are promoted, which was always the aim at the start of the season,” said Kelso captain Dougie Wilson, following his side’s agonising three-run defeat at the hands of Heriot’s II.

“We basically played Heriot’s at the worst time as they had a full squad with some real stud players, while we were without a few lads due to call-offs.

“That being said, we still managed to make a game of it and only missed out on the victory by three runs in the end.”

At the other end of the table, cellar-dwellers St Boswells welcomed second-placed Dunnikier to a damp Green and the title challengers put on a show with bat and ball, thrashing their hosts by seven wickets.

Winning the toss, the visitors sent the Villagers in to bat first and, using a combination of spin and pace, managed to skittle the home side out for a paltry 52 runs from 26 overs.

After lunch, the Kirkcaldy team wasted little time in wrapping-up the victory, taking just 17 overs to pass 52, reaching 55-3.

For fourth-placed Gala, their inconsistent 2015 campaign continued at Myreside, losing to Watsonians 2 by 34 runs in a rain-interrupted contest. Batting first, Watsonians took advantage of a good wicket and early mild conditions to knock 233 all-out in 50 overs.

In reply, the Borderers could only manage 188 from 40.

Stirling Uni (EOS)1

Kelso United1

United got the season started with a good display to earn a point in the first match of The East of Scotland Qualifying League.

Manager Prof Blaikie was full of praise for his players after the match.

“Everybody put in a great effort,” he said. “Stirling are a good team and we more than matched them, and had luck went our way we could have come away with three points rather than one.”

The goalless first half was credit to the defensive efforts of both sides, with efforts from new signing Josh Stewart, Shane Bonnington and Ben Herdman all going close.

United keeper Willie Stewart was kept on his toes throughout the half and handled the pressure well.

The second half provided much of the same in terms of entertaining football. Stirling were first to score with 12 minutes remaining, with United’s Jordan Hopkinson notching the equaliser. See our website for full report.