The busy A68 south of Jedburgh will be closed for three days from Friday.

The closure, involving long diversions for through traffic, is to allow new trunk road contractors Amey to resurface a 200-metre section at Lintalee, one-and-a-half miles south of the town.

Since August, 2013, that stretch has been single lane and controlled by traffic lights after serious subsidence, affecting the stability of both the carriageway and a retaining wall, was discovered.

This has resulted in long tailbacks of traffic both north and south, particularly at peak times, and criticism of Transport Scotland for the delay in tackling the problem.

Indeed the bulk of the work, to insert a series of rock anchors to prevent further slippage of the wall, did not take place until February this year when a convoy system temporarily replaced the traffic lights.

The resurfacing required to finish the job, originally planned for April, will start at 10am tomorrow (Friday) and continue until Sunday when the road will be closed in both directions.

After two years of traffic lights, two-way traffic will resume on Monday morning.

This weekend’s diversions will see southbound traffic on the A68 diverted onto the A698 at Cleikimmin junction and thence onto the A6088 via Bonchester Bridge before rejoining the A68.

Northbound traffic will follow the same diversion in the opposite direction although the section of the A68 south of Lintalee will stay open for local residential and business access.

“For two years this has been an issue for both locals and visitors and I’m delighted an end is in sight,” commented Jedburgh councillor Jim Brown.

The estimated total value of engineering and resurfacing work at Lintalee is £340,000.

“This will ensure this busy section of Scotland’s trunk road network continues to operate safely and reliably for years to come,” said a spokesperson for Amey.

After having been high in the heavens through an impressive unbeaten run, Selkirk came back to earth last Saturday when falling 4-1 to Dalbeattie Star.

This weekend the Yarrow Park side bid to find the uphill trail in travelling to face East Kilbride, the recent 8-0 victors of Peebles Rovers.

Reflecting on matters Selkirk manager Stevie Forrest said: “It will be a difficult game against East Kilbride on Saturday as they are a good side.

“Fingers crossed though we can get back to playing the good football that we are capable of producing.”

Vale of Leithen who have got the season off to a stuttering start are away to league newcomers Cumbernauld Colts.

Peebles Rovers and Hawick Royal Albert clash in East of Scotland League business at Whitestone Park.

The two clubs have already met this season. Hawick emerging surprise 1-0 winners in an East of Scotland League Qualifying Cup encounter.

Talking of this return game, Peebles manager John O’Hara said: “We will be ready for Hawick this time.

“In the last game we perhaps took Hawick for granted as they were not a great side last season. We won’t be making the same mistake this time though as Hawick are a complete new team and have improved a lot. We have a bit of improving to do all round and the game will be a big test for us.”

Hawick team boss Mike Atai commented: “Both sides know each other after having just met and I can see it being a hard challenging game.”

Kelso United take on near neighbours Coldstream at Woodside Park.

Melrose46

Jed-Forest10

The only slightly unexpected element in this Booker Border League match at the Greenyards last Friday night was the dreich weather.

Following two glorious days of late summer sunshine the heavens opened making handling and passing difficult to say the least, oh well.... it is the start of the rugby season.

The lessons taken from the game by both Melrose and Jed-Forest however will be invaluable as they go forward into their respective, Premier and National League campaigns.

Melrose should, and definitely could, have scored more, while handling errors hampered the visitors’ efforts in what was otherwise a typically gutsy display.

New Jed coach Jammy McFarlane certainly thought so.

“I’m a very happy man tonight,” he said.

“We have two or three new players in the squad and a lot of youngsters stepping up so to play one of the top teams in the country is great. Their class showed through at the end of the day but the game served it’s purpose for us.

“In terms of experience for the young fellows it’s money in the bank and it also provided a good work out for the more seasoned guys.

“It was certainly a test of our depth and I’m really happy with that also. We caused them more than a little trouble along the way, our discipline was good and the penalty count went in our favour.”

Melrose captain Nick Beavon commented: “Jed always prove to be stiff opposition especially at the breakdown and I thought we handled it well.

“The new guys coming in showed up well and will be looking to get their names on a jersey, all in all I thought it was pretty impressive.”

Beavon was first over for Melrose with new boy Jason Baggott adding the conversion. Ally Miller added another try before Jed got points on the board with a Donald Grieve penalty.

The remainder of the half was played out in the Jed half of the pitch and it was much credit to a staunch visiting defence that Melrose only managed another two tries before the break. Andrew Nagle and Cameron Mackay both crossing the whitewash with Baggott adding one conversion.

Jed enjoyed a larger share of possession after the restart but a further four tries from Grant Runciman, Ruairidh Knott, David Colvine and Sam Pecqueur, Baggott converting one, killed the game as a contest. Jamie Hynd crossed for Jed’s only try converted by Grieve.

Scottish Rugby has launched the BT Premiership, the country’s flagship domestic competition, for season 2015/16 ahead of the inaugural round of league games on Saturday August 29.

The league again comprises ten teams from all four Scottish regions, all of whom will play each other home and away.

After the introduction last season of video match analysis the ten clubs will be able to access national-team levels of individual player analysis through support from Scottish Rugby’s High Performance department.

The clubs recently attended a series of briefings from Scottish Rugby staff at BT Murrayfield in preparation for the new season.

Experts from the high performance and domestic rugby departments shared information on nutrition, coaching, refereeing, anti-doping, concussion and strength and conditioning.

Funding from Scottish Rugby is made available to all clubs in the BT Premiership to help improve player preparation and conditioning and the player analysis project is included in this.

Keith Russell, Director of Domestic Rugby said: “The BT Premiership is the pinnacle of club rugby in Scotland, and we look forward to the league commencing next weekend. There has been a lot of work in the pre-season to continue to increase the level of support the clubs receive so their players can develop their skills and performance levels in this, and the seasons to come.

“Through the BT sponsorship, we have injected consistent levels of investment into the domestic scene this year, which will help clubs continue to develop in Scotland.

“We would once again like to thank BT for their continued sponsorship and wish all the best to the teams and players involved across the course of the season.”

BT Scotland director Brendan Dick said: “We’re looking forward to a great season with the added excitement of the 2015 Rugby World Cup just around the corner. It’s fantastic to see some of the new initiatives outlined at the start of our partnership taking shape, including the launch of the national BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy and £400,000 of funding confirmed for 14 clubs across the country from the Club Sustainability Fund.

“We’re thrilled to see Scottish club rugby benefiting from our partnership, especially in the BT Premiership, and wish all the best to everyone taking part in the game at every level across Scotland.”

With three local derbies in four games, the opening weekend of the league fixtures promises to provide an action-packed and hard-fought start to the domestic campaign.

This season the BT Premiership welcomes back Border club Selkirk, who return to the top-flight for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

The men from Philiphaugh completed an undefeated league season in 2014/15 to gain promotion to the country’s primary competition, and will host local rivals Gala in their first round of games.

Melrose, who succumbed to Heriot’s in the dying moments of last year’s Grand Final, will welcome Hawick to The Greenyards in the second Border derby of the weekend.

Reigning league champions, Heriot’s, and BT Cup holders, Boroughmuir, will not feature in the first regular round of games, as they play for the BT Charity Shield on Saturday 29 August.

Following regular league matches, and as per season 2014/15, the BT Premiership will adopt a play-off format in which the top four teams will go on to play in a round of semi-finals with the triumphant sides progressing to a Grand Final.

The women’s BT Premier League gets underway this coming weekend with 2014/15 champions Murrayfield Wanderers FC Women travelling to rivals Hillhead Jordanhill in a repeat of the Sarah Beaney Cup Final.

Newly promoted Cartha Queens Park Women meet Stirling County and Melrose host RHC Cougars Women.

Race goers once again enjoyed a stunning day at Gala Rig as the second successive August Meeting went under starters orders last Saturday.

Members of the public arrived in droves to support the event, organised by Selkirk Flapping Association, while the race entries all exceeded expectations.

Association convenor Craig Stanners said: “I would like most sincerely to thank all those who attended and all the financial contributors, without your support we simply would not be able to continue.

“Together what we have managed to firmly establish this event as a fun family day out for all, and one that once again, will give back to local community organisations, events and good causes.

“Special thanks must go to The Ex- Lauder cornets who once again did a fantastic job as gate men and to Kenny Grieve, Jim Henderson and Gary Cleghorn for keeping us fed, watered and entertained after the last race.

“It was an excellent afternoon of racing with the Pony Race particularly going down a treat, so much so in fact we had to run a second race at the end of the meeting for larger ponies.

“On behalf of Selkirk Flapping Association, thank you very much to all.”

Results

Race 1 - Three Brethren Handicap (7 Furlongs) Sponsored by AV Safety Services, Tweedside Financial Services and Les Millar Garage Services

1, Rocky Hollow (Owner: J&B Racing, Jockey: Titch Boyd)

2, Mr Mo (Owner: Margaret Young, Jockey: Tyrone Williams)

3, Shadow Boxer (Owner: Telford Forestry, Jockey: Greg Fairley)

(7 Horses entered)

Race 2 - The Ettrick Forest handicap (mile ½)

1, Wee Al (Owner : Alistair Clarke, Jockey: Alistair Clarke)

2, Rock on Tommy, (Owner: Start Again Racing, Jockey; Tyrone Williams)

3, To Be Sure, (Owner: S & J Gray, Jockey: Greg Fairley)

(6 Horses Entered

Race 3 - The Chip Millar Pony Race Sponsored by Mr E Prentice

1, Freddie, Jockey: Frances Cromarty

2, Harry Potter, Jockey: Archie Young

3, Joe Calzaghi, Jockey Lewis Renwick

9 Entries

Race 4 - The Selkirk Flapping Association Mile Sponsored by Davidson Land Services

1, Full of Magic, (Owner: The Magic Fools, Jockey: Tyrone Williams)

2, Burnie, (Owner: Del Hogg, Jockey Greg Fairley)

3, Isobar (Owner: Billerwell Racing, Jockey: Titch Boyd)

4 Entries

Race 5

The South Common Stakes (6 Furlong) Sponsored by Hunters Cabs

1, Kalahari Desert (Owner: Whitawell Racing Jockey: Greg Fairley)

2, Just A Joker (Owner: Langholm Racing, Jockey: Tyrone Williams)

3, Another Dream (Owner: Latimer and Burgess, Jockey Sean Huggan)

3 Horses Entered

Pony Race (Extra race due to popularity, for horses 14 hands and over)

1, Adios Amigos Jockey: Robbie Ashe

2, Tarka 2 Jockey: Ben Thorburn

3, Morgan Jockey: Abby Robertson

5 Horses Entered

Missives have been exchanged for the sale of the former Burgh Yard in central Galashiels – with hopes high that a 50-bed hotel will be built.

Although no cash has been exchanged, a contract has been signed between Scottish Borders Council, which owns the one-hectare site, and Ramoyle Developments Ltd of Stirling.

The council said: “The sale has been agreed…and is subject to surveys and planning permission being achieved for a mixed use commercial scheme which would include flatted residential properties.

“Ramoyle is also in talks with various commercial users including a national family pub restaurant operator as well as a hotel chain over a potential new 50-bed hotel.”

Such uses are compatible with a planning brief for the land which was approved by SBC in 2011 after the site – bound by Huddersfield Street, Hill Street and Braw Lads Brae – was cleared as part of the Galashiels Inner Relief Road Scheme.

Jim Turnbull, managing director of Ramoyle said: “Several operators have approached us with regards to the various commercial uses we have in mind for Galashiels and we expect to be able to reveal our preferred line-up soon.”

Councillor Stuart Bell, SBC’s executive member for economic development, said: “The development of the former Burgh Yard, just 650 metres from the newly opened transport interchange and new Galashiels railway station, will bring an empty site back into commercial use.

“If the scheme comes to fruition, it will bring investment, create new jobs and provide improved facilities for tourists, tying into the key aims of the Borders Railway Blueprint programme.”

There has been speculation that two national hotel chains – Premier Inns and Travelodge – have already expressed an interest in coming to Galashiels where a shortage of lettable rooms is considered an impediment to tourism and the success of the railway.

Hawick Linden kicked off the season with a home friendly which saw a sizable Haddington squad run out 48-3 winners.

Although the score suggested a one-sided affair, the Linden actually competed well for periods of match. Haddington were big and mobile in the forwards and their backs were quick and used the ball well.

The match consisted of four 20 minute periods with Kirk Ford landing a penalty for the Royal Blues in the first before the floodgates opened.

Linden start their East One bid on September 5 with an away trip to Duns.

The Borders and East Lothian Under-18 side recovered from disappointment last week to put Edinburgh to the sword with a blistering display of powerful running rugby.

They run out winners by 40-10 with three fine first half tries by Roddy Main, Cameron Hutchison and Ruairi Campbell. Scrum half Gary Munro converted all three. Edinburgh scored a try by Calum Harris to make it 21-5 at half time.

Edinburgh scored first in the second half through Ferguson Haig but that just stung the Borders into life again and further tries by Main, Finlay Scott and Hutchison, Munro converting two, sealed the win.

Experience seems to be the most significant secret to success in recent longbow shoots, with two of Selkirk’s most senior bowmen coming up trumps.

Ettrick Forest Archers’ Jimmy Stillie was the pride of Scotland when he became Scottish Clout Champion at the recent competition held at Culzean Castle in Ayrshire.

His 41 hits, 103 score, and one clout was enough to see him pip some of the country’s best longbowmen to the title.

Fellow EFA members Doug Anderson and Jim Craig came sixth and 13th respectively.

And what’s more, the ladies’ event was won by Selkirk’s Elaine Pearson, with Ev Craig fourth.

The archers were busy again at the weekend, hosting a come and try at the Haining’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic, before another member came to the fore on Sunday: Doug Anderson won the Abbotsford Arrow in the annual wand competition, and his grandson Kyle won the junior section.

Fifty archers from various clubs in Scotland and England took part in the event, held in front of the magnificent Abbotsford House.

The main event was a straight forward knock out contest with archers shooting a maximum of three arrows at the wand from 20 yards. Those who hit it moved back to 30 yards to try again.

From this the final seven (five of whom were EFA members) moved back to 40yds with Anderson recording the only hit.

Saturday sees the club host the Flodden Clout at Thirladean, and rumour has it that Stillie is in with a chance, due to the fact that he has gained experience original battle.

The Borders pro running season may be over but local athletes are still going strong further afield.

At the Crieff Highland Gathering on Sunday a cracking final in the youths 90m saw Jed-Forest AC’s Brodie Cowan edge the win over club mate Aiden Bambrick while Zoe Johnstone, also Jed, took the honours in the youths 200m.

In the Invitation Sprint there was a Borders 1, 2, 3, with Mhari Henderson (TLJT), Martha Douglas (Jed) and Amy Cardwell (Jed) filling the respective places.

Selkirk’s Geoff Keen took first place in the 200m Open.

Hawick RFC have announced that Bruce McNeil will take over as captain of the Mansfield Park club for the upcoming 2015/16 season, writes Alexander McLeman.

The former Edinburgh professional moves up from the vice-captaincy role he held last year while Rory Hutton moves to vice from being captain for the 2014/15 campaign.

McNeil, who is entering his 10th year with the club over two separate stints, expressed his delight at becoming captain for the second time after leading the club from 2010 through to 2012.

“Head coach Nikki Walker basically phoned me up on Tuesday and asked if I would do it,” explained McNeil.

“It was a big surprise as Rory had done such a great job last year in getting us to the BT Cup final and Border League title – but it wasn’t a decision I needed time to think about.

“It is a huge honour to be able to captain the club again.”

McNeil becomes the Greens’ 122nd captain in the club’s long history, joining such illustrious company as Tony Stanger, Jim Hay, Jim Renwick, Alan Tomes and Colin Deans.

“I was Hawick captain before and also involved in leadership roles with Biggar and Heriot’s when I was away from the club, so I have a bit of experience in this department,” he added.

“I think overall Nikki’s decision to ask me if I would take over was that he wanted a forward as captain, but that doesn’t reflect on what Rory did for last year because that speaks for itself.

“For me, it will mostly be business as usual, but there will be some adding, bits I will take on and have to change slightly, the biggest being my loose following of the rules.

“I know in recent years I have walked the line in terms of discipline, so for me now being captain I cannot give the boys a rollicking about certain onfield things if I am doing the exact same.

“I have been getting better lately, but I do need to lead by example. That being said, rugby is rugby and not much will change.”

Melrose scrum-half Murdo McAndrew has joined Edinburgh on a four-month trial period, writes Duncan Smith.

The former Scotland Under 20s player has been pre-season training with the pro-team and impressed the coaching staff sufficiently to be given the opportunity.

He could now make his Edinburgh debut on Friday evening in the pre-season friendly against Romania at The Greenyards, where he has been playing his club rugby following a two-year stint playing for Clermont Auvergne’s age-grade side in France.

McAndrew said: “I am delighted to get this opportunity. I went through a tough pre-season with the club and it’s great to get rewarded with this chance to show what I can do.

“I had a good season with Melrose last year and trained the whole of this pre-season with Edinburgh, as the club needed scrum-half cover.

“Everyone at the club has been really friendly and welcoming and the senior players have been really helpful over the last few months, so I know I have plenty of people I can go to for advice.”

McAndrew is a product of the Howe of Fife club where his dad, Les, was minis coach. He went on to lift the Brewin Dolphin Plate as a member of the Bell Baxter High School team in 2009 before moving on to represent Caledonia through the age grade system.

After impressing in the Rugby Europe (formerly FIRA) Championships in France with Scotland under-18 in 2012, he was spotted and signed by Clermont Auvergne, straight from school, and spent two years there prior to returning to Scotland to play for Melrose last season.

Kelso10

Gala38

After warm-up games against Watsonians and Boroughmuir, Gala had their first taste of genuinely competitive rugby this season in a Booker Border League match at Poynder Park.

And in the event the Maroons secured the expected victory over their national league opponents.

Only the most hard-hearted would not feel sympathy for Kelso, who begin this campaign minus 12 of last year’s squad – a huge turnover of players by any standard. Two of these, centre Frankie Robson and lock Callum Rowlandson were in Gala colours on Saturday. Others can be seen at several other Border clubs.

As a result Kelso have had to harvest their youth system and judging by the performances of the newcomers, the Poynder Park side may benefit from this.

“We had six boys from last season’s Quins playing today – there’s no point in having the youth system if you don’t use them,” suggested Kelso coach Adam Roxburgh.

“It’s been very frustrating losing so many players. You can’t blame guys for going elsewhere to further their careers, but would they be better playing guaranteed first team rugby here?”

But if Roxburgh needed a statement of intent from his reconstructed squad, then their performance against Gala provided it. Kelso, outpowered in the set-piece, made good use of limited possession and, against a side enjoying a huge supply of ball, defended well.

Stand-off Andrew Skeen again looked the classy player he is and his replacement, Ryan Ford, a cousin of Scotland hooker Ross Ford and a Quins player last season, looks to have considerable potential.

For their part Gala will take much from the return to form of winger Craig Robertson. The former New Year Sprint winner bagged a hat-trick of tries and made the running for fellow winger Keith Young to score in the corner.

Also impressive for the Maroons were centre Andrew Mitchell, who has just left Galashiels Academy, and former Gala Wanderers back row Liam Scott, who has gained from spending time in the Antipodes.

“It was a good work-out, but I was disappointed with the number of unforced errors we made,” said Gala coach George Graham.

“We were trying some new patterns, but Kelso made it a wee bit hard for us.”

Gala led 24-10 at half-time with three tries from Robertson and one from Young, and two conversions from stand-off David O’Hagan, Kelso’s points coming from a well-taken solo try by skipper and centre Dom Buckley, converted by Skeen, who also kicked a penalty goal.

Then in a scrappy second half Gala were awarded a penalty try after Robertson was taken out as he chased is own kick ahead. Replacement stand-off Rex Jeffrey converted and then added to his points tally with his side’s final touchdown, this time David O’Hagan adding the extras.

A cricket club is to see facilities upgraded – thanks to a £6,000 grant from Banks Community Fund.

Hawick and Wilton, established in 1849, was successful in its application for funding, which will go towards modernising male and female changing and shower facilities, with a specific focus on encouraging more girls and women to participate in local sport.

The upgrades will coincide with an overarching redevelopment, which has seen around £30,000 spent on new purpose-built all-weather wickets.

Officials at the club are delighted with the grant, which will help the club to modernise, while continuing to offer high level coaching for various sports.

Craig Macdougall, the club’s project development manager, said: “The club is a real community hub and also provides sporting facilities and opportunity for all schools in the Hawick catchment area.

“It is therefore vital that we are able to upgrade the facilities so that they are in line with the high standards expected of the club – and still be able to direct funding towards training and coaching for our team of volunteers.

“We would also like to encourage more females to play cricket and use the club, and the attraction of modern, well-equipped facilities will hopefully help us to achieve this.”

Banks Community Fund is a charitable fund set up by Banks Group, the Hamilton-based property and renewable energy business, and has been used for everything from church hall repairs to community garden schemes, while charities, youth groups and voluntary organisations have also benefited.

Banks Renewables is awaiting a decision on its planning application to construct a 60MW, 15-turbine wind farm at its Birneyknowe site, near Bonchester Bridge.

“We have real difficulty keeping gifted young cricketers in the area as they go elsewhere in the search of jobs, so any increase in opportunities would be very welcome,” added Macdougall.

After having been high in the heavens through an impressive unbeaten run, Selkirk came back to earth last Saturday when falling 4-1 to Dalbeattie Star.

This weekend the Yarrow Park side bid to find the uphill trail in travelling to face East Kilbride, the recent 8-0 victors over Peebles Rovers.

Selkirk manager Stevie Forrest said: “It will be a difficult game as they are a good side.

“Fingers crossed though we can get back to playing the good football that we are capable of producing.”

Vale of Leithen, who have got the season off to a stuttering start, are away to league newcomers Cumbernauld Colts.

Peebles Rovers and Hawick Royal Albert clash in East of Scotland League business at Whitsestone Park. The two clubs have already met this season, with Hawick emerging surprise 1-0 winners in a Qualifying Cup encounter.

Peebles manager John O’Hara said: “We will be ready for them this time.

“In the last game we perhaps took them for granted but we won’t be making the same mistake as Hawick have improved a lot.”

Kelso United take on near neighbours Coldstream at Woodside Park.

Gala FR4

Leith Athletic3

This was a cup-tie that had everything – seven goals, penalties scored and missed, sendings off, chances galore and a last gasp winner for a nine man home team.

The visitors set the early pace with goals from Neil Lowson and Grant Burns, but the hosts pulled one back after 21 minutes through Ross Aitchison. A re-invigorated Fairydean Rovers were now in pursuit of an equaliser but their hopes looked forlorn following a straight red card for mid-fielder David Bonnar following a robust challenge in the centre of the park. Both players appeared to raise their studs but the referee decided that it would be the home player who had to go.

The East of Scotland side struggled to impose their one man advantage in the second half however, and Aitchison rose to power a header in to restore parity before Jamie Gibson fired the home side into the lead from the spot.

A second yellow card for full-back Lee Stephen looked to have handed the initiative back to the visitors as the nine men of Gala spent the remainder of the match under the cosh. Leith substitute Gavin Kneeshaw grabbed an equaliser.

Just as everyone in the ground was preparing themselves for extra-time Stuart Noble set up a sensational winner when he received the ball from a Jamie Gibson throw in. Turning his marker, Noble sent a low ball across the face of the Leith box where Dean McColm arrived to smash the ball behind the despairing dive of Fairnie for the unlikeliest of endings to the game.

Borders Sport and Leisure has arranged for this region to play host to its first National Open Boccia Competition on August 29.

Around 40 players from across the country, including the Borders, will descend upon the Queens Leisure Centre in Galashiels for the event which is part of the Scottish Disability Sport’s Boccia series,

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders 
Sport and Leisure, said: “To hold a National series Boccia event in the Borders is an honour and testament to how well Boccia has developed throughout our region.”

The competition will feature three sections: players with a physical disability, players with a learning disability and players who use assisted ramps. Matches will commence at 10am and spectators are welcome.

Alan Oliver, Borders Sport and Leisure disability development officer, added: “It will be constant action throughout the day with over 70 matches being played.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support from Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group and SBC disability services. We are always looking for volunteers – anyone who would like to help and get involved with this Paralympic sport please contact me.”

The sport of boccia is rapidly growing in popularity and Borders Sport and Leisure recently launched the Borders Boccia Club as part of its commitment to supporting and developing disability sport. The competition on August 29 will provide many of the club’s members with their first opportunity to compete against players from outwith the region.

For more information on the Borders National Open Boccia Competition and volunteering opportunities, contact Alan Oliver on 07716 323747.

Forty years ago, John Dobbie, of Bonchester Bridge, made his mark in a big way in the world of professional running.

On a fog-shrouded August evening at the Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh, John shone in the mist with 
a dazzling winning performance in the Ladbroke Classic 110m handicap.

The Ladbroke Classic was a big event at the time. A summer meeting in which athletes had qualified for the finals by winning handicaps at various games venues throughout the summer months.

The sprint was the main event on the cards and it took a quality runner to gain the first prize. And it was a then 20-year-old John who turned out to be that runner.

John now lives in Hawick and suffers from motor neuron disease.

The Southern Reporter met up with him in his home where he told us of his running days and his big night at Meadowbank.

“I got into running by chance,” John recalled. “It was just out of the blue. A friend of mine, Johnny Wilson, who also came from Bonchester Bridge, was a runner at the games and one day he asked me to go training with him. I decided to do this and give it a go, so I started training and made my first appearance at Hawick Games. And that was the start of it.”

John began competing on the games circuit and pulled off his first win with a double victory at Ambleside Games, triumphing in the 200m handicap as well as the invitation sprint.

John’s wins, however, got him into hot water at work. Remembering this, he said with a smile: “I was a motor mechanic at Thornwood. The Ambleside Games were on a Friday and I didn’t think they would let me off work for the games, so I said I was going to a funeral.

“However, I didn’t get away with this as the next again week it was in the paper that I won two races at Ambleside. I got a wee row, but I think they were quite pleased that I’d won.”

John’s big year was to be 1975. Coached by Alan Scott, he qualified for the Classic by winning the Thornton Games sprint.

Looking back on the Ladbroke final, John said: “I was ready for the final. 
I’d been well prepared in training hard, as well as having the best of grub, from steaks to chicken to pots of honey.

“It was a terrible, foggy night and you could hardly see in front of you. However, I managed to run really well and won the £400 first prize which was real big money in those days. I also got a beauty of a cup which I still have.

“George McNeill, who was the greatest runner I ever ran against as well as the greatest runner I’ve seen, was third in the final. George was the first to shake my hand and congratulate me and I’ll never forget that night for a lot of reasons.”

Due to switching jobs and becoming a long-distance lorry driver, John retired from athletics at an early age as he could not find the time to train. However, he will always remember his times in the fast lane of the running track.

Hawick Legion5

Chirnside2

Legion drew first blood in this Border Cup clash when Scott Duncan scored from close range following a corner kick.

Liam Lavery then put Legion further ahead after being fed by a David Fraser pass and slotted away a third before the interval.

Chirnside came out the livelier after the restart, scoring two goals to keep their chances alive. Legion, however, began to regroup and Callum Hope duly struck away a fourth, with Simon Philbin adding another to take the win.

Selkirk1

Dalbeattie Star4

Star kept up their 100% Lowland League record at Yarrow Park with an emphatic win last weekend.

Selkirk went into the match on a high sitting second top of the league, unbeaten and having just defeated Spartans for the first time in 34 years.

Ritchie Maxwell gave the visitors an early lead and that was doubled when Jamie McHarrie scored from the spot. Just before half time Tommy Muir headed home number three.

Soon after the break Garry O’Connor pulled one back but Star were back on the offensive and it was no surprise when Lee Wells headed home to make it 4-1.

Selkirk coach Steve Forrest said he was “gutted” with the result.

“We have been a victim of our own success. Our kind of game is playing quick, fast football and playing at this pace twice a week for the past few weeks has caught up with us a bit, we were running on empty,” he added.