Lowland League outfits Vale of Leithen and Selkirk are set to face East of Scotland League opposition in the South of Scotland Challenge Cup on Saturday, writes John Slorance.

The Innerleithen men lock horns with Tynecastle at Victoria Park, and Vale manager Micky Lawson said: “Our game against Threave Rovers last Saturday was put off, so I thought I would go and watch Tynecastle, but their match was postponed as well.

“I believe they are a young side this season and that their form has been a bit up and down. They will be difficult to be beat, but we are looking to get a cup run going.

“The other week we had a few players missing and were down to the bare bones. For Saturday, though, we have a squad of 16 available.”

Searching for their first win under the guidance of recently-appointed player/manager Garry O’Connor, Selkirk entertain Civil Service Strollers at Yarrow Park.

In the East of Scotland League, Hawick Royal Albert and Coldstream clash for the second week in succession.

Victors by 4­-1 in the first clash, the Teries have home advantage this time around.

Peebles Rovers travel to Edinburgh to face Craigroyston at St Mark’s Park.

FOOTBALL

Saturday, November 7

SPFL League Two

Arbroath 1-1 East Fife

Berwick Rangers 1-2 Stirling Albion

Clyde 3-1 Montrose

East Stirling 2-1 Queen’s Park

Elgin City 3-2 Annan Athletic

P W D L F A Pts

Annan Athletic 12 7 2 3 21 15 23

Elgin City 12 6 2 4 21 14 20

East Fife 12 5 3 4 17 10 18

Montrose 12 6 0 6 20 18 18

Clyde 12 5 3 4 15 13 18

Queen’s Park 12 5 1 6 17 15 16

Stirling Albion 12 4 3 5 11 14 15

Berwick Rgrs 12 4 3 5 15 24 15

Arbroath 12 4 2 6 14 17 14

East Stirling 12 4 1 7 14 25 13

Lowland League

East Kilbride 1-1 Preston Athletic

Edinburgh Univ 1-2 Dalbeattie Star

Gala Fairydean 4-3 BSC Glasgow

Gretna 2008 P-P Cumbernauld Colts

Stirling Univ 2-1 Selkirk

Threave Rovers P-P Vale of Leithen

Whitehill Welf P-P Spartans

P W D L F A Pts

Edinburgh City 15 12 0 3 40 20 36

Univ of Stirling 13 8 3 2 31 16 27

East Kilbride 14 7 4 3 34 23 25

Dalbeattie Star 15 7 2 6 28 24 23

Whitehill Welf 13 7 1 5 24 15 22

Spartans 12 6 3 3 27 14 21

Cumbernauld C 13 6 3 4 25 20 21

Gretna 2008 13 6 1 6 24 22 19

Selkirk 14 6 1 7 31 38 19

BSC Glasgow 14 5 2 7 28 30 17

Gala Fairydean 14 5 2 7 26 30 17

Edinburgh Univ 14 5 1 8 20 24 16

Preston Ath 16 4 3 9 16 36 15

Vale of Leithen 14 4 2 8 17 29 14

Threave Rovers 12 1 0 11 10 40 3

East of Scotland League

Civil Service Strollers P-P Heriot-Watt University

Coldstream 1-4 Hawick Royal Albert

Duns P-P Lothian Thistle HV

Leith Athletic 2-1 Burntisland Shipyard

Ormiston 3-3 Peebles Rovers

Spartans 0-1 Craigroyston

Tynecastle P-P Stirling University

P W D L F A Pts

Leith Athletic 11 10 0 1 46 9 30

Spartans 11 7 0 4 29 21 21

Lothian Th HV 7 6 0 1 27 11 18

Heriot-Watt Uni 11 5 3 3 31 25 18

Peebles Rovers 11 5 2 4 26 26 17

Coldstream 10 5 1 4 29 29 16

CS Strollers 8 5 0 3 20 15 15

Tynecastle 9 5 0 4 22 30 15

Hawick RA 8 4 1 3 16 14 13

Craigroyston 11 4 1 6 13 27 13

Ormiston 9 3 3 3 27 26 12

Stirling Univ 11 3 3 5 21 21 12

Duns 10 2 1 7 18 30 7

Burntisland S 10 1 1 8 15 26 4

Eyemouth Utd 9 0 0 9 9 39 0

waddell cup first round

Coldstream Ams 0-5 Biggar Utd

Newtown P-P Gordon

border amateur League division a

Greenlaw P-P Stow

Hawick Legion 1-2 Jed Legion

Hawick Waverley P-P West Barns Star

Leithen Rovers P-P Chirnside Utd

P W D L F A Pts

Jed Legion 10 6 2 2 24 14 20

West Barns St 9 5 2 2 28 19 17

Gordon 7 5 1 1 20 11 16

Stow 8 4 1 3 13 9 13

Langholm Leg 10 4 0 6 21 27 12

Hawick Legion 8 3 1 4 17 14 10

Greenlaw 8 3 1 4 21 19 10

Chirnside Utd 9 3 0 6 21 29 9

Hawick Wav 8 3 0 5 12 20 9

Leithen Rov 7 1 2 4 11 26 5

division b

Ancrum P-P Duns Reserves

Eyemouth Ams 1-3 Gala Hotspur

Linton Hotspur 2-1 Tweedmouth Ams

Tweeddale Rovers P-P Earlston Rhymers

P W D L F A Pts

Tweeddale Rov 7 7 0 0 27 8 21

Tweedm’th Am 10 6 1 3 26 18 19

Gala Hotspur 8 5 1 2 23 21 16

Hawick Utd 8 4 1 3 24 15 13

Eyemouth Ams 7 4 1 2 20 17 13

Linton Hotspur 8 3 2 3 23 22 11

Coldstream Am 7 3 1 3 14 13 10

Ancrum 10 2 1 7 14 34 7

Duns Res 8 2 0 6 15 20 6

Earlston Rhym 9 1 0 8 10 28 3

division c

All matches postponed

P W D L F A Pts

Biggar Utd 8 7 1 0 30 5 22

Newtown 6 5 1 0 29 10 16

CFC Bowholm 7 4 1 2 22 17 13

Kelso Thistle 9 4 1 4 24 21 13

Peebles Ams 7 4 0 3 19 15 12

Selkirk Victoria 7 4 0 3 19 27 12

Hawick LR 10 2 3 5 20 25 9

Lauder 9 2 1 6 19 26 7

Melrose 7 1 2 4 10 23 5

St Boswells 10 1 2 7 18 41 5

fixtures

Friday, November 13

South Challenge Cup second round (7.45)

Cumbernauld Colts v Leith Athletic

Glasgow University v Gretna 2008

Edusport Academy v Dalbeattie Star

saturday, november 14

spfl league two (3pm)

Annan Athletic v Berwick Rangers

Clyde v Elgin City

East Fife v East Stirling

Stirling Albion v Arbroath

South Challenge Cup first round (2pm)

Vale of Leithen v Tynecastle

Second round (3pm)

Edinburgh University v University of Stirling

Lothian Th H Vale v Edinburgh City (1.30)

Preston Athletic v Ormiston

Selkirk v Civil Service Strollers (2pm)

Spartans v Heriot-Watt University

Whitehill Welfare v Duns (2pm)

east of scotland league (2pm)

Craigroyston v Peebles Rovers

Eyemouth United v Spartans

Hawick Royal Albert v Coldstream

Stirling University v Burntisland Shipyard

border amateur League (2pm)

division a

Chirnside Utd v Stow

Greenlaw v Gordon

Hawick Waverley v Hawick Legion

Jed Legion v Langholm Legion

West Barns Star v Leithen Rovers

division b

Duns Reserves v Earlston Rhymers

Eyemouth Ams v Ancrum

Gala Hotspur v Tweeddale Rovers

Hawick Utd v Tweedmouth Ams

Linton Hotspur v Coldstream Ams

division c

Hawick Legion Rovers v Selkirk Victoria

Kelso Thistle v Peebles Ams

Lauder v CFC Bowholm

St Boswells v Biggar Utd

tuesday, november 17

spfl league two (7.45)

Montrose v Queen’s Park

rugby

saturday, november 7

Premiership

Ayr 23-15 Glasgow Hawks

Gala 19-23 Selkirk

Heriot’s 35-7 Boroughmuir

Melrose 6-16 Hawick

Stirling County 15-29 Currie

P W L D F a b pts

Ayr 10 8 2 0 309 185 9 41

Heriot’s 10 6 3 1 253 202 6 32

Melrose 10 6 3 1 231 205 4 30

Hawick 10 6 4 0 246 222 5 29

Currie 10 5 4 1 247 195 6 28

Glas Hawks 10 5 5 0 215 207 5 25

Stirling Co 10 4 5 1 254 296 5 23

Boroughmuir 10 4 5 1 202 222 4 22

Gala 10 2 7 1 217 284 5 15

Selkirk 10 1 9 0 172 328 4 8

National League one

Aberdeen Gram 16-31 Watsonians

GHA 15-13 Jed-Forest

Howe of Fife 27-0 Peebles

Kelso 20-20 Edinburgh Academical

Marr 23-15 Stewart’s Melville FP

Musselburgh 23-30 Dundee HSFP

P W L D F a b pts

Watsonians 9 7 2 0 303 213 10 38

Marr 9 7 2 0 273 201 5 33

Howe of Fife 9 7 2 0 229 146 4 32

Dundee HSFP 9 5 3 1 223 155 6 28

Edinburgh Acad 9 4 4 1 235 184 7 25

Jed-Forest 9 4 5 0 201 207 6 22

Musselburgh 9 4 5 0 247 288 5 21

GHA 9 4 5 0 204 248 5 21

Aberdeen Gr 9 4 5 0 263 254 4 20

Kelso 10 2 6 2 193 305 4 16

Stew Mel FP 9 3 6 0 146 217 2 14

Peebles 10 2 8 0 166 265 5 13

National League two

Aberdeenshire 15-20 Hamilton

Falkirk 70-18 Ardrossan Academicals

Greenock Wands 10-40 Preston Lodge

Hillhead Jordanhill 14-13 Biggar

Lasswade 22-18 Kirkcaldy

Whitecraigs 20-25 Cartha Queens Park

P W L D F a b pts

Hamilton 9 9 0 0 490 140 7 43

Falkirk 9 7 2 0 353 165 7 35

Cartha QP 9 7 2 0 219 161 6 34

Preston Lodge 9 6 3 0 234 179 6 30

Aberdeenshire 8 5 3 0 264 167 8 28

Hillhead Jord 8 4 4 0 167 203 4 20

Lasswade 10 4 6 0 193 272 4 20

Ardrossan 9 3 6 0 284 311 6 18

Biggar 9 4 5 0 161 261 2 18

Whitecraigs 9 3 6 0 210 255 5 17

Kirkcaldy 9 1 8 0 205 372 6 10

Greenock 8 0 8 0 71 365 1 1

National League three

Dalziel 33-15 Irvine

GHK 38-0 Haddington

Livingston 10-32 Dumfries Saints

Orkney 27-20 East Kilbride

Perthshire 17-15 RHC

West of Scotland 31-7 Berwick

P W L D F a b pts

Dumfries 9 8 1 0 216 136 4 36

GHK 7 7 0 0 348 104 6 34

West of Scot 9 5 3 1 240 169 8 30

Haddington 8 5 2 1 225 159 5 27

Perthshire 9 6 3 0 219 203 3 27

Orkney 8 3 5 0 210 183 7 19

E Kilbride 8 2 2 4 146 130 3 19

RHC 9 3 6 0 208 212 7 19

Berwick 9 3 5 1 130 273 0 14

Livingston 8 2 6 0 148 219 5 13

Dalziel 9 2 7 0 163 278 3 11

*Irvine 9 1 7 1 151 338 1 5

*points deducted

east league one

Dalkeith 13-28 Murrayfield Wanderers

Forrester 50-6 Hawick Linden

Hawick Quins 21-20 Dunbar

North Berwick 32-7 Linlithgow

St Boswells 47-7 Duns

P W L D F a b pts

St Boswells 6 6 0 0 249 66 4 28

North Berwick 6 6 0 0 160 40 4 28

Linlithgow 6 4 2 0 163 110 2 18

Murrayfield 6 3 3 0 141 129 5 17

Forrester 6 3 3 0 152 149 3 15

Hawick Quins 6 3 3 0 118 121 0 14

Dunbar 6 2 4 0 145 142 2 12

Dalkeith 6 2 4 0 126 158 2 10

Duns 6 1 5 0 107 194 2 6

Hawick Linden 6 0 6 0 46 298 0 0

east league two

Broughton 15-0 Ross High

Inverleith 10-13 Leith

Langholm P-P Liberton FP

Penicuik 38-8 Edinburgh Northern

Portobello FP 20-41 Trinity Academicals

P W L D F a b pts

Penicuik 6 6 0 0 165 51 4 28

Trinity Acads 6 4 2 0 147 97 3 19

Leith 6 4 2 0 121 101 2 18

Ross High 6 4 2 0 90 100 1 17

Edinburgh N 6 3 3 0 120 117 4 16

Broughton 6 3 3 0 98 98 2 14

Inverleith 6 2 4 0 70 97 2 10

Langholm 5 2 3 0 70 87 1 9

Liberton FP 5 1 4 0 63 121 1 5

Portobello FP 6 0 6 0 86 161 3 3

east league three

Lismore 63-0 Queensferry

P W L D F a b pts

Earlston 6 6 0 0 252 97 5 29

Gala YM 5 3 2 0 159 94 5 17

Lismore 6 3 3 0 185 121 5 17

Edin Uni Medics 5 3 2 0 178 104 4 16

RDVC 6 3 3 0 196 110 3 15

Queensferry 6 1 5 0 71 343 1 5

*Walkerburn 4 0 4 0 35 207 0 -2

*points deducted

borders semi junior league

Berwick Colts 58-5 Hawick PSA

Hawick Wands 15-17 Selkirk Youth

Kelso Harlequins 0-71 Melrose Wasps

P W L D F a pts

Melrose Wasps 7 7 0 0 328 56 14

Peebles Colts 6 5 1 0 231 74 10

Berwick Colts 7 5 2 0 172 118 10

Selkirk Youth 6 4 2 0 156 78 8

Hawick Wands 7 4 3 0 147 97 8

Jed Thistle 5 3 2 0 135 54 6

Tynedale Colts 6 3 3 0 116 101 6

Gala Wanderers 7 1 6 0 46 239 2

Hawick PSA 6 0 6 0 54 281 0

Kelso Quins 7 0 7 0 27 314 0

border u16 league

Latest results

Berwick 17-36 Selkirk

Hawick Albion 43-0 Kelso

Duns 14-34 Gala Red Triangle

Hawick Albion P-P Selkirk

P W L D pts

Hawick Albion 4 4 0 0 16

Kelso 4 3 0 1 13

Gala Red Triangle 4 3 0 1 13

Selkirk 3 2 0 1 9

Berwick 5 1 0 4 8

Peebles 4 1 0 3 7

Duns 3 0 0 3 3

Melrose 1 0 0 1 1

fixtures

saturday, november 14

Premiership (3pm)

Boroughmuir v Ayr

Currie v Heriot’s

Glasgow Hawks v Melrose

Hawick v Gala

Selkirk v Stirling County

national league one (2pm)

Dundee HSFP v GHA

Edinburgh Acad v Howe of Fife

Jed-Forest v Marr (3pm)

Musselburgh v Peebles (3pm)

Stewart’s Mel FP v Aberdeen Grammar

Watsonians v Kelso (3pm)

national league two (2pm)

Biggar v Falkirk

Cartha Queens Park v Greenock Wanderers

Hamilton RFC v Hillhead Jordanhill

Kirkcaldy v Whitecraigs (3pm)

Lasswade v Ardrossan Academicals

Preston Lodge v Aberdeenshire

national league three (2pm)

Dalziel v Berwick

Dumfries Saints v West of Scotland

East Kilbride v GHK

Haddington v Livingston

Irvine v Perthshire

RHC v Orkney

east league one (2pm)

Duns v Dalkeith

Hawick Linden v Dunbar

Linlithgow v Hawick Harlequins

Murrayfield Wand v Forrester

North Berwick v St Boswells

east league two (2pm)

Broughton v Portobello FP

Edinburgh Northern v Trinity Academicals

Leith v Penicuik

Liberton FP v Inverleith

Ross High v Langholm

The selfless actions of brave Borderers have been recognised by Police Scotland this week.

The annual Bravery and Meritorious Ceremony was held at Police Scotland College, Tulliallan, recognising acts of exceptional bravery by police officers, police staff, special constables and members of the public.

A total of 49 people were presented with awards at the ceremony on Tuesday, November 10.

Eyemouth’s Dean Mark was presented with the Chief Constable’s Bravery Award after he saved a man’s life at Eyemouth Harbour.

Dean is a volunteer for the Eyemouth Lifeboat Crew and in May this year he was alerted by pager to an incident at the harbour where a man had lost his footing and fallen into the water. Dean was staying nearby and ran towards the harbour where, upon arrival, he saw the man face down in the water.

Witnesses informed Dean that the male had been in the water for between 25 and 30 minutes. On hearing this and knowing the cold water temperature, Dean decided to jump in and swam to the man before bringing him back to the harbour wall ladder where witnesses assisted in getting the male out of the water. The male was breathing but his body temperature had dropped significantly. He was taken to hospital and made a full recovery.

Also among this year’s recipients were Colin Pringle of Makerstoun and Steven Emerson from Newton Don, who were each presented with a Chief Constable’s Meritorious Award after they rescued a canoeist from the River Tweed.

In the summer of 2014, two experienced canoeists got into trouble after they capsized on a stretch of rapids. One managed to scramble to the shore but the other was trapped by his canoe against a large rock and was unable to move due to the force of the water. On hearing the cries for help Colin and Stephen, who are employed as ghillies on the Makerstoun Estate near Kelso, quickly made their way to the riverbank to assist. They were both wearing waders and very aware of the depth and force of the water but on hearing that the canoeist had been trapped for around 40 minutes they decided to carry out an immediate rescue in order to prevent hypothermia. They both waded into the fast-flowing water and freed the man before helping him back to the safety of the riverbank.

Chief Superintendent Gillian Imery, Divisional Police Commander for Lothians and Borders, said: “The individual acts of these men were nothing short of exceptional and their awards are richly deserved.

“Each of these situations was extremely dangerous and involved huge personal risk. However, thanks to swift and decisive action, lives were saved and criminals captured.

“That is certainly worth recognising and I am delighted that in Police Scotland we have the opportunity to do that.

“I pass on my sincere congratulations to all this year’s recipients and hope their selfless actions go on to inspire others.”

Police Scotland are investigating damage caused by vandals at two primary schools in the region.

The two incidents at both Parkside Primary in Jedburgh and Earlston Primary happened last week and police in the Borders have been appealing for witnesses and investigating the two incidents.

It is believed that vandals caused a small roof fire at Parkside Primary, which was reported to emergency services at around 2:10am on Sunday, when a member of the public saw flames coming from the building. But damage was contained to the exterior.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “Despite the fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, Parkside Primary School was able to open as usual on Monday morning.

“The council is supporting Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with their inquiries and would urge anyone with information on the incident to contact the police.”

In a sepeate incident, graffiti was sprayed on a section of the perimiter wall at Earlston Primary School last Wednesday night. It is believed that the incident occurred sometime between 10pm on Wednesday 27th and 8:30am on Thursday 28th October.

Police are, again, appealing for any information from the public and are conducting enquiries in an effort to trace those responsible.

A spokesperson for Scottish Boorders Council added: “We will support Police Scotland in their enquiries and would appeal to anyone with any information on this incident to contact the police.”

BADMINTON

Jedburgh

Jedburgh Badminton Club held the Catherine Finkle Memorial Tournament recently.

Eight couples played. Partners are drawn on the night and no seeded players are allowed to play together.

The teams are then given a handicap and the two top-seeded teams head the two groups where round robin games are played.

The winner from one group plays the runner-up from the second in the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals, Gregor Simpson and Myra Younger beat Stuart Mawson and Carolyn Higginson 21-12, while Craig Pollock and Violet Livingston beat Gordon Yule and Agi Moczuiska 21-19.

The final was a hard-fought contest, but Gregor and Myra eventually beat Craig and Violet 17-21, 21-6, 21-16.

Bowling

Teviotdale

Teviotdale Senior Men took on a strong West Lothian team at the Leisure Centre and after six ends the home side found themselves trailing by some 17 shots.

However with a mixture of some good bowling, and some erratic bowling from the West Lothian, Teviotdale managed to claw back this arrears, and finally emerged as winners by 66 shots to 55. Top rink for Teviotdale was the Colin Rae skipped rink, ably supported by Jim Thomson, Drew Johnstone and Harry Bell.

Rink scores: J. Taylor 14 R. McKay 15; C. Rae 25 J. Lynas 8; B. McDonald 13 D. Wilson 15; G. Brownlee 14 G. Marshall 17.

Tweedbank

It was another home fixture for the gents this week, against Dumbarton.

And it was another good team effort, with the Bankies winning 91-73.

The game was very close throughout, with the scores level at 39-39 midway through the game.

But, as they do, Tweedbank stuck in and pulled clear in the last few ends.

They now have three wins from the opening four games.

In the Gents’ Senior League on Wednesday, Tweedbank travelled to Balbardie and went down by 90-40.

Saturday saw the ladies in action again, this time away to Bainfield in Edinburgh, and lost the game by 13 shots with a score of 93 shots to 80.

The gents’ senior triple of Mike Dillon, Davey “The Bronzed Adonis” Miller and Tommy Mann Jnr, were at West Lothian on Sunday in the Scottish Playdowns following their two previous wins at Midlothian, but lost out 20-3.

Tweedbank are having an open day on Sunday, November 15. Come along and give it a go. The stadium is open from 11am to 4pm.

Equestrianism

Morebattle Primary

Morebattle Primary School Equestrian Team, comprising of Katie Edgar, Katy Mcfadyen, Vicky Edgar & Alex Edgar recently travelled a 700 mile round trip south to Addington Manor Equestrian Centre to compete in the National Schools Equestrian Championships.

The Morebattle girls who had led their 70/75cm show jumping class all day, seeing off competition from another 40 teams, were under a huge amount of pressure as the team went head to head against the other top seven teams in an evening jump off.

As they rode into the massive arena where the British Olympic team had trained, they knew it could have gone any way. They all had to go clear & fast to win! From a spectator point of view, the atmosphere was absolutely electric with a huge audience and very enthusiastic commentator adding to the pressure.

The girls rode impressive rounds which saw them hold on to their lead position and be crowned National Schools Champions. Certainly a moment they will treasure forever.

The team went on to finish 10th in the 80/85cm show jumping class & 6th&7th in the arena eventing competitions, two of which saw children up to the age of 18 competing.

A massive achievement, not only for Morebattle Primary to have four such talented P7 children who can achieve success at this level of competition but for the community, who were supportive throughout the weeks leading up to the Championships and are now delighted to see the beaming faces of four girls who have grown up in their village and have well and truly put Morebattle on the equestrian map. Pretty impressive from a three class small country school.

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Winter League: winner, G. Turnbull net 36.

Hockey

Kelso IIs

Kelso 2s met Edinburgh Uni 6s at Peffermill on Saturday, but were missing a number of regular players due to work commitments, so it was a very different match to when the Tweedsiders beat the Uni 5s team at the end of last month.

The students started well with a goal in the first 10 minutes and followed this up with two more in rapid succession shortly after.

The Kelso defence did well to clear the ball on numerous occasions, but the strong Uni team scored twice more before half-time to take the score to 5-0.

Kelso held the opposition at bay for the first 20 minutes of the second half before the uni added to their tally.

Kristy Logan scored with about seven minutes to go and although the girls kept trying they couldn’t convert any more of their chances even though there was no lack of commitment from this young team.

Edinburgh Uni finished off with their seventh just before the final whistle.

Fjordhus Reivers III

Fjordhus Reivers 3rds travelled to Edinburgh to play the Cala 5th team.

Cala were first to score, but Claire McCall’s equaliser ensured the score was level going into the break.

The city side again went into the lead as the rain lashed down, and it looked as if the Borderers were heading for defeat until the final minutes, when Sara Robson levelled.

The visitors kept plugging away and Laura Holmes’ late winner got her team a victory in the dying minutes.

Fjordhus Reivers IVs

Fjordhus Reivers 4s played league leaders Linlithgow 2s at Tweedbank on Saturday.

The rain had poured for the club’s earlier fixtures, but thankfully the deluge stopped just before the 4s took to the pitch.

Both sides started positively with strong teamwork from the Reivers. However, the first goal came for the travelling side following indecision in defence. With the attacking player taking a shot close to the circle, the Reivers’ keeper was unsure whether to make the save or trust that it was taken from outside.

Another Linlithgow striker capitalised on the moment of hesitation after the initial save and touched the ball in past the keeper. Undeterred, the home side began the attack. Super linking play and leading runs saw the Reivers side have numerous opportunities in the circle.

One opportunity was provided from an Abbie Forster pass to Emma Suddon in the circle. Suddon then touched the ball across for Polly Bell to finish.

Later chances to take the lead were unfortunately denied by the Linlithgow defence and the goalpost. The first half ended with the scores level at 1-1.

The second half started with all to play for. The Reivers side showed their youthful speed and were able to stage numerous attacks towards the Linlithgow circle. Unfortunately, the home side were unable to use that speed and ability to work around the solid defence in the circle.

Linlithgow were able to make breakaway attacks which resulted in a couple of questionable penalty corners.

However, the Reivers side maturely composed themselves and cleared every attempt at goal, with Emma Duncan on a few occasions managing to steal the ball straight from the player at the top of the circle.

Unfortunately, another attack saw the Linlithgow side take a shot at goal and this time it hit the backboard.

With the Reivers trailing and not long left on the clock, the home side sustained continuous pressure in the Linlithgow circle. The young players were desperate to gain something for their efforts, but there momentum was halted by the away side.

The final score of 2-1 to Linlithgow did not reflect the worrate and great teamwork shown by the Reivers side against the league leaders, with many positives to take into the next fixture.

Kelso IIIs

Kelso 3s played host to Edinburgh Uni 9s on Saturday at Earlston HS and started very positively, building up play well, but were unable to finish off in front of the goal either through the goalkeeper making some great saves or by shots missing the target. Uni themselves had their share of the play but rarely made it into Kelso’s circle, with the Kelso defence distributing the ball well from the back. Just before half time, however, Kelso broke the deadlock with a well struck ball coming through from centre midfield and captain, Rachel Burgher to Aimee Gillie who scored her second goal in only her second game with a superb deflection. Kelso continued to press in the second half, but on a rare break, the students equalised, crossing the ball from the right to find an unmarked player in front of goal. The midfield of Holly Hay, Jodie Osbourne and Rachel Burgher worked tirelessly throughout the game with Rachel in particular making some outstanding tackles and then setting up a new attack. This pressure eventually produced several penalty corners and from one of these Emma Mack slipped the ball to Shania Dalgleish who with a great strike made no mistake in hitting the winning goal, to make the final score 2-1.

Selkirk hockey school

Selkirk High school has recently been given the fantastic opportunity of running a “School of Hockey” programme.

From the success of “School of Rugby” programmes, Scottish Hockey provided funding to three areas in Scotland to set up a School of Hockey programme.

Borders Hockey development officer Janet Jack, has set this up along with Selkirk PE teacher/hockey coach Katie Kay.

The programme has been launched in the school for committed S1 and S2 pupils who are currently playing extra-curricular hockey.

This includes two extra coaching sessions through the week within curricular time and one coaching session at Fjordhus Reivers/Fjordhus Selkirk club, along with their current school training and games.

Borders hockey development coach and Fjordhus Reivers player, Sara Robson has been appointed as the School of Hockey lead coach. The aim of the programme is to provide an enjoyable, structured programme that develops pupils’ understanding and performance in the sport. It is also to create a clear pathway of progression for pupils from development to performance through school and club hockey.

Coach Kay said: “We are delighted to have the School of Hockey programme set up in Selkirk.

“There are 35 girls and boys who have committed to the programme and are thoroughly enjoying the sessions so far.

“It will not only develop their performances in hockey, but also instil key qualities such as a hard work ethic, commitment and all-round positive attitudes.

“I am extremely excited to see the benefits of this set-up and the enjoyment and success the pupils get from it.”

As part of the new programme starting, the pupils recently enjoyed a trip to the Glasgow National Hockey Centre to watch Scotland Senior Women v Ireland Senior Women.

Selkirk High’s former head girl, Emily Newlands, gained her first full international cap in this game, so it was fantastic to be able to support Emily on this great occasion.

Netball

Schools Tournament

One pool of five teams and one pool of six played a series of round robin matches, with the winners and runners-up from each pool playing in semi-final crossover ties, the winners of which then progressed to the final.

Denholm was crowned as the overall winner after a 2-7 victory over runners-up, Newtown. The other semi-finalists were Coldingham and Newcastleton.

Avril Gibson, Denholm Primary School coach, said: “I am extremely proud of the Denholm team. They played some great netball, both in attack and in defence. They played their hearts out in the final and were delighted to bring the trophy back to Denholm.”

Gemma Ross, Borders Sport and Leisure Active Schools coordinator, added: “The morning was full of nervous energy and excitement and it was great to see representation from most corners of the Borders in what can only be described as a highly competitive morning, full of hard-fought games.

The standard this year was particularly high, with very close results and single points separating teams in the final pool standings. Thanks must go to all PE staff, teachers and parents who helped prepare pupils for the competition, and assisted with umpiring on the day.”

The full list of schools participating in the contest is as follows: Pool A – Denholm, Newtown, Gordon, Westruther, Stirches

Pool B – Stow, Newlands, Channelkirk, Yetholm, Newcastleton, Coldingham.

Orienteering

Roxburgh Reivers

Two urban orienteering leagues came to a conclusion last weekend with some good results for Roxburgh Reivers, although for many it was a case of close second places.

The unlikely venue of Cumbernauld hosted the final two rounds of the Scottish League and among some complex housing, Kirstin Maxwell came out on top on both days in Women’s Open, finishing the league in second place.

Faisal Khursheed managed a win on Saturday’s sprint distance race to also take second in the league.

Saturday’s race saw other second places for Marc Heger, Elena Heger and Cathy Rooney.

The longer Sunday urban race, which also counted for the UK Urban League, resulted in second places on the day for Ian Maxwell, Robin Sloan and Lindsey Knox, the same as their final Scottish League places.

Lindsey Knox was the only local member to properly contest the UK league season and had a busy weekend, racing in a counter in Basingstoke on Saturday then travelling to Cumbernauld on Sunday.

Unfortunately, too many second places over the 14 races, including being beaten by a mere 14 seconds in Cambridge the previous weekend, meant she had to settle for runner-up spot this year.

The next local event is this Saturday (November 14) at Gordon Community Woodland. More details at www.roxburghreivers.org.uk

Racing

Kelso

Results from the meeting on Saturday, November 7 (see page 74 for report): 12.30 – JONNIESOFA (C Nichol) 9-2; 2, Western Rules 1-4 fav; 3, Jackofhearts 25-1. Six ran. R Dobbin, South Hazelrigg.

1.05 – THROTHEHATCH (P Buchanan) 9-4 fav; 2, Tomorrow’s Legend 5-2; 3, Carnaross 5-1. Eight ran. L Russell, Milnathort.

1.40 – ISAACSTOWN LAD (B Harding) 11-4 fav; 2, Neptune Equester 12-1; 3, Donna’s Diamond 7-2. Seven ran. N Richards, Greystoke.

2.15 – KILFEGIN STAR (H Brooke) 7-2; 2, Present Lodger 7-4 fav; 3, Gleann Na Ndochais 6-1. Five ran. M Smith, Kirkheaton.

2.50 – INDIAN VOYAGE (D Bourke) 12-1; 2, Vengeour De Guye 10-1; 3, Quick Decision 6-1. 10 ran. M Barnes, Brampton.

3.25 – CLAN LEGEND (B Campbell) 4-1; 2, Alizee De Janeiro 15-8 fav; 3, Desert Island Dusk 13-2. Seven ran. N Alexander, Leslie.

4.00 – BAMBYS BOY (J Dawson) 3-1; 2, Black Ink 9-4 fav; 3, Captain Mowbray 14-1. Six ran. K Reveley, Saltburn.

Squash

Galashiels

Club Championship quarter-finals: John Sharratt 3-0 Ruaridh Kohler (9-4, 9-3, 9-5).

Ladies’ semi-final: Jane Logan 3-2 Sandra McCutcheon (3-9, 5-9, 9-6, 9-6, 9-4).

Club night friendlies: D. Sharratt 2-0 J. Barrow; P. Spence 2-0 C. Saetre; R. Kohler 2-0 S. Hale; P. Spence 2-0 D. Sharratt; R. McAleese 2-1 D. Quinn; J. Barrow 2-0 C. Saetre; R. Kohler 2-0 S. Hale; P. Spence 2-0 S. Hale; R. Kohler 1-1 A. Gill; D. Sharratt 2-1 R. McAleese; P. Spence 2-0 J. Barrow; D. Quinn 2-0 C. Saetre; D. Sharratt 2-0 C. Saetre.

Swimming

Galashiels ASC

Round 1 of the East District Age Group Championships (EDAGs), got under way at the Michael Woods Leisure Centre at Glenrothes.

This event was meant to be swam on October 31-November

1, but due to the Forth Road Bridge being closed it was spread over the Saturdays of October 31 and November7.

Although the change of dates may have irked the parents of those taking part, the swimmers themselves remained unphased as they put in some fantastic performances.

Round 1 is the distance events, featuring the boys’ 1,500m and girls’ 800m, and also the 400IM and 400m freestyle for both in all age-group classes.

The Gala ASC representatives didn’t disappoint themselves or their club with some great swims. Sarah Frizzel, Lindsay Jack, Andrew Watt, Maili Brown and Courtney Stewart certainly showed their coach that the hard work being put in on club night training is starting to pay off.
Lindsay had three very strong swims against some stiff opposition, narrowly missing out on some PBs.

Sarah, Andrew and Maili had great PBs in all three events over the two Saturdays while Courtney who only swam in the 400m freestyle knocked a massive 16 seconds of her previous time.

Round two will take place at the end of November when the shorter distances come into play and if the performances in round one are anything to go by, the Gala ASC team should look forward to more successes in the pool.

Hopefully no more road disruptions will put a smile on the faces of the parents as well.

For the second year in a row, Denholm Primary has netted the top prize in the Borders Small Schools Netball Competition, organised by Borders Sport and Leisure.

The annual contest is part of the Active Schools Programme and this year, the competition featured 11 schools from across the region coming together at the Queen’s Leisure Centre in Galashiels to fight it out for the trophy. Read more below.

Heriot cyclist Stuart Balfour will join a new professional team, Dynamo Pro Cycling, in 2016.

The outfit was announced earlier this year and although registered in the UK, the riders will be based in France for the majority of the season.

The new set-up has the backing of cycle insurance company Dynamo Cover and will be headed up by performance director Yann Dejan.

The team’s planned 2016 calendar includes races mainly in the UK and France, with plans to expand further in 2017.

Balfour, who left Galashiels Academy in the summer, said: “After a good season and the help of HMT Academy, I’m really happy to move into the continental ranks with Dynamo Cover Pro Cycling and to be based out in Brittany.”

Balfour has enjoyed a great 2015 season, with the full support of HMT Academy, competing in races across Europe.

He has proved to be a an excellent all-round rider, who has played a key role in many of the UCI races HMT Academy have entered.

“Stuart has been one of our most consistent riders this season, with top results in many major races throughout the season,” said a spokesperson for HMT Academy. We are delighted to see him move up to the next level, and we wish him all the best in his new team.”

Balfour is the fourth second-year junior from HMT Academy to successfully move from junior level onto a professional or u23 development team this year.

Stable lad Michael Curran, from Galashiels, must have thought his remarkable year with Golden Horn was over.

The amazing colt won the Invistec Derby and the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe in a fantastic year that eclipsed even that of his previous charge Kingman.

Golden Horn also travelled to the US for the world-famous Breeders Cup race last month, but finished second on a track that barely suited him.

This was Golden Horn’s last race before going to stud.

But on Tuesday evening, at a glittering ceremony in London, “The Hornster” owned by Anthony Oppenheimer and trained by John Gosden, won not only the three-year-old colt prize, but also the overall horse of the year title.

Harry Herbert, Cartier’s racing consultant, said: “Golden Horn carried nearly all before him and is a worthy recipient.”

Gala FR4

BSC Glasgow3

Gala had to come from behind twice at Netherdale on Saturday, but the home side grabbed victory with a late penalty.

Aiden Ferris grabbed the opener after three minutes’ play, before Ryan Clapperton rattled in the equaliser off a defender.

Clapperton supplied the second to give Gala the lead, seizing upon a poor clearance and firing home

After the break, sub striker Ciaran Johnston forced an error from Colin Galbraith and fired home.

Glasgow skipper David Gray then put the visitors back in front with a stunning free kick.

After Gala’s Dean McColm left the field for receiving his second booking, the home side threw caution to the wind, Stuart Noble breaking down the left to score under the keeper.

And after Stephen Bronsky fouled Noble in the box, Jamie Gibson sent the keeper the wrong way from the resultant penalty.

COLDSTREAM1 ­

HAWICK RA4

It was almost a game that never was, as due to heavy morning rainfall this East of Scotland clash was close to being a non-­starter, but the game got the go-ahead by the referee.

And Hawick Royal Albert were more than happy that the match got the nod of approval as they improved their league position by gaining three points.

Hawick started well by opening the scoring in the third minute, Cameron MacFarlane beating home keeper Chris Watson with an angled drive.

Coldstream then showed their mettle by launching an attack that ended in Danny Simpson rattling in a shot that forced Hawick number one Kyle Rankin into pulling off a top-notch save.

The early action continued at a lively pace and Watson denied Hawick a second when saving from Ryan Stevenson.

Coldstream gained the upper hand for a spell after this, but despite plenty of possession could not turn pressure into goals.

And in the 40th minute the Streamers paid the penalty, falling further behind.

Following a piercing long run down the right flank, Ryan Stevenson found Alieu Faye with an inside pass and the big striker rattled in a shot.

With seven minutes of the second period gone, Hawick did the business again.

On being set up by Stevenson, Faye drove in a shot that the diving Watson reached but failed to hold.

In the 66th minute the home side fell further behind as Stewart Crozier blasted a free kick goalwards. The ball took a deflection off the Coldstream defensive wall and sailed high into the roof of the net.

Within eight minutes Coldstream reduced the leeway when Ash Langford polished off a bursting gallop through the middle with a clinical finish.

Within minutes of this, Rankin denied Coldstream a second in spreading himself to block a shot from Daniel Gillie.

Hawick assistant manager Dean Robertson said: “Coldstream are a very decent side so it was a good win for us. The pitch was heavy, but the boys played some good football.

“I was pleased with our performance, but disappointed in the way we lost a goal.

Ormiston3

Peebles Rovers3

Peebles dropped to fifth in the East of Scotland League on Saturday, after scraping a draw with 11th-placed side Ormiston.

The Borderers took the lead in the 10th minute with a Dale Richardson header.

And the Peebles men soon found themselves two up thanks to a 30-yard screamer from Brendan Edwards.

However, a nice double from their top scorer Michael Osbourne brought Ormiston back into the match.

After the break, the momentum with the home side, Mark Riley made it three after a shocking goalkeeper error.

But with two minutes to go, Paul Murray rescued a point for the visitors, netting the rebound after Jason Darling battered a 25-yarder off the bar.

Three new rugby players have taken the total number of athletes accepted onto the Borders Athlete Support Programme, since its inception eight years ago, up to the 100 mark.

Thomas Brown from Melrose, Adam Hall from Lauder and Finlay Scott from Camptown, south of Jedburgh, all recommended by Scottish Rugby, are the latest recruits who, once inducted, will have access to individual medical and physio profiling and consultations with a sports nutritionist and sport psychologist on a required basis.

ASP Manager Gregor Nicholson explained: “Apart from the introductory medical and physio profiles, no service provision is obligatory for any ASP athlete.

“It is very much about providing what is right for each individual athlete at their particular stage of development and this is discussed and agreed with the athlete’s coach or performance manager.

“The rurality of the Scottish Borders is one of the challenges facing many athletes so we do what we can to counter this.”

When the ASP was established by Scottish Borders Council in October 2007, its stated aim was to help Borders athletes to maximise their potential and help them progress to the next level where the sportScotland Institute of Sport, their governing body or a professional club or team takes over. At that stage, the athlete effectively graduates from the ASP. For the three new rugby players the aim is to be accepted by Scottish Rugby as a Stage 2 Academy player, which is the stepping stone to a professional contract.

“The extent to which we contribute to athletes progressing to the next level varies from one athlete to the next and it’s not every athlete who manages to do so,” added Nicholson.

“We monitor each athlete’s progress and, as with any such performance programme, it is inevitable that some athletes plateau and don’t progress to the required level.

“But we try to give them every opportunity and we have now had 29 ASP athletes graduate giving us a very pleasing graduation rate of 29%.

“This is an all-time high which is reflective of the more detailed selection process we now have in conjunction with the sports’ governing body performance staff to help identify the athletes who have a real chance of progressing.”

Six athletes graduated from the ASP in the year 2015 to the end of September – Lauren Tait (netball), Isla Short (mountain biking), Abbi Blackie (judo), Gary Robertson and Fraser Renwick (rugby) and Toby Douglas (swimming). And it has just been confirmed that rower Maddie Arlett is also now being supported by the Institute.

Kelso20

Edinburgh Accies20

For once, the rugby gods were smiling on Kelso as they battled back from 17-6 down halfway through the second half to snatch a draw – and almost a win – as a last-minute drop goal attempt drifted past the posts.

It was not a great day for watching rugby, never mind playing, as the incessant rain was guaranteed to make the pitch soft and favour the team which had the bigger forwards in driving mauls and scrum.

Kelso continued to fare badly in the scrums as far as the referee was concerned, conceding the usual batch of penalties, a penalty try and a yellow card against their most experienced prop, Stuart Lowrie.

It was first blood to the Poynder Park outfit when Andrew Skeen slotted a penalty after five minutes, but that was quickly neutralised by Stuart Evans for Accies.

Skeen kicked another penalty for a ruck offence by Accies, before a penalty against Lewis Mallin for an off-the-ball incident put pressure on Kelso. After a series of set pieces, Accies eventually broke down the home defence and the referee awarded a penalty try when the Kelso scrum, which was retreating at a rate of knots, disintegrated. Evans kicked the goal.

Accies were going for the kill and drove a lineout over the home line, but the ball was held up and half-time came, much to the relief of the Poynder faithful.

The visitors started the sharper in the second half and it was only good defence by the Tweedsiders that held them at bay.

However, after 50 minutes, Kelso lost Stuart Lowrie to the sin bin following a scrimmaging offence.

While he was off, Accies second row Ronan Seydack sailed in at the posts to give Evans an easy conversion to take his side 17-6 ahead.

The Kelso recovery started as Conway Pretorius raced in from 30m. The conversion was good.

Evans kicked a penalty for Accies to widen the gap, but Mark Wilson stormed over for his fourth try in four games, giving Skeen the chance to level the scores with the conversion.

Momentum was with the Tweedsiders in the last 10 minutes and the final chance came with a speculative drop goal attempt by Andrew Skeen, which missed the target.

Gala19

Selkirk23

Selkirk ended their duck in the Premiership with a well-deserved win at Netherdale, sealing the points with a late Rory Banks penalty which came after Gala had clawed back the deficit to one point.

Gala came onto the pitch already ravaged by injuries. Rob Louw pulled out late injured, with Chris Weir moving to 6, Opeta Palepoi coming off the bench to replace at 5 and Scott Chapman going on to the bench.

Gala coach George Graham said that although the injuries were a factor of his team’s recent poor run of form, the players that are on the park should be doing a better job.

He said: “Our decision-making is poor and our line-out is not functioning at all.

“Losing has become a habit and it’s a habit we have to break.”

Neither side could create openings until Selkirk’s Darren Clapperton scored in 12 minutes, running in from a break by Ross Nixon. Jack Cuthbert converted for a 7-0 lead.

After this, it was again very close for the majority of the first half.

Selkirk scrum half Mikey Davies was shown a yellow card after the 25th minute, but this was evened up in the next few minutes as Gala forward Callum Rowlandson was also sent to the sinbin for a high tackle on Dashton Wellman.

Gala’s Craig Dods then went wide with a penalty.

A minute from half-time Opeta Palepoi went over for a try in the left-hand corner, but then Davies pounced on a poor kick by Dods to score Selkirk’s second try, leaving the visitors 12-5 ahead at the interval.

Wellman dropped a goal for Selkirk, and it was game on when Alan Dell and Josh Irvine scored twice in three minutes and Dods converted both. But Banks banged over a penalty to give them some breathing space.

It was a nail-biting last few minutes for all supporters and coaches as Gala had possession for the majority of the time.

A pass out to Gala winger Daniel Nicholson in the last few seconds could have meant an entirely different final score, but a knock-on into touch meant Selkirk held out to give coach Peter Wright his first win of the season.

Gala have now been without a win since Friday, October 9, when they beat Hawick.

From winning their first two league games of the season, the Maroons have now had seven defeats, and are languishing at the wrong end of the table, with only the seemingly-resurgent Selkirk below them.

Wright was delighted to get that first victory of the season.

He said: “It’s been a long, hard road to get that victory, but we kind of saw it coming. We have been performing well without getting the results, and with Gala’s recent run of defeats and it being a good old Borders derby, the guys were well up for it and they had a belief in themselves that they would do it.”

GHA15

Jed-Forest13

Jed lost out on the chance of a draw when Gregor Mein missed a tricky conversion of his own try in added time in this tight National Division One match at Braidholm on Saturday.

Jed’s forwards were well on top in the first half, but that only translated to a 5-3 interval lead.

Jed had ample chances to establish a platform for victory, but their only score was a Paulo Ferreira try. Mein missed the conversion, as well as two penalties, and the visitors were denied a second try only by Andrew Gillman’s saving tackle.

Ferreira earned a yellow card for killing the ball just before the break, and Peter Jericevich was on target with the conversion.

Just as the second half started the skies opened, and handling became an issue.

With Ferreira still off the park, Alan Auld touched down Chris Binnie’s kick ahead, and Jerecevich converted from the touchline.

Ryan Jackson then took the GHA kicker out of the game with a high tackle, a move that earned him a visit to the sin-bin.

GHA soon had the chance to turn the screw with a penalty in the Jed right corner.

With the visitors’ pack depleted, the home support were roaring for scrum, but the on-pitch decision was to go for a throw-in, but Jed stole the line-out.

Sub Ruairi O’Keefe extended the home side’s lead to 10 points with a great try, following a lovely break up the wing by fellow replacement Ben Addison.

However, their lead was never safe.

It was all the more under threat when Mein kicked a penalty goal in 69 minutes after a scrum collapsed, and in added time he also squeezed over in the left corner for a try.

However, his conversion went astray, much to the relief of the home support.

Forrester 50

Hawick Linden 6

Showing six changes from last week’s trip to Linlithgow, the prospects did not look good again for Linden as they travelled to Edinburgh.

The visitors were caught out by a neat chip to the corner in the 14th minute and the home winger won the race for the touchdown. The Royal Blues responded well with some thundering charges by skipper Gary Wardle and two Steven Beattie penalty goals put Linden 6-5 ahead after 24 minutes.

Just before the half-hour mark came the crucial interception as Linden tried to play their way out from deep and the Forrester stand-off read the situation to stroll over and convert.

As half-time approached, Forrester scored a lovely converted touchdown through their full-back.

Then, deep into injury time, with Ryan Beattie receiving treatment, the remaining seven forwards couldn’t contain a controlled line-out drive and the try took the Forrester lead to 24-6 at the break.

Two second-half tries for Forrester, both resulting from good line-out play, stretched the score to 34-6.

Linden then had a long period of pressure in the home 22, but they just couldn’t break down a stonewall defence.

Teries’ full-back Steven Beattie tackled a player without the ball, leading to a penalty try and red card.

And a further seven-pointer followed with the game well into injury time to bring up a half-century for the home team.

In the end a well-deserved victory for Forrester, but a tough final scoreline for Linden.

It might be asking too much for Hawick fans to feel some sympathy for Melrose, but the simple fact was that in losing four key members of their pack both before and during the match, the Greenyards men were not the force they should have been.

On Saturday morning, Melrose’s Scotland under-20 lock Lewis Carmichael was called up as a stand-by for Edinburgh ahead of the capital’s game against Munster.

Then, halfway through the first half, Carmichael’s regular second row partner James Head was stretchered off with a neck injury.

If that were not bad enough, the Melrose vice-captain Grant Runciman was then forced to retire with a head wound and towards the end of a costly first half, Nick Beavon, the influential tighthead, sustained a broken bone in his hand, an injury that is likely to result in a two-month absence from the game.

“There’s no getting away from losing Lewis Carmichael. We could have stomached that, but then we lost James Head in the first half. And that was key,” said Melrose head coach John Dalziel.

“We looked really comfortable in the first half and they looked like the ones who were rattled. They lost key players as well, but it wasn’t a game for the backs.

“Losing James Head, Nick Beavon and then Grant Runciman was crippling. You can’t be without core players in your pack.”

Hawick suffered through injuries to midfield playmaker Rory Hutton and later to their stand-off, Lee Armstrong. But on a day when summer conditions came to an end, what mattered was forward strength and in being able to field both Scott McLeod and Simon Berghan, Hawick had the trump cards.

Thirty-six-year-old McLeod, capped 24 times for Scotland, made his experience count, most crucially with two line-out steals on the five-metre line when Melrose threatened to hit back in the final quarter.

“I was finding my feet a bit. I’ve not played for five or six weeks. I’ve lost a bit of weight and I’m not as fit as I should be with all the coaching,” admitted McLeod. “But it was good to get out there. No better place to play than the Greenyards.”

McLeod, who is becoming more involved with coaching at Newcastle, has not ruled out playing for Hawick in future games.

He said: “If I can play and make a difference to any side then I’ll continue, but if I’m playing poorly I’ll call it a day.”

At the end of an absorbing first half, Melrose led 6-0 after Joe Helps had succeeded with two goals from four attempts. Hawick’s only chance for points fell to Ally Weir, but the full back’s kick was short of the posts.

Weir quickly atoned with an early second-half penalty before converting his own try after Bruce McNeil had surged off the tail of a line-out to put Hawick in the lead for the first time in the match.

Melrose threatened with a series of penalty-created line-outs, but McLeod’s intervention and then a break-out by Sean Goodfellow ended with Weir kicking a second penalty goal.

McLeod then was shown the yellow card, but Melrose could not make their numerical advantage count, and when Weir nailed his third penalty kick six minutes from full-time, the Teries effectively sealed their win.

Grange EL 1st XI5

Fjordhus Reivers 1st XI0

The opening minute was scrappy and played at a furious pace.

An aerial ball into the Reivers’ circle was picked up by a home forward and volleyed coolly into the goal.

Grange were the first to combine fluid movement with connective passing, which found Reivers chasing the ball on several occasions.

Grange took advantage of Reivers’ lack of shape and were soon rewarded with a second goal as they found a player free on the back post.

Reivers slowly began to work as a unit through the lines with more consistent linking play between defence, midfield and the forwards.

Pippa Bell and Rhona Gowans worked the centre channel together, distributing the ball to the pacey midfield and forward lines.

Reivers won four penalty corners in a five-minute period, but were unable to get the ball past the strong Grange keeper.

However, poor marking and effective long balls allowed Grange two further goals before half-time.

Bell changed the formation for the second half and Reivers improved their passing and movement.

With this increased concentration came more goalscoring opportunities, but Reivers simply could not find the finishing touch.

Iona Kellett played with consistent determination and won a further two penalty corners.

However, it was Grange who once again were rewarded with a controversial final goal which was struck from outside the circle and deflected into the goal from a Reivers stick.

Effort, workrate, fitness, trust and team work define this young Fjordhus outfit and it remains consistent with every game.

When the finishing touches come, this team will be a force to be reckoned with.

Kelso High School received a tremendous accolade when invited to take part in the Topflight Schools Nations Tournament at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

Of the 16 teams taking part, they joined George Heriots School, Hutchesons Grammar School and The High School of Glasgow as one of four from Scotland and faced mostly independent schools from England and Ireland.

In their first game they lost 1-3, to eventual runners up Banbridge Academy from Northern Ireland, the only goal coming from midfielder Leona Porteous.

In their next game they were just edged out by Kings Hospital from Dublin by 1-0, but this was a disappointing result as in terms of play and pressure, they should have been able to win this one.

The final game of the first day, however, saw them defeating Ipswich School from England 3-0, the goals coming from Imogen Johnstone Jones, Aimee Martin and Lucy Murray. This win lifted them to third place in their group.

The next day’s play-offs saw them take on Coleraine Grammar School from Northern Ireland and despite going a goal down they came back to win 3-1, with goals from Tara Aitchison, Lucy Murray and Leona Porteous.

Next up were Loreto College, Kilkenny from Southern Ireland, who were strong and physical, and managed to scrape a 1-0 triumph in a very closely-contested game.

This put Kelso into a play-off for 11th place against Ipswich, whom they had already played the day before and they had a comfortable 2-1 win, goal-scorers this time being Tara Aitchison and Lucy Murray.

This was a great display of hockey from the whole team, but special mention goes to Izzy Kyle who won the award for Kelso High School’s player of the tournament.

Fjordhus Reivers II6

Boroughmuir1

It was extremely wet throughout, but that didn’t dampen the Fjordhus Reivers seconds’ performance on Saturday.

Full of confidence due to their impressive start to the season, they were on the attack from the first whistle.

Boroughmuir were a hard-working and well-organised outfit and although the home side dominated both territory and possession in the opening quarter, they didn’t create too many clear chances.

Then left-midfield Laura McLean went on one of her mazy runs, cutting through the opposition and finished with a well-struck shot.

Play was now almost exclusively in Boroughmuir’s final third, and persistence and no little skill saw first Elena Lunn and then Sara Robson find the back of the net from close quarters.

The final goal of the half was a real sizzler. Following good work down the right, McLean got a shot off that was deflected into the air, and quick-thinking Lunn hit the ball goalwards, baseball style, giving the visiting keeper no chance at the back post.

To their credit, Boroughmuir hadn’t given up and came out after the break ready to compete.

Playing a tight man-to-man marking game, they closed Fjordhus down at every opportunity and reduced their time and space to create.

Jenny Sharp did add another score after good work in the circle early in the second half, but it was then Boroughmuir who enjoyed their best spell of the game.

They started to find some space and Alanna Taddei, making her debut in the Reivers goal, made some fine saves.

The visitors did score a nice goal with a low swept shot, but it was never going to affect the result.

It was fitting that the home side finished in style. A penetrating ball from the back by Janet Jack found Robson in space who, in turn, found Ashley Robson, the latter playing the two-on-one with the keeper beautifully to allow Sharp an easy tap-in.