THE Border Pairs Finals on Sunday saw a tremendous day for all concerned at the Reivers Bar, Galashiels.
Scott Bowers and Scott Simpson defended their title in fine style, defeating Darren McGurk and Kieran Riddell in a keenly-fought final.
All four play for Reivers, as do semi-finalists Craig Reid and Kev Mackay, who played well in pushing the champs closest on the day.
Stuart Brown and Gavin Cottrell from High Level, Hawick, looked in great form before losing out in a last-frame thriller to McGurk and Riddell.
The league standard is improving fast and all 16 finalists played some great pool.
Simpson told TheSouthern: “In reality we were expected to retain our title, but we were pushed close in all ties and had to dig deep as usual, with everyone gunning for us and the gap is closing.
“However, Scott Senior is the best all-time doubles player in the Borders and it was a pleasure to partner him to his seventh title.
“Thanks to Reivers as well for a great spread and the tables were spot-on.”