RESERVE LEAGUE EAST POD A
SELKIRK STORMERS pushed the league leaders all the way in Saturday’s league fixture at Raeburn Place.
A strong Accies side were made to fight all the way by an equally solid Stormers team.
Each side fielded several 2nd XV players after both national reserve games had been called off, with Stormers bolstered by the Godsmark twins as well as fly-half Mike Rutherford, who was making his second comeback appearance after injury.
Selkirk opened the scoring after putting Accies under pressure on their own 22.
The home team were penalised close to their goalposts, and Chris Shand stepped up to put the visitors ahead with a straightforward penalty kick.
The Whites hit back immediately, putting Selkirk under intense pressure, and over the course of the next 20 minutes crossed for a total of three tries, one of which was converted. Selkirk rallied and managed to get back on an even keel, making the half-time score 17-3 in the home team’s favour.
The second half saw some excellent play from both sides, but neither team could breach their opponents’ defence.
Accies had a large bench and regularly rotated players, but because of last-minute call-offs Stormers only had one front row replacement to relieve tired legs. In these circumstances Selkirk’s 16 players did well to keep Accies’ fresher team members from scoring.
Rutherford emerged as Stormers’ man of the match for his attacking and defensive play, and was always on hand to help scrum-half Fraser Jack marshal the visitors’ back line.
Special mention should also go to Ryan Godsmark for playing out of position at full-back for the full 80 minutes.
Selkirk Stormers: R. Godsmark; R. Henderson, N. Godsmark, C. Shand, S. Farrell; M. Rutherford, F. Jack; J. Stevens, S. Rodgerson, C. Fairbairn, F. Tough, R. Wilson, R. Cook, G. Henderson, C. Ward. Sub: C. Henderson.