RBS NATIONAL RESERVE ONE
LAST Saturday’s defeat leaves Selkirk perilously close to the relegation trapdoor, but with five league fixtures remaining, backs coach Fraser Jack is certainly not throwing in the towel.
“I thought our players showed real character today,” he said after the match, “especially since we had a number of regulars on duty with the firsts at Jed, while a couple of other players were unavailable.
“There’s still everything to play for in the weeks ahead, and hopefully we’ll have some players back for us this Saturday for the home game against Stew/Mel. Everybody knows that a lot of hard work is going to be needed for us to stay up.”
A penalty from Michael Rutherford gave Selkirk an early lead, but Dundee hit back with a try.
The Souters regained the lead with a touchdown from centre Alistair Lyall, following good support play by the forwards and clever handling by half-backs Mikey Davies and Rutherford.Another Dundee try kept the visitors in touch, but just before half-time Craig MacDougall crossed for another five-pointer for Selkirk. Rutherford added the conversion and, earlier, kicked a second penalty to lead 18-10 at the break.
Into the second half, despite the efforts of the home forwards, the bigger Dundee pack was beginning to call the shots and a pushover try and a drop-goal saw the Mayfield men go 20-18 in front. A second try from Craig MacDougall and a third penalty from Rutherford put Selkirk back in the driving seat at 26-20, but Dundee’s second pushover try of the game snatched victory away from the spirited Souters.
Special mention goes to Ruairi Wilson for showing up well in his first outing at hooker, while teenage replacement prop Fraser Irvine also distinguished himself in his debut appearance for the Selkirk club. Scott Tough filled in well at full-back, and it was pleasing to see Fraser Orr and Ciaran Beattie both back in Selkirk jerseys.
Selkirk: S. Tough; H. Aynsley, C. MacDougall, A. Lyall, A. Given; M. Rutherford, M. Davies; C. Henderson, R. Wilson, N. Wielbo, A. Lambie, J. Turnbull, S. Nixon. W. McClymont, Robt Cook. Subs: F. Irvine, F. Orr, C. Beattie.