Berwick 5
Hawick YM 20
BORDERS REGIONAL SHIELD FINAL
STUART CAMERON reports from Scremerston
This was a highly entertaining game despite the fact that there was no score at half-time.
The only chance for points came from Gareth Hill’s two penalty attempts at goal which were unsuccessful, largely due to the fierce gusting wind which seems to reside at Scremerston.
Over the past few years the balance of power has changed with Berwick dropping out of the top flight and Hawick YM on the ascendancy.
Currently, Berwick are in East Division One, while the Redskins are second with a game in hand in the National League and next season could be locking horns with the likes of former Premier One team Peebles.
YM have only been beaten twice in the last two seasons in competitive rugby, so Berwick had a difficult task, but the visitors made a lot of handling errors in the first half.
A Matt Douglas penalty shortly after the interval gave the visitors the lead, but Berwick’s Jamie Pick put his team in front with a try soon after.
YM retaliated with a well-worked touchdown from Glyn Desport, converted by Douglas, and then Bruce Campbell went over to effectively seal the game with a fine break from 10 yards out. Campbell converted and added a penalty.
Redskins coach Jammy McFarlane said: “Berwick’s enthusiasm, especially round the contact area, was commendable and they rattled us.
“We finally got our composure in the second half and that proved crucial.”
z You can see exclusive match highlights from the match at www.BordersRugby.net
Hawick YM: M. Douglas, M. Graham, J. Coutts, R. Armstrong, G. Desport, D. McCracken, B. Campbell; W. Lilly, G. Douglas, A. Turnbull, S. Mabon, K. Millar, S. Hill, R. Scott, S. Graham. Subs: C. Ritson, W. Blacklock, R. Hogg.