AN AGREEMENT has been reached regarding the much-hyped rescheduled fixture between Selkirk and Hillhead/Jordanhill.
The match, which was postponed on March 3 because of an unplayable pitch, had been scheduled to take place on April 7, Gala Sevens day.
But concerns by other clubs still looking to secure a top-four place in Premier C that Selkirk would be forced to send out a second-rate team for the game forced the clubs concerned to enter discussions on the matter.
Selkirk RFC director of rugby Dennis Henderson told The Wee Paper: “April 7 was the stand-by date that the SRU set for this match and if we couldn’t come to some agreement with Hillhead then we would have to have played on that date.
“However, after discussions, Hillhead offered to play us on Sunday, April 8, instead, and on Tuesday night we called them up and accepted that offer.
“The other option was to play the game midweek, but we vetoed that as Hillhead have no lights which would have meant a 5.30pm kick-off and, because this is an away fixture, we couldn’t expect the players to take half the day off work.
“We’re glad it has now been settled and that it won’t affect our contribution to the sevens circuit.”
Selkirk will play their rescheduled match against Falkirk on the first of two stand-by dates on Saturday, March 31.
Last weekend, the Souters secured their continuation in national rugby next season with a convincing 30-19 victory over West of Scotland at Philiphaugh.
Old adversaries, but also friends off the pitch, the match also condemned West to other pastures – an outcome that provoked mixed emotions from former Selkirk president George Thomson.
He said: “Selkirk and West added a breath of fresh air when they were promoted to Premier One a few seasons ago and their policy of developing and playing local players, as much as possible was commendable against the vogue of importing players by clubs with financial clout.
“Sadly, and not necessarily for the good of Scottish rugby, both teams have slipped down a rung of the ladder.
“However, sustainability for the leading teams will be a telling factor in due course.”
Nevertheless, Selkirk and fellow Borderers Kelso were both celebrating the fact that they will be playing National rugby next season with a win each last weekend.
Kelso made it back-to-back wins away from home with a 23-18 win at Whitecraigs.
The Tweedsiders stay top of the table, with Selkirk, who have two games in hand, still in second place following their comfortable – apart from a mad 10 minutes at the start of the second half – home win.
A fine performance produced two tries from Andrew Renwick, with Nyle Godsmark and Ali Dixon getting the others.
Michael McVie added a brace of penalties and an equal number of conversions to the tally.
This weekend, the Souters head to the Gytes where they will take on the already-relegated Peebles outfit. Kick-off 3pm.