Border Telegraph | Sport | Go for it Selkirk!

Friday, 9th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 26th March, 2008 10:00

Go for it Selkirk!

By Atholl Innes

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Selkirk Silver Band get behind the Selkirk team at Philiphaugh on Saturday. Will the band play on at Biggar?

SELKIRK will not settle for promotion in the winner-takes-all battle on Saturday afternoon at Hartreemill.

The Souters aim to beat Biggar with a bonus point and bring the Premiership 2 title as well to Philiphaugh in style around 4.30 p.m.

The cards are on the table – a win, draw or defeat by no more than seven points will see Selkirk move into the Premier league in Scottish rugby, less than a year after just managing to stave off relegation.

Any other result will see Biggar take the big step – unless, which is unlikely, West of Scotland fall to bottom club Hillhead/Jordanhill.

Selkirk coach Rodney Pow is relishing the challenge and believes his players are ready for the biggest game of the season. “That was a fantastic result (against West on Saturday).

“Now I feel the pressure is on Biggar to beat us. The pressure is not on us, and it would be very disappointing if we did not make it now. We have the squad to do it.

“It is really all about concentration and being accurate in everything we do.

“The crowd makes a big difference and I am sure everyone will want to be at this game.”

Even the Silver Band, which turned up expectedly at Philiphaugh on Saturday, may make another appearance – even although there is no seating at Hartreemill.

Selkirk have no injury worries ahead of the game.

Expectancy is also high at Biggar. “We want everyone to come out and support the team. This is a huge game for our club,” said spokesman Al Stewart.

Meanwhile, Melrose and Hawick will play out the final stages of Premiership 1.

Melrose play hosts to Boroughmuir, the champions, for the second time in two weeks following their 16 – 0 victory in the Cup.

Melrose still has aspirations of second place, but need results elsewhere to go for them.

Coach Craig Chalmers may rest players ahead of the quarter-final cup clash with Hawick a week on Saturday.

Hawick coach Jim Hay will definitely play a second-team side against Watsonians at Myreside.

“I plan to rest the players and keep for them for the cup-tie against Melrose,” said Hay.

“We are targeting the cup-that’s our priority-and also the Border League as well as success in the sevens and we will give some of the guys a rest.”

Looking further ahead, he said: “We have some of the fittest players, but they struggle for bulk and they need to spend more time this summer in the gym. When overseas players come over, they already have that bulk.”

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