Border Telegraph | Sport | Selkirk have 'every right to be proud of achievements'

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 23rd July, 2008 09:00

Selkirk have 'every right to be proud of achievements'

By Atholl Innes

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SELKIRK will continue to punch above its weight next season, according to President George Thomson.

Reflecting on a season that saw the Souters win promotion to Premiership 1, lift the Border League and retain the Kings of the Sevens title, Mr Thomon said it was one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history.

“I can assure everyone that a huge effort will be made to keep Selkirk rugby progressing over the coming season.

“We will continue to punch above our weight in Scottish rugby. The foundations are in place and we fully intend to consolidate in Premier One.

“We have every reason to be proud of our achievements and my upbeat message concludes with encouragement and the challenge, ‘Upwards and Onwards!”

Mr Thomson said that it was one of the most successful seasons in the club’s 101 years’ history.

The team over achieved beyond my wildest expectations and finished up with a memorable treble - promotion to Premier One after a gap of 14 years; retention of the prestigious ‘Kings of the Sevens’ title; and BSPC Border League Champions for the first time since 1952/53.

“A Premier Two record of Played 22; Won 19; Lost 3 in a difficult league was quite outstanding bearing in mind we lost the opening home fixture against Biggar,” he said.

“That proved to be our only defeat at Philiphaugh in the entire campaign. Selkirk were only pipped for the league title by West of Scotland on points differential, having won more games than the champions.

“The crunch promotion game at Biggar epitomised the fighting spirit of the entire squad. Our local talent plus the immense contribution from South African, Eddie Gauche combined to make us worthy winners. The celebrations will live long in our memories.

“Neil Darling was an inspirational captain and joint coaches Rodney Pow and Kevin Barrie were immense throughout the season. They nurtured the winning mentality when it mattered. It has to be said that our travelling supporters made a massive contribution to the success story.

“On the Sevens front, the highlights were winning the Kelso Sevens and particularly our own tournament for the first time since 1994.

The atmosphere in the Philiphaugh Suite was electric. I can only describe it like the New Year and the Common Riding rolled into one.

“We appeared in no fewer than five finals on the hard Sevens circuit and nudged out an impressive Watsonians squad to retain the title. Our performance showed that the prior season’s success was definitely no ‘flash in the pan’.

“Victories over Berwick, Gala and Hawick set up a Border League final versus Jed-Forest at Poynder Park and it was yet another night to savour.

Defeating Jed 19-9 in front of a magnificent band of loyal supporters was the ‘icing on the cake’ for all the hard work put in during the season.

Neil Darling was an extremely proud young man when he lifted the Border League cup for the first time in 55 years.

“Selkirk were also named as Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month for April/May.

“I attended the Scottish Rugby Awards Dinner at Murrayfield with Senior Vice President Donald and felt very proud when Fraser Harkness was recognised as Premier Two ‘Player of the Year’.

Graham Marshall, nominated by Selkirk RFC, was awarded the ‘Youth Coach of the Season’ award.

“Lee Jones was selected for the Scotland Under-20s’ squad for the Six Nations tournament and the IRB World Under-20 Championship – yet another accolade for the club and Lee’s family.

“Congratulations are also in order for the Youth Club players Stuart Forrest and Andrew Renwick who were selected for the Scotland Under-17s’ squad. They will be welcome additions to the senior platform.

“David Cassidy turned in a tremendous season with the boot and surpassed the club’s points scoring record for a season previously set by Rodney Pow. David’s contribution was immense and showed that practice makes perfect.

“In March we appointed Cieran Beattie as Club Development Officer thanks to a funding package involving the SRU, SportsMatch, Messrs T. Renwick and Sons and other supporters. Cieran’s appointment is seen as a vital step to attract as many youngsters into the game as possible. "

And he concluded: “I must thank Senior Vice-President, Donald Macleod for his solid support and also pay tribute to Gordon Hunter and John Rutherford, our Junior Vice- Presidents.

“The Selkirk club is indebted to all the industrious General and Management Committee members who put in a power of hard work during the season.

"They all played a vital part in the success story. They are the bolts in the cog that turn the club’s wheel in the right direction.

“Grateful thanks are also due to Alan Seal and his bar staff, club sponsors, volunteers and loyal supporters.”

ainnes@bordertelegraph.com

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