Qualifying Section matches

Borders 15-05 Glasgow

Borders 17-09 Orkney

Borders 20-08 Aberdeen

Borders 23-07 Inverclyde

Semi-final

Borders 14-16 Sth Lanarkshire

IT was so near yet so far for Borders U15s at the weekend, when they performed with distinction in their last outing of the season to win their qualifying section at their national tournament only to go out in the semi-finals, despite leading until the closing minutes.

The Inter-District national tournament rounds off the District season, bringing together the top U15 players from each region across Scotland for a one-day competition.

Borders had a tough draw and faced Glasgow in their opening match. Plan A was to hit the first match fully prepared despite the early start, and take Glasgow by surprise with strong attacking moves. No Plan B was needed with Borders emerging clearly as the stronger force, turning the tables on Glasgow who had beaten them earlier in the season.

And the momentum continued with further convincing victories against Orkney, Aberdeen and Inverclyde in what was fast becoming Borders best outing of the year.

Topping their section, Borders drew South Lanarkshire in the semi-final. Again, Borders came out with intent, pulling away quickly to go 4 goals up within the opening minutes. But South Lanarkshire was not willing to go down without a fight, and started to close the gap. The match became a nail-biter, with Borders leading for most of it, but pressurised by South Lanarkshire throughout. To Border dismay, with the final seconds ticking away, South Lanarkshire drew level, then managed two quick breaks in succession, both converted into goals, to secure them the place in the final against Edinburgh.

South Lanarkshire went on to win the tournament convincingly, with Borders proud of punching far beyond its weight with a series of fine performances.

U-15 Border District squad: Rianna Sterricks (Capt), Sophie Walpole (Vice Capt), Kirsten Rodwell, Emma Raeburn, Ellie O’Hara, Lucy Gray, Emma Saxon, Anna McGorum, Jess Wodehouse, Abbey Scrimger.

Coach: Linda Nicholson

Team Managers: Linda Gray and Katherine Walpole