GOLFERS from across the Borders have defeated a marauding party of big hitters from Sweden.

The inaugural Reivers v Vikings challenge match was played last weekend over two courses in the Borders.

A team of 12 players from the southern Swedish region of Blekinge squared up to a select team from the Borders.

The competition was the idea of New Woll Estate owner Nicholas Brown who has been travelling to the Blekinge region in Sweden for a number of years to develop golf relationships.

Along with Allaround tours, many parties of Swedish golfers have now visited the Scottish Borders and stayed at New Woll Estate.

Nicholas was delighted with the first Vikings v Reivers contest. He said: "We are delighted with the success of the competition as it has taken many years of planning and we are now raring to go with a return match planned in Sweden in the near future.

"I am delighted the Trophy will be played for Annually and now that local businesses, organisations and other courses in the Borders see it has been a success we know they will be keen to be involved in future events.

"Our two areas are so similar in both latitude, size and rural nature and with golf being such a popular sport in both regions it was an obvious partnership.

"It is great for the Scottish Borders as we are likely to see more and more visitors from Sweden and the obvious benefits that has to the local economy."

The Swedish golfers had taken part in a competition to earn a place at the Vikings v Reivers match.

They competed against the Borders over two rounds at The Woll, near Ashkirk, and one round at Roxburghe Golf Club near Kelso.

The outcome of the competition was a resounding victory for the Reivers Team who won with 17 matches to seven against their Swedish guests.

Nicholas added: "The greatest outcome of all was the friendships formed over the weekend and the excitement does not end there as a Borders team will be travelling to Sweden to play a return match."