Mick captained Selkirk’s 1st XV in 1988/89, and will be supported in his two-year term of office by new senior vice-president Elliot Henderson.

The new president was wished every success by his predecessor, John Rutherford, who told members at Thursday’s AGM: “I played alongside Mick at Philiphaugh for many years, and there were not many 'greater triers’ than Mick.

“I’m sure he will bring that energy into his role as president, along with his vice-president Elliot Henderson. I would like to wish them every success, and I ask everyone, just as you did for me, to get behind them next season.” The new president thanked John Rutherford for his tremendous work for the club over the years, and congratulated Elliot Henderson on his appointment as senior vice-president. He said he had a lot of happy memories of playing for Selkirk, and fully understood the responsibilities of his post. He looked forward to the club having a successful season both on and off the field.

Earlier, members had stood for a minute’s silence in memory of three loyal club servants who had passed away in the previous year – John Anderson, Wilbert Neil and Leslie Walker.

Retiring president John Rutherford said it was a source of pride that Selkirk still manages to put three teams out regularly on a Saturday, something many other clubs in Scotland cannot achieve. He thanked outgoing 1st XV coaches Alistair Dickson and Iain Paxton for their immense contributions, also thanking 'Packy’ for his invaluable work as the club’s development officer.

He congratulated the players and coaches of all Selkirk’s teams for a productive season which had seen the 1st XV finish fifth in the RBS National League, the 'A’ XV retain its place in the hugely competitive RBS Reserve League National 1, and the Stormers lift the RBS Reserve League East 2 title.

John Rutherford also had a special word of praise for two high-flying Souters.

“In a few weeks’ time, Lee Jones - a product of Selkirk RFC, will represent Scotland’s sevens squad at the Commonwealth Games. Sarah Robertson, sister of Selkirk player Matt and daughter of former Selkirk player Bert, will turn out for the Scotland ladies hockey team.

“To have two representatives at the Games is no mean achievement for a town of 5,000 people, and I would like to wish them both, on behalf of everybody at the rugby club, every success.” He also congratulated ex-Selkirk president Donald Macleod on his year of office as SRU president, and thanked him for fighting the clubs’ corner throughout this period.

Finance convener George Thomson, giving the financial report, told members the club had made a small surplus for the year, and although overall income had fallen from last year’s levels, so had expenditure in a number of areas. He urged members to do their utmost to support club functions and other fund-raising initiatives in the season ahead.

The meeting heard that ex-internationalist Gordon Hunter is stepping down from his junior vice-president post, and that his position will be taken by Benny Rafferty. Another new appointment saw local farmer Andy White join the general committee.

The 1st XV will again be captained by Andrew Renwick, with Ross Nixon his vice-captain. Kieran Cooney takes over from Iain Paxton as the club’s development officer.

Office-bearers for 2014/15 – President, Mick Craig; senior vice-president, Elliot Henderson; junior vice-presidents, Rob Forrest & Benny Rafferty.

Secretary, Ian Walker; assistant secretary, Ross Thomson; treasurer, Bruce Armstrong; membership secretary, Paul Tomlinson; fixtures secretary, Mary Inglis, referees secretary, Jim Inglis.

Club steward, Les Mallin; groundsman, Brian Cassidy; development club, Alison Cullen; shop manager, Alison Rutherford; club doctor, Jeff Cullen; physiotherapist, Ryan Crockatt; Friends of Selkirk, George Thomson.

The club’s general committee was re-appointed 'en masse’.