FORMER Scotland star Peter Wright took charge of Selkirk in a competitive fixture for the first time at the weekend and then revealed he believes his side are good enough to win the league.

The National League One side were outclassed by Scottish champions Melrose in the first half of their 46-30 Border League defeat at Philiphaugh on Saturday.

However, after winning the second half 27-19, they didn’t always look a league apart.

Wright told the Border Telegraph: “Even though we turned around 27-3 down, I think the three tries that Melrose scored all came from turn over possession from us, which shows you the class that Melrose have.

“While we looked okay in the first half, we didn’t look dangerous, we didn’t look likely to score; just great defence from Melrose.

“In the second half it got to 30 odd points to three and I thought (is this going to be a) 60 pointer. Fair dues to the guys, they stuck in, scored five great tries and then showed that with just a bit of self belief that they can compete.

“And that’s what it’s about against teams like Melrose. We’re the division below them and we need to go in with that same determination in National One, and if we do that we’ll be a competitive team.

“The one thing I’ve said to them is be positive - play. It’s a big pitch, go out there and play it, and if that means running the ball from your own try line, do it because you’ve got the skills and ability to do that and I think they showed today that they can play rugby with the best.

“The challenge is to be in the top two at the end of the season. I was in the division last year with Peebles and there are some tough games - we’ve got Jed, Kelso, and Peebles to play - but if we can avoid injuries and get some consistency going then there’s no reason why we can’t be in the mix at the end.

“Some people think it is arrogant to say you can win the league but that is our goal, it has to be our goal, to be in that top two. So I’m looking forward to it.” Selkirk are without a game this weekend. But, next weekend, they tackle Cartha Queens Park in the first round of the BT Cup competition.

When asked if he thinks he is better equipped to win the league at Selkirk than he was at Peebles, Wright replied: “I think so, I think there is a little bit more quality at this club.

“I think there are more players. That was the big problem we had, there was some good quality players at Peebles, we just didn’t have a lot.

“We were potentially working on a squad of 20, whereas I think at Selkirk we have up to 18 forwards that are competing for a first team place.

“And, apart from maybe one or two, that was probably the second team back division from last year (against Melrose) and I thought they played really well.

“And we’re giving everyone a chance. One or two boys are still playing cricket, one or two are injured, and we don’t have a game next week so the boys at the moment are probably in the box seat.”