GALASHIELS golfer Simon Fairburn has been crowned Borders champion yet again.

In a thrilling two rounds at Torwoodlee, the 25-year-old edged out fellow Gala player Colin Riddle to claim the Border Championship trophy.

For once this year the weather was kind for golf throughout Sunday.

The first three ball teed off at 8am.

And there was an added incentive to finish in the top 16 as this guaranteed an entry into the BGA Match Play at the Roxburghe Golf Course in October.

Riddle, who was out in the first group set a one over par score of 70, Jackson Berry matched this score but it was late in the round that these scores were passed.

Fairburn, taking a six at the par 4 second hole returned six birdies for a round of 67.

Best round in the handicap scores was returned by Alan Morrison, playing of six, returned a net 65.

Returning to the course after a break for lunch, Riddle dug deep and returned a daunting target for the field with six birdies, and 12 pars for a 63 - and a total of 133.

Scoring was better in the afternoon with David Gillie and Paul McVie beating par.

Out in the second last group, how would Simon fair?

He has been playing fantastic golf lately and he did not disappoint.

Like Colin, he shot six birdies and 12 pars for a grand total of 130.

Finishing in third place was David Gillie holding off Paul Johnson on a better inward half.

Paul McVie had the third best score in the afternoon which put him into fifth place.

Euan Reilly (Hawick) took the Handicap prize with his club mate Kieran Willison in second place.

The BGA would like to thank Torwoodlee Golf Club for the use of the course, the green keepers for the excellent condition of the course and the in- house staff for looking after the players.

1 Simon Fairburn (-3) 67 + 63 = 130 130

2 Colin Riddle (-1) 70 + 63 = 133 133

3 David Gillie (-1) 73 + 68 = 141 141

4 P Johnson (1) 72 + 69 = 141 141

5 Paul McVie (-1) 75 + 67 = 142 142

6 Andy Lawrie (0) 72 + 71 = 143 143

7 Jack McDonald (3) 73 + 71 = 144 144

8 E Reilly (5) 75 + 70 = 145 145

9 Gareth Renwick (3) 74 + 71 = 145 145

10 Jackson Berry (0) 70 + 75 = 145 145