Selkirk 25

Kelso 15

Kris Tatum

at Philiphaugh

AFTER the disappointment of the previous week's defeat in Lanarkshire it was vital for Selkirk's chances that they saw off local rivals Kelso.

Although they enjoyed the lead throughout this derby there was still a few nervous moments as Kelso tested the Philiphaugh defence.

It all began well for Selkirk with a powerful scrum disrupting the visitors and Peter Forrest lunging over the line for the opening try.

Kelso did put the home defence under pressure, but it was the hosts who were to extend the advantage through a Rory Banks penalty.

Banks showed plenty of speed just five minutes later as he intercepted a pass inside his own half to race away for a try.

The winger added the conversion for a 15-0 lead.

Kelso were far from out of the game, though, as they continued to pin the hosts back.

The pressure finally led to Michael Downer barging over the line for a try out wide.

Despite Kelso's lowly league position they showed plenty enterprise and determination to push Selkirk back yet again as half time approached.

This time Derek Walsh was driven over to make the score 15-10.

But there was till time for Selkirk to extend their lead before half time.

Aaron McColm spotted Banks out wide and his cross-field kick was collected by the winger to go over for his second try of the afternoon.

At 20-10 there was still a lot of work to be done.

But the job was made somewhat easier after Kelso's Derek Walsh was red-carded for his part in a scuffle.

Selkirk took advantage of the additional player by driving over the line for the fourth try on 53 minutes.

James Bett emerged from the bottom of the pile with the ball.

More yellow cards followed for both teams as tempers frayed.

And Kelso were to close the gap yet again through Kevin Wilson after Kevin Dryden had charged down a clearance kick.

But Selkirk held on comfortably enough to claim the five points and take a step or two up the table.

Selkirk. J Welsh, F Anderson, D Clapperton, R Nixon, R Banks, A McColm, S Tough, L Pettie, J Bett, D Riddell, A Renwick, P Forrest, S Nixon, P McClymont & D Nichol. Reps: C Hume, J Anderson, A McKay, S Clark & L Martin.