Selkirk A 20

Boroughmuir 2A 20

John Smail

at Philiphaugh

ANOTHER never-say-die display by Selkirk ‘A’ saw the Souters maintain their unbeaten record by holding a physically dominant Boroughmuir 2A team to a hard-fought draw at Philiphaugh on Saturday.

Once again the home side was indebted to the goal-kicking prowess of scrum-half Scott Clark, who sent all four of his goal attempts straight between the posts to keep Selkirk in the hunt.

It was the city men who struck first through a try by pacey left wing Connor Henderson, and with the home pack regularly being pushed off their own scrum ball, the omens for Selkirk were not good.

A further setback came when number eight Scott Tomlinson had to retire with an elbow injury (replaced by Andrew Davidson), but a Clark penalty reduced the visitors’ lead to 5-3.

A superb jinking run in the 25th minute by David Cassidy saw the veteran stand-off beat three defenders to score wide out, with Clark doing the needful. A second try by Henderson made the halftime score 10-10.

Another superb break by David Cassidy resulted in his second try of the match, converted by Clark, but Boroughmuir replied with a touchdown from skipper Finlay Hepburn, converted by Calum Anderson, to tie the scores at 17-17.

In a nail-biting final quarter, Selkirk’s players defended heroically to keep their try line intact, with Clark and Anderson exchanging late penalties to ensure that honours finished even.

Selkirk skipper Liam Cassidy led by example throughout, with centre Lewis Martin again getting through a power of work. Paul Smail and Josh Mackay made welcome comeback appearances after lengthy lay-offs.

Playing at lock for the visitors was Derry McConnell, son of ex-Selkirk skipper Keith McConnell.

Four Seasons Forestry Selkirk ‘Man of the Match’ – Scott Clark.

Selkirk ‘A. M. Brass, N. Armstrong, J. Griffin, L. Martin, C. Rhind, D. Cassidy, S. Clark, L. Blair, M. Francis, K. Thomson, P. Smail, J. Turnbull, L. Cassidy, M. Mackay, S. Tomlinson. Replacements: R. Reilly, W. McClymont, H. McDonnell, M. Rutter, A. Davidson, J. Mackay.