Selkirk A 40

Jed-Forest A 14

John Smail

at Philiphaugh

A BARNSTORMING display by the home pack saw Selkirk A return to winning ways in Saturday’s hotly contested Tennent’s Reserve League East 1 fixture against Jed-Forest A at Philiphaugh.

Despite losing the services of skipper Liam Cassidy as early as the fourth minute through injury, the Souters had enough firepower to see off a competitive Royal Blues side desperate to register their first victory of the season.

Flanker Josh Mackay continued to impress as he battles his way back to full fitness, while back row colleague Andrew Renwick capped a fine performance by grabbing a hat-trick of tries.

Saturday’s win sees Selkirk move up to joint second place in the division alongside Stewart’s/Melville FP 2nds – the team they will face this Saturday in a crunch match at Inverleith.

Ahead 26-7 at halftime, Selkirk’s first half tries were scored by Renwick (2), Nathaniel Armstrong and Lewis Martin. Scrum-half Scott Clark kicked three conversions.

Jed’s try scorer was Owen Cranston (son of club president Paul), with Martin Chisholm adding the conversion.

After the break Selkirk put the result beyond doubt with further scores from Armstrong and Renwick, both converted by Clark.

Jed’s consolation try was scored by former Selkirk Rhinos player Fergus McKerracher, with Chisholm again converting.

Afterwards Selkirk ‘A’ coach Darren Hoggan praised his players for a solid team effort.

He said: “I was pleased by the improvement in our set piece play, particularly at the line-out, and the boys showed a lot more spirit and commitment.”

The Four Seasons Forestry Selkirk man of the match’ award went to Josh Mackay.

Selkirk A: M. Rutter, N. Armstrong, H. McDonnell, L. Martin, M. Brass,, D. Cassidy, S. Clark, L. Blair, M. Francis, K. Thomson, L. Cassidy, A. Renwick, R. Cook, J. Mackay, Andrew McColm. Replacements: M. Mackay, M. Stanners, C. McEwan, H. Aynsley.