Boroughmuir A 5

Selkirk A 10

SELKIRK’S A XV players continue to mirror the success of the club’s 1st XV by racking up their third successive away victory in Tennent’s Reserve League East 1 on Saturday.

Played in bitterly cold, monsoon-like conditions at Meggetland, the Souters showed huge heart and single-mindedness to eventually overcome an equally determined Boroughmuir team.

What made the visitors’ success all the more impressive was the fact two of Selkirk’s players - lock Stuart Wilson and scrum-half Andrew Tennant - had not played rugby for 10 years.

Both acquitted themselves well, although the latter player’s debut was cut short.

Playing against the gale-force wind in the first half, Selkirk still managed to enjoy the lion’s share of possession and territory, but paid the price for conceding penalties at pivotal moments in the match.

On the 25-minute mark Andrew Tennant had to retire to the sidelines after sustaining a cut above his right eye, his place being taken by Callum McEwan.

Given the tricky conditions, it was perhaps no surprise that half time arrived without either side having managed to score a point.

With the elements behind them after the break, Selkirk always looked the likelier side to break the deadlock.

Skipper Harry Borthwick was in superb form, gaining large chunks of territory every time he carried ball, while hooker Matthew Francis was also to the fore.

In the 61st minute fly-half Rory Hamilton put Selkirk’s first points on the board from a penalty, and 10 minutes later lock Matthew Mackay burrowed his way over the line with the entire visiting pack behind him for the opening try. Hamilton’s conversion put the visitors 10-0 ahead.

In the game’s final play, Boroughmuir managed to cross Selkirk’s line to deservedly earn a losing bonus point, but both sets of players deserve credit for contributing to a highly competitive contest in such appalling conditions.

Turning out for Boroughmuir in the back row was former Selkirk ‘A’ player Strath Mackenzie, who is now based in the capital.

Broughmuir: J. Finnie, K. Forge, C. Whitelock, L. Harrity, L. Mackay, N. Muller, F. Smith, P. Richards, G. Stevenson, K. Hasenberger, J. Belsak, A. Clark, M. Thurley, S. Mackenzie, N. Colvin. Replacements: E. Andrew, M. Ozkhan.

SELKIRK – M. Rutter, N. Armstrong, J. Griffin, L. Martin, H. Macdonell, R. Hamilton, A. Tennant, G. Forrest, M. Francis, R. Reilly, S. Wilson, M. Mackay, A. McColm, A. Davidson, H. Borthwick. Replacements: K. Thomson, L. Carrick, C. McColm, C. McEwan.

Referee – Johnny Cocaine (Edinburgh).

CAPTION

Selkirk’s forwards prepare for another scrum.