Selkirk 34

GHA 31

SELKIRK remained in contention following an edge-of-the-seats win over GHA at Philiphaugh.

The strong biting wind made life difficult for both teams.

But the healthy sized crowd were treated to a match that swung one way then the other.

After some early GHA pressure Selkirk went in front after Steven Hamilton held off two separate tacklers to go over.

Selkirk's pacey backs continued to probe for a second try, forcing several good tackles from the GHA defence.

But the visitors had no answer for Clinton Wagman who raced through a gap to score.

Rory Banks added the conversion.

GHA, as they had proven the previous week against Gala, also have plenty of pace and skill within their backs.

Following several attacks towards the Selkirk 22 GHA reduced the margin.

James Sutherland threw a clever dummy to create enough space to dart over the line.

Goudie's conversion brought the score to 12-7 with 27 minutes on the clock.

Banks added three points with a well struck penalty just after the half hour.

But Ross Angus went over just before half time to narrow Selkirk's lead to just 15-12.

The visitors opened up brightly after the interval with James Sutherland scoring in the corner.

Goudie remarkably added the extra two points from out wide.

Worse was to follow for Selkirk as Goudie fed Sean Murray for a further try.

The stand-off's conversion extended GHA's advantage to 26-15.

Selkirk needed a response and it came from the forwards.

After several phases of powerful driving Siphamandia Dama burst through the tackles to go over.

Almost immediately from the restart Selkirk kicked a penalty into the visitors' 22.

And Sean Nixon powered his way through a space in the defence for the try.

Banks' conversion took Selkirk back into the lead.

Both teams threw the ball about as they looked for the all-important next try.

And with five minutes remaining it came for the side.

The ball was passed along the line and Josh Mackay touched down.

Bans gave Selkirk some daylight with the kick to make it 34-26.

James Sutherland went over in injury time for GHA.

Selkirk: S Hamilton, C Wagman, A McColm, R Nixon, J Welsh, R Banks, C McEwan, L Pettie, J Bett, N Hall, P Forrest, D Nichol, S Nixon, J Mackay, S Dama. Reps: B Riddell, D Anderson, A Renwick, M Davies & G Ross.