Selkirk 6 - Hawick 15
Nov
Hawick opened their Radio Borders Border League campaign with a visit to
Philiphaugh in the knowledge that they were on a seven match unbeaten run
and that Selkirk, so far this season, are struggling near the wrong end of
the Premier One League. This match against Premier One opposition would
perhaps give the coaches and players an indication of how far Hawick have
progressed this season and how much more we will have to improve to survive
comfortably against the top club sides in Scotland.
A good size crowd gathered on a thoroughly wet and miserable Saturday
afternoon to witness this Border derby which would go a long way to
determine the outcome of Pool A of the Border League.
Selkirk started much the stronger and had vastly superior territorial
advantage in the first quarter of the match. With Hawick's defence holding
firm, all Selkirk had to show for their efforts was a solitary penalty.
Hawick gradually came more and more into the match and following a kick and
chase, the ever present Ross Gibson was up in support to slide over the line
for the opening try of the afternoon. With both sides trying to throw the
ball about despite the worsening conditions, mistakes were frequently made
and it was Hawick who extended their lead with a Ali Weir penalty to reach
halftime leading by eight points to three.
The second half continued as the first, with both sides having their
chances to score. Selkirk reduced the deficit to 6 - 8 with another penalty.
The score never changed until five minutes from full time when replacement
scrum half Rory MacPherson was deemed to have been held back going for a
loose ball near the Selkirk line and the referee awarded the penalty try
much to the delight of the travelling supporters. Despite pressure from
Selkirk in the closing minutes, Hawick held on to secure a vital win over
their Premier One neighbours.
Team:- 1. Ali Marsh, 2. Gary Douglas, 3. Sean Linton, 4. Keith Miller, 5.
Craig Charters, 6. David Lowrie, 7. Keith Davies, 8. Ross Gibson, 9. Bruce
Campbell, 10. Ali Weir, 11. Colin Murray, 12. Graham Hogg, 13. Gary
Johnstone, 14. Lee Armstrong, 15. Michael Graham
16. Ryan Hogg, 17. Hue Scammell, 18. Craig Patterson 19. Rory MacPherson
