Selkirk, derived from the old English “sele” meaning hall and “cilice” meaning church, is one of the prettiest towns in the borders. Only a few miles from Gala it has less than 5,000 people but has been playing rugby since 1877 and 12 of its finest have played rugby for Scotland including Graham Marshall their Director of Rugby who entertained us on Saturday along with the President David Anderson.

Philiphaugh is my favourite border ground, compact, organised and well looked after. In mid October the trees are still leafy but all in different hues and like all border clubs, there are a number of volunteers willing to lend a hand. David Anderson explained to me that they were about to redevelop their stand as part of an overall development plan which has been going on for some time and we wish them well.

Inevitably with such a small population and only one school, fielding competitive sides is a challenge but judging by the efforts of their first team, Selkirk will be very competitive this year. Certainly they gave a good account of themselves on Saturday and pushed us hard.

Despite a large number of injuries, the difference on Saturday was attitude and full credit to our players for stepping up having lost to Hawick the previous week. I was lucky enough to sit in to the team talk last Monday with Mark and Ally. They were spot on in their address. The old Bing Crosby song (yes I am showing my age) “you’ve got to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative” comes to mind and it clearly worked.

Special mention to Josh O’Brien. Thrust into the First team in the unfamiliar position of second row, he tackled and carried like a man possessed for the full eighty or was it ninety minutes. Brilliant stuff.

JedForest next week and another tough away assignment. As usual the Currie clan were at Selkirk in force. Let’s hope for something similar next week.

Finally a mention for the A’s who soundly trounced Selkirk in their own backyard. I did not see the game but I have watched them train last week and the progress the As are clearly making is there for all to see. Fergus Gregor and Rossco are clearly making things happen and long may it continue.

As for the “mighty Shrees” another great win and unbeaten this season. Fantastic effort from the old and the new. Really encouraging for the future.

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