Selkirk 'A' 22, Musselburgh 2nds 5

HIGH-FLYING SELKIRK 'A' STILL SETTING HOT PACE DOUBLE DELIGHT. Selkirk 'A' players Darren Scott (left) and Ryan Godsmark each scored a brace of tries in their side's 22-5 league win over Musselburgh 2nds at Philiphaugh on Saturday. A BONUS point victory over third-placed Musselburgh 2nds at Philiphaugh on Saturday helped Selkirk 'A' cement their lead at the top of RBS Reserve League National 2. It was another gutsy display by the home team, who had to withstand a spirited second half fightback by the visitors. Musselburgh exerted the early pressure, especially at the scrum, and the Stoneyhill men would have taken the lead in the third minute if Neil Ross's penalty attempt had not drifted wide. This was the signal for the Souters to raise their game, and a kick-and-chase by Craig MacDougall following Grant Jeffrey's break almost saw Selkirk score in the corner. The breakthrough came after 20 minutes when stand-off Darren Scott dummied his way over the line for Selkirk's opening try, before calmly adding the conversion. Ten minutes later another MacDougall break saw full-back Scott Tough up in support. When tackled, Tough cleverly slipped the ball inside to Ryan Godsmark, who raced up the touchline to score near the right-hand corner and extend the Souters' lead to 12-0. Musselburgh's threequarters were finding the home back division a hot handful, and a two-try burst just before halftime saw Selkirk secure an all-important bonus point. The scorers were again Ryan Godsmark and Darren Scott, giving the home side a 22-0 advantage at the interval. The second half was dominated by the visitors, who pinned Selkirk in their own '22' for long periods. However, the league leaders dug deep to protect their line, only conceding a single try scored by Musselburgh's most dangerous player on the day, Ryan Black. Despite losing skipper Jason Hendrie with a hamstring strain, and Ryan Godsmark to a yellow card, Selkirk battled gamely to the final whistle. Young forwards James Bett, Ruairidh Wilson and Scott Lambie all deserve mention for solid displays, with Lambie picking up the coaches' Man of the Match award for the second week in succession. Behind the scrum Mike Davies was always lively and positive, while MacDougall's strong running created plenty of chances for those around him. SELKIRK 'A' - S. Tough, R. Godsmark, J. Hendrie, C. MacDougall, J. Graham, D. Scott, S. Tough, N. Weilbo, J. Bett, M. Waldron, A. Lambie, C. Ward, R. Wilson, M. Robertson, G. Jeffrey. Replacements: B. Reid, G. Henderson, W. McClymont, R. Henderson. Referee - Scott Robertson (Galas Star).