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Boosted by their impressive start to the New Year,
an in-form Selkirk team first-footed Berwick in style at Scremerston on Saturday in this Border League encounter,
scoring 10 tries in the process. The Souters were playing into a strong winter sun in the 1st half and Berwick
competed well in the opening exchanges. Indeed, the hosts put in a series of phases in Selkirk territory which
looked promising until the continuity was disrupted by Alan Lambie, the Selkirk second-row forward. With turnover
ball, Michael McVie and Scott Hendrie combined at pace to send flanker Andrew Renwick in for the opening try with
10 minutes played. David Cassidy converted with a splendid kick in a tricky cross-wind. However, Selkirk's lead
didn't last for long as the Berwick pack drove over for a deserved try, credited to flanker Tony McDougall. Gareth
Hill converted in style and the scores were level at 7-7. This set-back stirred the Souters into action although
the Berwick defence held firm until the 25th minute when the impressive Calum Marshall ploughed over for a try
following a catch and drive by the forwards. Cassidy brought out full points and the visitors were in the ascendency.
Weaving runs by Fraser Harkness caused all sorts of problems for Berwick and more clinical finishing by backs and
forwards would have added to Selkirk's tally. Ryan Crockatt drove over for his side's 3rd try on the half-hour
mark after Selkirk opted for a scrum following a penalty award. Again, David Cassidy nailed the conversion to stretch
the lead to 21-7. This was a much changed Selkirk side from the team that defeated Melrose on 2nd January with
no fewer than 7 changes in the squad and it is heartening for their supporters that strength in depth manifests
itself these days. It has to be said that Berwick enjoyed some good possession in the 1st half. Fly-half Gareth
Hill had a tidy game and
kicked astutely in an attacking role when his backs were unable to penetrate the solid Selkirk defence. The Berwick
forwards contested keenly with Tony McDougal and Gareth Black showing up well in loose play. However, Selkirk were
probably disappointed that the half-time lead was only by 14 points.
The 2nd half was barely underway when Selkirk prop, Clement Lacour was denied a try when referee Colin Reavley
spotted a forward pass. However, Selkirk had moved up a gear and after Cassidy was held up over the line the ball
was recycled and spun out wide to Rory Banks, who released Scott Hendrie with a deft inside flip pass. The Selkirk
right winger injured himself in the act of scoring and took no further part in the game. Scrum-half Michael McVie
showed a clear pair of heels to signal the Souters' 5th try and the next ten minutes were something of a purple
patch with Selkirk cutting loose to score a further 3 tries from Ross Nixon, Calum Marshall and Gavin Craig. Cassidy
converted 2 from 3 to bring up the half century for the visitors. Unfortunately, a painful dislocated elbow was
suffered by Berwick's left wing, Jack Webster and the game was halted for a period as he received attention. Fraser
Harkness scored a brilliant individual try as Berwick were wilting against an onslaught and Cassidy kicked his
6th conversion. Niall Godsmark completed the scoring with a fine try and the Selkirk 2nd half performance was outstanding.
To their credit, Berwick were a plucky side and although they came off second best in the final 40 minutes, they
put up a brave show in the first half and competed well. Selkirk must now prepare for league action in RBS Premier
C next Saturday when Whitecraigs are the visitors to Philiphaugh.
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