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RBS Regional Cup
Stuart Cameron reports from Philiphaugh
Kelso coach Eugene Murnane was very confident before this game that it would be sooner rather than later when his
team bagged their first away win of the season, and after good displays against Premier 1 opposition of the calibre
of Hawick, Gala and Melrose over a two week period they were targeting the game on Saturday at Selkirk as the one
where this could happen, and they did it … by a point.
This win completed a very satisfying double over Selkirk, following on from their incredible 35-3 thrashing of
the Souters at Poynder Park a few weeks previously.
Selkirk won the toss and decided to play into the ferocious wind and driving rain, and try and keep the score down,
something which they achieved by conceding only seven points thanks to a good defensive display. Kelso dominated
territory and possession and their pack had the edge over their Border rivals but only one try on 27 minutes by
Ali Marsh converted by Mark Chester was all they had to show for their statistical advantage.
Selkirk's prolific kicker David Cassidy missed an opportunity to cut the deficit with an easy penalty goal but
the ball went wide of the right post and it was the visitors who turned round at the break in front.
After the interval Selkirk looked sharp but they couldn't get that elusive try.
Two penalties from Cassidy in the space of two minutes brought Selkirk to within a point and they continued to
cause Kelso problems with Darren Clapperton in particular looking dangerous, but it was Kelso who closed the game
down for the win.
Selkirk skipper Gavin Craig said afterwards that while they have worked hard on their defence recently they've
actually lost the knack of scoring tries, which is a bit of a worry - especially for a team which likes to throw
the ball about. It is rare that Selkirk don't score tries at home and that is two Saturdays in a row where they
have been shut out.
Kelso will be hoping that other Border teams will help them out by beating Melrose and Gala in the latter part
of the RBS Regional Cup competition. They have to play Jedforest next week on the road and they have a home game
against Peebles, who are struggling right now. But if they win those and Gala and Melrose slip up, they may yet
be in with a chance of making it through to the National Semi Final.
TEAMS:
SELKIRK
D.Cassidy, N Godsmark, S Hendrie, A Lyall, D Clapperton, G Craig (c), M McVie, S Renwick, S Forrest, C Lacour,
R Aglen, A Renwick, J Everett, C Johnston, R Crockett. Subs: C McColm, J Bett, P Mirrielees, E MacDougal.
KELSO
K Wilkinson, R Selkirk, R Minto (c), F Robson, A Haig, M Chester, A Tait, K Cooney, C Riddell, A Marsh, S Carnegie,
D Seed, G Riddell, J Stevenson, I Wallace.
Subs: S Lowrie, J Farries, C Renton, L Mallin.
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