The PSA v Wanderers game on Friday ended in exciting fashion with the game ending in a draw 10-10. The heavier PSA pack had the upper hand in the first half winning both scrums and lineouts but the lighterweight and hungrier Wanderers side came back strongly in the final quarter of the game to score a try late on and share the league points with their local rivals.

The game started with the PSA forwards dominating the possession but the first points went to the Wanderers with a penalty kicked by Adam Hall after a PSA infringment.

The PSA had the lions share of possession and went ahead with a try by Callum Simpson after some good driving play. This was followed by another try before half time scored by Terry Skeet. Both conversions went astray and this gave the PSA a 10-3 lead at half time.

After the restart both sides struggled to gain an upper hand with a lot of poor kicking and handling. Gradually as the half wore on the Wanderers came more into the game with some good rucking and counter rucking which was earning them plenty possession.

With 10 minutes to go Shawn Muir of the PSA was shown a yellow card by the referee and the Wanderers at this point started to win the lions share of possession. They were rewarded with a try scored by James Parker after some good play with 5 minutes left followed by a good conversion by Adam Hall from near the touchline to tie the scores.

For the last few minutes the Wanderers were pushing for a further score but the PSA held out to secure the draw which was probably a fitting result over the 70 minutes.

PSA had a convincing victory over Gala Wanderers 19 to 0 in wet and windy conditions at Burnfoot. All the PSA players showed great commitment and support for each other.

PSA started with the wind and were on the attack from the very start, Ryan Hamilton putting PSA into good positions in the Wanderers half where the PSA forwards kept pounding the Wanderers line. After some good Wanderers defence PSA finally scored their first try when Stuart Graham, after 15 minutes, drove over after some hard work by the PSA forwards. Captain Graeme Lothian converted the try from the touchline a magnificent kick in the conditions.

Wanderers came more into the game after this and only some good defence by Alistair Hamilton, Bradley Mercer and Graeme Lothian kept them from scoring. PSA got back on top and for the last fifteen minutes of the half was spent in the Wanderers 25. With two minutes of the half remaining Ryan Hamilton set Shaun Muir up for a well worked try converted by Graeme Lothian.

At the start of the second half with the wind in their face PSA were on the defensive, the Wanderers pressed hard but the PSA defence held them out. The forwards battled their way up to inside the Wanderers 25 where the game was played for 10 minutes before Ryan Beattie battered over for the PSA's third try. For the rest of the game the Wanderers tried hard to get back into the game but failed due to an unbreakable PSA defence.

This was a good team performace by all the players after such a long lay off. Best in the backs Ryan Hamilton and Graeme Lothian in the forwards Stuart Graham and Shaun Fairbairn.

Hawick PSA again took to the field, the team ravaged by injury and players unavailable to due work commitments and it was credit to the coaches that they were able even to pull together 15 boys to start the game on Saturday. Unfortunately it was the same story as previous week's lots of endeavour but lapses in concentration allowing the opposition to score easy tries.

The game started fairly evenly, but Duns were first to score, the Duns Stand Off selling the PSA midfield defence a dummy slicing through touching down under the posts. Suddenly PSA sprang to life Lewis Anderson ran from his own half kicking through, for Thomas Scott to chase, he was obstructed from scoring a certain try, the referee awarded a penalty try, but the conversion was missed!

It was an end to end match, both sides threatening to score, but it was PSA who scored, through a typical Shawn Muir try; this time the conversion was successful.

PSA 12 – Duns 7

As soon as PSA were in front they went to pieces, indecision in defence and poor tackling let Duns in for a try. Duns were now back in front and threatening to run riot, and before half-time they scored 2 more tries, but if not for poor handling it could have been 5 or 6.

Half-time PSA 12 – Duns 24

PSA were not out of the game, but had to start the second half well, and with the coaches advice still ringing in their ears they tore into Duns, camped in the Duns 22, but time and time again they were stopped by good Duns tackling, but Ryan Hamilton eventually managed to evade the Duns defence for a well deserved try, the 2 points were added, now only 5 points behind the game was there for the taking.

But again PSA let the game slip from their grasp allowing the Duns winger run in from 70 meters without a PSA defender laying a hand on him.

PSA heads went down and Duns scored a further 2 tries to put the game out of PSA's reach, Terry Skeet managed a consolation try for PSA.

Final Score PSA 26 – Duns Colts 43.

The PSA coaches have their work cut out keeping the young side motivated, but there are lots of plus points from Saturday and if they can cut out some of the mistakes and concentrate for the whole game victories will come again.

Hawick PSA entertained Melrose Wasps, again with a squad depleted by injury and work commitments, a player even pulled out injured during the warm up.

PSA started brightly the forwards making ground and the half backs putting the ball into good positions on the park, but it was Melrose who struck first scoring from a lineout deep in the PSA half. This was against the run of play and it did not deter the PSA boys, the forwards went on a rampaging run Terry Skeet was held up short the ball was recycled and Craig Matear went over for a try, Dale Caswell just missed the conversion from out wide.

PSA heads were up and from another great run from Stuart Graham he put Shawn Muir into space and the there was nothing Melrose could do to stop him going over for a try, the conversion was added.

PSA 12 – Melrose Wasps 5

PSA were playing great rugby but just as previous weeks someone always hits the self-destruct button, some woeful PSA tackling let the Melrose winger run in for a try from halfway. Then from the restart Melrose ran the ball 70 metres for another try. Within 2 minutes the game had turned on its head.

Half-time PSA 12 – Melrose 19

The 2nd half started with Melrose on the attack and it was only last minute cover defence from Terry Skeet that stopped a try from being scored. But soon after Melrose charged down a Ryan Hamilton kick to scamper in for another score.

PSA were now walking wounded and all the play was in the PSA half of the field, they were unable to mount anything attacks that were threatening Melrose, but Melrose were not creating much themselves, but they managed to add a further score before Stuart Graham scored a consolation try for PSA.

Another disappointing day for PSA another 10 minute lapse in concentration which probably cost them the game. The main problem for the PSA was that there were only 15 boys to call on and when things are not working there is nothing the coaches can do to change things. But take nothing away from Melrose they came with a game plan to play fast open rugby and it worked well.

Hawick PSA travelled to Gala Wanderers with only 15 players due to injuries and work commitments, but the boys were still confident that they could get a victory.

Gala started the brighter and their backs were looking dangerous, the PSA boys were struggling to contain the them and Gala should have scored but for a wayward pass with the try line beckoning. PSA survived the early Gala pressure and they broke up field and on the PSA's first visit into the Gala 22 came away with a try Ewan Imray releasing Alistair Hamilton into the corner for his 1st PSA try.

The Gala backs were still posing a threat to the PSA every time the got the ball, but poor finishing kept their score to nil. Although Gala were on top in possession and territory it was PSA who scored again, this a time a good handling move saw Callum Bannerman crash over for a score the conversion was missed.

PSA were leading 10 – Nil.

The game then changed, first the Gala winger was red carded for violent play, but PSA did not have much time to take advantage of an extra player as Callum Simpson had to leave the field he was taken to hospital with a serious facial injury. This knocked the PSA out of their stride and in the last five minutes before half time Gala scored 2 converted tries, these were not from excellent Gala play more sloppy PSA defence gifting Gala possession in the last third of the pitch.

Half time Gala Wands 14 – PSA 10.

PSA needed to regain their composure, but Gala came out and scored 3 quick tries to take a 35 – 10 lead. PSA had conceded 35 points in less than 20 minutes, they were panicking and putting each other under pressure, dropped passes allowed Gala boys to run the length of the field to score 2 of the tries.

Eventually PSA settled and started to play some rugby starting to control the breakdown and as always dominating the scrum, but as they were short of a forward it was difficult to try any moves from the scrum, Gala were defending well. Eventually a try did come from Stuart Graham, just reward for his efforts. This gave the PSA supporters some hope, and with time running out Stuart Graham score a second try this time the conversion was added.

Score Gala Wands 35 – PSA 29

There was still time for the PSA to get a further try but it was not to be, with the PSA trying to keep the ball alive it was spilled over the PSA try line and Gala managed to get hands to the ball and were awarded the try. There was not time for any more scores.

Gala Wanderers 40 – Hawick PSA 29.

Gala Wanderers played some good rugby and should have scored more tries, but the game was marred by the Gala red card and the later loss of Callum Simpson to injury reducing both teams to 14 players. The loss of Callum had more effect on the game than the Gala red card. Whilst the PSA boys were reorganising themselves Gala scored 2 quick tries to take advantage of the situation. But huge credit must go the spirit and determination of this PSA side 25 points behind they mounted a come back and fell just short, if they had had the full compliment of players on the field I am sure the result would have been different.

All roads led to Mansfield for the first of this season's PSA / Wanderers derby matches. No matter how each team's season is going, the game under the lights at Mansfield Park is always a keenly fought match.

PSA started the better and through their bigger forwards were controlling the line out, scrum and the loose, but on a damp night the using the slippery ball along the back division was difficult, resulting in dropped or wayward passes. Although PSA had the majority of territory and possession they were not threatening the Wanderers try line and the Wanderers backs looked dangerous although they running from deep.

Eventually the PSA did get a score on the board from a Dale Caswell penalty. This looked to settle the PSA boys and they were dominating all areas of play camped in the Wanderers 22, but the young Wanderers were tackling well and able to bring any PSA drives to ground. Eventually through constant pressure something had to give and Stuart Graham went over for a PSA try, the conversion was successful, soon after Shawn Muir added a second try, both conversions were successful.

Half-time: Hawick Wands 0 – PSA 17.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first, PSA controlling the ball and territory and the Wanderers tackling anything in a PSA jersey.

On a rare Wanderers visit into the PSA half, they were awarded a penalty which was successful. But straight from the restart the PSA kicked the ball deep into the Wanderers half and Stuart Graham charged down the clearance kick and he managed touch the ball down for his second and PSA's third try.

The young Wanderers went all out for a try and they were rewarded with a deserved consolation score, Gordon McPherson squeezing over in the corner. But this just spurred the PSA to have the final say in the match when Dale Caswell scored under the posts and he added the conversion.

It was a nervy display by PSA, they had most of the possession and territory but on a wet night were unable to press home this advantage. The young Wanderers side never gave up despite being outgunned. The PSA/Wanderers fixture is always closer than form dictates and this was no different both sides coming away with a lot of credit.

Tynedale Colts were the visitors to Burnfoot. They were the only unbeaten team in the league and they left Burnfoot with their record intact.

The game started out with no team taking control and all the play taking place in midfield. The Tynedale backs were looking dangerous, but the PSA midfield defence was able to deal with them. But Tynedale were first to score from a sloppy PSA lineout in their 22, Tynedale gathered the ball and were in for a try, the kick was missed.

The score lifted Tynedale and the PSA boys were very flat struggling to control any possession, then from a PSA scrum midway in the PSA half, Tynedale took a strike against the head and their No8 was in for the visitors 2nd try, PSA were 10 nil down and had offered very little to the match so far. They would have to wake up or the game would be out of reach by half-time.

PSA did start to control some possession and after some patient play were awarded a penalty which Thomas Scott converted, the 1st half petered out with the game being bogged down in midfield.

Half-time PSA 3 – Tynedale Colts 10.

If the game was to be won by PSA they had to start the 2nd half well, but it was not to be. Poor decision making in midfield gave away possession allowing Tynedale to attack through their backs and they scored an excellent try, but again the conversion was missed.

Eventually the PSA boys sprang to life and a PSA breakout from deep in their own half saw the ball eventually passed to Dale Caswell who scored in the corner, Dale added the conversion from out wide. This should have been game on, but almost immediately Tynedale scored again, poor decision making in defence and missed tackles letting them in.

But there was some belief in the PSA boys now and Stuart Graham run almost half the pitch, the ball was gathered by the supporting players and Greg Hunter scored in the corner. It was now all PSA and soon after 2 or 3 drives being held up, Sean Fairbairn managed to squeeze in for a try, the conversion was successful the match was now tied at 22 points each.

Unfortunately it looked like PSA had given their all in tying the scores. Tynedale were not going to give up and let the PSA win they finished the match the stronger, scoring a further 2 tries to which the PSA had no answer.

Final Score PSA 22 – Tynedale Colts 34.

This was a much improved performance by the PSA, but they need to stop giving their opponents the early scores as against Tynedale they were always chasing the game, if PSA had scored first I think the result would have been different, but Tynedale were a very good side and it is easy to see why they are unbeaten. The PSA coaches can take a lot of positives from the game there was far more control in the backs and the workload was spread more evenly in the forwards.

A makeshift PSA side travelled to Jed Thistle and were well beaten as Thistle deservedly recorded their first win of the season.

PSA were under strength due to boys on holiday and as so had boys playing out of position. Jed started brightly and PSA were struggling to contain Thistle who were soon awarded a penalty which was successful. Soon after, poor PSA defending saw the Jed winger sprint in for a try. At this point PSA were all over the place, there seemed to be no communication on the pitch, what was needed was for the PSA forwards to take the game by the scruff of the neck and calm everything down, but what was happening was panic in the PSA defence they were aimlessly kicking ball back to Jed who were running it back pinning PSA deep in their half.

Eventually the PSA forwards managed to put some phases of play together and after two or three near misses Shawn Muir went in for a try, Shawn was playing out of position at centre. This was now game on. Both sides had chances to score further points before half-time, but none were successful.

Half time Jed Thistle 8 – PSA 5.

PSA should have come started the 2nd half with some confidence, as the game was there for the taking if they stuck to controlling the game through the forwards. But again PSA let Jed score a long range try, it would be easy to make excuses as the backs were very inexperienced, but it was the forwards who were gifting possession to Jed. A further penalty to Jed put the score at:

Jed 18 – PSA 5.

Eventually PSA realised the game slipping away from them and started to take control through the forwards, but Jed defended well, and PSA were starting to panic, but a try did come from Fergus Hislop another close range effort. There was still time for PSA to turn this game around, but it was not to be. PSA were pressing the Jed line but another turnover saw Jed again run the length of the field to score a third try and win the match.

There were not many positives to take from this game and most worryingly was the number of injuries the PSA boys were picking up. Next week boys will be back from holidays and hopefully they can move on and put Saturday's match behind them.

PSA put the previous weeks defeat behind them with a deserved but scrappy victory over Langholm Colts.

PSA started the game well, but possession was scrappy and they struggled to put any phases of play together as the Langholm forwards were playing typical Langholm rugby spoiling any decent PSA ball. Eventually PSA were awarded a penalty which Graeme Lothian slotted to give PSA a 3 – 0 lead.

Langholm came into the game and tested the PSA defence which remained strong; Langholm for all their efforts came away with no points.

The PSA forwards were starting to pick up the pace and were putting Langholm under pressure and eventually PSA managed to cross the Langholm try line Terry Skeet feeding Callum Simpson who dived over for a try. Graeme Lothian converted from out wide. PSA now led 10 – 0.

The first half ended with Langholm on top, but again they could not cross the PSA try line through and combination of good PSA defence and Langholm's final pass going astray.

Half-time PSA 10 – Langholm 0

2nd half started well, kicking for territory keeping Langholm pinned deep in their half. A good PSA handling move saw Thomas Scott slice through the Langholm defence for an excellent try, the conversion was missed. PSA were now in complete control, camped on the Langholm line Stuart Graham managed to drive over for an unconverted try PSA 20 – Langholm 0.

Langholm heads never went down but PSA managed another try before the end James (Sid) Hogg appeared with the ball from the back of the maul and sprinted 50m for a try. The game petered out after that.

Final score PSA 25 – Langholm Colts 0.

Langholm made PSA work hard for all their scores and their league position does not do them justice. The PSA coaches will be happy with the victory as Langholm are very good at spoiling and frustrating their opponents. But the PSA boys have to be more ruthless in taking points when the opportunities arise, backs have to have more confidence and offer options out wide rather than constant pick and drive from the pack.

Five wins out of six is a good return for all the efforts of the boys and hopefully be able to maintain this form over the next few weeks.

PSA surrendered their 100% record this season when they lost to Selkirk Youth Club.

Straight from the kick off PSA put themselves under pressure knock on after knock on, PSA could not string more than two phases of play before either dropping the ball or being turned over.

Nerves were getting the better of the PSA boys. Selkirk were camped in the PSA half and were unlucky not to take the lead from a penalty, but PSA were suffering at the hands of the referee with Selkirk being awarded countless penalties for offences at the tackle area, Selkirk managed to convert 2 of them to take a 6 – 0 lead.

PSA were starting to get into the game the forwards were starting to pick and drive, but Selkirk were defending this well and the end result for the PSA was either turnover ball or a scrum to Selkirk.

Midway through the 1st half, disaster struck, PSA were on the attack in the Selkirk half, the ball was turned over and Selkirk attacked from deep and poor PSA tackling let Selkirk score out wide, the kick was missed.

PSA started to go through the phases again and were camped on the Selkirk line for what seemed an eternity but all they had to show for their efforts was a Graeme Lothian penalty. Then again poor PSA defence let Selkirk in for another try out wide.

Halftime Selkirk YC 16 – PSA 3

PSA had to start the 2nd half well and score first, they threw everything in attack and were unlucky not to score, but Selkirk cleared up field, PSA were slow to get back and Selkirk were first to the ball scoring an opportunist try. PSA heads went down as almost immediately from the restart Selkirk scored another long range try again thanks to some poor PSA defending.

The score was now 28 – 3 in Selkirk's favour and it was an almost impossible task for the PSA to come back from this, but the PSA lads were not going to give up. They were deep in the Selkirk 22 and time and time again they were being held up, but eventually Sean Fairbairn was driven over and the conversion added. Tempers were starting to fray and Ryan Hamilton was shown a yellow card.

PSA were in complete control but Selkirk were well organised in defence and PSA too keen just to try and barge over the try line. In the end PSA ran out of ideas letting Selkirk off the hook and they then scored a further try and added a penalty at the end for a comprehensive victory.

Selkirk YC 38 - Hawick PSA 10.It was a very disappointing day, it's easy to use excuses of boys missing and boys playing with injuries, but the PSA weaknesses were exposed and Selkirk were ruthless. But the PSA coaches now have to pick the boys up; this is only one defeat at probably the hardest place to come play youth rugby, and they can get revenge when they come to Burnfoot.

PSA were the victors over a very strong Peebles Colts side.

Peebles started well and with the wind at their backs spent most of the first 15 minutes in the PSA half. They had the upper hand in the scrum and were more than a match for the PSA forwards in the loose. The PSA pack were on the back foot and working hard to keep Peebles from scoring. Peebles were using the wind well keeping the PSA pinned deep in their half, eventually they did score driving over from a lineout, and they added the conversion.

Straight from the restart Peebles failed to gather the ball, then Stuart Graham then broke from the back of a scrum and ran in for a try, PSA were level almost immediately.

PSA were still struggling in the scrum, but were starting to win the 50/50 balls in the loose, but it was a from a scrum that Peebles scored their second try, they disrupted a PSA scrum on the PSA 22 and they managed to gather the ball to score a try. PSA Coaches would have been happy surviving to half time trailing by 12 - 7, as they would have the wind at their backs in the 2nd half, but the PSA players had other ideas, Ewan Imray made a break and some good interplay with Sean Fairbairn saw Imray squeeze over in corner.

Half time 12 points each.

The 2nd half started with both teams fighting for every scrap of possession but the makeshift PSA pack was starting to hold its own and with the wind at their backs were playing all the rugby in the Peebles half, but Peebles had only conceded 12 points in 3 matches and were doing everything to hold the PSA boys out. But eventually Terry Skeet drove over for a try. PSA were now in complete control and Stuart Graham scored PSA#039's fourth and his second try. The PSA backs were using the wind well pinning Peebles in their 22, who were being forced to run the ball back but the PSA tackling was solid, and they were able to force Peebles mistakes. The pressure resulted in a penalty being awarded to the PSA; Graeme Lothian was successful.

The PSA boys were starting to feel the pace and Peebles scored a consolation try.

This was a great advert for Semi Junior rugby, two strong teams playing great rugby, PSA struggled in the scrum for most of the game, but made up for this with a dynamic pick and drive game and excellent midfield defence, resulting in a well deserved victory.

Final Score: PSA 25 – Peebles Colts 17

PSA travelled to Kelso Quins and came away with a hard fought victory against one of the other undefeated teams in the league.

Straight from the kick off PSA were awarded a penalty and Captain Graeme Lothian was successful with the kick. They continued to put Kelso under pressure but were unable to get over the try line, over eagerness and poor execution were the reasons for this.

When Kelso did manage to get into the PSA they were awarded a penalty and tied the score. This signalled a period of dominance for Kelso and their pressure yielded 2 further penalties to take a 9 – 3 lead. This lead slightly flattered Kelso as their game plan was to frustrate and stop the PSA forward drives, although they were very unlucky not to score off an intercepted pass; Graeme Lothian managed a last gasp tackle and PSA cover managed to clear the danger.

Half time Kelso Quins 9 – PSA 3.

PSA started the second half well and were soon back in front, Terry Skeet drove over from close range after concerted PSA pressure on the Kelso try line, the conversion was successful. But immediately a lapse in concentration resulted in another Kelso penalty and again it was successful, Kelso back in front!

The game was very scrappy and most points were coming from the other team's mistakes. When Conor Gracie chased a kick and put in a great tackle from the resultant ruck the ball squirted out the side James Hogg picked up a ran 30 metres to touch down just evading the Kelso cover. PSA back in front.

It was still a very even game although tempers were simmering everyone just about kept a lid on it. Again PSA pounded the Kelso line this time Stuart Graham squeezed in, to touch down in the corner. PSA now led 20 points to 12, but there was no time for anyone to relax as Kelso were throwing everything at the PSA. It was now hearts in mouth stuff. From a Kelso scrum that PSA seemed to steal the ball was kicked toward the PSA try line and Kelso scored under the posts.

It was now anyone's game, PSA desperate to hold on for victory and Kelso indiscipline took the pressure off when they gave away a penalty in a kickable position, Graeme Lothian was successful once again, to give PSA a 23 – 19 lead which was the last play of the game.

A very good victory by the PSA boys as Kelso are a good side and very difficult to beat at home. There is still a lot for the PSA coaches to work on but the players showed a great deal of skill and commitment, every player on the pitch gave their all.

PSA continued their winning ways in the league coming out on top in a scrappy game against a big physical Berwick side.

PSA started brightly and the forwards went close to scoring early in the 1st half, they kept their composure and fed centre Callum Bannerman who crashed over for the opening try, Thomas Scott was unlucky with the conversion. PSA then switched off and became sloppy letting Berwick into the game, first through a penalty and then not dealing with a loose ball which led to a try, from a bright start PSA were now trailing Berwick 8 – 5.

The Hawick forwards then took control of the game and Shawn Muir scored 2 quick tries again, conversions were unsuccessful, PSA 15 – 8 in front.

Sloppy play by both teams resulted in penalties being awarded in kickable positions which were successful.

Half time PSA 18 – Berwick 11

The 2nd half did not start well for the PSA a misunderstanding in defence resulted in a try under the posts for Berwick and the scores were tied 18 each.

The message from the touchline was to tighten up play and cut out the mistakes, this seemed to register with the boys, also the sin binning of the Berwick prop help calm things down. Cue Terry Skeet, to come up with a quick brace of scores, not wanting to be outdone by his front row colleague. This took the score to PSA 30 – Berwick 18.

With 10 minutes left PSA rounded off the scoring, Ewan Imray showing his pace to run in under the posts and the conversion was successful.

Final Score Hawick PSA 37 – Berwick Colts 18.

This was a very scrappy game both sets of forwards doing everything possible to disrupt the opposition ball resulting in countless stoppages, but to score 6 tries in a match like this is a good performance. The PSA boys know that they must lift their game over the next few weeks if they want remain in contention for honours.

This was a tough opening league game for PSA against a strong Duns Colts team.

PSA had the better start to the game but it was Duns who scored the first converted try.

PSA soon replied with a score from S Muir converted by T Scott to make the half time score 7 points each.

The Duns forwards started the second half strongly and were rewarded with a converted try after 15 minutes, but this proved to be their last score of the day as PSA raised their standards and dominated the rest of the game with a further 2 trys from S Muir and 2 trys from T Skeet. Captain S Lothian convertedf 3 of them to make the final score:

PSA 33 Duns Colts 14

. A good result for PSA which gives coaches plenty to work on. All credit to a Duns team who will cause a lot of problems to other teams this year.