PSA returned to rugby after an enforced break due to the weather, they entered against the match against Peebles in a confident mood.

Peebles kicked off with a slight wind at their backs. Early exchanges were being played in midfield neither pack able to gain the upper hand. It was Peebles who drew first blood, they were on the PSA 22 and the home backs were caught offside, giving Peebles an easy 3 points.

The PSA forwards were starting to get on top, pick and drive, phase after phase and were unlucky not to score a try, the last pass not going to hand and the chance was lost. The Peebles pack were continually being penalised for hands in the ruck and eventually the referee's patience ran out and sin binned a Peebles player.

Unfortunately PSA were unable to make the extra player count and in fact it was Peebles who scored, again, PSA offside at the ruck. There was no further scoring in the first half, but PSA were still in this match, playing well.

PSA 0 – Peebles 6.

PSA started the second half well and again should probably have scored, but again the final pass not going to hand. But PSA had Peebles pinned in their half, they were dominating the lineout and the scrum was going well, any quick ball was spun out wide with Sean Fairbairn crashing up. Again PSA were held out and Peebles were awarded a defensive scrum on their 5m line, the PSA pack wheeled the scrum and the PSA back row charged down the kick, Gavin Blair was first to react diving on the ball for a deserved try. Kirk Ford added the conversion.

PSA 7 – Peebles Colts 6.

This stung Peebles who were now throwing everything at PSA, who were defending well, forcing Peebles into mistakes and then clearing up field. But the game was being played mostly in the PSA 22, but they were not going to let Peebles score. They held out until 5 minutes from full time, PSA were now down to 14 men and they run out of defenders Peebles run in for a try, the conversion was added.

PSA 7 – Peebles 13.

Game over, not a chance all 14 players showed a huge amount of composure, they tried time and time again to score, ruck after ruck only being stopped by a Peebles hands in the ruck, and with the last play of the match Finlay Simpson drove over for a try. Needing the conversion to win Kirk Ford held his nerve to add the extras.

PSA 14 – Peebles Colts 13.

This was a huge result for a young PSA side, they were deserved winners. It was a great display against a far more experienced Peebles side threw everything at the PSA and came up short. PSA's never say die attitude was outstanding and the composure shown in the last 5 minutes was befitting a team much older than this. It was reward for all the effort and dedication shown by both players and coaches.

Duns were PSA's opponents in a match which was played under the lights at Mansfield Park. Conditions were wet and windy. The match would be won by the team which adapted to the conditions better and made the fewest mistakes. Both teams took a while to settle, PSA trying to keep the game in the forwards and Duns looking to attack from out wide. But it was messy, both teams struggling to keep hold of the wet ball. Duns were first to score slightly against the run of play, PSA were awarded a scrum on the Duns 22, but lost it against the head, Duns cleared to ball to halfway and from a PSA knock on, outstripped the cover defence for a try under the posts.

The PSA response was almost instant, from the restart PSA were awarded a penalty, it was kicked into the corner and from the resultant line-out Callum Simpson was driven over for a try. Kirk Ford kicked a great conversion from just inside the touchline into a strong wind.

Duns were starting to adapt to the conditions and were using the wind to great effect keeping PSA pinned in their own half, but PSA defended their try line and prevented Duns from scoring any tries, all they had to show for all their pressure was a penalty.

Half-time PSA 7 – Duns 10

PSA now had the wind at their backs and it was their turn to kick deep into Duns territory and it paid off almost immediately, the PSA pack drove towards the Duns try line and Callum Simpson went over for his and PSA's second try.

The players were starting to tire, there was a lot of water lying on the pitch and legs were getting heavy. PSA were still in control Duns struggling to get out of their own half. PSA were playing all the rugby forcing Duns into conceding penalty after penalty, Kirk Ford was successful with 2 of his 3 attempts at goal.

Final score PSA 20 Duns 10.

This was a far better performance from PSA, the forwards controlled the game well, and the backs used the possession sensibly. Duns also contributed to the game and they are a team who are improving all the time. Hopefully this result will lift the confidence of the PSA youngsters for the weeks to come.

PSA's opponents on Saturday were Melrose Wasps. PSA had visited Melrose earlier in the season and were on the end of a heavy defeat, this was a chance for the PSA boys to show how much they had improved from the first fixture.

The match started well for PSA they were putting Melrose under pressure, but disaster struck after 10 minutes when PSA tried to bring the backs into the attack on the Melrose 22, the ball was passed out wide but a dropped ball was pounced on by Melrose and they raced in for a try from 70m. Not the start PSA had wanted.

The PSA forwards were trying hard to get back into the match, but Melrose were very good at slowing the ball down, some times legally other times they were getting penalised, but PSA could not get out of their own half, they were trying to create momentum through the forwards. But as soon as Melrose had the ball they were attacking from out wide at pace great running lines, cutting the PSA defence open time after time and it was really only poor Melrose finishing that kept the score at 5 – 0, but eventually they did score, a poor PSA clearance was passed along the Melrose backline and they were in for an easy score.

Melrose scored one further try before half-time.

Half-time PSA 0 – Melrose Wasps 19.

Somehow PSA were still in this match, the forwards were more than a match for Melrose and if they were to get back into the match it would be through good forward play.

But as so often this season PSA had to score first but instead they leaked two soft tries, the match was all but over. To their credit PSA heads never went down and they came right back into the match. The 8 PSA forwards never know when they are beaten and they started to dominate play, camping deep in the Melrose half, time after time they tried in vain to cross the Melrose try line, but eventually Callum Simpson was driven over for a deserved try.

Unfortunately this was PSA's only time they crossed the Melrose try line, Melrose finished the game strongly scoring a further 2 tries, PSA defence was all at sea and cover could not get across to stop the scores.

Final score PSA 5 – Melrose Wasps 43.

PSA had no answer to Melrose's pace and running lines in the backs, they moved the ball quickly from the breakdown all their tries came by attacking out wide, if they broke the first tackle, PSA cover could not get across. On the plus side again the PSA pack were outstanding, they got the better of the Melrose eight, but the back division is short of confidence and could not take advantage of this. This was a huge improvement by PSA from the first match against Melrose and against other teams a performance like will result in a PSA victory.

PSA travelled to Selkirk full of confidence after the excellent performance the week before. But Selkirk still unbeaten in the league would be a massive challenge.

Selkirk started the brighter PSA on the back foot from the kick off but were coping well with the Selkirk forwards and ensuring their backs did not get quick ball. But eventually Selkirk did get quick ball and Selkirk moved the ball wide and helped by woeful PSA tackling went in for the first try. Composure was needed from PSA but from the restart they were under immediate pressure and again let down by poor tackling Selkirk were in for a 2nd try. PSA needed to sort out their defence or were going to be on the end of a cricket score.

Sean Fairbairn then played a captains role, the forwards drove deep into the Selkirk 22 and after two or three forward drives, the ball was popped to Sean Fairbairn who powered over for an excellent try; Kirk Ford added the conversion from out wide, game on. PSA were now starting to get on top of the Selkirk forwards, but their backs threatened every time they got the ball, they broke out of their 22 and again PSA missed their first time tackles and its was left to Euan Hair, who threw himself at the Selkirk centre, from the collision the ball was spilled, PSA reacted quickest and Sean Fairbairn was released and he run in from 30 metres for PSA's 2nd try, Kirk Ford narrowly missed the conversion.

Selkirk YC 14 – PSA 12

The game was now finely balanced, PSA battering up through the pack, and Selkirk moving the ball wide at every opportunity and it looked as if there would be no more score before half time, but then a poor PSA clearance gave Selkirk some space to run the ball back and Selkirk scored in the corner.

Half time Selkirk 19 PSA 12.

PSA started the 2nd half well, the forwards were on top, starving Selkirk of the ball, but PSA were unable to create any scoring opportunities of their own. Selkirk were starting to panic, they knew they couldn't get the better of the PSA forwards, but felt they had the beating of them out wide, but they need quick possession, the PSA forwards were denying them this. Eventually they did get quick ball, shipped it out wide and were in for a try before the PSA cover could get to them.

At this point PSA were still in the match, but then the Selkirk stand off chipped over the PSA defence and tried to run through a gap that wasn't there, the PSA defender had no opportunity to get out of the way, but the referee did not see it that way and sin-binned Kirk Ford for a body check. This made PSA's task a lot tougher and Selkirk took advantage of this scoring 2 quick tries to take the score to:

Selkirk 36 – PSA 12

When PSA were back to 15 players they started to put some good phases of play together and were deep in the Selkirk 22, who were just keeping PSA from scoring, then from a knock on Selkirk broke out of defence and ran the length of the field for another try. PSA tried in vain to get another try, Selkirk added a further try before full time.

Selkirk YC 46 – Hawick PSA 12.

PSA came back down to earth with a bump, but 46 – 12 does not reflect how the game went, PSA were taught a lesson on how to convert possession into points. PSA were able through the pack drive 30 – 40m up field then the play would peter out, whereas Selkirk attacked out wide, using their pace to attack the open spaces, moving the ball away from the PSA forwards. PSA gave the Selkirk backs too much time they were not closing them down quickly enough, and poor tackling gave them some soft scores. At times PSA had Selkirk on the rack until the Sin binning which changed the game in Selkirk's favour. Hopefully the PSA boys will have learned from this, close down the spaces and make first time tackles.

Kelso Quins were the visitors to Burnfoot; they were sitting in the top half of the table and would provide a stiff test for the young PSA side. The PSA players took to the field with their coaches' instructions ringing in their ears, "they must compete from the kick off".

The match kicked off with both sides looking for weaknesses in their opponents, but this week the PSA were making their first time tackles, and through this, PSA confidence was starting to grow. The match was now being played in the Kelso half and they were having to defend. From a ruck Ross Graham made a break, the ball was recycled and captain Sean Fairbairn went under the posts for an excellent try, Kirk Ford was successful with the conversion.

PSA were playing a high tempo game, that Kelso were struggling to live with, all 15 PSA players were involved, Kelso were struggling to contain them but then totally against the run of play, the Kelso stand-off intercepted a loose pass although he looked suspiciously off side, to run from half way for a try.

From the restart the PSA forwards regained possession and after a few phases of play the ball was passed along the back line and Kirk Ford went in for a try, he added the extras. PSA were now totally dominant and could have scored further tries before half-time but brave Kelso defence prevented this, it was only half-time but this was PSA's best performance of the season.

Half-time PSA 14 – Kelso 7.

Could the PSA continue to play at this tempo, and the answer was yes, only 5 minutes into the second half Glen Welsh wriggled in for try number three, this time the conversion went narrowly wide. The PSA forwards and backs were combining well, the pack was using the "pick and go" to great effect and when the backs received the ball they running hard and straight causing panic in the Kelso defence. Winger Cammy Friell went close, just being bundled into touch inches short of the try line, but PSA were hungry for more. This time it was Robbie McFarlane's turn to score, quick ruck ball and he dummied to pass and was in for a try, and the conversion was added.

Kelso rallied briefly, but were unable to score any points and on the stroke of full-time Ross Graham went in for PSA's fifth try.

Final Score PSA 31 – Kelso Harlequins 7.

This PSA performance was the reward for all the effort put in at training from both the players and coaches. It was great team effort from all the players, and hopefully this will be the boost they require to take into the second half of the season and start climbing the league table.

PSA made the long trip to Tynedale hoping to front up against a typically big and powerful Tynedale side.

The game started with Tynedale dominating possession, and PSA struggling to get their hands on the ball, eventually Tyndale's constant pressure resulted in their first try.

PSA were playing sensible rugby, but were unable to build many phases of play, eventually either losing the ball in the tackle or with Tynedale being awarded a scrum. Tynedale were more aggressive than PSA at the breakdown, Tynedale's No 8 was outstanding in this area either from rucks or scrums: he was able to make ground bringing his backs into play and getting behind the PSA defence almost at will. PSA had no answer to this and only great last ditch defence was stopping the match becoming a rout, but Tynedale did score a further 3 tries before half-time. The nearest PSA came to scoring was from a rare PSA backs move which ended with Alastair Hamilton just failing to touch down in the corner, he took a heavy knock in the process and had to leave the field injured.

PSA needed to start the second half well, but it couldn't have started any worse, the PSA full back trying to clear from his 22 had his kick charged down and Tynedale scored from it. Tynedale scored a further 3 tries; again the Tynedale No8 was to the fore.

PSA heads refused to drop and it was now their turn to play some rugby, the forwards started to control the game, after 2 or 3 phases the ball was spun wide and from this they scored 2 excellent tries of their own, the first by Euan Hair and the second by Captain Sean Fairbairn, unfortunately Tynedale had the last word scoring a try at the end.

Another disappointing result, but the score flatters Tynedale, PSA have the habit of conceding quick scores, as soon as the opposition score one try often the PSA look shell shocked and concede two or three in quick succession, they then start playing. This was the case on Saturday especially in the second half, as soon as they started to keep possession for a number of phases they had Tynedale on the rack. Lots to build on for the next few weeks, PSA are a young team who are learning all the time, all the hard work put in at training by coaches and players will pay off.

High flying Gala Wanderers were PSA's opponents last Saturday; they made the journey to Gala hoping to build on the encouraging performances from the past few weeks.

PSA started brightly, PSA forwards taking the game to Gala, but things went wrong very quickly. After only 5 minutes PSA lost a scrum against the head, the defence was caught flat footed and Gala sliced through for a try under the posts. Things then got worse, the PSA stand off retired injured and before the reorganised back division could find their feet, Gala had run in 4 tries! After 20 minutes PSA were 26 points down.

PSA then settled down and through the pack started to play some rugby in the Gala half, it was now Gala's turn to defend, but poor decision making from PSA and good Gala defence denied PSA a score. Gala finished the half the stronger, scoring a further converted try.

Half time Gala Wands 33 – PSA 0.

PSA were struggling, unable to cope with the running lines of the Gala backs, made worse by some poor tackling, the PSA defenders were coming up in ones and twos, creating gaps for Gala to exploit. The coaches' half-time team talk hopefully would encourage the boys to make a game of the 2nd half, but almost immediately Gala scored again.

PSA were still giving their all, the forwards were holding their own, but the backs could not match their Gala counterparts for pace and were unable to make any headway, there was lots of effort from the PSA but they were unable to breach the Gala defence. To make things worse PSA were picking up numerous injuries and although they kept 15 players on the pitch there were a few walking wounded. Late in the game Gala scored a further 3 tries to make the final score:

Gala Wanderers 57 – Hawick PSA 0.

It was not a good day for the PSA, it was probably their worst performance of the season, too many missed tackles and poor decisions making, PSA's strength is in their forwards and they should be allowed to get the ball into positions where points can be scored. The boys who played on Saturday will be hurting and hopefully the lessons learned from this will be put to use over the next few weeks.

Langholm were PSA's opponents on Saturday with the PSA looking to build on last week's performance but this time for the full 70 minutes, and hopefully come away with a victory.

The game started with both teams showing their nerves not helped by the wet conditions, but Langholm had the better of the early play, their centre making powerful runs and PSA struggling to keep Langholm from scoring, eventually Langholm did score and the conversion was successful.

Langholm were winning the battle at the ruck sometimes legally, but most the of the time they were putting hands into the ruck to either slow down PSA possession or to try and turn over the ball, this was going unpunished by the referee and the PSA boys were getting frustrated.

Eventually the PSA forwards started to gain the upper hand, they were becoming more aggressive at the ruck, but they were still struggling to create many attacking opportunities spilling the wet ball or taking the wrong option. Eventually PSA did turn all their possession into a try, Euan Hair chipped through and Aaron Swailes won the race to touch down for a try, the kick was missed. The rest of the first half was scoreless.

Half time PSA 5 – Langholm 7

PSA started the 2nd half well on top, the scrum was steady, the lineout was working well, but they were still lacking the composure to score the vital try. After 2 or 3 missed opportunities the ball was passed along the back line and Alastair Hamilton scored in the corner. PSA were now on top and soon after Gavin Blair scored a try from constant pressure in the Langholm 22. Score PSA 17 – Langholm 7.

From the restart PSA switched off and some slack tackling let Langholm in for a try, the kick was missed but Langholm were back within a score. PSA needed to hold their nerve, and when they got the ball the PSA backs looked dangerous, then an Aaron Swailes kick and chase, which started in the PSA half, was stopped just short of the line, the PSA forwards then arrived en masse and bundled the ball over the line for an excellent try. The conversion was added from the touchline by Sean Fairbairn. The match was now won and PSA finished with a flourish another flowing backs move saw Alastair Hamilton score his second try, again the conversion was successful.

Final Score PSA 29 – Langholm Colts 12

PSA secured their second win of the season but were made to work hard for it, but unlike previous weeks PSA finished the match strong and this bodes well for the next few weeks. A special mention must go to Connor Tofts who is improving week after week.

PSA made the trip to Peebles hoping to build on last weeks victory and although the score would say otherwise this was a huge improvement on previous weeks. Peebles are unbeaten this season and were always going to provide a huge challenge, but the young PSA team gave them a fright.

PSA started well and were dominating the forward exchanges and through Sean Fairbairn's kicking playing the game in Peebles half. The Peebles boys were rattled and there was some niggle creeping into the match, and because of this PSA had the first opportunity to score points. Unfortunately Finlay Simpson's kick drifted wide.

Peebles were trying to intimidate the PSA youngsters, but they refused to take a step back and were still on top, when PSA winger Alastair Hamilton was the victim of a dangerous high tackle and as always, blows were then exchanged between Peebles and PSA players. The referee decided to red card the Peebles tackler and PSA's Callum Simpson, PSA came off worst, Alastair Hamilton carried an with an injury for the rest of the game and Callum Simpson is one of PSA's most experienced players so a big loss. PSA heads could have gone down, but if anything this lifted them, a reshuffle of positions and they were still matching Peebles up front and not giving the Peebles backs any room to run.

PSA were first to score points through the boot of Finlay Simpson, he was successful with a long range penalty.

Peebles were starting to make their extra forward count and for the last 10 minutes of the first half PSA were on the back foot, but they were making their tackles count and held out until half-time.

Peebles 0 – PSA 3

PSA continued to play well at the start of the second half, they were contesting every ruck, Euan Hair spotted a gap in the Peebles defence and sliced through but the Peebles cover got to him before he could offload. PSA were starting to tire, the scrum was creaking and the lineout was becoming a mess and they were starting to miss first time tackles - eventually Peebles scored a try, one missed tackle and Peebles were in, the conversion was successful. The efforts of the 1st half were starting to take their toll on the PSA players, Peebles were getting to the breakdown quicker, their second try came when PSA were slow to get to a ruck and Peebles turned over possession and run in under the posts, Peebles were now leading 14 – 3.

Peebles knew the match was theirs and they started to run everything and the PSA defence was struggling to cope, it had been a bruising match and the injuries were starting to mount up, Peebles run in a further 3 tries to make the final score.

Peebles Colts 31 – Hawick PSA 3

The score flatters Peebles, for 50 minutes they were playing second fiddle to a gutsy PSA side, it was a tremendous first half performance, every player contributed and they deserved to be in front at half time, but the loss of Callum Simpson and effects of the match eventually took its toll and Peebles were able to run away with the match. There are lots of positives to take from the match for the PSA coaches and they can build on the performance of the 1st half against Peebles, the ability was evident, they now need to have some belief. If they can continue to perform like this victories will come.

PSA made the trip to Duns still looking for their first victory; the home team were also winless, but it was to be the PSA's day.

The match started well for the PSA, the forwards took control of the game driving deep into Duns territory and Robbie McFarlane broke from a ruck and scampered over for a try, the conversion was missed. A good start for the PSA, who were now in control of possession and territory, although both team's nerves were causing mistakes to be made, but PSA were slightly more composed, from 10m out Euan Hair spotted a gap in the Duns defence to run in for PSA's second try, again the kick was missed.

The game was very scrappy, too many mistakes were being made by both sides, and a lapse in concentration in the PSA defence allowed Duns to score a try the extras were added.

Duns 7 – PSA 10.

PSA regained their composure and after a spell of pressure in the Duns 22 scored a further try through full-back Glen Welsh. The first half petered out, PSA having most of the play but good Duns defence and poor PSA decision making meant there was no more scoring before half time.

Half-time Duns 7 – PSA 15

Both teams were desperate to get their first league victory and the nerves were getting the better of the PSA, too many clearance kicks were missing touch and Duns were gaining confidence from this. They were running the ball back into the PSA half putting PSA on the back foot having to defend, but they could not keep Duns out, Duns 12 – PSA 15.

PSA were now just hanging on to the lead, but they could not hold on, Duns took the lead scoring a dubious try, everyone except the referees saw Duns spill the ball forward in the contact, the PSA boys stopped expecting the whistle, but the referee waved play on and Duns took the opportunity and scored under the posts; the score was now Duns 19 – PSA 15.

PSA were tiring, but they were not giving up, Gavin Blair drove towards the Duns line, he had the ball knocked from his grasp, it went backwards over his shoulder, Euan Hair reacted quickest catching the loose ball and diving over for a try, this time the conversion was successful.

PSA were able to see out the rest of the half to record their first league win.

Final Score Duns Colts 19, Hawick PSA 22

It was not pretty, but the PSA came away from Duns with a victory, mission accomplished, they have played better in previous weeks and lost, but hopefully they can now build on this over the next few weeks and start climbing the league.

Both teams went into this match looking for their first victory and it was the Wanderers who came out on top.

This was the first experience of the local derby for all but four of the PSA squad and the nerves were evident from the kick off, they turned over possession in midfield and were pinned deep in their 22 the Wanderers spun the ball wide and scored under the posts, the conversion was added, PSA were behind after only 5 minutes.

The match was being played in the forwards and both packs were working hard to keep possession, nearly all of the play was around halfway. As the game went on the PSA boys were starting to settle and the PSA three-quarters were trying to make some headway, but good Wanderers defence was holding firm. As halftime neared it was the PSA who were the most likely to score, but they were unable to breach the Wanderers defence.

Half-time PSA 0 – Wanderers 7

The second half started with the PSA confident that the match was there for the taking, but their hopes were soon dashed when a lapse in concentration lead to the Wanderers centre breaking a couple of tackles to run in for a score from 40m, the conversion was missed.

PSA were trying hard to break through in midfield but they were unable to get enough quick ball to cause any panic in the Wanderers defence, disaster struck again, PSA were lined up for a move from a scrum, but the scrum was lost against the head and the PSA defence were caught flat footed, again the Wands run in a try from 40m out.

The PSA forwards took the game by the scruff of the neck and were pounding the Wanderers try line and somehow managed to keep the PSA from scoring. The PSA backs were now throwing everything at the Wanderers and as often happens the Wanderers winger anticipated a pass and sprinted in for another long range score.

PSA 0 – Wanderers 26.

The match finished with a further Wanderers try this time from close range.

PSA 0 – Wanderers 31

A disappointing night for the young PSA team there was a huge amount of effort but with nothing to show for it, they match the Wanderers up front but the difference between the two sides was the pace and ruthless finishing of the Wanderers backs. The match was a lot closer than the score line shows although the Wands were deserving of their victory.

PSA hoped to get their season on track by defeating Berwick Colts at Burnfoot, but it was a true game of 2 halves and the PSA boys came up just short.

Berwick elected to play with the elements at their backs and they planned to use their huge pack to dominate the young PSA team, but this was not how the PSA boys saw things. From the first scrum the PSA drove the Berwick boys back but playing into a gale and driving rain PSA could not get out of their own half. The wet ball was making handling difficult and the error count was high, and frustration was getting to the PSA boys. Again failure to clear their lines resulted in a Berwick try.

The Berwick Stand-off was playing well, using the elements to great effect kicking to the corners, pinning PSA deep into their 22 waiting on a mistakes. The PSA forwards still had the upper hand but were unable to get out of their own half, eventually the drive would stop and Berwick would get the ball and bang it deep into the PSA 22. The second Berwick try was unfortunate PSA trying to run the ball, as kicking was difficult, the Berwick winger intercepted a pass he raced over the line for a try, the conversion was added. Just before half-time Berwick added a third try.

Half-time PSA 0 – Berwick Colts 17.

It was not all doom and gloom at half time as the elements were now in the PSA's favour and the big Berwick pack were starting to tire. It was Berwick's turn to defend deep in their half, but nothing was going right, passes spilled and good Berwick defence was stopping PSA momentum.

Berwick were also guilty of slowing the ball down, some times within the laws of the game, but mostly they were off their feet lying over the ball preventing the PSA getting quick ball. The referee eventually realised what was happening and sent a Berwick player to the sin bin, PSA exploited this and Captain Sean Fairbairn raced in for a try. The fight back was on.

PSA were now in complete control, the lineout was working well and PSA were able to keep Berwick deep in their own half. Berwick were doing everything to stop the PSA from scoring but the referee was penalising them and from a lineout on the Berwick 5m line, Simon Spalding appeared with the ball and dived over for try, unfortunately the difficult conversion was missed.

PSA 10 – Berwick 17.

Time was running out, Berwick had another player sin binned, for persistent offending on their try line, the referee could have shown a yellow card to more Berwick players as they killed the ball at every opportunity. The forwards were pounding the Berwick try line but they held out until the PSA standoff threw a miss pass which opened up a gap for Connor Gracie to run through for an excellent try, but again the conversion was out wide and was unsuccessful. PSA were now only 2 points behind but unfortunately they were unable to score any further points.

At the end of the match the PSA boys were gutted they had put a lot into this match, but it was Berwick greater experience which won the day.

There were lots of positives to take from Saturday, the performance of the pack, they took on a bigger Berwick eight and beat them, the half backs put in a huge amount of work but were struggling to master the wind, but they would have learned a lot from this. Ultimately this very young PSA team and they are still finding their way in U18 rugby but are improving every week.

This was probably one of the youngest teams the PSA has ever fielded, only containing three 17 yr olds and the rest were 16.

Melrose used the pace of their back division to create well worked tries, PSA were constantly on the back foot and there was very little they could do to stop Melrose.

It was a huge learning curve against a very good Melrose team containing Scotland U18 players, there were boys who really struggled as this was a huge step up from U16 rugby, but there were also some outstanding performances which gives the coaches a great deal of encouragement for the next few weeks.

There is a lot for the boys to learn from Saturday and if this is taken on board the results will come.

PSA had a tough start to the season as Selkirk Youth Club were the visitors to Burnfoot. It was a much changed PSA side from last year, with only 4 of last season's side available to play, it would be a massive challenge for the young squad.

Selkirk started the brighter it was almost 5 minutes before PSA had their hands on the ball, but as soon as they got some possession Sean Fairbairn was keeping the ball deep into Selkirk territory with some clever kicks. The PSA forwards were able set up several phases of play in the Selkirk 22, Selkirk were penalised for offside and PSA took a quick tap penalty and Gavin Blair drove over for a try, the conversion was missed.

This stung Selkirk into action and after numerous line breaks they were held out by desperate PSA defence but eventually Selkirk did score a try. Then straight from the kick off Selkirk scored again, helped by some weak PSA tackling the conversion was successful, PSA were now 12 – 5 behind.

PSA heads could have went down, but they stuck to their task, Selkirk were getting most of the possession and scored again to take a 19 – 5 lead. But the PSA forwards would not give up and they started to dominate possession and territory and scored 2 quick tries first through Aaron Hume and a second for Gavin Blair on the stroke of half time, Finlay Simpson added one of the conversions.

Half time PSA 17 – 19.

The PSA forwards were matching the Selkirk forwards but every time the Selkirk backs cut loose they threatened to score and eventually they did, PSA ran out of defenders for well worked try, they added a penalty to take the score to PSA 17 – Selkirk 29. PSA never gave up and almost scored a try, held up over the line and penalised for not releasing allowing Selkirk to clear their lines.

At this point the PSA boys were starting to tire, Selkirk had most of the possession and PSA were stuck in their own half defending. Selkirk to score a further 2 tries to take the final score to PSA 17 – Selkirk YC 43.

The final score does not reflect how well the young PSA side played. In the forwards they were a match for Selkirk, they tackled their hearts out and scored 3 great tries, but the Selkirk backs were slicker and ultimately they were the difference between the 2 sides. The PSA coaches have lots of positives to take from the game and can build on these for the rest of the season.