The game was a cracker, hard fought and plenty of fast moving rugby from both sides. The visitors were first to strike with a smart move through their backs and a touchdown under the sticks; the conversion was good.

It was now the home side's turn to exert some pressure, and good old no-messing forward driving was finished off by Ross Nichol for a workmanlike try. However, bad midfield discipline saw Murrayfield add to their tally with a chipover penalty.

PSA struck back quickly with a slick move, finished off by Greg Anderson, to make the score level at half time.

With all to play for, the PSA upped their workrate and with play going one way then the other, Greg Bouglas found the gap and fed in-support Stuart Hogg for the try of the match.

More indiscipline saw the visitors slot another penalty, and keep them in touch.

This game was now a ding-dong affair with both sides having chances to finish it off. But PSA hit home with strong forward driving, and the move was finished off by Michael Clamp for the home side's fourth try.

This was an encouraging win for the Burnfoot boys, who are showing all round improvement, and goes well for next week's finals.

The Melrose pack were in control and denied any possession to the eager Hawick backs, who were having to play off what scraps they managed to get and should have had points on the board. But credit to Wasps who were up to the task.

On half time, a tap penalty led to Melrose's third try.

In the second half, with the wind, Melrose ran in five tries through their strong running backs and although the Hawick boys tried hard with some good handling rugby, this was not to be their day and the scores they richly deserved were not to be.

It was soon clear that the Hawick boys would struggle in set piece play. So not being able to hold onto possession allowed Tynedale to sustain extreme pressure which saw them run in five tries - three of them converted.

However, the PSA kept fighting and due to injuries caused by bruising drives and do-or-die tackling, half time came as a welcome relief.

Not disheartened, the visitors started putting phases together and were rewarded with a try started by Greg Bouglas in his own twenty-five, and finished off by Craig Mitchell. But Tynedale turned another three tries through pure size and power, one of which was goaled.

Not to be outdone, the PSA fought back and a lineout steal by Keith Davies let him find space and run a good 70 metres for a touchdown which Chris Ritson goaled.

Although well beaten on the day, the PSA never gave in and fought to the end.

Tynedale's attitude to this cup competition is in question - especially at home - and could deter other clubs in the future from travelling there.

Fortunately, PSA settled and from good forward driving Steven Mabon crossed and Chris Ritson converted.

Following a lineout steal, the PSA backs with good hands created an overlap, and Greg Bouglas shot over in the corner. Half time came with the game well poised.

PSA started strongly and from a scrum and quick release Chris Ritson jinked his way over and made the kick good.

Back came the Bats and strong forward driving led to a score out wide.

PSA were next on the scoreboard - the ball being moved right, left and right again to Craig Mitchell who finished off a great movement.

The Hawick boys were now on song and a perfectly played kick by captain Josh Farmer led to Greg Bouglas touching down for his brace.

By now the Hawick boys had run the visitors ragged, and good interplay saw Stuart Hogg at pace cross for the final try of the day.

This match proved that skill can defeat brawn and sets up our away game with Tynedale next Saturday.

On a day made for playing rugby, the Hawick boys set off at a cracking pace and over the seventy minutes ran in eight tries - some outstanding.

Wingers Greg Bouglas and Ross Nichol who were full of running scored a hat-trick apiece, which tells the story of how well the PSA played.

From the hungry pack, Steven Mabon crossed for one. Chris Ritson from fullback finished off the scoring and also landed six conversions - all from the touchline.

The younger members of the squad put up a great performance against the larger side: Calumn Whillans ran in for the first try, the forwards were holding up well and winning good ball for the backs to open up at every chance.

Lyon Farmer scored a well taken try next, converted by Chris Ritson.

Biggar tried to get into the game but PSA's strong defence held out. Nick Swanston latched onto a Biggar mistake and scored a good try.

A good all round team effort.

From the restart Jed moved the ball wide and a series of of good movements led to a winger's try in the corner. The conversion was good too.

This spurred the Hawick boys into action and strong forward driving and quick release allowed Callum Whillans to romp over.

But back came Jed, and using the wind they set up a line out which was followed by a forward driveover try.

This match was turning into a cracker. More strong driving by the PSA pack was finished off by Allister Turnbull for a super try, converted by Stuart Hogg.

The PSA were now in control but could not break down a stubborn Jed defence.

The second half had plenty of movement with both sides creating many chances but the defender held firm.

By now the Hawick boys had been reduced to fourteen men and despite hammering the Jed line could not breach it.

This was an entertaining game with both sides taking a lot of credit, and sets them up for next week's Development Cup games.

PSA's first score came from a quick release along the backs to full back Lee Armstrong who popped up on the wing to cross at the corner.

Berwick were using the wind well, but the eager Burnfoot boys kept running it back. Following good forward play, Josh Farmer was at hand to bulldoze over near the posts; Chris Ritson goaled.

Following a scrum on the PSA Twenty Five the home forwards worked the ball upfield and some fine interplay by Lee Armstrong and Ross Nichol saw the latter romp over, making it 17-0 at half time.

Playing with the wind the PSA kept plucking away at their game plan and were rewarded by a strong run from winger Craig Mitchell to score near the posts. Chris Ritson made it seven. Then following another strong forward drive, captain Keith Davies picked up and drove over, with Chris Ritson again being successful with the kick.

However, Berwick would not give in and it took resolute defence to keep them out.

Next on the score sheet was Stuart Hogg with a silky run to score wide out.

The final score came from Lee Armstrong who latched on to a clever chip by Ross Nichol to run in.

Considering the conditions this was a most entertaining game with both sides giving their all. PSA coaches must be very happy men, not only because of this display in itself, but also because all 24 players used showed lots of potential.

Credit to Langholm for playing this and it was encouraging for a return to the semi-junior league.

PSA backs ran well and backed each other up.

Stewart Hogg was top scorer with 4 tries and 5 conversions. Other scorers were Craig Mitchell with 2 tries; Ross Norman, Stewart Mabon, Ross Nichol, Nick Swanston, L Farmer all had tries.

Right from the start PSA took the game up to the Wands and most of the first half was played in their half. PSA's forwards were in command but could not turn their advantage into points, and although they could have kicked 2 penalties they chose to run them instead.

Wands came away with a lead into half time kicking a penalty.

PSA started the second half with 14 men Josh Farmer being sin binned, and they could not break down the Wands defence.

Wanderers then started to come into the game more, and managed to score a try, which was converted.

Both teams were making a lot of basic handling mistakes, and once again PSA gave away another penalty which Wands gladly slotted.

With time running out PSA mounted an all out attack with forwards and backs and were rewarded with a good try by Craig Richardson, converted by Chris Ritson - but too late to save the result.

A game Psa could have and should have won.

The home side through good lineout play were using the elements well and had the Hawick boys pinned in their own twenty-five; only good defence and strong forward play kept them out.

From a scrum on half way, the pack produced a quick ball and allowed scrum half J Farmer to use the blind side and feed winger S Potts, who weaved his way with power and speed through the Colts defnce to score under the posts. C Ritson's kick was good.

Now playing with the wind the PSA pack, well led by R Gibson and driving runs by N Little took play to the Colts twenty-five, where a darting run by J Farmer released C Ritson at pace to score. The latter goaled.

Berwick however would not give in and after some stirring play scored under the posts through their outside centre, who also goaled.

Back came the PSA and after many phases of possession set up J Armstrong with a mazy run to the corner for a great team try.

With PSA in full flow the Berwick backs were caught offside, and C Ritson landed his third penalty. Next from broken play the ball moved to S Potts who rounded off a fine afternoon with a well taken try.

This was a good display by PSA who were playing in most parts a very young side who coped well and showed a lot of commitment and promise.

Peebles scored right from the kick off with a try, and using the strong wind to pin the PSA in their own half, they were rewarded with a try plus conversion.

It was a different story at the turn round. Using the elements well Nicky Little barged over for a try, which Chris Ritson converted. Sean Potts then added a good try, which again Chris Ritson converted.

PSA were playing well as a team, and Nicky Little using his power barged over for his 2nd try.

PSA were well in command by now and although Peebles kept trying, Lee Armstrong ran in strongly with the final try, allowing Chris Ritson his third conversion of the match.

A good all round team effort by PSA against a plucky Peebles side.

Lee Armstrong got the first try, converted by Chris Ritson.

The forwards were playing well as a unit and were rewarded with a try by Ross Gibson, again converted by Chris Ritson.

PSA were well in command and Sean Potts ran in for a try. This was followed with a try from Greg Anderson converted by Chris Ritson.

Jed got back with a converted try, but PSA were still playing some good handling rugby and further tries were scored by Lee Armstrong, Callum Whillans and Keith Davis.

In the forwards Alistair Turnbull was his usual busy self, backed up by Ryan Beattie and Nicky Little. Greg Anderson, Ross Nichol and Josh Farmer all had good games in the backs.

Selkirk ran in for their first try after 3 mins into the game, and this was converted.

PSA were finding it hard going but got back with a penalty by Chris Ritson.

Selkirk hit back kicking a penalty then adding a try and conversion.

PSA losing a lot of turn over balls at the break down was costing them possession. At last Lee Armstrong scored a good try converted by Chris Ritson. But they still could not break down a strong Selkirk defence who sealed the result with a cinverted try.

A frustrating result for PSA.

The home side started well and only solid defence kept them out. But the Hawick boys rallied and good forward driving kept them in the hunt.

Both sides were trying to play open but conditions were against it and mistakes were coming fast and furious.

A yellow carding for PSA took its toll but they managed to hold on till half time.

The Hawick boys started the second half strongly with good pacey forward play which led to a try by N Little, which C Ritson goaled.

PSA were now on top and should have sewn this game up. But poor handling and dropped passes saved the Wasps. However another yellow card allowed Melrose into the game and a kick and chase from their own twenty-five in the dying minutes let Wasps in for a try, and the conversion was sound.

Best for PSA were debut boy R Beattie, S Mabon and N Little

This spurred the local boys on and after continual pressure they were rewarded by a penalty fron C Ritson.

It was now PSA all the way but not for the first time this season wrong options and silly errors let Gala off the hook. Something had to give, and when C Whillans came into the line at pace the Gala line was breached again.

The second half was all Gala as the Hawick boys fell asleep: two long range penalties from the Gala No 10 and two well worked tries late on in the game (both converted from the touch line) left the home side dead and buried.

This was a poor performance for the PSA who have much work to do for next Saturday. But on the plus side, half back J Farmer and C Ritson tried hard, and up front N Little A Turnbull and K Davies were the pick.

Lee Amstrong ran in for the first try; Tynedale took the lead kicking two penalties, with the forwards playing well Keith Davies was rewarded with a well taken try.

Youngsters Steven Mabon and Gary Rodgerson were showing up well and after a forward push Nicky Little scored a good try.

Chris Ritson was linking up well with Josh Farmer and was rewarded with a try to seal the result. A good all round team effort.

Just as they started to get their act together two key players got injured: Steven Potts with a leg injury and Greg Bouglas with a shoulder injury.

On half time Keith Davis managed a try, and after some good play they got back level with two penalties by Chris Ritson. This was short lived as Kelso kicked a penalty and scored a try and conversion.

PSA had themselves to blame for this defeat as they did not perform in the first half.

A quick strike from a scrum set up "perpetual motion" Keith Davies who crossed for a fine try.

PSA were now calling the shots and Sean Potts at pace burst through the line to score. Chris Ritson landed the conversion to make the score 15-0 at half-time.

PSA continued to play impressive rugby and from a quick tap penalty Josh Farmer weaved his way over the line for a great score. Chris Ritson added the extra points.

From the restart came the try of the season. "Pocket Dynamo" Ross Norman gathered up the ball, brushed aside several tacklers and romped 60 metres for a wonderful try.

Next, from a scrum on the right the ball was swiftly moved to left winger Craig Mitchell whose strong run was stopped just short of the line, but in support Keith Davies picked up and dived over.

More dazzling interplay saw Lee Armstrong pop up on the wing and outpace the cover defence and leave the full back for dead to score under the posts; Chris Ritson chipped over the conversion.

However, Berwick came back into the game with some good forward play, but their best efforts could not breach the Burnfoot boys' line.

This was the PSA's best display of the season with plenty of fast controlled rugby, which must please the coaches. The PSA were outstanding with Nicky Little, Steven Mason, and Craig Richardson the pick. Behind the scrum Darrel Gray was steady, and Josh Farmer and Chris Ritson combined well.

This roused the PSA into action and with the forwards starting to show some aggression this allowed Lee Armstrong to split the defence, and with a great 40 metre jinky run scored under the posts. Chris Ritson converted.

From the restart the PSA forwards created an impressive drive making ground to the Selkirk line with the ever alert Josh Farmer nipping at Selkirk's heels. Josh snapped up the ball and dived over for a well worked unconverted try.

Selkirk however were far from finished and landed another long range penalty to make the score 12-6 at half time.

PSA started the second half in full flow and with plenty of pack and power kept Selkirk pinned in their own half. Unfortunately, silly mistakes and wrong options along with good defence kept PSA to a solitary penalty by Chris Ritson.

Back came Selkirk with a strong forward drive and quick release to score in the corner.

This was now a game not for the nervous and with both sides entertaining the large crowd with skills and movement this game was still up for grabs. The breakthrough came with a smart interception by winger Greg Bouglas who showed a clean pair of heels to the line, and after more home pressure Chris Ritson kicked his second penalty. There was now no way back for the Youth Club.

This game was what league rugby is all about: hard and well-fought with both sides taking a a lot of credit for their play. Up front, Ross Gibson, Alistair Turnbull and Keith Davies worked hard - and behind the scrum Josh Farmer and Lee Armstrong caught the eye, while new boys Greg Anderson and Craig Mitchell showed lots of promise.

C Ritson slotted over four conversions out of four.

This was another good display by the Burnfoot boys, who are improving with every game. But all credit to Jed, who made this game a contest and never gave up: in fact they were rewarded for their efforts with two late tries.

Five minutes later PSA were awarded a penalty right in front of the Gala posts and again the penalty was missed.

Play was end to end after this until good back play and a bit of quick thinking by Greg Bouglas saw him chip ahead and gather to score in the corner.

With half time approaching PSA upped their game to try and get a second score before half time, but great defence by Gala saw them in at the break 5-0 down.

It did not take Gala long to get points in the second half, from two penalties in the first twenty minutes to go into the lead 6-5.

PSA threw everything into the remaining fifteen minutes but Gala held on for victory.

Despite losing PSA shouldn't be disheartened as all the boys gave a good all-round performance.

Straight from the start they were well in command, and Melrose could not contain the strong PSA attacking.

PSA ran in for 11 tries with only 3 converted. Lee Armstrong was in top form running in for 5 tries, Chris Ritson linked up well getting the ball moving at every chance, and Craig Waldie also played well.

The forwards were well led by captain Keith Davis backed up by Ross Norman and Nicky Little, and all of the subs used played their part in this entertaining game.

Scorers:

• Lee Armstrong: 5 tries
• Greg Bouglas: 2 tries
• Keith Davies: 1 try
• Josh Farmer: 1 try
• Craig Waldie: 1 try
• Sean Potts: 1 try + 1 conversion
• Daryl Gray: 1 conversion
• Nicky Little: 1 conversion

Each side pressed hard for the first score, but both defences were strong. PSA got the first score: a penalty kicked by Sean Potts.

Captain Keith Davies led by example and they got a well taken try by Greg Bouglas.

The next try was after a good handling team move with Craig Waldie running in for a try, and Sean Potts converting.

With the team tiring Carlisle got a consolation try.

This was a good effort by the young PSA side.