At the Volunteer Park on Tuesday night, a large crowd watched a semi-junior game of rugby football that did our town proud.

This was a game "The House of Pain" suggested openly we were afraid to play.  What a joke!

The over-confident Wands got the shock of their lives as the PSA pack took control and made it difficult for the home side backs especially to make much progress.  But it was a ding-dong battle, and half time came with the score nil-nil.

PSA started the second half again in control, up front, and tackling everything that moved.   The Wands were getting desperate, tempers were becoming shorter, and play got a bit ragged as tiredness set in and concentration levels dropped.  This allowed the home side backs to run in two quick converted tries and steal a hard-fought game.

Although PSA lost this game, what a boost for next season, and shows them what they can achieve when they want.

For the third time in four weeks, PSA had to travel to  Edinburgh, and under the  shadow of Murrayfield stand started strongly and had the home side on theback foot with good forward play and the backs working the corners with kicks and wing play.

Wands however with good defence and some last ditch tackling kept their line intact, and came back into the game.   But PSA cleared the danger, and half time came with the scoreline showing nil-nil.

From the restart a Wanderers long kick down field was spilled, and from the scrum and drive set up the home side's backs for a winger's try in the corner.   PSA struck back and a missed penalty let the Wanderers off the hook.

PSA were now working well but a series of injuries saw the huge Wanderers pack  take control and from a scrum on the PSA's five metre line bulldozed their way over for a converted try.

From the restart the home side struck again with a strong run from their massive centre who fed his winger and with a mazy run scoreda converted try.   This killed any hope of a PSA victory and although they kept trying just could not break down the home side's defence.

This was a disappointing result for the Burnfoot boys, who were hoping to qualify for the cup playoffs, but on the day met an enormously large side full of experience and know-how, who used it to win the day.

In a vital Pool 1 cup game, PSA played hosts to Gala Wanderers at a windswept Burnfoot.

From the start the Hawick boys took early control, and with a good supply of ball varied their play and had the visitors under pressure, but with wind assisted clearance kicks and sound defence Gala kept them out.

However, Gala's speedy backs were proving to be a big danger when given the chance, and against the run of play two suspiciously looking forward passes found the Gala winger, who ran strongly for a try in the corner.

PSA fought back and worked their way upfield only to be knocked back by a raking kick downfield which was hacked over the line by the Gala backs and a fortunate bounce fell to the Wands No 10 for a touchdown and a ten point lead at half time.

Now playing with the wind, the home side looked to be in shape to win this game, but a disastrous mix up from the restart found the Gala centre who brushed off several weak tackles for a converted try.

This was a huge blow to the Burnfoot boys' confidence;  but they fought back, and a quick release from a solid forward drive saw Chris Ritson cut through for a timely score.

PSA were now trying everything to brealk down Gala's defence, but it was the visitors' more experienced pack who had the last word with strikes against the head and lineout steals to deny the PSA any worthwhile possession and grind out the time remaining.

This was a disappointing result for the Burnfoot boys.   But it shows how much improvement they have made since their league encounter.   But credit to Gala, who on the day took their chances better and are now level on points in section 1.

For the second week running PSA were up in Auld Reekie for a Lochcarron Cup tie.

The gale force wind made playing conditions almost impossible, but PSA settled first and through their forwards kept working the ball upfield at every opportunity with contolled tight forward play.   This led to the first try, Ross Nichol diving.

However, the home side fought back, but the PSA were in no mood to let them pass, and with resolute defence half time came with the visitors holding a slender 0-5 lead.

Lasswade started the second half strongly and the Burnfoot boys had to be on their toes, but they dug in and with rigid defence and timely clearance kick snuffed out the danger.

Then over-eager Lasswade backs were caught offside and Chris Ritson made them pay with a penalty goal.

The wind was playing havoc with handling moves, and passes were dropped and play became scrappy.   That's when the PSA took control of the situation, keeping the ball tight.   The forwards kept possession, and when winger Nick Swanston was released he sped 50 meters down the touchline for a try converted by Chris Ritson.   PSA had more chances but Lasswade held them out.

The PSA pack were again in top form and with power, patience and control won the day.   They were well supported by a hard-working back division whose defence was outstanding.

Straight from the kick off, on a pitch more suited in size for Primary School Rugby, the big and physical Forresters tried to steamroller and out-muscle the Hawick boys.   But the PSA stuck in, and Gary Rogerson pounced on a loose scrummage ball for an opportunist try, goaled by Chris Ritson.

The home side were adopting spoiling tactics, so quick ball was hard to come by.

Following a strong forward drive the PSA backs were released for winger Scott Peffers to step inside for a touchdown;  Chris Ritson goaled.

Forresters' heavy pack were making life tough for the visitors and a penalty just on half time made the score Forresters 3 PSA 14.

From the restart PSA failed to secure the kick, and this led to a home side try, and they were back in the game.

Play was now moving from end to end with no side in control.   PSA struck first with a quick penalty, Steven Mabon making ground for a smart try, converted by Chris Ritson.

The visitors were now taking control and slick back play led to a Greg Anderson try, goaled by Chris Ritson.   Another quick penalty caught the home side sleeping and Ross Nichol scampered in for the final score.

Although PSA did not reach the dizzy heights of last Saturday, it was good to see rugby skills overcome size and brute force, and another satisfactory win for the Burnfoot boys in the cup.

In blustery conditions at Burnfoot on Saturday making handling difficult, the visitors started strongly and were making life difficult with good forward play, releasing their strong running backs.

But PSA were up for it and fought back.   From a lineout drive and peel, Ross Nichol finished off with a try.

Wasps, always dangerous in open play, worked the ball upfield and crossed out wide;  then following a Stuart Renwick break, up popped Ryan Beattie who crashed over.

The PSA pack were going well and starting to dominate proceedings.   A quick release gave Greg Anderson space, and good handling to winger Craig Mitchell finished off the first half scoring.

Halftime score PSA 15 Wasps 5.

Now playing against the wind, the PSA through their pack took control of the game and with power, patience and control worked upfield for Alister Turnbull to finish off a twelve phase try, goaled by Chris Ritson.

A series of unnecessary penalties let the visitors make ground for their No 13 to run in from the kick off.   Wasps were on the scoresheet again with a quick one-two and a winger's score out wide.   But the PSA regrouped, and with complete forward domination kept hold of the football, and making no mistakes drove upfield in another multi-phase move, finished off by just-on-the-field Sean Muir.

This was the best display by a PSA pack for a long time and shows what a potential they have.   They were well supported by an eager-to-run back division.

PSA played hosts to Melrose Wasps, and straight from kick-off both sides showed their intent to play fast open rugby.   With the home side on the attack, a loose midfield pass was snapped up by the Wasps No 8, who with power and pace scored in the corner.

PSA fought back with the forwards showing the way.   But lack of control at the vital moments let chances go a-begging.   Then from a poor touchline kick the Wasps' wingers ran in from half field through a series of poor tackling.

Back came the Hawick boys and from a strong forward drive (back in the fray) Ross Nichol dived over.

Wasps struck back with a solo run from their centre, and more missed tackles led to a converted try.

The PSA forwards, who were playing well, produced a quick release for Greg Anderson to burst through;  Chris Ritson goaled, to make it 12-17 at half time.

This game was turning into a cracker - both sides had chances - but defences held firm, then the Burnfoot boys had a purple spell but again silly mistakes and the chances were gone.

From a turnover scrum, an inside pass to the Wasps winger split the PSA defence for a run-in converted try.

Still with all to play for, PSA fought back but could not breach the Wasps defence, and from scrappy play the bounce favoured the visitors for an against the run of play converted try.   However with spirited forward play the home side came again and were rewarded by a Nicky Little try.

With time running out, PSA continued to attack but Wasps held them out.

This was a super game, with the large crowd treated to some fabulous rugby.    The Burnfoot boys can take pride in their performance against a good Wasps side who on the day carried more of the luck.

With the Lochcarron under-18s league fixtures being in a mess, and not helped by postponed national play-off games, PSA managed to bring forward their league game with Tynedale Colts and keep the momentum going.

Never an easy place to go for a result, especially when all their school games were off, a strong Tynedale side were soon on the attack, and the Hawick boys had to be alert to keep them out.   But a clean break by their centre let him go all the way for a converted try.

This was the wake-up the Burnfoot boys needed and with the forwards and backs combining well they had the home side in trouble, but alas two Chris Ritson penalties struck woodwork and the chances were gone.

Tynedale however with driving forward play and their back row linking up with the backs, ran in another try to make it 12-0 at half time.

Right from the restart the visitors took the initiative and had the hosts under pressure, only desperate defence keeping them out.

PSA were however soon rewarded after working the ball wide to Greg Anderson for a run-in try.

At this stage PSA were all over Tynedale whose only weapon was the long kick down field to relieve the now constant pressure;  but PSA were coping with this and running the ball back at every opportunity and following a quick release Leon Farmer found space for a slick try.

With time running out, the PSA continued to press forward and a series of ball killing led to a penalty.   Chris Ritson, cool as a cucumber, slotted it over for a great win well deserved.

This was a real team effort by players who want to play for a successful PSA side.  Tynedale, who expected to win, were gutted by the end.

With good ground conditions and a strong wind in their backs, the PSA forwards were in rampant mood.    Strong forward driving led to a Steven Mabon try converted by Chris Ritson.

Following more pressure, Greg Anderson crossed with a strong run, Chris Ritson adding the extra points.

It was now Chris Ritson's turn:  with a sharp break he offloaded to Greg Anderson who crossed with ease, the former converting.

It was now all PSA;  from a quick penalty Ryan Beattie use his power to breeze over.   The PSA pack were winning a lion's share of the ball, and an incision by fullback Stuart Renwick led to him scoring.   This was followed by a Greg Anderson break;  his pass found space for Scott Peffers to scamper in at the corner.

Good interpassing from the backs was finished off with a spurt of pace by Nick Swanston to make it 41-0 at half time.

Although now playing against the wind, the home side continued their relentless pressure, and a slick scissors by their centres opened up the visitors' defence for a Chris Ritson try.

After a good forward build-up, Stuart Renwick was on hand to slice over.   More forward dominance put Steven Mabon clear for a touch down.

From the kickoff PSA drove forward and a neat sidestep by Steven Mabon led to his hat-trick.

This was a stirring display from the PSA, who used up all their subs with no drop in performance, and scored eleven tries - although one has to mention Berwick never got into this game and looked to be suffering from a New Year hangover.

Although the scoreline looks like it was one-sided, this was far from the case;   both sides created many chances in what was a great, enjoyable game of rugby football.

With the PSA pressing, a loose pass was snapped up by the Wands centre who scampered 60 metres for a converted try.

PSA fought back, but a turn over scrum was worked down the touchline for the Gala winger to cross in the corner for a converted try.

From good forward driving PSA were exerting pressure on the home side's line, and a Chris Ritson penalty kept the visitors in touch.   However, just on half time a behind the line charged down kick fell into the Gala winger's basket to make it 21 to 3 at half time.

The second half started with no side having an advantage.   But the rugby was still of a high standard.   Unfortunately, PSA's lack of discipline led to the home side taking advantage of two penalties, both taken quickly.   The first saw their big No 6 crashing in under the posts, followed by their scrum half's solo effort - also under the posts.

But the Hawick boys still had time on their side and fought back with good enterprising play, and Gala had to work hard to keep them out.

The home side came back and good handling set up the No 7 for a telling converted try.   But PSA were not done yet and a dazzling bout of handling was finished off by on-the-spot Andrew McLean for the best try of the day.

Debut boys Fraser Hartop, Andrew McLean and Scott Peffers all showed up well in this never say die PSA performance.

In horrid conditions at Burnfoot, PSA started strongly, and only poor passing and good defence kept the Colts' line secure.   Peebles however came back into the game with good forward play and direct running.    From a forward drive and quick release, the Colts found space for their winger to run in for a converted try.

Both teams were trying to play open rugby and from a blind side break, PSA winger Nick Swanston showed a clean pair of heels to cross in the corner and make it 5 points to 7 at half time.

The second half started with the Hawick boys taking the game to the Colts, keeping them bogged down in their own "22" with good forward driving and smart back play.   This led to a Josh Farmer try and a well deserved lead for the home side.

PSA now had the visitors in a stranglehold from which they could not escape;  only stubborn defence kept their line intact.   But a series of on the line infringements saw the referee award a penalty try chipped over by Stuart Hogg.

This killed off Peebles.   It was now all PSA who were attacking at every opportunity and they were rewarded by an opportunist try from on the spot Ruairidh Pole to seal the Colts fate.

This was a much improved performance by PSA, with the pack in control and showing what they can do when their minds are in the groove.   They were well supported by the backs whose strong running and excellent line kicking all goes well for the future.

PSA crossed the border to take on Carlisle Colts who are flying high at the moment with five straight wins behind them.

Conditions were wet and windy and suited the large, physical English boys.

Against the wind, the Hawick boys got stuck in and with resolute defence kept their line intact.   Although the home side were dominating set pieces, the visitors were well led by Alister Turnbull (captain for the day), and were first to the ball in the loose and proving dangerous.

From a kick ahead and forward drive Adam Hepburn was on hand to cross the line - a try goaled by Stuart Hogg.

Back came the Colts with a long kick down field which the Hawick boys failed to deal with and from a scrum the home No 8 bulldozed his way over for a converted try to make it 7-7 at half time.

Playing with the wind the PSA kept Carlisle on the back foot, but a spate of some bruising tackles left the visitors with a number of injuries, and led to all subs having to take the field and a touchline that looked like a hospital ward.

With the PSA in control, they should have added points to the scoreboard but adjudged forward passes and the ball not going to hand let Carlisle off the hook.   But foul play allowed Stuart Hogg to land a well struck penalty.

More foul play led to another Stuart Hogg penalty.

The visitors now seemed to have this game in the bag till a breakaway down the wing and some savage forward driving and quick release saw the winger slide in at the corner.   But it was not enough to clinch a victory Carlisle so badly wanted.

This was a solid display from a badly-depleted Hawick side but the subs were up for it and played their parts to secure a fine away win.

Playing against a strong wind, the visitors started strongly with their huge front row five dominating the early exchanges, giving ample possession to run the ball at every opportunity.   However, the Hawick boys were up for this game and solid defence kept their line intact.

Slowly, the Burnfoot boys were getting into the game and with the forwards winning more ball for their sharp backs, were asking questions from a stubborn Selkirk defence.   But a long range Chris Ritson penalty gave PSA the lead.   Then from a lineout breakaway, slick forward interpassing down the touchline saw Steven Mabon romp in.   Chris Ritson goaled via the posts.

The league leaders fought back but could not dent the PSA's defence, until they were reduced to fourteen men; then a tactical chance by the Youth Club's pack saw them driving forward to set up an overlap for a fine try just on half time.

Half-time score:  PSA 10  Youth Club 5.

The second half started with both sides going for gold hammer and tongs, and despite the conditions were playing superb rugby that was exciting for the large crowd and a credit to Borders semi-junior rugby.

However, a long Selkirk clearance found the Hawick boys under pressure;  this led to a Selkirk scrum then drive, to set up a fine opportunist try goaled from the touchline.

PSA fought back and created chances but lost passes going astray and some thoughtless decision making, allied to stubborn Youth Club defence, held them out.   With time running out the Youth Club worked a short lineout downfield and managed to score the vital try.

This was a heartening display from a very young PSA side, who to their credit played throughout with conviction, pride and commitment, and they are growing weekly with confidence.   All this day played their parts, including the many subs given their chance.

Playing with a strong wind, PSA had Quins under pressure from the kick-off, and a killing the ball offence led to a Chris Ritson penalty.

Kelso fought back and overkeen Hawick defence led to a Kelso penalty.   However the Burnfoot boys had the edge and captain Josh Farmer's kicking kept the visitors pinned in their own half.

From a strong forward drive, play went one way then the other but it was Graeme Lothian who saw the gap and showing a clean pair of heels crossed for a super try.

The PSA with field advantage and a good supply of ball for the backs to work with, looked eager and sharp.   From a long run by Callum Murphy, play moved down field and with Leon Farmer on his shoulder Callum crossed for a great try.  Chris Ritson goaled.

Kelso were again soon under pressure and a slick release fed to Leon Farmer opened up the defence like a can of beans for his brace.   Chris Ritson goaled.   Not to be outdone, Kelso landed another penalty for a score of PSA 22 Kelso 6.

Now playing with wind advantage, Quins kicked a penalty, and it was the Hawick boys' turn to be under pressure.   But solid defence kept Kelso out till the big Quins centre crashed through for a nice converted try.   However, PSA fought back and through ruck and maul worked up field and created a super try finished off by winger Callum Murphy to make the game safe.

But Kelso were not finished, and a late converted try put some icing on their cake.

This was another good win for this young PSA side, who are gaining confidence in their ability to be winners.   Alister Turnbull led the pack by example and was well supported by Ryan Beattie, Chris Telfer and Lewis Mallin.   Josh Farmer from his unaccustomed psoition at Fly Half controlled the game well and was aided by Chris Ritson, Graeme Lothian and Leon Farmer.

The PSA, fielding a very young pack due to suspensions and junior duty, started this match against Tynedale Colts in good form and spirits.

A smart blind side break by Stuart Hogg found Gary Rodgerson in support for a well taken try - and promising start - to this vital league game for both sides.

Tynedale - a much more physical side - fought back, but good home defnce kept their line intact.   PSA had their moments, but likewise Tynedale were up to the task.   Halftime score: PSA 5 Tynedale 0.

The second half was more of the same, with play sesawing from end to end with no side really on top.  Bith sides were trying to play open rugby, but with wrong options, knock-ons, and passing going astray, neither side could add to their tally.

But for once, PSA got the breakthrough with a straight through the sticks penalty.

Now both sides sides were battling hammer and tongs, but defences were on top, till a lineout on halfway and a Steven Mabonm steal from a Tynedale throw-in saw him gallop forty metres and seal a PSA win.   Stuart Hogg added the extra points from the touchline to make it a 15-0 victory for PSA.

The PSA's disappointing start to the season continued at Melrose on Saturday.

The big home side made a strong start and were moving the ball wide with some success - one such move created an overlap and a winger's try in the corner.

Keeping up the pressure, Melrose won a turnover, the full back made the extra man for a good converted try.  At this the PSA woke up and fought back well:  despite being reduced to fourteen men, they were giving the home side a hard time.

A great bout of interplay from the visitors' backs let Greg Anderson run in unopposed for a super try.   PSA were now back in the game - but although hammering the Wasps' line, could not cross it and had only a Chris Ritson penalty to show for their efforts.   But back came Melrose with a penalty of their own to make it 15-8 at half time.

Back to full strength, the Hawick boys started the stronger but could not break down a stubborn defence and turn pressure into points.   A long kick down field and a handling error set up a Melrose scrum, and from a quick heel their backs ran in a simple converted try.

Back came PSA - however, the Melrose eight were killing the ball at every opportunity, which the referee (who was having a poor game) did nothing to discourage.   This caused frustration to creep into the visitors' game and they were soon down to fourteen then thirteen men.   This allowed Melrose to score another converted try.   But the PSA were not done yet and strong forward driving and release found Greg Anderson on hand to cross for his brace and the game's final score.

This game was initially played in good spirit from both sides and was enjoyable to watch, but was turned into a farce by a referee who was clearly not up to handling this standard of rugby at present.
 

After manipulating officials and kick-off times, Wanderers finally agreed to play this local derby at Mansfield Park.

The Wands took the initiative early on and with their lineouts going well put pressure on the PSA line.   From a short lineout pick and drive, Sean Goodfellow managed to scramble over for a try.   Play was fast and furious - a good advert for semi-junior rugby - and with Wands conceding a penalty Chris Ritson put the Burnfoot boys back in the game.

But the Wands were working the touchline to their advantage, and from a lineout pick and drive Gary Lowrie burst through for a nice try.

Back came the PSA and the Wands had to be on their toes to stop the threat.   But a Chris Ritson penalty kept the PSA in touch.

On half time Wands strung some passes together and a strong run saw Scott McLeod cross for a converted try to make the score 6-17 at half time.

From the restart PSA took the game to the Wands and after a turnaround penalty award, Chris Ritson made no mistake.

At this point in the game, unforced errors and silly mistakes led to frustration;  this saw the referee waving yellow and red cards like confetti.  But by now the more experienced Wands were always looking dangerous on the break.   The PSA who were well on top in the scrums had no answer to the Wands variations at the line; this caught the PSA sleeping, and allowed Lindsey Gibson to walk in for an easy converted try.   But credit to the Burnfoot boys who made the Wands work hard for everything, and a last minute converted try by Scott McLeod put icing on the cake to make the final score PSA 9  Wands 31.

The Wands emerged worthy winners with their lineout paving the way to victory, but credit to the PSA, who tried hard and were always willing to have a go, and kept this game alive.   Prospects look good for this young PSA squad, and if they are allowed to stay together will be a real force in the years to come.
 

A determined PSA side secured their first league victory of the season at Scremerston last Saturday.

Putting their hosts under immediate pressure, the Hawick lads hard work was rewarded when Chris Ritson landed a penalty goal.

From the restart PSA drove into the Berwick half and, with their backs and forwards working well togther, a passage of play resulted in Stephen Mabon crashing over.

The visitors continued to work well as a team and some smart handling saw Ross Nichol diving over for an unconverted try to make the interval score 13-0.

The early stages of the second period were tight with both sides creating chances only to be denied by some resolute defending.   From a scrum, quick release then resulted in the Burnfoot boys moving the ball smartly to winger Craig Mitchell who made it to the corner.   Ritson added the conversion.

The PSA were now in a full flow and a turnover by their pack found space for Stuart Hogg whose turn of foot saw him coast in for a super score.

Further pressure saw Greg Anderson slice through the home defence for a terrific try, which was converted by Ritson to round off the scoring.

This was a good win for the PSA who now know that they can win matches if their attitiude is right.

PSA are still searching for their first league win of the season after skipping to defeat against Jed Thistle at the Burnfoot Playing Fields last Saturday.

The home side began strongly and pounded the Jed line for a full 25 minutes, but a combination of good defence and poor handling let the visitors off the hook time and time again.

On a rare visit to the Hawick half, Jed managed to scramble over for a try in the corner. PSA were still in control up front but frustration was creeping into their play.

This let the Jed full-back slot over a well taken penalty goal to give the side an eight point interval advantage.

Right from the restart a charge down and a kick and chase saw Jed increase their lead which was a real sickener for the Hawick boys. But the home side tried everything they could to break down what proved to be an excellent Jed defence.

To rub salt into the Hawick wounds a final flourish from Jed led to another score. This was another disappointing result for a pack which is playing well, while the backs need to be more patient, if they can be the win will come.

A penalty goal either side of half time saw Gala Wanderers scrape victory against the hard working PSA side at Burnfoot Playing Fields last Saturday afternoon.

In a game played in perfect conditions there was little to choose between both sides in the early exchanges of the match, with Gala edging the territorial advantage.

The first score of the game came in the 25th minute when the Hawick boys were penalised for over eagerness at a ruck, Gregor Hunter slotted the penalty goal. The remainder of the first half saw much of the play taking place in the middle of the park, neither side able to threaten the try line.

This pattern continued for the first eight minutes of the second half before Gala were once again awarded a penalty, and Hunter was again on target to double the visitors lead. PSA lost their way for a period as a result of a series of injuries, but their defence was still good enough to hold firm and deny Gala any scores.

PSA then showed great fighting spirit to take the game to their opponents, but they were unable to turn the pressure into points and secure what could have been the winning score. But this young side are playing with a great deal of skill and heart and the elusive first league win will come sooner rather than later.

PSA played an early afternoon friendly fixture against Edinburgh BATS.

The boys were quickly into gear and from a quick heel Stuart Hogg sprinted through a gap to score which was converted by Chris Ritson. A mistake by BATS then led to Chris Telfer pouncing to score which was also goaled by Ritson. Stuart Hogg grabbed his second score following a lovely slight of hand from Nick Swanston while Ross Nichol scored an opportunist try following a long kick ahead. PSA were now moving the ball well Nick Swanston found space and an inside pass found Callum Murphy who scored in the corner to give PSA a 29-0 lead.

BATS began the second period strongly which led to a converted score, but PSA were soon back in the scoring mode Stuart Hogg found Philip McTaggart who scored his debut try, Hogg converted. A bout of scrappy handling from the home side led to Telfer again scrapping for a score. The final score came from some strong forward play as Leon Farmer dived over, Hogg slotted the long range conversion.

PSA were quickly into their stride in this friendly at Burnfoot. Greg Anderson spotted a gap and sliced through for a touchdown. But Carlisle struck back with a clever bout of handling to score out wide. The game became fast and furious but entertaining, with no side in control until Stuart Hogg burst through the Carlisle defence, fifty yards later it was a super solo try. Strong forward play, led to a neat chip by Josh Farmer this was chased by the PSAs backs, and first to arrive was Stuart Hogg who crossed for his brace. The third successful conversion by Chris Ritson made it 21-5 at half time.

The second half started with the Hawick boys exerting the pressure and only stern defence kept them out, but from a quick release Greg Bouglas showed a clean pair of heels to the corner. It was now all PSA and an outside break from Greg Anderson saw him go all way to the line for a top drawer score. With time running out a long line out, peal and drive was finished off in fine style by Steven Mabon.

THE PSA began their semi-junior league campaign with a tough match against Kelso Quins at Poynder Park which they lost following a second-half fightback from the host club.

Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the opening period, PSA took the game to their opponents and strong forward driving play was a feature of their early exchanges which was combined with some clever back play. Their reward was a pick and drive try from Michael Clamp which was converted by Chris Ritson.

From the restart the Hawick boys moved the play down field and from a quick release and slick hands the ball found Richard Pole on the overlap to score out wide. On a rare visit the dangerous Kelso backs somehow managed to scramble over in the corner for an uncoverted try. But after some more forward pressure Chris Ritson landed a penalty but narrowly missed three long-range attempts as the interval scoreline read 15-5 in favour of the Hawick boys.

But it was now Kelso’s turn to use the wind but in the initial stages of the half they were unable to breakdown a stubborn PSA defence but the big Kelso backs were making life hard and a quick couple of individual tries let them back into the match. With time running out it was the Kelso backs who once again who breached the PSA defence and added the conversion to claim victory right at the death.

This was an unlucky start to the season for the PSA boys but they can take pride in their performance.

THE PSA travelled to Biggar for a pre-season friendly and found their opponents well up for the game.

Their hosts had already shaken off their early season cobwebs with three previous friendly games under their belts. But it was the Hawick boys who were quickly into their stride and it was only some sound tackling which denied a score. The home side then broke free to grab a score of their own, an innocent punt down field found the PSA at sixes and sevens and a hack on score was the result of the mix-up which was converted. There were no further scores in the half.

The second half was again all PSA and a forward drive left the home side in all sorts of bother Chris Ritson was on hand to take the ball and score and convert. This was quickly followed up by strong forward play and Alistair Turnbull made no mistake with a fine try. Biggar however fought back with a chance drop-goal and an under the posts penalty goal to take a one point lead. But the Hawick boys fighting spirit came through and after severe pressure were awarded a late penalty which Ritson slotted over to seal the victory in what was an excellent game of rugby.