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The excellent all-weather pitch at Volunteer Park, Hawick, was the scene for this latest battle. Weapon of choice was the hockey stick, and Scotland captain, and sole Borderer, Janet Jack led the way to victory.

The Scotland A side had to watch the England over-45s rout Scotland B 10-1 in the first match. This was the first time Scotland has raised two teams for this annual fixture and the B team were not really properly prepared.

The English have been playing masters hockey for several more years than the Scots, but as the top two sides – Scotland A and England over-40s – were only seperated by a single goal in 2007, Jack was certain that they could make a game of it this time around.

She told TheSouthern: "Last year we were beaten 2-1 as they scored in the dying seconds. This year, we knew what to expect. We know they are very skilful and they train a lot together so their tactics are very good as well."

They certainly did their homework. It took them only three and a half minutes to open the scoring. In a goalmouth melee, Judith Martin was alert enough to turn the ball past English keeper Linda Dunham.

Six minutes later, they extended their lead, Susan McDowell thumping the ball home from the edge of the D.

After a nice break from Jack, Lizzie Sturrock made it three from a well-executed short corner.

However, almost from the restart, England's Linda Webb narrowed the gap.

The visitors had brought along their partners – or HABs – along for the weekend, and their vocal support helped England finish the first half looking the more dangerous outfit.

They were silenced 10 minutes into the second half, though. Again, Scotland's goal came from a Wendy Justice short corner, but this time, it was captain courageous Jack who hit the back board with her strike.

However, 10 minutes into the half, the Scots suffered a manic minute – England star Webb scored two goals in 40 seconds as the home defence lost their shape.

Soon after, the women in blue battered the visitors' area with shots – Susan McDowell hitting the side board and Jack forcing a save from Dunham – but they couldn't find the net again.

Scotland keeper Sue Mitchell saved their skins with a great block from Webb.

The pace of the entire match was lightning quick, both teams of ladies rolling back the years and running around like teenagers. Challenges were full-on, as could be expected in a match between two such old rivals.

But at full-time – the score at 4-3 to Scotland – the camaraderie between the two teams was there for all to see. For some, friendships made while playing for the GB squad were cemented again. For others, new relationships were forged in the spirit of international goodwill.

The teams were due to switch opposition for another double-header on the Sunday. However, the English proposed to keep it as it was so that the top two sides would meet again.

They wanted revenge. And they got it.