Borders thriller in prospect as Selkirk play host to Jed

The Philiphaugh hosts have recently been stringing some good results together, despite being ravaged by injury, and expected a win last Saturday to carry them confidently into this game.

However, despite victory with six tries, they were unhappy with aspects of their display against Howe of Fife.

Jed-Forest, on the other hand, saw their 100 per cent winning record disappear last weekend against Marr. But they hope that, rather than signalling a slump in form, the setback will propel them on to recapturing winning ways.

Both sides are looking forward very much to the game, knowing the local rivalry will give it an extra dimension.

Jed-Forest head coach Jammy MacFarlane said it was extremely difficult for his side last week in Ayrshire, with Jack Sudlow sent off after barely five minutes and two other players yellow carded as they went down 26-19.

“It’s tough enough playing through there with 15, never mind 14, and then twice with 13,” he said.

“The boys played well – as good as they have played all season– but it was very hard.”

Looking ahead to Saturday, he said: “It’s another league game for us and the points value is the same as always. But, after the weekend, it’s important that we get back on the horse and get back to winning ways.”

He added: “It will be extremely difficult – Selkirk is always a very difficult place to go – and the Border derby will be raging on.

“They are different games, without a doubt, but it’s another national league game.

“There’s no reason why we can’t get a win – we’re still confident and we’ll prepare well.”

Last Saturday, Selkirk were behind against winless basement boys Howe of Fife until the last 10 minutes, bagging a couple of tries to win 36-31.

However, manager Tom Ramage said they had been guilty again of making a sluggish start, while indiscipline, in the form of fouls in rucks and mauls – had cost them 12 points.

While it wasn’t the performance-led victory they wanted, Ramage said he was nevertheless looking forward to “a good Borders derby game”.

He added: “It will be a close game – I think it will be a case of whoever wants it will get it.

“We have home advantage and that could tilt it for us.

“Jed-Forest will be smarting from the defeat and come out with guns blazing.”

The local derby was a great motivating factor, said Ramage, adding: “You always have to be up for it when you’re playing next door.”

Influential prop Lwando Mabenge is out with a broken shoulder but Craig MacDougall and Josh Welsh could return for Selkirk.