Bright start to new season for Selkirk

Jordan McGowan on his way to his first try

BOOKER BORDER LEAGUE

Selkirk picked-up where they left off last season, continuing their unbeaten streak with a convincing victory over a tough Peebles side at Philiphaugh which should have therapeutic effects ahead of what will be a daunting 2015/16 season.

Josh McGowan broke the deadlock midway through the opening 40 before doubling his side’s lead, both converted by Cameron Ring, which handed Selkirk a slender 14-0 interval lead.

The second half highlighted the distinct gap in quality as Selkirk’s superior fitness exposed Peebles, who had pockets of inspiration and individual moments of brilliance but ultimately failed to make up for basic defensive and fitness deficiencies.

McGowan added to his try haul early in the second half before Callum Marshall added a brace. Peebles hit back with a pair of well-worked touchdowns from Neil Hogarth and Jack Harrison, converted by Greg Raeburn, that new head coach Drew Moore can take some positives from but Selkirk had the final say as McGowan added to his haul to round-off a comprehensive victory. Ring added two more conversions for Selkirk with Josh Welsh slotting one.

Selkirk: J. Welsh; F. Anderson, C. MacDougall, R. Nixon, L. Maclennan; C. Ring, M. Davies; F. Tetart, J. Bett, C. Graur, J. McGowan, S. McDonald, E. MacDougall, C. Marshall, M. Gordon. Subs: S. Tough, D. Allan, B, Riddell, P. Forrest, R. Wilson.

Peebles: R. McConnell; W.Kearney, K. Clyde, M. Caryer, J. Hemara; S. Irvine, J. Menzies; D. Kerr, C. Blyth, D. Hall, A. Warnock, A. Brown, G. Hogarth, M. Cruikshank, N. Hogarth, D. Clancy, G. Raeburn, D. Anderson, R. Clinch.