Linden score for NHS and await news of status

Relegation from Tennent’s East Region League One was unfortunately confirmed for the Royal Blues – who were without a win since October – before all live sport was suspended across the country in mid-March because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The 2019-20 season was declared void a few weeks later by Scottish Rugby, effectively sparing the Volunteer Park side from the drop.

But the Royal Blues would actually prefer to accept the demotion and play in League II whenever next season starts – as they hope to rebuild the squad and recapture their winning touch.

“We have contacted the East League committee and still await a final decision,” said club president Alan Stirling.

Meanwhile, recent weeks have seen players and committee raising funds for Borders General Hospital (NHS) in Melrose, by doing a virtual run/walk to Lombardy in Italy – one of the places worst affected by the virus – and back.

“The target was to achieve the distance of 2240 miles in a timescale of 12 weeks (until July 27),” said a spokesman.

“However, we smashed it and returned home yesterday with no quarantine required!”

So far, over £1550 has been donated via the Just Giving page.

The idea came from Kieran Murphy, who also received and collated all data from apps, fitbits, etc., and provided daily updates via Facebook.

“It was an excellent effort from the 21-year-old, who was very sadly forced into retiring from rugby in November, following a head operation, playing his last game for the club at Duns,” said the spokesman.