The Greens finished their regular season campaign for 2023/24 in some style at Philiphaugh this weekend, with an outstanding demonstration of both attacking and defensive rugby, running out 59-3 winners over Selkirk.

Three first half tries by the Greens, without reply, as they played into a strong wind, would set the tone for the game.

A terrific double by Andrew Mitchell currently in irresistible form, was followed by a third by Kirk Ford, who had earlier been denied a try when the ball was dislodged from his grip over the line.

With Selkirk only managing a penalty goal in reply, the teams disappeared down the tunnel with the score at 3-19.

The second half saw Hawick explode from the first whistle as the tireless Stuart Graham took of on receipt of the kickoff with the rampaging Dalton Redpath on hand to take the pass drive deep into the Selkirk half.

The first try of the second period was an absolute peach as the Greens forwards took play deep into the Selkirk 22. Welsh fed Redpath on the blindside, with Ford & Welsh in support. The big man took the tackle and deftly flipped the pass out of the back of his hand to the on rushing Ford to dot down for his second, and Hawick bonus point 4th!

Jae Linton was next on the scoresheet, and there was no stopping the #8 as he rampaged over the line. It’s very clear to he is relishing being back in the fold after his enforced absence, and his try was just reward for a huge effort in both defence and attack.

Selkirk to their credit kept working hard, probing for an opening, and tackling what at times, must have seemed like a Green tidal wave. The Hawick lads however were in no mood to give up a score, and turned up the heat, scoring a further 4 tries, before the final whistle.

Firstly Lee Armstrong chasing a smart kick through and having the pace to be first to the ball. This score was quickly followed by one from flanker Cal Renwick, who blistered to the line from distance. ,

It was no sooner had the crowd settled back into their seats again, when Cal Renwick jackled possession deep inside his own half and turning defence into attack, took off at pace, running a beautiful angle, he had the measure of the defence and completely outstripped the Souter’s cover. Finally Armstrong, obviously keen not to be outdone by his fellow centre Andrew Mitchell, gathered a deft chip from Kyle Brunton to turn on the afterburners and race in for his second and Hawick’s 9th try.

On a very tricky day for goal kicking, Kirk Ford chipped in with a very creditable 7 conversions, making his personal tally for the day 19 points, taking the final score to Selkirk 3 - 59 Hawick.

Just as coaches Douglas, Hogg & Bertrum would want, this squad is hitting its stride just when it needs to, and the lads can now take some time this week to prepare for a Border League clash with Peebles on Friday evening before thoughts will inevitably turn to the Premiership Play-offs and a visit to Mansfield Park of the men from Poynder Park who themselves secured their playoff berth with victory over JedForest. I don’t know about you….. but the writer can’t wait😉💚🏉💪🏻