Hawick travelled to the Gytes on Friday evening to take on Peebles in the Border League. The Greens weren’t going to take the challenge before them lightly, as they faced a Peebles side who are sitting proudly atop Division 2 and chasing promotion with two games to go.

Following the completion of their Premiership league campaign at Philiphaugh last week, the Hawick coaches took the opportunity to look at a handful of standout performers from the Hawick Force squad, and it was following a forward rush that Sam Frizzel broke through in the midfield, timing his pass well, to release full back Kirk Ford who crossed for the first try.

Continued pressure by Hawick was defended well by Peebles, however from a maul Gareth Welsh broke blind from close range, evading the tackle of ex Greens captain Matt Carryer, to dive in the corner for the second.

Peebles were under significant pressure now, especially in the scrum and lost a couple of men in rapid succession to yellow cards. With the numerical advantage Hawick were to score another try before the break, when Shawn Muir tidied up from a scrum drive and Jae Linton took four men over the line as he managed to ground the ball

To their credit Peebles rallied before halftime and from a lineout drove deep into the Hawick 22. When the maul collapsed the referee adjudged Hawick to be at fault and awarded a penalty try and a yellow card to the Greens prop Ross Graham. Peebles 7 - 19 Hawick.

The second half saw Pebbles throw everything at Hawick, however the Greens defence was up to the task and repelled the Gytes men at close quarters and out wide.

Hawick then started to exert pressure again and replacement scrum-half broke left from 10 metes out, drew the defence and fired the pass out for young Eli Hamilton to score for his first score for the Greens.

The touchline conversion from Kirk Ford, kissing the upright as it sailed over.

Next up Hawick stretched the Peebles defence one way and then the other to allow Fin Douglas to out strip the defence and score his first 15 a side try for the Greens, and Hawick’s 5th.

The last score went to the irrepressible Andrew Mitchell, taking a short pass from Kyle Brunton he ran a sweet line to bisect the Peebles defence with power and pace, and score under the sticks. Final score Pebbles 7 - 38 Hawick.

Thank you to Peebles for a great contest, and everyone at Mansfield Park would just like to take this opportunity wish them the very best of success as they prepare for the last two fixtures of the season, sitting on top of Division 2.

For Hawick however, all thoughts now turn to the playoffs and our upcoming game against Kelso at Mansfield Park. Hopefully the scheduling of this match will be confirmed sooner rather than later.🏉💚