Selkirk clinch last play-off spot for title shot with solid win at Raeburn Place

Selkirk put in a cracking firsthalf performance to set-up a defeat of Edinburgh Accies on Saturday which secured the Philiphaugh men the final play-off spot in the Tennent’s Premiership.

The 33-20 victory at Raeburn Place means that Selkirk will join Marr, Currie Chieftains and Hawick in the end-ofseason semi-finals, all in with a chance of winning the title.

Luke Pettie opened the scoring for Selkirk, with Aaron Mccolm converting to make it 7-0. The same man then rumbled over for his second try before Richard Mill kicked a penalty for Accies to make it 12-3.

Selkirk extended their lead to 16 points at the interval when Henry Bithray, one of the star men on the day, scored a try, with Mccolm again converting.

Cole Imries’ converted try made it 19-10 early in the second half, but Selkirk secured a four-try bonus point when captain Ewan Macdougall went over.

Peter Forrest’s try then put Selkirk ahead 33-10 before Accies, who are bottom of the table and in relegation trouble, scored late consolation tries through Robert Wilson and Monty Cairnes.

Aberdeen Grammar were the only other side who had a chance of battling it out for fourth spot before the weekend, but they were thumped 53-7 at Hawick.

Calum Renwick, normally a hooker but playing in the backrow due to other injuries and absences, led the way for the Greens at Mansfield Park with two tries.

Leaders Marr had to really battle to defeat Glasgow Hawks 12-10. Hawks, now ninth, were 10-7 up at the break before Ollie Rossi scored what proved to be the winning try in the 55th minute for Marr, rumbling over for an unconverted effort.

Second-placed Currie defeated Jed-forest 36-26. Currie skipper Fergus Scott, inset,was named man of the match while Adam Hall, Ryan Southern, Michael Vernel, Gregor Hunter and Steve Hamilton all scored tries for the victors.

Musselburgh, now eighth, got an important 15-6 win at GHA. James Ferguson scored a try while Musselburgh were also awarded a penalty try and Danny Owenson kicked one penalty for the visitors.

Jamie Mackinnon kicked two penalties for GHA at Braidholm.