TWO Borders primary schools have triumphed at the Lothian Primary School Basketball Finals by claiming first and second.

Having qualified from the Borders-wide finals Kingsland Primary pupils from Peebles and Glendinning Primary's players from Galashiels made their way to Oriam Sports Complex at the Heriot Watt University Campus in Edinburgh to compete against winning teams from Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian.

After a day's exciting court action it was Glendinning and Kingsland who made their way through to an all-Borders final.

And what a final it turned out to be.

The breath-taking game saw both teams going all out for the win.

After some end to end basketball, with the lead changing frequently, Kingsland came out on top by 28 points to 25 to claim the title of East of Scotland Champions.

The finals were organised by Kieran Lynch from Basketball Scotland.

And he was joined on the sidelines by Great Britain and Scotland team captain Kieron Achara.

Achara, who will be hoping to win his 100th National Cap in a crucial World Cup qualifying fixture at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow next week, was delighted with the standard from both Borders teams.

He told us: “It’s a great achievement to see Kingsland and Glendinning performing so well.

“With there being no formal basketball club in the area, seeing the growth of the sport is a testament to the schools and all involved.”

The local cluster competitions and the Borders finals were organised by the Live Borders Active Schools team and supported by PE staff, school staff, senior pupils and parents.

Senior Active Schools coordinator Paul Murray congratulated both schools on their fantastic achievement. He said: “After coming through local area championships and then claiming the two qualifying spaces at the Borders finals, both schools did the Borders proud at the Lothian finals with some inspiring play, great teamwork and impeccable sportsmanship.

“Thanks to all of the Live Borders Active Schools Team for all of their hard work in organising/coordinating area and regional competitions and to the volunteers who both supported these events and/or provided children with extra-curricular basketball opportunities within their schools.

Among the sideline supporters in Edinburgh for the finals was enthusiastic amateur basketball player Euan Jardine.

The councillor responsible for Culture and Sport at Newtown was thrilled with the outcome.

He said: "It is a tremendous achievement for the Scottish Borders, that two of our schools made the final.

“I have coached and played basketball for over 20 years in this area, so I know first-hand the depth of talent in the Lothian region and for Kingsland and Glendinning to excel like they did is remarkable.

“I hope these young athletes continue to play the game, and start to create a new basketball legacy in the Borders.”