The 'Burn still managing to field a strong squad of 22 despite some major injuries. A game that might have had to been cancelled this time last year had the same amount of injuries occurred.

Before the game kicked off, a minute’s silence was observed for ex-ladies committee member Helen Mason, wife of Hunter Mason, an ex-player and coach of the club, who sadly passed away.

In an emotional atmosphere Walkerburn kicked off into the wind desperate to make amends for the defeat to Ross High only a fortnight ago. Unfortunately it was Ross High that turned it on from the start. With Walkerburn’s defence thinking what they were going to wear at the Halloween dance to follow a simple switch move led to a Ross High score in the corner which was nicely converted from out wide.

This got the 'Burn’s back up and with some aggressive forward play they grinded their way up the pitch. When the ball found its way to stand off Chris Shand he put in a cross field kick that was plucked from the air by Adam Williams who was then met by a strong tackle which forced the ball from his grasp. The loose ball was picked up by the speedy Ross High winger who showed the chasing burn defence a clean pair of heels to run in the score from 80 metre out.

Walkerburn were in trouble and the game looked like it could turn into a rout as Ross High ran in their third try that started with their winger making another break down the same wing to score in the corner again. 10 minutes had passed and Walkerburn were 21 points down.

Even though Walkerburn had suffered a disappointing start to the match not one players head dropped and the 'Burn got their dander up and took the fight to Ross High. Ruck after ruck, scrum after scrum, Walkerburn slowly gained some dominance and were unlucky not to be on the scoreboard after Craig Elliott was held up just short and big Scott Elder got held up over the line.

The crowed were rewarded for their positive support with a 'Burn try which came from a five metre lineout. Ross High got pinged for having too many bodies in the lineout. From the free kick Steven Irvine tapped and went and buried his head into the onrushing defence only to get held up just short. But the ball was recycled and popped to Scott Elder who is unstoppable from that distance. A missed conversion took the score to 21-3 Ross High. Was the comeback on?

Ross High thought otherwise and put another converted try on the scoreboard before half time. Walkerburns defence had been growing stronger as the game went on slipped up for a split second to allow Ross Highs inside centre who had impressed all game to stroll in under the posts. 28-5 to Ross High. Walkerburn had a mountain to climb.

Walkerburn were determined to climb this mountain however and started the second half the more lively of the two teams. Walkerburn gained an advantage when the Ross High hooker was sin binned for a shoulder barge. A deserved yellow card as he made no attempt to wrap his arms round in the tackle. Walkerburn were desperate to make the most of this 10 minute advantage and hammered away at the defence only to be held up over the line again.

With the loss of their hooker the Ross High scrum was put under massive pressure from the burn and after three collapsed scrums Walkerburn were awarded a penalty try as the scrum collapsed again with Walkerburn advancing to the try line. The conversion was easily popped over by Chris Shand, 28-12.

The game was compelling viewing with a lot of big hits and hard driving runs and some swift back play to boot. It was Ross High who were to score next with a 30m penalty and then after an aimless kick from the burn the Ross High centre waltzed over again bringing Ross Highs tally to 36.

With 10 minutes to go Walkerburn crossed the white wash again. A strong run from Liam Hunter up the middle of the park drawing in plenty of Ross High defenders created space outside for Trevor Smith to run into. The burn managed to recycle ball several times crossing the gain line every time then just when you thought there was space outside for a try in the corner Ali Drummond sneaked round the side of the ruck to run in under the posts again Chris Shand popped over the conversion.

A much improved Walkerburn performance and you can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t for the disastrous first 10 minutes Walkerburn could may well have won this game. Walkerburn’s next fixture is at home to Bo’ness on November 29.