Walkerburn 37

Leith Accies 5

Colin McCudden at Caberston Haugh

WALKERBURN'S return to league action at Caberston Haugh after an absence of 18 months turned into the perfect day.

The weather stayed dry, a large home support turned up and the new Burn side gave them something to shout about with a spirited winning display.

Leith Accies started positively but the well-drilled Burn defence showed few holes and managed to hold out against early pressure.

After lifting the siege, outstanding number 8 Jack McDonald picked up a loose ball and showed pace to go with his physicality to race down the right wing and score in the corner.

The rest of the first half proved to be a keen contest as both sides went hammer and tongs.

Eventually, close to half time the Burn scored again.

A break by James Matthews supported by the back row was halted short of the Accies line.

However stand-off Elliot Freeman was on hand to dive over from close range and bag his second try in as many games.

Having fought hard in the first half Walkerburn cut loose in the second half with the scrum improving and Freeman setting the dangerous backs free whenever possible.

This resulted in a try for centre Gary Alexander, who soon completed his brace with a close range effort taking the Burn out to a comfortable 24-0 lead.

Accies showed spirit with a free flowing try of their own scoring in the corner.

However any lingering doubts that this would be the Burn's day were extinguished when prominent scrum-half James Matthews scored a deserved try from a kick through.

The scoring was completed when promising young debutant Chris Stansfield scored an excellent finishers try in the corner.

This was a memorable day in Walkerburn RFC's long history, celebrated by both the team and the home support back on the stage they belong.