This was a friendly, sponsored by Brown Brothers of Peebles, as the Medics are looking to join the league next season.

Ahead of the game there was a minute’s silence in honour of former Walkerburn player Ian Nicol who recently passed away.

Medics kicked off and Burn failed to control the ball, from the maul that formed Burn skipper Liam Card was forced to leave the field with a dead leg and for Medics to take the lead with a penalty. Shortly afterwards Burn’s forwards’ advantage both in the set piece and the loose started to show with Medics frequently being on the retreat.

Ryan Renwick, starting as scrum half for the first time, was a livewire all afternoon and made a break which led to Rhys Wilson scoring the hosts’ first try (in the best traditions of Walkerburn RFC Wilson had been asked at lunchtime if he fancied a game). Chris Shand made the conversion from the Tweedside touch with a measured kick just over the bar to make it 7–3.

The Medics showed they were a skilful side with the ball being willing to link with each other for passing moves; they were also frequently first to the breakdown to gain possession of the ball which the home side struggled to combat.

Burn’s right wing 'Spike’ Smith made a very strong run against the Medics defence which caused a skirmish between the two teams resulting in a penalty from which Medics failed to score.

Following the restart the two teams channelled their competitive spirit into their play and from a line-out on their left-wing Medics showed their technique by scoring a try. With the conversion not being made the score of 7-8 was a fair reflection of the gane.

From the restart Burn made steady progress, using their weight advantage in the forwards and then releasing the ball to left winger John who was able to make a strong run through the Medics defence to score a second try, which was not converted.

The open play that followed included John trying to chip forward only for the ball to be returned over his head to none other than Wilson who was filling the gap left by the kicker. Shortly afterwards Shand was successful with a penalty to seee the hosts lead 15–8 at the interval.

The second half flow was interrupted with a yellow card for Lee Robertson and Scott Elder of Walkerburn and an injury to one of the Medics front row. From a scrum near the Medics line the Burn got a big push on which allowed Renwick to react to and touch down for a try. Much credit has to go to the Medics as they were as good as their word and from the restart took the game down to the right corner where after a number of mauls the referee lost patience and awarded a penalty try to the Medics. This took the score to 20–15, making for a competitive final 10 minutes.

Weather permitting this Saturday sees Walkerburn return to league competition this time against high-flying Ross High at Tranent (kick off 2pm). For some there will be a quick turn around to return to the Walkerburn clubhouse for the ever popular Burns Supper.