This was a tour de force for the returning Force boys, a welcome return after too long a while in the shadows and much gratitude for the performance must be shared with the Youth, Quins and Linden for their cooperation in making this game happen amidst so much turmoil at Mansfield.
Young blood coursing through their veins as they chased down quivering Kelso rabbits the U18s who stepped up showed much greater class and hunger than their prey. Tries by Luke Scott (twice) as well as Jack Brown, Connor Crawley and Connor McLeod showed the rest of Borders rugby just what pace and power they will be fearing next season, with the ever trusty left boot of Langholm Cornet Donaldson adding 4 conversions.
Wolves are said to be on the cusp of reintroduction ‘up north’ but down among the Teviotdale hills there lurks an old lone wolf in the sheep’s clothing of evergreen Keith Davies who waited to pounce behind every ruck and lying out in wing corners too for support and guidance to his youthful pack.
Red squirrels can still be seen around here and flame haired JustinTait burrowed for the prize nut at ever breakdown showing what has been missing whilst he gained his work qualifications . Luke Scott and Jardine Vevers were like a pair of wild beavers destroying every big Kelso tree in their path cutting their older opponents down to size like seasoned lumberjacks. Brown from the Lumback was a golden eagle as he soared to prominence in this match grabbing black and white jerseys with ease before casting them aside and swiftly sailing away from their clutches.
The final try was scored, like father and grandfather before him, by a McLeod but this one has the searing pace of a spring hare unlike the rampaging bull power that his forefathers used to such effect on this hallowed turf.
Great thanks must be plied upon the sole arbiter of the fact, referee and Teri Darren Fisher who let the match flow like the nearby Teviot quickly and efficiently down its chosen course despite his linesmen trying to lead his game down an old mill lade or two.
Dave Finnie has an unparalleled song about his Old Mill Town. Perhaps he won’t mind the reflection that for some such a sight as this resurgence of the youth of the town, growing in 80 minutes from children to men, allowed hope to blossom again at historic Mansfield Park….. Remembering childhood games, old familiar names, places i’ve always known. Soon enough these lads will be watched and cheered as heroes in green from the banking at Mansfield just like so many of our heroes long gone….a bridge spanning over time
