GYTES GOSSIP (PN 23 January 2009)

Please note that there will be a minute’s silence prior to kick off to remember Ted Smith- Honorary President who died last week. 

In what was ‘loosely’ referred to as summer conditions (who are they kidding?) relative to the previous week at Whitecraigs, Peebles ground out a close fought typical derby at Hartreemill to complete the double in the league over Biggar for the first time in many seasons. The game started in brilliant sunshine (see the video if you don’t believe me) and blustery conditions and went downhill from there. By the end of the first quarter, goal kicks required a placer to keep the ball on the tee. Dan Boughtwood again had an excellent kicking game, coming back on after his sin bin to slot one, and also slotted another from well inside his own half. He judged them all to perfection as no kick on the day travelled in anything other than a wide arc due to the strength of the wind.

Tomorrow it is not only a derby but a border derby as Gala who thumped Hamilton last week will be out for a second win against Peebles in the Scottish Hydro Electric Premier 2 at the Gytes. Keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Will it be sunny and warm?  Regardless, risotti2go will be at their usual spot at the entrance with a selection of hot foods and beverages for sale.

Last week the seconds played their first game in over a month, the last being against Kelso on 13th December. Ring rusty, they lost to Jed, but overall were glad to be back. Tomorrow they face Selkirk in the Border Farm Supplies Championship. Kickoff is at 2.00 PM at Violet bank, but as Peebles’ pitch condition problems persists, the venue may be subject to change at short notice.

Nearly 2 weeks ago on Sunday at Violet Bank, there was some unusual activity on the playing fields. It was George Tait and his team of volunteers erecting the spare Hay Lodge posts at the Kingsland School playing fields. Last week, the colts were the first team to make use of them as they walloped Berwick in the Lochcarron Semi Junior League, which counted double due to Berwick being unable to organise a team earlier in the season. Tomorrow the start of the East of Scotland League at Preston Lodge has been replaced with a postponed game against Melrose Wasps at home – venue to be confirmed.

On Monday, Peebles hooker, Ryan McConnell had a run out at Lasswade for the Scotland U20s against an Edinburgh back up squad. Only 3-0 down at the interval, the U20s defended well, but in the second half pressure told as Edinburgh ran out winners 39 points to 0. The club are backing Ryan to go on to be selected for the Home Internationals and the forthcoming world cup games in Japan. Scotland U20 begin their 6 Nations against Wales on 7 February, 2009 – details were announced at a press conference yesterday.

On Saturday evening, between 7 PM and 9 PM there will be an Open Mikes session in the Eastgate Clubrooms. This will be fairly similar to a talent competition and we would like all the budding songsters to pick up a mike and a guitar and sing your heart out; there is a prize for the best act of the night.

GYTES GOSSIP is sponsored by BORDER CABS Ltd., the Borders Premier Taxi Company
Phone 01721 721212
Web www.bordercabs.co.uk
Email bookings@bordercabs.co.uk

back