Twas an extremely frustrating weekend for the Tweed Homes men and their travelling support starting with the early departure for a midday kick off. When the team bus arrived at McKane Park there was still indecision on whether the game should be played as the referee gave the home side until 1130 to drain the pitch. King Canute had a better chance of success. Director of Rugby, Robert Hogarth phoned ex president, George Shaw, who had just left Peebles to see if he could bring a submersible pump it was so bad. Men in wellies ankle deep in water tried to shift water with buckets and spades. Peebles captain, Willie Aitken pitched in and helped dig a drainage hole in the centre of the pitch but to no avail as the game was called off just as George Shaw drove into Dunfermline sans pompe. The team were now abandoned there until the bus returned after the international match.

One of the Dunfermline committee men said that it was raining so hard during the night, the streets were like rivers and he was surprised the game had not been called off at first light. George Shaw said McKane Park was always soft and wet and Robert Hogarth said there was never a chance the game would be played and an early pitch inspection would have had the game called off before the team left Peebles. Now there is a £400 bill for the transport, most of which could have been saved if Dunfermline had been on the ball.

As the bus had returned to base, Peebles trained on some less waterlogged space and then watched the international. At least Scotland won.

By now the Radio Borders Border League match against Melrose last night will have been played (weather permitting as the forecast as I write this is not too good with heavy rain forecast). The game also doubles as this season’s Hamilton McCullough Charity Shield match in memory of two ladies who died young of cancer, Dorothy Hamilton and Amanda McCullough. Make a difference, MAD, is the PRFC chosen local charity and money from gate, 50-50 draw, raffles and other fund raising activities during the evening will go to MAD. If you were unable to donate to the charity last night, you can leave your donation at the Eastgate Clubrooms and it will be forwarded to MAD.

Don’t forget that tonight Scotland A play Tonga at Netherdale and entry is free. The Tongan team are staying at Peebles Hydro Hotel and they were spotted (how could you miss those big guys) on Sunday morning enjoying a wee walk round Peebles as the guys and gals from many local organisations were erecting the Christmas lights. They certainly have the bulk to give the Scottish team a hard time tonight, and you can expect more of the big hits seen last week from the Fijians at Murrayfield and the Samoans in Cardiff.

The Border Farm Supplies Championship match at Riverside Park was a close game for the seconds last week but as Bev says there is hope for better performances to come. Tomorrow, they play a friendly against Dumfries at Hay Lodge or Violet Bank depending on pitch condition; kick off 1.00 PM.

The colts narrowly lost to Melrose Wasps in a game they could and should have won (where have I heard that?). Tomorrow they have the long trip to Langholm for a 2.00 PM kick off.

The colts U16 played last Sunday and beat Musselburgh at Pinkie in a victory that they had worked hard for after a couple of narrow defeats.

Tomorrow, the Scotland v Australia International will be live on the big screen, kicking off at 5.15 PM. Before that there is Wales v Argentina with a 2.30 PM KO. Club will be open to members and guests only.

Tonight, the Peebles March Riders are holding a quiz night in the club starting at 7.30 PM. Teams of up to 4 will be tested on a variety of subjects. It is £10 per team to enter and you will have to be a PRFC member or a guest of a member to enter or watch.

ggs

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