HAWICK 16, BOROUGHMUIR 17
With the first home match of the new year and the pitch looking in remarkably good condition despite the recent heavy snow, a minutes silence was observed for Jeanette Purbrick. The visit of probable champions Boroughmuir was always going to be tough mission for Hawick who were looking for their first league poiints since November. Front row team changes enforced with the withdrawals of Matt Landels and pro Geoff Cross didn't help Hawick's cause against a big and powerful looking Boroughmuir side.
Hawick played against the strong breeze in the first half, from the first whistle took the play to their opponents and showed no lack of commitment or skill. Hawick were asking serious questions of the Boroughmuir defence with Andy Wilson making several telling breaks but no points were forthcoming despite all the pressure. Another break from Wilson, saw Nick Mctaggart up in support who was hauled down just short of the line but Michael Graham was on hand to pounce and open Hawick's account with a well deserved try, converted by Craig Neish. Boroughmuir instantly hit back with a converted try in the corner to tie the scores. The visitors were now beginning to turn the screw but somehow the Hawick defence held firm and Hawick managed to reach the interval still at 7-7 but with the strong wind in their favour for the next forty minutes.
Hawick started the second half as they did the first and regained the lead with a Neish penalty. Boroughmuir were reduced to fourteen men in 54 minutes, then to thirteen a few minutes later and both penalties were well converted by Craig Neish to give Hawick a 9 point lead at 16-7. Being down 2 players seemed to spur Boroughmuir into action and Hawick were caught out when their hooker forced his way over for a conveted try  to reduce Hawick's lead to two points. With the match entering the final stages and Hawick holding their own, Danny landels is yellow carded. Boroughmuir are now making the extra man tell and are driving Hawick back. A penalty comes Boroughmuir's way which is well converted and they now have the lead for the first time in the match. Alas, there was to be no last minute scores for Hawick who can consider themselves very unfortunate to come away from this match with just a losing bonus point.

Team:- Michael Graham, Steven Anderson, Rory Scott, Craig Neish, Greg Thomson, Rory Hutton, Kevin Reid, Brad Turnbull, Simon Fleetwood, Sean Linton, Michael Robertson, Craig Charters, Nick McTaggart, Andy Wilson and Danny Landels.
Subs:- Bruce Campbell, Ryan Hogg, Garry Douglas and Nicky Little