Another day for Girl Power at Jedburgh Sports

For those who attended the Cannon firing ceremony in the Market Place at 6.00am, the foul weather showed no signs of abating for the rest of the day. The rain continually heaved down on all assembled and any who braved their way from the Ball tent at Lothian Park. After the clock chimed the appropriate hour, the first two cannons were discharged in normal fashion. The third was a damp squib. Fortunately, the President had the foresight to organise a cafe to open for the supply of coffee and bacon rolls, which was then utilised for the major operation that was now to begin. The wadding packed into the gun was sodden and the powder was damp, therefore the piece had to be cleaned dried and reloaded before it could continue its service. The final two discharges were finally signalled to complete the ceremony. During the waiting process many of the assembly wearied through the damp conditions and gradually made their way off.
A father and son team took honours in the Race Around the Town. Brian Ramsay, our local school janitor walked off with first prize, closely followed by son Craig Ramsay. They had been tussling together throughout the course. Third place was taken by Zoe Williams. At 9.30 the Sports Ground looked very wet from the drenching it had received earlier in the morning. The rain had now ceased however, illuminating a little brightness coming in from the west. As the morning progressed the sky brightened until some patches of sun broke through at about Mid-day.

Amy Clancy, a 22 year old pre-school nursery teacher from Peebles throws herself across the line to narrowly take the honour away from teenager Jordan Maxwell of Langholm. After winning the highest ever £3000 prize money, silver medal and sash, she was also awarded with the Radio Borders Trophy for most promising athlete. The Charlie Russell trained winner of the Jedburgh 200m Open last year said she hadn't expexted to do so well as she is not that good at 110 metres

For only the second time in the history of Jedburgh Border Games a woman has walked off with the big prize. Amy Clancy of Peebles, trained by Charlie Russell put up a superb fight, from the time she won her heat in an astonishing time of 11.26 secs through the cross ties in 11.49 secs until ultimately taking the £3000 prize money in this years Jedforest 110 metres Sprint in a time of 11.55 seconds from a 17½ metre handicap start. Many will remember Karen Cochrane's equally remarkable feat in 2004 from a 17 metres start when she took the big prize in 11.80 secs. The 22 year old lass from Peebles, says that she has been on the running track since she was 9 years old, courting success and disappointment along the way, but the whole of this days events were quite overwhelming and hard to take in. "I didn't expect to do so well," she said "as I am not that good in the 110 metres. Before the final, I was very excited and found it difficult controlling my nerves. However, when the starter gun went off, that was it. I knew it would be close at the end and so threw myself over the line to secure my win." Amy, who walked off with first prize in the Jed 200 metres Open last year appears to have reached a peak at this stage in her running career.
The Borders Athletics 100 metres championship also produced a tight finish with Jed's Greg Turnbull breaking the tape inches ahead of Dolphinton's Steven Charters and Ian Garrioch of Moray. The young student, who is part of the TLJT club, clocked an impressive 10.81 to win the £200 prize and sash. Turnbull said: "I had an illness at the start of the season and everything has been a bit average so far this year, but to come to my home track and perform like this is great. I'm pleased with the time and it looks like I'm starting to get some form back." Local footballer Dougal Prowse (2.5) scored a hat trick in The Tavern 70 metres. The 30-year-old Hawick Royal Albert winger, who is coached by Billy Edgar, had previously won the dash in 2002 and 2006. And he was given the verdict yet again as he broke the tape in front of Jedburgh's Paul Ferguson (1.5) and John Fleming (2) of Kelso. Prowse said: "I've missed a bit training lately but I came today without any niggles and ran really well."

Edinburgh's Andy Cullen, an IT man from Corstorphine who has been shining well through out the season came from behind to edge out David Hush from Hawick and Emily Douglas of Jed AC to take the 200 metres Open Sprint in a time of 21.90 seconds from a 28m handicap. "I found a gap at the bend and managed to get through," said Cullen.

"Corstorphine IT boss Andy Cullen (28) enjoyed his third win of the season in the John Laidlaw & Sons 200 metres. The 46-year-old's surge on the home straight gave him victory from David Hush (35) of Hawick and Jedburgh's Emily Douglas (36). Cullen said: "I found a gap at the bend and managed to get through. "I've found some good form lately and I'm just happy to have won."Ross Weir (9.5) from Hawick followed up his sprint win at Kelso by landing the 90 metres veterans handicap. Weir, who has his own running school, just held off Durham's Paul Donaghy (scr) and John Paxton (5.5) in the final. He told us: "The whole school is running well just now and we're all on a bit of a high." It was one of Weir's young runners who blasted to victory in the LS Starrett 800 metres. Mark Young (70) fought his way to the front with 200 metres to go and kicked clear to collect the £600 purse. The 21-year-old said: "When I got the top bend I could feel my legs start to tire but I had enough to get home." Falkirk veteran Alex Bryce (65) produced a strong finish to cross the line in second ahead of Ross Finlayson (32.5) of Lasswade. Teenager Ross Matheson (scr) showed why he is considered one of the country's best middle-distance prospects by winning the Royal Mile 1500 metres. The 17-year-old, who is coached by Dave Campbell, calmly made his way through the field to take up the running on the final lap and push clear up the home straight from Iain Williams (165) of TLJT and Hawick's Derek Scott (180). Matheson, who carries an asthma inhaler when he runs, was delighted with the £300 first prize. He said: "It's always good to win and the money is handy. "The wind made it difficult and I wasn't sure if I'd catch the boys in front. It was only when I reached the bell that I knew I could win. "I've always run with my inhaler - better to be safe." Another promising teenager won the G & J Construction Invitation 100 metres. Annan's Josh Crawford reached the tape just ahead of Leith's John Armstrong and Sam Atkin of Goswick. The Billy Edgar school from Hawick managed to have four of the six runners in the final of the M&M Memorial youths 90 metres. And they claimed the first three places with Daniel Elliot (22.5) breaking the tape ahead of Matthew Bell (20.5) and Jack Wilson (14). The 11-year-old said: "This is even better than winning at Kelso last week. "My brother (Ryan) won this last year so it's good to do it as well."

	Hawick's Leigh Marshall the 21 yearold coached by Davie Rae eases his way through the field of the 400m Wallace McDonald Handicap to break the tape five metres ahead of his training partner lee Notman. "I have been sore all week from training,"said Marshall," and wasn't sure about competing, but I managed to pull it off."

Former New Year sprint winner Leigh Marshall from Hawick running off 6 metres showed what he was made of in the 400m Handicap. From the Colin Bruce / David Rae camp, Marshall excelled from start to finish and though he had a battle on his hands in running against his Hawick training companion Lee Notman who started from 14 metres Marshall won in 50.96 seconds with Notman taking second place, and Ross Finlayson of Lasswade coming in third. Kelso's Euan Pettigrew (35) was also in fine form as he cruised to victory in the Jedburgh Unionist Club youths 400 metres (14-16 years) from Selkirk's Andrew Nisbet (50) and Bethan Douglas (70) of Hawick. Scott Armstrong (90) of Durham won the 10-13 years race over the same distance from Gala's Euan Graham and Joe Armstrong (60), also from Durham. The Rory Stewart Plasterers youths 800 metres turned into a long chase with Selkirk 10-year-old Zaynah Aziz (220) leading from the gun until the final strides when Jedburgh's Andrew Thompson (57.5) managed to get up on the line for the £70 first prize and medal. The 15-year-old said: "My legs were really heavy on the last lap and I didn't think I was going to catch the girl in front. I am absolutely knackered." Rowan Marr (55) from Gala Harriers stayed on strongly for third. Euan Graham (160) from Galashiels showed why he is the Borders schools champion by calmly making his way through the Lodge St John youths 1500 metres field. The 13-year-old footballer held off a late challenge from backmarker Adam Craig (60) of Lauder and Durham's Joe Armstrong for the win. Graham said: "I thought the other boy was going to beat me when he came onto my shoulder but I managed to hold on."

Severe Thunder Storm swamps Games Day

The Cannon firing ceremony in the Market Place at 6.00am was met with considerably favourable weather, even though the forecast had predicted rain and showers for the greatest part of the weekend. The weather during Festival Friday had luckily been very favourable for all the ceremonies that took place, although a mid afternoon shower interupted the Festival Fun Day for an hour or so, at Lothian Park . As the clock chimed 6.00 am on Saturday morning all four cannons were discharged successively to north south east and west to formally proclaim that once again Jethart's Games Day was under way. The premises of Scott and Foggon in Exchange Street were gratefully utilised as a base for the Games Committee as a precaution, in the event of foul weather ensuing during the hour.
First prize in The Race Around the Town was taken by Gary Hunter, who plays for local football team Jed Legion F. C. Second and third places were taken by two visitors from the USA who were in town to witness the Festival celebrations. At 10.30 am the Sports at Riverside Park were gotten under way with the Races for Boys and Girls sponsored by The Sea Rover Fish and Chips Bar.

Connor Hedley of Ellington near Morpeth who entered the 110 metres Jedsprint final as a fastest loser from the cross-ties struts to a well earned victory in lane six from Hawick's Ross Weir in lane one. The eighteen year old, running from a mark of 12 metres won his heat in 11.63 seconds. In the final it seemed as though Weir would hold his lead, but the young Northumbrian sped to a surprising late victory in 11.35 seconds. Craig Grieve of T.L.J.T in lane five took third place.

Bruce Scott of T.L.J.T storms through all that the elements can throw at him from a handicap of 7½ metres to win the 90 metres Veterans Handicap in 10.85 seconds. Tom Bradley of Edinburgh running off 13½ metres in the number three bib took second place and John Paxton of Hawick in number two bib took third place from a 4½ metres start.

The L. S. Starrett Co Ltd 800 metres Open Handicap went to Craig Robertson of Pitreavie in 1 minute 56.79 seconds. Andrew Thompson of Jed A.C. took second place with Callum Whillans of Hawick taking third. Robertson, however was not quite finished yet and come the Royal Mile 1500 metres Handicap he did it all again. Hawick's Gary Law was out in front at the bell for the final lap, with Stuart Somervail of Jed A.C. holding on to second position. Somervail then moved ahead before the final bend , but Robertson running from 40 metres hit the front position, and from there the race was his. Somervail, running off the 160 metre mark came in second and Colin Welsh of Kelso from a handicap of 25 metres took third place. A rather disconsolate crowd of spectators continued to look on as showers began to fall. Those on the north and west fringes of the park who were huddled in tents took shelter from the rain, while others made for the stands to keep dry.
Heats and finals continued none the less, irrespective of the downpour. Bruce Scott of T.L.J.T running from a 6½ metres handicap recorded his fifth win of the season by gaining the honours in the Jake and Lara Irvine Veterans 90 metres Handicap. Following a heat win in 10.24 seconds, Scott won the final from Tom Bradley of Edinburgh handicapped at 13½ metres and John Paxton from Hawick running off 4½ metres. Scott remarked that the final was probably the worst field conditions that he'd ever competed in. Local boy Craig Gillan of T.L.J.T won the Invitation 100 metres G and J Construction Handicap from scratch in 11.54 seconds from Cameron Smith of Tullibody, handicapped at 1 metre and James Parker of Hawick who ran from 5 metres. At around 3.00 in the afternoon the weather conditions became so bad that a break to the meeting had to be called. Thunder and lightning prevailed for at least half an hour. Under the main stand it seemed that a biblical plague had visited Riverside Park. Jedburgh Border Games have been cancelled only once during their history, on Friday 8th August 1862. The conditions on the field at the Dunion Moor were so deplorable as rain continued into the afternoon, that the committee reluctantly resolved to defer the meeting for twenty four hours, in the hope that Saturday would provide better conditions. Notice of the alteration was immediately despatched to the neighbouring towns.

	Jed A.C's Emily Douglas who headed the field throughout the 200 metres Open Handicap final is pushed into second place right on the line by Graeme Armstrong of Edinburgh wearing number one bib from a handicap of 32 metres in a time of 21.91 seconds Geoff Keen of Selkirk running in number four bib came in to take third place.

At about 3.30 pm it was decided to continue with the cross-ties for the Jedsprint 110 metres Handicap since the thunderstorm seemed to have passed over. Although rain continued to fall in showers, the sports continued. Emily Douglas of Jed A.C. running off a mark of 44 metres came extremely close to putting victory Jedburgh's way in the J. Laidlaw and Sons 200 metres Handicap. Having showed up well in winning her heat in 22.39 seconds, Douglas who is coached by Chico Woods, headed the field coming down the home straight and maintained her lead until being overtaken just on the post by Edinburgh's Graeme Armstrong off a 32 metres handicap. Douglas was second and Geoff Keen of Selkirk who handicapped from 23 metres came home third.
The wet weather certainly did not dampen the running of 18 year old Connor Hedley of Ellington near Morpeth. He conjured up his own brand of sunshine by taking pride of place in the Jedforest 110 metres Sprint and lifting the £3,000 first prize. Competing from a mark of 12 metres, Hedley won his heat on the rain lashed track in 11.63 seconds. Come his cross-tie, however Hedley was beaten but qualified for a final spot as a fastest loser, lining up against T.L.J.T pair Craig Grieve off 8 metres and Angus Stanners running from 9 metres. Also Iskan Barskanmay of Jed A.C. handicapped from 6½ metres, Ross Weir of Hawick running from 22 metres and Sean Harris of Edinburgh off 7½ metres. As if by call, the rain eased off for the final. The storm was not quite over though. Metres from the tape it appeared that front runner, Weir was going to hold on to his lead, but Hedley ruled this out by coming in like a bolt from the blue with a storming finish to gain victory in 11.35 seconds. After the race, Hedley commented, "I come from a running family. My grandfather Brian, my uncle Eddie and my cousin John have all ran at Border Games in the past years, so it's a great thrill for me to have won the Jedburgh Sprint. I felt good when I won my heat, but then lost my cross-tie and thought my chance had gone until hearing I was fastest loser. It was a second opportunity so I had to go for it, and I managed to pull it off, but it was a really close final."

Portobello Schoolboy saves the Best for Last

	xxxxxA broken down MiniBus in Jethart's Market Square on Games morning!!! Jed Legion F.C. mid-fielder Gary Hunter takes a well earned rest after defending his title as the fastest man to run around the town. Yeh! cheers man, and careful you don't lose that £40 Prize money between yer legs.

After months of continuous rain, the worst was feared for our Annual Festival weekend and Athletics Sports meeting. A weather forecast at the beginning of the week offered a window of respite for Friday and Saturday, but the general feeling throughout was of gloom and despondency over a summer that has only been memorable for poor weather. Friday heralded an overcast but dry day for the Callants Festival, which continued into the evening providing very favourable conditions for a successful and well attended Fancy Dress Parade.
The weather conditions remained promising throughout the night and continued to do so at 6.00am while the cannon was discharged in its four cardinal directions and signalled the start of the Race Around Town. Meantime Jedforest Instrumental Band marched from Lower Canongate through Market Place playing popular airs to awaken the towns people to another Games Day. Jed Legion F. C. mid-fielder Gary Hunter was there again to defend his title as the fastest man to run around the town, and so he did, coming home in a state of exhaustion, but about 200 metres in front of all the other contenders. It was also very pleasant to be refreshed with a coffee and a bacon roll from Coffee Corner which had only just opened the week before to begin trading on the corner of Burn Wynd. At 10.30 am the Sports at Riverside Park were gotten under way with the Races for Boys and Girls aged six to twelve years.
Edinburgh teenager Kieran Kivlin surprised all when he came from behind in the final of the Jedforest 110m Sprint to carry off the £3000 first prize with medal and cup. The Portobello High School pupil qualified for the Cross Ties from heat six in second place

Kieran Kivlin a teenage student from Edinburgh's Portobello High School wearing the number 2 bib surprises all by winning the Jedforest 110 metres Handicap final in front of David Grieve from Hawick wearing number 7 and Graeme Armstrong of Edinburgh in number 1 in a fast time of 11.62 seconds.

behind David Grieve of Hawick who won the heat in 11.90 seconds. In the cross-ties Kivlin, running from a mark of 4½ metres secured his place in the final with a very impressive winning run of 11.92 seconds. Along with the other finalists, Peter Denholm of Melrose off 8½ metres, Tommy Finkle of T.L.J.T running off 13 metres, Hawick's David Grieve running from 15 metres, Steven Charters from Dolphinton off 3 metres and Graeme Armstrong from Edinburgh running off the 17 metres mark Kivlin lined up for a shot at the high stakes. Metres from home it appeared that Grieve, who had led from the start was set to take the crown, when Kivlin came storming in from the back to snatch an impressive photo finish triumph in 11.62 seconds which was the fastest for the event. Coached by Kevin Turner, Kivlin remarked, "I won the New Year Youth's Sprint a while ago, but I have never won anything as big as this, and its a great feeling to have pulled it off. I have been quite pleased with my running this season, as I have already been in the final of the Hawick and the Oxton Games Sprints, and have been trying hard. But today in the final at Jedburgh was the best I have ran, and I am glad I got it right."
Craig Fleming of Clydebank gave a first class performance to win the Border Athletics 100 metres Sprint Championship ahead of Greg Turnbull of T.L.J.T. and Steven Charters of Dolphinton. Former New Year Sprint winner Craig Robertson of Galashiels was the victor of the 100 metres Invitation Handicap. Craig Grieve of T.L.J.T. took second place and Chris Baillie from Birchfield came in third. Seventeen year old Luke Lowther of Jed A. C. delighted the home crowd with a triumph in the 200 metres Open Handicap. Following a win in his heat, thirteen year old Lowther running off 35 metres is in his first season as a senior and has chalked up victories at Earlston, Selkirk and Oxton Games recently. Coming down the home straight in the final at Jedburgh, he had to hold off challenges from Dylan Ali of T.L.J.T. who was running from the 15 metre mark and Ryan Trimby of Hawick running from 25 metres to win in 22.12 seconds.

	Sarah Ross from Pitreavie, running off a 73 metre handicap gave an excellent account of herself by winning the 400 metres Open Handicap. Although her lead was being cut down on the home straight, she still had plenty to offer and came in to take the honours from Leigh Marshal of T.L.J.T. and Gordon McPherson of Hawick who took third place.

Paddy Jumelle of Edinburgh in number 3 bib who earned his place in the 800 metre final as a fastest loser, turns the tables on Andrew Thomson of Jedburgh running in the number 1 bib to take first place. Grant Kennedy of Glasgow comes from behind to take third place.

and Euan Pettigrew from Kelso off the 5 metre mark was third. Woods said, "Like any grandfather I am very proud of my grandaughter's achievement. I was very pleased to see Holly win, not just for the family relationship, but for the fact that she trains hard and ran very well today." Victory in the 800 metres Handicap went the way of Paddy Jumelle of Edinburgh running off the 80 metre mark. He earned a place in the final as a fastest loser, beaten in his heat by Jedburgh's Andrew Thomson who ran from 85 metres. In the final, though, Jumelle turned the tables and won in a good time of 1 minute 57.22 seconds. Thomson was second with Grant Kennedy of Glasgow who started from 110 metres coming in behind. The 1500 metre Handicap turned out to be a thrilling battle between Darrell Hastie of Kelso running off 55 metres and Craig Robertson from Pitreavie also off 55 metres. Gary Law of Hawick who was competing from a 345 metre mark was the man in front at the start of the last lap, with Hastie and Robertson close on his heels. Hastie then edged ahead, but before the final bend Robertson took the lead. Hastie gave chase, but Robertson strode on to do the business in 4 minutes 9.10 seconds. The other placings went to Hastie and Law respectively. Robertson said, "I won the 800 metres and the 1500 metres at Jedburgh last year, and it's just brilliant to have been able to win again."

Jedburgh Border Games 2013 from the Webmaster

Thursday 12th July 2013

Hawick takes Top Honours in the Heat of the Day

JBG sponsor Colin Robertson presents the winner of the 90 metres Youth's Handicap, Jack Cowan with the Jackson and Neilson Challenge cup, and individual medals for the first six participants to reach home. Both the 2013 Jethart Callants Festival and Jedburgh Border Games were blessed with a heat wave this year. Although the weather couldn't have been better for our annual sports meeting, we had been advised the week before that the cannon which we usually used on Games morning had been pronounced unfit and too dangerous for it's purpose. Our little firearm had been once again sent off for examination and x-ray in the interest of public safety, but this time had unexpectedly failed the test. This created rather a catastrophic situation, since the traditional signaling of Games day on the Saturday morning by firing the cannon to the cardinal points of the compass had continued uninterupted for 159 years. The day was saved, however, when ex-committee member and cannon custodian, John Currie said that he may be able to get a loan of an artillery piece for the day from a military collector he knew near Edinburgh. Thus the cannon firing ceremony was carried on successfully for another year. Our old existing firearm is preseently being examined with the possibility of repair. First back in the Race around the town was Craig Cowan of Jedburgh. Second was Alberto Bosco from Italy, and third was Brian Ramsay, father of this year's callant who also took the prize for the first competitor home who had attended the Callant's Ball the night before. Hawick teenager James Parker sent temperatures rising to their highest point of the day by burning up the track with a scorching display to take the honours in the £3,000 Jedforest Sprint final. Trained with the Billy Edgar school in Hawick, 18 year old Parker, running off 5 metres showed up well in his opening run. This rugby ace who recently joined the Hawick Greens after two years with Gala Wanderers then earned himself a place in the final after a triumph in his cross-tie. Going down on their marks with   An extatic James Parker from Hawick in the number 3 bib charges home to victory in a hot time of 11.72 seconds in the Jedforest 110 metres Handicap final. Fellow Teri Jack Wilson came home in second place, and Lee Marshall also from Hawick and Craig Gillan of T L J T both tied for third place.   Parker in the final were fellow Hawick athletes Leigh Marshall running off 3 metres, Jack Wilson off 13½ metres, David Hush off the 22 metres mark. Plus TLJT's James Park off 10½ metres, Craig Gillan running off 4½ metres and Tommy Finkle off 12 metres. It was to be Parker's final, however, for the youngster stormed home to a decisive win in 11.72 seconds. Wilson emerged second, with Marshall and Gillan dead-heating for third place. A thrilled Parker told us, "I've been having problems with a hamstring injury and on Thursday night it seemed doubtful that I would be running in the Sprint. Even today I've had concerns as I have been feeling twinges, but I got no sympathy from my coach, Billy Edgar, who told me that if I felt that bad, I should get my running gear off and go back home to Hawick. So that was the end of that and everything went just great. I am really thrilled to have won the Jed Sprint as it's the biggest and best. In an event that had conjured up a lot of interest, top Borders amateur runner Guy Learmonth running from scratch was unable to beat the British 800 metres professional record. The 21 year old just could not get in touch with the front runners in the swealtering heat and the race was won by Hawick's Rory Anderson off 80 metres. Representing TLJT, Greg Turnbull produced some powerhouse sprinting to take the Borders Athletics 100 metres Championship The 400 metres handicap was a thriller. Coming down the home straight it was anybody's race, but Kyle Potts of TLJT running off 40 metres pulled out the stops with a surging finish to edge out Euan Pettigrew from Kelso and Charlie Carstairs of Lasswade. Trained by Jack Knox, the evergreen Alastair Laurie of Selkirk, running off the 360 metre mark chalked up his third triumph of the season when coming out on top in the 1500 metres handicap in a time of 3 minutes 54 seconds. John Thomson of Coaltown came in second from a 200 metres start and third place went to Gavin Tait of TLJT who ran off 260 metres. A keenly contested 200 metres was won by Corstorphine man Andy Cullen running off 40 metres, leaving Euan Pettigrew of Kelso off 25 metres with second place, while Richard Eland from Broughton took third place running off the 35 metre mark. Midlothian runner, Kevin Turner won the 90 metres Veterans handicap sprint.     Kyle Potts of TLJT running off the 40 metres mark breasts the tape in a time of 48.87 seconds in the final of the 400 metres Handicap. Pipped at the post are Euan Pettigrew from Kelso who took second place from a handicap start of 34 metres and Charlie Carstairs of Lasswade who came in third off an 18 metres start. This years Games produced a whole spate of young victors from the burgh town itself. Thirteen year old Jack Cowan recorded an excellent hat trick on his home town track by lifting the Youths 90 metres Handicap Confined to Jedburgh, as well as the Youths Footballers and Rugby Players Sprint and the Youths 90 metres Handicap. Jedburgh's own Jack Amos representing Jed AC emerged a popular victor of the Youths 1500 metres Handicap. Roared on by the home support, lion-hearted Amos running off 305 metres who had earlier in the day secured the Youths 800 metres title, had to go all out to get the better of Kobe Stevens of Moorfoot, running off 110 metres and Harry Fuller of Gala Harriers off 305 metres. Another young home runner to excel was Cameron Clamp running from the 10 metre mark who produced the goods to the full for the third time this season by winning the Junior 200 metres Handicap. Yet another shine for Jedburgh at the highest degree was Zoey Johnstone running off 14 metres who took pride of place in the Junior 90 metres Handicap. Annan's Campbell McNaughton off 29 metres won the Youths 200 metres Handicap in a time of 23.50 seconds from Cameron Tindle of Berwick who ran off scratch to take second place and fellow Annan runner Liam Woodman off 8 metres who took third place. 50 YEARS ON   John Steede strides his way to a phenomenal victory in the final of the 1963 Jedforest Sprint. The only other man close enough to offer a threat to the result was Jim McCormick from Middlesbrough in the glasses wearing the number 5 bib   It was with some surprise that we received an email from former runner Jim McCormick of Middlesbrough at the beginning of this year, who ran second to John Steede in the 1963 Jedforest Sprint final. The question on his email was "Did we know of a guy by the name of John Steede from Jedburgh?" Neither of the two had met for fifty years, but for Jim, this was a milestone that he wasn't ready to forget. The two got in touch, and John cordially invited Jim to attend the Games meeting this year as an honoured guest. It was touch and go whether Jim could make it, since he was due to fly home from a holiday abroad during the morning of the Games. After touch down at Middlesbrough airport, there was also the distance to travel to get to Jedburgh to be considered. Nonetheless Jim and his partner arrived at Riverside during the late morning and in good time for lunch and a long endearing blether about times gone by over a period of fifty years.     1963 Jedsprint veterans Jim McCormick of Middlesbrough and John Steede of Jedburgh share the honour of firing the cannon to proceed with the afternoon athletic events at Riverside Park.   SURPRISE PRESENTATION Unbeknown to Mr Steede, the committee members had already learned that he had never been presented with a medal for his 1963 victory, or his win in 1972 for that matter. No one is entirely sure of the reason for this. The understanding seemed to be that the awarding of the sprint medal was discontinued around about 1960 and then continued again at some time during the late 1970's. After a cloak and dagger assignment to make very sure that John was not in possession of a medal, Vice President Andrew Gillan found a jeweller who was able to replicate the winners medal and have it engraved retrospectively. After a short briefing by preident Kennie Hogg, when the lunch was over, John was called forward to receive the presentation made by Vice President Andrew Gillan. The entire procedure had been kept a close guarded secret until the medal was presented on the day. Admiring the treasure in it's presentation case, all that the surprised JBG treasurer had to say was, "A didnae expect tae receive this, what a surprise indeed!"

Jedburgh Border Games 2014 from the Webmaster Thursday 17th July 2014     The 2015 Team who Won the Event of the Year Award Back Row : N. Hogg, H. Gallagher, R. Wight, R. Douglas, B. Hogg, M. Yule Middle Row : T. MacAulay, H. Weir, D. Thompson, G. Yule, S. Ferguson, K. Sudlow, A. Johnson Front Row : A. Gillan, J. Steede (Treasurer), K. Hogg (President), A. Ferguson (Secretary), I. Strother   Gillan Brings the Big Prize back to Jedburgh       Jedburgh Border Games President Kennie Hogg presents the Jedburgh Herald Trophy to Mark Wilson of Kelso, the winner of the 2014 Race Round the Town. Mark, who also qualified as the first Ball attendee to reach the winning line graciously surrendeered the second trophy to runner up Gavin Young, this years Gala Braw Lad, during the first event of Games Day. At Jedburgh Border Games during 2014, 20 year old Craig Gillan upped his third equal performance from last year by claiming full honours and winning the Jedforest 110 metres Sprint Handicap outright. Gillan has dreamed of winning the big sprint at Jedburgh since arriving on the open athletic scene as a youngster nine years ago. The day began cool and dry, however, with a promise of sunshine from the start, beginning with the traditional cannon firing ceremony in Market Place at 6 o'clock in the morning. This was marked by this year's Jethart Callant, Jack Fraser who had the honour of being first to fire our new cannon, making its debut in the Square on 12th July 2014. The second cannon was fired by local man Jimmy Turnbull, founder of the successful RJT earthworks company and staunch Games sponsor and supporter. Ex-Pat Tony Wiffen, who left us in 1973 for Australia was back in town to fire cannon number three, and the fourth gun which was the signal to start the Race Round the Town was fired by Sheila McTavish also back from Australia, who left Jethart in 1971 to start a new life in the Antipodes. During the early afternoon at Riverside, Craig Gillan, representing the TLJT club began his glory day by romping home to victory in his heat for the big sprint in a time of 11.58 seconds from the 7 metres handicap mark. Currently studying mechanical engineering at Edinburgh's Napier University, the Jed flying machine then booked a place in the final through a cross-tie triumph. The final showdown, which also included Hawick's Leigh Marshall off 5 metres and Jack Wilson off 12 metres, plus David McKay of Kelso running off 14½ metres and Edinburgh duo Tom Holligan off scratch and Kieran Reilly off 6½ metres had all the markings of being a real humdinger. After the silence that had fallen over Riverside Park had been broken by the sound of starter, Gerald Paxton's gun, the six finalists took off in their quest for the £3,000 first prize. The outcome was a blanket finish with Gillan and   Winner of the 2014 Jedforest 110 metres Handicap Sprint, Craig Gillan shares a proud moment with trainer, Jock Steede. After a blanket finish, the 20 year old Jethart man was awarded with the judges decision as winner of this coveted event in a winning time of 11.43 seconds. Hawick's Leigh Marshall was second and Edinburgh man, Kieran Reilly took third prize.   Marshall being the main two involved. It was Gillan who got the judges vote after the photos had been consulted. An extremely fast winning time of 11.43 seconds was recorded, while Marshall was placed second and Reilly got the third spot. Reflecting on his superb win, Gillan remarked, "It is the first time I have won a sprint in the Borders and I am really delighted as I have been trying hard to win one for a while. Every sprinter wants to win the Jed Sprint and I can't believe I have managed to do it." He continued, "The fact that I come from Jedburgh and I have won on my home track makes it even more special, and it means a lot to me to have won here. I got great support from the crowd, especially those on the balcony next to the stand, and it was great to hear them." Concluding, Gillan said, "I have a lot to thank my coach, Jock Steede, as he has coached me since I was 11 years old. I have learned a lot from both him and Charlie Affleck, who trains me in Edinburgh. I can't thank them enough." Top amateur runner, Tom Holligan of Edinburgh also tasted sprint success, being crowned the Border Athletics 100 metres champion. Recent winner of the Selkirk Games 110 metres Handicap, twenty year old Holligan lifted the title, with the other placings going to Donald Tod and Chris Baillie of Birchfield Harriers. Kyle Potts of T. L. J. T off the 21 metre mark produced some fine running to take the 200 metres Handicap. After coming to the fore by winning his heat in 22.42 seconds, the eighteen year old Potts stormed through the tape ahead of Leon Ali of Hawick running off 16 metres and Fraser Neil from Kelso off the 14 metre mark. Hawick teenager Dylan Ali, the present SGA British 90 metres and Scottish 200 metres champion, hit top form to take the 400 metres Handicap from a back marker position of 5 metres. Euan Pettigrew from Kelso running from 15 metres was second, and Kyle Potts representing T. L. J. T was third off 32½ metres.     TLJT athlete , Kyle Potts wearing the number 6 bib and running off 21 metres breasts the tape in a time of 22.21 seconds in the final of the 200 metres Handicap. In second place is Leon Ali of Hawick running off 16 metresand third place goes to Fraser Neil from Kelso off the 14 metre mark. In form, Jason McIntosh of Kelso, running off 35 metres chalked up his sixth win of the season by doing the business in the 800 metres Handicap. From the Adie Gray school, McIntosh ran a well judged race from start to finish. Selkirk veteran Alistair Lawrie from a 280 metre start led the pack as the bell sounded for the last lap in the 1500 metres Handicap, with Kobe Stevens of Moorfoot off 95 metres tucked in behind him. Stevens in turn edged in front, only to be overtaken by Innerleithen's Craig Rendle off the 115 metre mark. Having his first season on the Games circuit, 39 year old Rendle, who has turned out to be something of a surprise package through some very credible performances, then strode purposefully on to win. Bitterly disappointed in not making the final of the 110 metres Handicap as a fastest loser, Geoff Keene of Selkirk, running off 3 metres won the final of the Veteeran's 90 metres Handicap. North East of England athlete Adam Rodgers from South Shields made his mark by emerging the winner of the Invitation 100 metres Sprint. Nine year old Charlie Rae of Hawick off 24 metres followed up his Youths 200 metres success at the City of Running Festival Meeting by winning the Youths 90 metres Front Runners Handicap. In the Youths 90 metres Back Runners Handicap, Connor Gillan of Kelso who ran from 4½ metres emerged the winner through a fine show. Earlston youngster Fraser Falconer of T. L. J. T pulled out the stops to win the Youths 200 metres Back Markers Handicap in fine style from a 41 metres handicap start. Victory in the Youths 200 metres Handicap Back Markers event went to Megan Busby from Carlisle, running off 25 metres and Matt Dougal of T. L. J. T running off 75 metres coasted to victory in the Youths 1500 metres Handicap.

Jedburgh Border Games 2015 from the Webmaster Thursday 16th July 2015   A Glorious Day with the Boys from Bathgate Jedburgh Border Games President Kennie Hogg and Treasurer John Steede welcome Athletics trainer Bob Inglis with ex-Rangers and Scotland football star Willie Henderson to a day at the races. Bob and Willie were on hand to witness the last leg of the five staged 110metres Novice Handicap Sprint in memory of Willie's late daughter Michelle who had been trained by Bob. (note the well hard X-man in the background)   Local Jed Legion Footballer Marshall takes the Big Honours This year's 110 metres Jedforest Sprint Final had all the ingredients of a thrilling climax at the conclusion of the 162nd meeting of Jedburgh Border Games. After two false starts, the hometown boy Terry Marshall was cheered on by a big local support to a clear win and the first prize of £3,000 in a time of 11.50 seconds.     Cheered on by a home town crowd,Jed Legion footballer Terry Marshall stormed home to a clear win to lift the £3,000 first prize in the 110 metres Jedforest Sprint Handicap. After two false starts which saw Hawick finalists Corey Wilson running off 12 metres and Gordon McPherson off 13½ metres both pulled by a metre, the final got under way and was won by 27 year old Jedburgh man, Marshall in a winning time of 11.50 seconds After a cold wet night of rain, a dry dawn broke to usher in Games Day 2015. As usual the Market Place was crowded with Ball goers, a number of regular cannon firing enthusiasts, the callant's entourage and Games officials. The traditional ceremony began with callant Grant Raeburn firing the first cannon as the town clock struck 6.00am to start commencement of a day of sport . The celebrations continued as the Jedforest Instrumental Band marched through the Square while striking up a merry tune. The second cannon was fired by ex-pat Neil McIlroy who left Jethart in 1996 to reside at Clermont in France. Cannon number three was fired by Joyce Twig, who was back in town from Melbourne, Australia after a number of years away, and the fourth gun which was the signal to start the Race Round the Town was fired by Carly Frater and her boyfriend who had returned to visit Jethart from Canberra, Australia after having left us for a new life down under some four years ago. The Race round the town was hotly contested this year, and won by Clark Scott, who had attended the Ball and had to borrow a pair of shoes to run in. Chico was heard to comment "Ah've never won the race roond the toon afore, but at least ma trainers won this year." The first ball attendee to cross the line was Scott Robson and the first female ball attendee to finish was Carly Raeburn. Jed Legion footballer Terry Marshallnetted his first goal in the historic Jedforest 110 metres Sprint Handicap by soaring to victory in his heat in a time of 11.50 seconds. Competing under the banner of T.L.J.T. and coached by John Steede, 27 year old Marshall, running from a mark of 9 metres recorded another winning time of 11.56 seconds in his cross-tie. Marshall now found himself in the final with Hawick foursome Gordon McPherson running off 13½ metres, Corey Wilson off 12 metres, Ross Anderson off 9½ metres and David Lauder off 13 metres, plus Conor Headley from Bedlington who was running off the 7 metres mark. After two false starts, which saw Wilson and McPherson pulled by a metre, then the final got under way. I was speaking to   Willie Henderson presents Darcy Graham from Hawick with the winning prize of £200 as the outright winner of the fifth and final leg of the Memorial Novice 110 metres Sprint Handicap Series. This event was sponsored by Bob Inglis towards the charitable trust set up by Willie for providing hospitals with medical equipment in the continuing fight against cancer.   Willie Henderson as the runners took their marks. "Who do you fancy for the win?" he asked me. Regretfully, I hadn't been following the form up till then, but new that it was going to be a humdinger of a final. The atmosphere was electric after the two false starts. "I fancy number two", he told me. I was quite interested to know what he based his wager on, but didn't have time to pose the question. Cheered on by big local support, the hometown boy stormed to a clear win to lift the £3,000 first prize in 11.50 seconds. Hedley came in second and Anderson third. It was Marshall who was wearing the number two bib. You and me could make a fortune Willie if you told me what your formula was! After receiving congratulations from well-wishers, Marshall said, "I am completely overwhelmed and just can't believe I have won the Jedforest Sprint. I ran as a youth and packed it in to play football. I only returned to running at the Games last season, so to have won something like this is just brilliant. The crowd helped me a lot, especially those on the banking, as I could hear them cheering me on." Youngster Jack Amos also shone for the burgh town in pulling off an excellent double. Coached by Brian 'Chico' Woods, 14 year old Amos first tasted victory in the morning session by emerging victorious in the Youths 800 metres Handicap. Come the afternoon, Amos did it all again in pulling out the stops for a second time with a top notch run to take the honours in the Youths 1500 metres Handicap. Hawick's Dylan Ali got himself into the winning frame twice as well. In-form Ali, who has had a tremendous season, having notched up sprint victories at Hawick and Selkirk Games as well as a one lap handicap success at Peebles Beltane Sports, began by blitzing home in the 100 metres Border Athletics Sprint Championship in a time of 10.94 seconds from scratch. Twenty year old Ali was far from finished though. A member of the Hawick Sprint Club, and trained by Che Campbell, Ali gave a powerhouse show in the 400 metres Handicap. Competing from a back mark spot, Ali blasted his way through the field to emerge a very convincing winner in 54.66 seconds. Scottish under 18 Rugby internatiolist, Darcy Graham of Hawick, emerged an impressive winner of the 110 metres Novice Sprint. Strong running Graham from the David Grieve running stable cloked up a winning time of 12.44 seconds. Veteran David Hush also did the business for the Grieve school and Hawick in the 200 metres Handicap. Starting from a mark of 41 metres, the evergreen Hush won his heat in a time of 22.15 seconds. In the final, Hush excelled once more to gain the honours in 21.83 seconds. Jedburgh's Jenna Gillan, a recent winner of the City of Edinburgh Running Festival 200 metres Handicap finished second from a mark of 42 metres. Jethart's own Tommy Finkle, who has been hitting tracks on the Games scene for many years, came out on top of the Veterans 90 metres HAndicap. Representing the T.L.J.T Club, Finkle won the final in 10.56 seconds from a mark of 4½ metres. Borderes pair Geoff Keen from Selkirk running off 2 metres and David McKay of Kelso off 3½ metres     Hawick man David Hush rolls in to win the 200 metres Open Handicap in a time of 41 minutes and 2 seconds, from a mark of 41 metresclosely followed by Jedburgh's Jenna Gillan of TLJT running off 42 metres and wearing the number 5 bib who took second place anwith C. Sowerby from Seaton close behind who took third position. came in second and third. Grant Kennedy of Auchterarder running off 55 metres came in third in his heat in the 800 metres Handicap. Due to the first three qualifying, Kennedy found himself in the final. This time around Kennedy delivered the goods to the full by producing the winning run in a time of 10.2 and 0.72 seconds. Comeback man Wayne McIntosh of Kelso, running from a mark of 125 metres gave a splendid account of himself in winning the 1500 metres Handicap. Making his first track appearance for two years, 40 year old McIntosh showed the field a clean pair of heels with a great run from start to finish to break the tape in 4minutes 12.47 seconds. McIntosh who is coached by the highly knowledgeable Adie Gray said, "Although I hadn't ran at the Games for a while, I have been training very hard. I was fit enough but didn't know if I would be good enough to do anything, so I just went out there and gave my best and managed to get a win." Kieran Reilly from Lasswade buzzed to victory in the 100 metres Invitation Sprint which had a quality field. The winning time was 10.90 seconds. Ten year old Nicky Sutherland of Hawick, a beaten finalist in nine events during the season got the win she deserved from a mark of 27 metres by triumphing in the junior 90 metres Handicap. Ryan McIvor from Edinburgh, running off 9 metres was the victor of the Youths 90 metres Handicap. Matthew Beaton representing T.J.L.T, a very promising nine year old showed great potential in taking pride of place in the Youths 200 metres Handicap. Rhianna Sterricks of Leithenburn running off 29 metres, whose father Mark won the Jedburgh Youths Sprint a good number of years back, emerged the victor of the Youths 200 metres Handicap.

Jedburgh Border Games 2016 from the Webmaster

Thursday 19th July 2016

 

Roond the Toon Race 2016 won by ex-Callant Miller

This year's Race Roond the Toon was extremely well supported with both lassies and laddies directly from attendance at the Callant's Ball taking part. The winner, ex-Callant Ryan Miller is pictured fourth from the right in the line-up. Second place was taken by Joanne Gilfillan, pictured second from the left in the blue ball gown. Matthew Wilson standing to the right of the winner managed to secure third place.

Scratch Man Tears Down the Track Like a Tornado

The 110 metres Jedforest Sprint Final provided a sensational climax to the 163rd meeting of Jedburgh Border Games. Never has a scratch man won the the big sprint since Barney Ewell's triumphant record win in 1950, when the Yankee Olympic star recorded a time equivalent to 11.36 seconds over the 110 metres distance. This year's winner, Cameron Tindle however, was able to smash the American's win in a sensational 11.33 seconds new time record.

	Berwick's Cameron Tindle wearing the number one red bib on the extreme left of the photograph tears down the field from the scratch mark to overhaul the entire competition and claim the big purse for the Jedforest Sprint Handicap in a sensational time of 11.33 seconds. Never since the American star Barney Ewell's celebrated win in 1950 has a finish of this proportion been recorded.

The hour of 6.00am chimed on a slightly damp but dry morning to usher in Games Day 2016. As usual the Market Place was well attended with the usual regular cannon attending enthusiasts, with Ball goers, the callant's entourage and Games officials. The ceremony began when callant Gary Hogg fired the first cannon as the town clock struck 6.00am to start the commencement of a day of sport . The traditional celebrations continued when the Jedforest Instrumental Band marched through the Square while striking up a merry tune, with Wulllie Russell giving it laldy on the big bass drum. The second cannon was fired by callant Hogg's older sister Vicky, who was here from New Zealand to witness her wee brother Gary's term as Jethart Callant. Cannon number three was fired by Billy Lunn, who had also returned to visit Jethart from New Zealand after having left for a life of retirement down under some years ago. The fourth gun which was the signal to start the Race Round the Town was fired by Paul Cook who had returned to Jethart from Thailand, without partner, but she was expected to join him here in a week or two.
Representing the Tweed Leader Jed Track club, Cameron Tindle from Berwick rose to the occasion from the scratch mark to triumph in the main event of the day, the 110 metres Jedsprint Open Handicap and win the £3,000 first prize. Prior to this however, the east coast teenager had already excelled by cruising to a highly convincing win in the 100 metres Sprint Championship earlier in the day where all runners bidding for title glory ran from the scratch mark. In this earlier event, Tindle clocked up a winning time of 10.90 seconds. Coached by Bruce Scott and Henry Gray, Tindle then switched his sights to the big Sprint Handicap. The eighteen year old youngster surged to a heat win in 11.53 seconds, before earning a place in the final with a cross-tie victory of 11.69 seconds. Lining up against Hawick Sprint Club pair Leon Ali and Craig Bruce, both running off 10½ metres as well asConnor Gillan of Kelso off 8½ metres, Cameron Grieve also from the TLJT school starting from 10 metres and Corey Wilson from Hawick, running off 13½ metres. Tindle had a lot of competition here to outdo in order to gain the honours in the final. Recently selected for the British side that will compete in future World Junior Championships, Tindle however overtook the entire field in full stride. Thanks to a phenomenal piece of running that had the Riverside Park crowd buzzing, Tindle stormed through the tape in 11.33 seconds which was the quickest time of the event. Craig Bruce took second place and Leon Ali third.

JBG President Andrew Gillan congratulates this year's Jedforest 110 metres Sprint Champion, Cameron Tindle from Berwick-on- Tweed.. The youngster who is showing great form at the moment, is aspiring to run at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. We wish him all the very best in his future success.

Former New Year sprint winner Tindle said of his Jedburgh triumph, "I'm just thrilled to have won a race as big as this. I have been focusing on 200 metres recently and wasn't sure how I would do in the sprint. Things went great for me in my heat and cross-tie, but the final was anybody's since I knew I had a great deal to do to catch the guys in front of me. About 40 metres from the finish I felt I was going to do it as I had put my running in." Dylan Ali of Hawick Sprint Club chalked up a scratch win in the 400 metres Handicap. Looking the part from the moment the starting gun was fired, Ali powered home on a rain soaked track in 49.80 seconds from Charlie Carstairs of Lasswade who took second place and Lea Stephenson from Hexham who came in third. Ali's winning day was not finished though. Running from a mark of 2 metres, he pulled out the stops again in the 100 metres Invitation Sprint Handicap in 10.95 seconds. Jedburgh's own Jack Amos also recorded an excellent double. The young fifteen year old did himself and the town proud when coming out on top in the 800 metres and 1500 metres Youths Handicap. Coached by Brian 'Chico' Woods, long striding Amos running off 75 metres firstly delighted the home support when emerging a convincing victor of the half mile in 2 minutes 00.21 seconds. A hot race, ensued for second place taken by Erin Clarkson of TLJT who ran from a handicap of 285 metres and Elle Cooper running for Jed AC who came home third from the 240 metre mark. In the Mile Youths Handicap, Amos starred again by crossing the winning line in 4 minutes and 31.58 seconds from a 55 metres start. Olivia Rodden of Jed AC came in second from a 345 metres start, followed by Craig Angus from Moorfoot in third position who started from 130 metres. Notching up doubles in his home town is nothing new to Amos though. "That's the third time in three years that I have managed to win the same two races at the Jed Games, and I am really chuffed," he said. Border youngsters more than made their mark in the many youths events this year.I was speaking to Willie Henderson as the runners took their marks.

Jedburgh Border Games 2017 from the Webmaster Thursday 13th July 2017

The 2017 Race roond the Toon winner James Gillon Striding into Market Place to take full honours as 2017 winner of the Race roond the Toon is local lad Jaimie Gillon who comes in on his own leaving the rest of the pack away behind in lower High Street.   Brysons unexpected Victory in 2017 Jedforest Sprint Final       Hawick veteran Drew Bryson wearing the number six black bib on the near side of the photograph tears down the field from his handicap mark of 28½ metres to snip a completely unexpected victory and claim the big purse for the Jedforest Sprint Handicap in a time of 11.41 seconds. After the race, Bryson remarked, "I can't beleive I've won a sprint at last never mind the Jedsprint.". The Market Place filled with spectators and Ball goers before the hour of 6.00am chimed for the 164th anniversary of Games day 2017. The weather looked very promising with a fair amount of sunshine appearing from between sparse clouds as Games President Andrew Gillan organised for his men to present the traditional cannon firing ceremony. The usual ceremony got underway when callant Broadie Irvine fired the first cannon as the town clock chimed 6.00am to start the commencement of a day of sport. The loud report from the gun prompted the Jedforest Instrumental Band to march from the Band room at Burn Wynd through the Square and down High Street to summon the rest of the town to a day at the sports at Riverside Park. Cannon number two was fired by Jane Cotgrave from New Zealand who was home in Jedburgh to witness the Jethart Callant's Festival. The third gun was fired by Billy Lunn and son, who had also returned to visit Jethart from New Zealand after having left the town several years ago. The fourth gun which was the signal to start the Race Round the Town was fired by Sarah Kerr, the sister of gun firer two who had also returned from New Zealand. Chico Woods of the Jed Athletics Club described the final result of the Jedforest 110 metres Sprint Handicap as the greatest miracle to take place since Moses parted the Red Sea to allow the Isrealites to flee from Egypt. Against all odds Bryson who comes from the Davie Rae school of athletes in Hawick turned the tide by sweeping to an unexpected victory in a time of 11.41 seconds. Starting from a front mark of 28.5 metres, Bryson appeared to be in with little or no chance to get in to the winning frame   In this year's latest addition to the Games Programme, The Ladies 100 metres open Handicap, Jedburgh's Sophie Elder running from a mark of 22 metres is unable to break the tape ahead of Hawick girl Phillipa Robertson, handicapped from 20½ metres. After some deliberation, the judges awarded a dead heat in a time of 11.60 seconds..   for the final, so much so that he was offerred at an 8-1 bet with the bookmakers. The final line up also consisted of Sophie Elder of Jedburgh running from 22 metres, Hawick's Phillipa Robertson off 20½ metres, Ronan McKean of Hawick RP off 9½ metres, Darcy Graham of Hawick running from 8½ metres and David McKay from Kelso off 18½ metres. A jubilant Bryson said "I can't believe I have finally won a sprint, never mind the Jed Sprint as it's the big one that everybody wants to win. It's a dream come true for me and I can't really take it in. I knew I was up against it bu nobody had got past me in my heat or cross tie so I told myself, "Don't let them catch you!" and although I couldn't believe it nobody did. Beaten finalists Sophie Elder and Phillipa Robertson made their mark during the opening stages of the Games programme by appearing in the Ladies 100mm Open Handicap. The two were involved in a rare dead heat which the judges were unable to separate. A time of 11.60 seconds was recorded at the finish. Fraser Neil of Kelso produced some explosive running to take honours in the 200 metres Open from an 18 metres handicap.Following an impressive heat win, Neil who is coached by Adie Gray gave a five star show in the final by accelerating in from the back to snatch the victory from Geoff Keen of Selkirk off a mark of 27 metres and Rianna Sterricks it of Leithenburn running from 41 metres in a winning time of 22.23 seconds. David Grieve of Hawick Riverside Peds overhauled Caris Brus of T.L.J.T. who was running off 78 metres in the later stages of the 400 metres Open Handicap to win in a time of 50.72 seconds. Bruce emerged second with Lea Stevenson of Hexam coming in third from a mark of 13 metres. Jamie Waugh running from a mark of 180 metres also put a victory Hawick's way by pulling out the stops in the 1500 metres Open. A member of the Alex Corbett stable, 17 year old Waugh recorded a winning time of 4 minutes 13.73 seconds. Paul Bellingham from Cramlington running off 155 metres emerged the winner of the 800 metres Open Handicap in 1 Jedburgh Border Games President's wife Karen Gillan presents Erin Clarkson with the Andrew and Mary Robson Trophy as the most promising young athlete of the 2017 meeting after she turned out in first place in the Youths 800 metres. minute 58.88 seconds. In the Border Athletics 100 metre Sprint Championship. Edinburgh's Tom Holligan took first place in 11.12 seconds ahead of Greg Turnbull of T. L. J. T. and Dylan Ali of Hawick. Connor Gillan of Kelso running from 5 metres emerged victorious in the 70 metres Open Handicap, while Tommy Finkle of T.L.J.T. and Craig Knowles of Edinburgh recorded wins in the Veterans and Invitation sprints. Luke Rathie of Leithenburn who has shown great promise during the season took the 90 metres Youth's Frontmarkers Handicap from a start of 13 metres. Douglas Young of Kelso running off 1 metre won the Youths 90 metres Backmarkers Handicap. Sean McMichan of Hawick running from a mark of 36 metres was victor of the 200 metres Handicap for Frontmarkers and Finn Douglas of T.L.J.T. took the Youths 200 metres Handicap for Backmarkers from a 16 metres start. Erin Clarkson of T.L.J.T. running from a 260 metres handicap led from start to finish to take the Youths 800 metres, while Irvine Welsh of Hawick from a 320 metres handicap triumphed in the 1500 metres Youths Handicap. Kelso flyer Ben Lyall powered to a very impressive victory in the Youths 400 metres Handicap. The Andrew & Mary Robson Trophy was awarded to Erin Clarkson of T. L. J. T. as the most promising young athlete of the meeting. Erin led from start to finish to win the Youths 800 metres Handicap. The Radio Borders Trophy for the Best Borders Athlete of the meeting was presented to Fraser Neil of Kelso. The 'Strud' Stewart Memorial Trophy for the Best Local Athlete of the meeting went to Sophie Elder T.L.T.J.