Berwick 7
Murrayfield Wanderers 7

Unfortunately, the Blacks could not repeat the result and an even game saw each side score a converted try apiece.
Berwick enjoyed the bulk of possession throughout the game but they produced a strangely subdued performance.
The forwards played well although the line-outs were indifferent throughout the game with wayward throws and poor timing of the jumpers resulting in very little quick ball for the backs to feed off.
The Berwick scrum held its own, but scrum ball rarely produced the space needed for the backs and the Murrayfield back line were able to smother many of the Berwick attacks.
Once the initial breaks had been slowed down, the Berwick team seemed to lack the guile to break down the opposition's defence.
The first half was a fairly forgettable affair except for some scintillating runs from Gareth Hill and Lee Douglas. The runs, however, were always started from deep in the Berwick half meaning a score was extremely unlikely.
Matthew Hackett's excellent form with the boot deserted him for the day meaning that the Berwick centre missed four penalties which could have seen the hosts take all the points. His first penalty miss of the day saw him screw the ball wide of the post from only 15 yards almost directly in front of the posts.
The evergreen Ben McCreath showed the commitment needed to set up the opening score. Ben made a determined break which saw him power through the visitors' defence before being dragged down just a few yards short of the line.
Lee Douglas continued his fine season by being on hand to pick up the ball and with the aid of some team mates he was able to barge over for the try. Hackett converted the try to make it 7-0. Hackett missed a further penalty before half time but the sides turned around with Berwick holding the seven point advantage.
Playing down the Scremerston hill, the home support were looking for Berwick to continue to put the opposition under pressure and to go on to make the game safe. Murrayfield, however, had different ideas and they started with an improved level of commitment in attack and started to gain more of the play.
They eventually brought themselves level with a surge down their left wing which broke though some weak Berwick tackling for the visitors to touch down under the posts making the conversion a formality.
It was then the Wanderers who missed a couple of kickable penalties to reflect the possession they had started to build. The two sides saw out the game on an even basis but Ben McCreath nearly had a 'Johnny Wilkinson' moment when, in the dying seconds, of the game he saw his drop goal attempt bounce off the uprights. The final whistle blew shortly afterwards to end the game all square.
Ben McCreath, Gareth Hill and Lee Douglas were the pick of the Berwick backs with Jamie Young and Nick Law the best forwards.
This game showed plenty of perspiration but little inspiration from the Blacks and the recent flat performances will need to be lifted for the next game at home this coming Saturday, against Premier One high flyers Melrose in the Borders Solicitors Property Centre sponsored Border League. Kick off is 2pm.

Berwick 2nds 7
Northern 5
BERWICK 2nds bounced back from last weekend's defeat for their first victory of the season against Northern in the Northumberland League on Saturday.
With great fighting spirit and captain Richard Hume leading from the front along with the wily experience of Ronnie Tait on the touchline, the Bears settled into a very even game. After a quick early unconverted try by Northern, the first half passed with no further score.
Needing to score first in the second half to regain momentum, Berwick bounced straight back with an excellent individual try from Stephen Crees, crashing through the Northern fly half and then the full back to score near the posts. The Bears took the lead with the conversion by Richard Hume.
Spurred on by the score against them Northern rallied, but their efforts were matched by Berwick as the home team's spirits rose and with the realisation that they could win the game taking hold.
Excellent drives saw the Berwick forwards come very close to scoring, but the very wet conditions just left grip lacking at a few critical moments, enabling Northern to stave off the attacks and scramble the ball clear.
Overcoming a nail-biting final few minutes the Bears held on to their lead and took the final whistle with great relief and celebration.
Player numbers were slightly better this week for the 2nds but increased numbers training and support for the regulars must be increased.
It is the responsibility of players to communicate with their team-mates and organisers, and not to rely on others to chase them. Improved numbers and the rising spirit will pay dividends.
The Bears travel to Gateshead this coming weekend for their second Northumberland League fixture of the season. Support will be welcome.

Haddington 102
Berwick 2nd 0
THE Bears travelled to Haddington for the first of the season's return fixtures on Saturday, November 1, in excellent weather, a huge relief after the very wet cold spell.
Travelling with only 13 players after some unacceptably late call-offs and 'no shows', the Bears faced another very strong Haddington side.
Managing to persuade their sole travelling, non-rugby playing spectator to don kit, and borrowing a player from the opposition, Berwick took to the pitch with a scratch, but nonetheless committed, 15.
Slowness and failure by Berwick to take the first tackle allowed the Haddington backs to break through with ease, and a steady flow of points kept the Bears under heavy pressure.
Eventually realising the home side could be beaten when Berwick kept the ball in the forwards, the Bears chiselled their way forward successfully.
This demonstrated that changing the game plan is a valuable ability, and although there were not many occasions when Berwick won the ball and were able to attack, they did, however, encourage themselves in this way.
Haddington rapidly ran away as winners, accumulating a high score of 102 – 0 at the final whistle. Despite this onslaught the Bears, to a man, gave 100 per cent, and never once let their spirit, competitiveness or effort slip.
Defending as best they could in the conditions, playing with a weakened side and having to adjust to playing with unfamiliar subs from the opposition, the team kept their heads high – a credit to the lads who turned out.
The strength of the Haddington seconds would have given any National 1 team a serious run for their money.
The few regulars, and in particular the extremely hard working captain, Richard Hume, are being badly let down by the poor showing at training, and the lack of commitment and communication from many of the other players, and particularly by the late call offs and the unavailability and 'no shows' to travel to games.
By working as a squad the skills and ability, which is undoubtedly there, will come together, and improved results will be guaranteed, so teamwork and team spirit are the name of the game !