Rugby: Cunningham back in the fold as Boroughmuir thrash Selkirk

Published on Wednesday 8 April 2009 09:59

BOROUGHMUIR'S veteran hooker Dave Cunningham is hoping that his appearance in last night's crushing 58-0 Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership win over Selkirk at Meggetland was not a one-off.

The 35-year-old played the full 80 minutes of a match dominated by Boroughmuir who have now moved into second spot in the league table and must await the outcome of the Edinburgh Accies match against Heriot's to learn whether they will finish as runners-up.

Cunningham explained the background to his return to action, saying: "It was an SOS call on Saturday when they heard that the guys (Bronson Ross and Roddy McKenzie) had picked up hamstring injuries. I was delighted to come in and I'm hoping I can maybe stay involved for the rest of the season."

Boroughmuir were rarely troubled and should probably have been further ahead at the break which they reached with a 19-0 lead through tries by Ben Fisher, Freddie Lait and Greig Scott, with Ed Mills adding the two conversions. They were rampant in the second period against a Selkirk that had several key players absent trough injury.

Malcolm Clapperton sealed the bonus point which was crucial to the bid for the runners-up slot when he darted in a minute after the restart and further scores came from Fisher, a brace for Mills, Steven Ruddick and Angus Martyn, before Clapperton capped an impressive team performance when he raced in to touch down for try number ten a minute from full time. Two conversions by Matt Cannon completed the scoring.

With their league campaign now completed, the Meggetland men will switch their attention to the cup and the forthcoming quarter-final against Heriot's. Cunningham is desperate to extend his involvement to that competition.

"I'm delighted to be back and getting the banter with the boys again. I've played in four cup finals and I'd love to make it five and get another winners' medal."