Harkness named top Borderer

FRASER Harkness last night collected the Scottish Hydro Electric Borders Player of the Award at the inaugural Borders Rugby Awards dinner in Kelso and swiftly called on clubs across Scotland to invest more in their youth programmes.

The Selkirk full-back beat off competition from his teammate Lee Jones, Melrose pair Scott Wight and Jordan Macey and Dan Boughtwood – the latter, the Peebles' Kiwi fly-half, did win the top points-scorer and kicker awards. Harkness is one of the group of Selkirk players who have come through the local high school and Selkirk Youth Club ranks and lifted the club back into Division One.

The 24-year-old plasterer was voted 'Division Two Player of the Year' last season and this year won his first Scotland Club International caps, so, unsurprisingly, he admitted last night: "I didn't think it could get any better.

"Selkirk have had a good year back in Division One and everyone has workedvery hard for each other, so I'm quite amazed by this.

"It's a great honour when you think of all the guys that have played well across the Borders this year, and just looking at the other four that were nominated."