Selkirk 17 - 43 Heriot's : Selkirk slide into lower tier after loss to Heriot's

IT HAD been the likely outcome for several weeks but on Saturday Selkirk confirmed their place in the lower tier of next month's new-look Premiership league after defeat by Heriot's.

Selkirk can now concentrate on preparing for 13 November, when the eight-team lower league kicks off. Selkirk coach Graham Marshall said: "For us this is now like a pre-season. What matters is performance and building confidence."

Marshall's hope is that his injured players will be fit again for the second half of the season. In the meantime Marshall is depending on young players to step up and in this context the form of teenagers Ryan Godsmark, Darren Clapperton and Euan MacDougall is providing encouragement.

Openside flanker Godsmark drew praise from Heriot's coach, Bob McKillop. "The number seven for Selkirk bossed the breakdowns" said McKillop. "We deserved to win but the scoreline flattered us."

With full-time approaching, Selkirk trailed 17-29 when replacement Cammy Ferguson intercepted before cross-kicking to set up a converted try for Glenn Bryce. From the restart Heriot's completed their lethal finish with a converted try by Max Learmonth that added up to 14 points in two minutes and an inflated tally that unfairly reflected the difference between the sides.

Scorers: Selkirk: Tries Harkness, R Godsmark, Clapperton. Cons; Cassidy Heriot's: Tries Lee, Goudie, G Bryce (2), Walker, Learmonth. Cons Wilson (5). Pens Wilson.

Selkirk: F Harkness; N Godsmark, R Nixon, R Armstrong, D Clapperton; D Cassidy, M McVie; G Patterson, S Forrest, M Weller, S Willett, C Paton, N Darling, C Johnstone, C Marshall. Subs used M Martin, R Taylor, E MacDougall, R Godsmark, R Banks

Heriot's: C Goudie; G Bryce, M Learmonth, C Mark, M Nimmo; G Hunter, G Wilson; A Dymock, S Burnett, G Cameron, J Hill, C Osazuwa, M Lee, S Dewar, J Syme Subs used K Bryce, W Blacklock, M Reid, G Walker, C Ferguson Referee: A McMenemy.