In what is the inaugural Scottish Rugby Shield competition, Broughton looked to build on the momentum gained in their recent impressive victory away to Howe of Fife and headed to the Borders in confident mood.

Previous encounters on league duty had seen the Wardie outfit come out on top with two victories and Louise Murray-Forsyth was keen to see her charges make it a hat-trick.

A late change of venue after Poynder Park was deemed unplayable saw the teams march their way up the road on foot – a final warm-up of the different kind – to Croft Park.

Despite the blustery and fresh conditions, a decent turnout on the touchline was in attendance as the teams got set to kick-off. With Kelso having resource challenges, the match began with each team fielding 14 players, Broughton complying with tournament rules requiring a numbers match-up.

On with the show and the opening exchanges were stuffy and at times perhaps viewing only for the purists. Once the visitors got themselves in gear, a slick backs move saw Sian Furniss target the gap and race in under the posts. Helen Lyon stepped up to split the uprights despite loud chuntering from a static position from the Kelso players behind the line.

It was Lyon who offered the next talking point as she executed the most sublime / ridiculous dummy kick from inside her own 22. It was a move that took the other 27 players on the park by surprise too.

It was perhaps no shock as the stalwart forward Ruth Morgan, featuring in the back row, made significant gains with her dynamic runs and Prop Tina Evans return to the coal face and could count herself unlucky not to breach the whitewash following tenacious play.
Broughton’s fast flowing moves were also causing Kelso challenges however the execution at times was rusty with the home side’s vastly experienced Nicola Halfpenny utilising her boot to hoof to safety on a handful of occasions.

Then, with the game nudging towards the oranges, Broughton doubled their try count. Erin Maguire enjoying a trademark freedom to roam and she launched the ball into the welcoming hands of Rowan Ramage who raced in to the corner to make it 0-12.

HT: Kelso 0-12 Broughton

Broughton were out of the traps with gusto after the interval and provider turned executor shortly after the restart. Erin Maguire collecting the ball out wide before running in her third try of the season.

The important bonus point was next to follow when Lucy Hanna left a trail of destruction in her wake as he ran in unopposed to offer Helen Lyon the easiest of conversions.

A debut up next for Alex Laidlaw as the new recruit came on for a shift on the wing. The Luxembourg 7s Internationalist looks to be an exciting addition to the squad and will undoubtedly play an integral part of Louise Murray-Forsyth’s plans on the Road to Murrayfield.

After Emma Jones set herself on a rampaging run through the heart of the home defence, the Broughton pack set up their stall on the Kelso try line and after a quick recycle, Ali Chorlton came up with the ball after dotting down.

Another injury saw Kelso down to thirteen and Lucy Hanna was the unfortunate soul to take a seat on the sidelines to level up personnel proceedings.

Time marched on and with the win secured, Broughton were keen to shut up shop however they were under pressure as Kelso looked to get points on the board. A handful of penalties offered an ideal opportunity on the 5 metre line however a dummy move saw the Referee deem it an infringement of the laws and a free-kick awarded to the visitors. This was turned into a penalty following a moment of ill-discipline as the transgressor hoofed the ball away in frustration.

At the other end, Helen Lyon sent a teasing high kick towards the Kelso dead ball area and if there was ever cause for confusion, it would be on just where the oval bounce would land. Luckily for Lauren Park it was in front of her and she landed on the ball for the score.

It was the same player who rounded off proceedings with her second try in as many minutes after Ali Chorlton’s offload released pacey Park who pinned her ears back to dive into the corner.

A clean sheet secured - the first time Broughton had not conceded in competitive rugby since defeating Glasgow Uni in September 2018 – and a bonus point to kick-off the campaign.

FT: Kelso 0-39 Broughton

A big thank you to everyone who came down to watch the team. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Player of the Match: Ruth Morgan
Nominated Player of the Match: Sian Furniss
Smashed ‘em Bro: Erin Maguire