Local amateur sides Hawick Waverley, Hawick United and Hawick Legion were involved in pre-season friendly matches last weekend.
In what will now be an annual contest for the Brian Hope Trophy, Hawick Waverley thrashed Dumfries YMCA 8-1 at Wilton Lodge Park.
Dean McColm and Jordan Yardley both netted hat-tricks, while Taylor Hope and Euan Gray were also on the scoresheet.
Waverley manager Mick Hope, said: “I thought we played really well. It was a great team
performance and we played some excellent passing football and everybody linked well together.
“We should have won by more though as we hit the post thrice and had two goals chalked off. All of our subs were used so I got the chance to see what everybody could do.
“There were new faces in the side from last season in Craig McCutcheon, Jody Easdon, Paul Hossack and Grant Gass and I was impressed with them all.”
Aided by a Ross Scott hat-trick, Hawick United demolished Leithen Rovers 9-2. Scott notched the first of his threesome in tucking away a penalty during the opening exchanges. After Rovers had grabbed an equaliser, Scott restored the Tangerines’ lead with another spot kick. Minutes later Scott completed a quicksilver hat-trick before the 20-minute mark.
Kevin Strathdee then added to United’s tally through a well-struck 30-yard drive. United kept their foot on the gas and Aaron Swailes and Danny Bolton slotted away further goals.
Substitute Scott Storrie in turn got into the scoring act by netting twice in a matter of minutes. After Leithen puled one back, Robbie Kelly banged ina ninth through a penalty.
United hat-trick ace Scott said: “Although two came from penalties, it was great to get a hat-trick. I thought we played well as a team and we have done great in our pre-season friendlies.
“Unfortunately I got injured near the end and had to have stitches put in my leg so I could now miss some games.”
In their first friendly, Hawick Legion toppled Melrose 2-0 at Wilton Lodge Park. Scott Duncan put Legion ahead with a gem of a goal when he took on two defenders before finding the net with a glorious shot on the run. Legion soon went further ahead, Euan Thomson bulleting home a corner kick with his head.
Legion manager Davie Fraser said: “We ended last season early so this was our first game since April and it was a good chance for us to blow the cobwebs away. Melrose are in a lower league than us, but are a very capable side and it was a good workout. I was quite happy with our performance.
“We brought in young players Euan Thomson, Charlie Mitchell and Lewis Muir. They did really well so things are looking promising.”
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