Musselburgh 20-39 Selkirk Musselburgh 20

MUSSELBURGH were beaten in their National League Division 1 opener at home to Selkirk on Saturday.

Both sets of players observed a minute’s silence for Burgh members Charlie Sim and Aleric Bonthron, who died over the summer, before the action got under way.

Stand-off Gareth Pritchard, signed from Haddington, opened his Burgh account with a penalty, before Aaron McColm levelled the scores for the visitors.

Pritchard kicked Burgh ahead again on 10 minutes before Selkirk opened the try-scoring on 14 minutes – Ewan MacDougall diving over. McColm’s conversion made it 6-10.

Burgh’s lineout drive brought their first score of the league campaign as Davie Paton was driven over and Pritchard converted, but Burgh’s lead only lasted two minutes before John Welsh scored for Selkirk.

And the Borderers took control of the game with two tries in as many minutes on the stroke of half-time – Ross Nixon and Welsh the scorers as they wrapped up a bonus point.

Both were converted by McColm, so Burgh trailed 13-29 at the interval.

Selkirk’s victory was all-but ensured as early as the 52nd minute when McColm broke clear for a solo try, which extended Selkirk’s lead to 21 points.

And a sixth try followed on the hour when Steven Hamilton touched down.

Musselburgh hit back when Luke Hutson scored from close range and Pritchard’s conversion brought them back to within three converted tries of parity.

However, Selkirk held firm and they claimed all five points, leaving Burgh empty-handed on the opening day.

Burgh will hope to bounce back as they travel to Kelso tomorrow (Saturday).

Musselburgh: R Young, J Coutts, A Cook, R Watt, J Doig; G Pritchard, G Leitch; D Paton, R Gregor, N McNairn, W Fleming, B Graham, G Bowman, M Fleming, L Hutson.