In the past, the regional heats, which are qualifiers for the Scottish finals at Ayr, have been played separately at various grounds. But for this year the Selkirk club was asked if they could put on all the sections on the same day and president Gordon Munro and his members were only too willing to take up the challenge.

He told The Wee Paper: “It was a great honour to be asked and although it has been hard work it has been well worth it for Selkirk Bowling Club.

“A huge thanks has to go to all our members for making the day a success. I think we have set a benchmark for the future of the district finals in the Borders and thanks to the hard work of everyone involved at the club, Sunday’s competition will be a hard act to follow.”

A crowd of around 250 packed around the Selkirk green for this unique occasion, which saw ladies’, gents’ and junior competitions being played together.

The pleasant weather matched the atmosphere and some sizzling ties were witnessed during both morning and afternoon sessions.

Local hopes rested on the gents’ and ladies’ fours which featured teams from the neighbouring Ettrick Forest club, with the latter providing a nail-biting local derby against the host club in the late afternoon sunshine.

In the men’s competition, Pete Donaldson, Dave Hunter, Bill Donaldson and Arthur Cossar of Gordon never looked to be in any danger against Paul McVie, Grant Rees, Alex Elder and Colin Sandilands of Ettrick Forest.

They led throughout, finally gaining victory by 19-9.

But, for the ladies, a totally different game was on the cards. Fiona Sharkey, Susan Firth, Aileen Allan and Sandra Oliver of Ettrick Forest played Moira Weir, Ellen Young, Margaret Milne and Hazel Scott of Selkirk.

The match was always close and although the hosts started well, Ettrick Forest caught up and with one end to play they were locked together at 15-15. With the last end nearly completed it looked to be a measure for shot, but just before the last bowl was played, one of the bowls concerned fell over which was enough to ensure that the shot and game went to Ettrick Forest.

All the winners now go on to Northfield, Ayr from Wednesday, July 11, to Sunday, August 2, where it is hoped that they will bring back much success to the Borders.