Ruthwell upset reigning champs

The Amateur season kicked off last Friday night at Lockerbie 3G with Ruthwell Rovers hosting defending champions Annan Town. An impressive first half performance saw them three up at the break thanks to a Lleyton MacKay hattrick, but Annan came back into it in the second half, with John Campbell giving them hope, but Ruthwell held firm for an impressive victory. On Sunday attention turned to the Holm Park where Palmerston Colts were hosting new side Birchtree, with both sides looking to lay a marker of their intentions for the season. It was the visitors who proved their credentials with Ross Hunter, Elliot Harris and Steven Campbell finding the net, Grant Learmont replied for the Colts.

Another new side, Inter Galloway, hosted Lochside Club at NWCC and held their own for large parts against a side who are also .expected to be challenging for honours. Sean Potts bagged a brace for the Club and Jamie Rae added a third, but Jordan Barker netted for Inter. Over at Marchmount, Hole in the Wa went ahead against Dumfries Athletic through Kieron Kenny before Andy Linden scored twice to turn the match around. The Wa rescued a point though with Ricky Baxter grabbing a late goal. Eastriggs travelled to Threave Development with both sides looking for early points, but it was the visitors who wanted them more, showing a battling spirit, and the impressive Dion Irving scoring four, alongside a John Dalgliesh strike. I n the final match, Normandy Star travelled to FC Annan, with the home side missing players the visitors were in no mood to show mercy. An early Scott Anderson goal was quickly added to by Gary White and Kenan Shek with Ben Gillon adding a fourth then a fifth ad just before the break Darren Johnstone smashed in the sixth from forty yards. Dougie Rae grabbed a second half hattrick and Chris Bailey and Cammy Sinclair also got in on the goals, while FC Annan did grab two late consolation goals through Dillon Blair and Steven Kindness.