The award caps a wonderful 12 months for the Philiphaugh men, during which they not only carried off the BSPC Border League title for the first time in 55 years, but won promotion to Premier One and retained their Kings of the Sevens crown.

"It's great for the club to get this kind of recognition," said Selkirk skipper Neil Darling, who was joined at Friday night's awards ceremony in Gala Rugby Club's Netherdale clubrooms by a number of representatives from the Philiphaugh club.

"The past year has been an incredible experience for everyone involved with Selkirk Rugby Club, and this award is definitely the icing on cake."

Club president George Thomson was in equally upbeat mood. He told The Wee Paper: "The players and coaches deserve this honour in recognition of all the hard work they put in last season.

"It's fair to say that the feel-good factor generated by last season's triumphs has continued into the our current Premier One campaign, and if the boys can show the same application and skills in the months ahead then the future is looking very bright for the club."

Prior to the presentation of the Team of the Year shield and commemorative salver, a citation outlining their achievements was read out by Ettrick & Lauderdale Sports Council's representative for rugby, Ian Cooper.

The former Melrose RFC president, who teaches biology at Selkirk High School, praised the club for scaling new heights in season 2008/2009, and wished the Philiphaugh side every success in the future.

Meanwhile, Selkirk's players have this week been preparing for the visit of unbeaten Ayr to Philiphaugh tomorrow (3pm).

For the Souters to have any chance of springing a surprise on the Millbrae men, they will have to protect the ball and keep possession far more effectively than they managed to do at Goldenacre on Saturday.