CONTRARY to what's printed in today's paper, no-one is in the firing line in this week's editor's blog. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Donald McLeod is a man one simply has to take one's hat off to. The embattled Hawick RFC president has had to tackle more than most during the first 12 months of his two-year tenure as club chief.

Indeed, while taking on the all-consuming role of project manager of the new £250,000 clubrooms development, Donald was also forced to contend with the Greens' ultimately unsuccessful bid to avoid relegation. The latter a real hammer blow that shook the club to its foundations.

However, displaying a rare ability to thrive in the face of adversity, Donald rolled up his sleeves and simply got on with the job in hand. His no-nonsense approach and attention to detail ensuring the clubrooms were completed to the highest of standards. While his experience as a former player and coach also seems to be rubbing off on the current crop of Hawick starlets, many of whom have pledged their futures to the Greens.

Life is going to be tough in Premier Two this coming season. Make no mistake about that. And for many it will be a bitter pill to swallow. But with guys like Donald at the helm, the club has every chance of making a real fist of things, both on and off the pitch.

Well done, Donald. And best of luck for the new campaign.