Melrose 17

Heriot's 21

DEFENDING BT Premiership champions Heriot's issued a timely reminder that they are still contenders with a spirited fightback against Melrose on Saturday.

The result also sees Rose lose their top spot.

The Greenyards team appeared to be in control of the match only for a few errors to hand the advantage to the visitors.

It all started well for Rob Chrystie's team with Nick Beavon barging his way over the line inside the fourth minute.

The try beneath the posts provided Jason baggott with a simple two points.

Rose could easily have scored within the opening minute as Rory McCann was caught just a couple of metres short of the line after a bursting break up the flank.

Damp conditions prevented either team being able to throw the ball about as much as they would like.

And the slippery surface also made it difficult for the kickers with Baggot missing a penalty.

Alex Haggart faired better at the other end just three minutes later to close the gap to four points.

But it was the home team who continued to enjoy the majority of play and territory.

Baggot elected to kick for the corner on 20 minutes - and from the subsequent line-out Richard Ferguson drove through the heart of the Heriot's defence to touch down.

The conversion gave Rose a 14-3 lead.

Heriot's worked their way back into contention before half time after stealing a line-out deep in Melrose territory.

The ball was spun along the line and Harry Boisseau found a chink of light to dive over in the corner.

Baggot stretched the lead back out to 17-8 just after half time with a well struck penalty.

But Haggart also found his range to keep Heriot's within touching distance on 51 minutes.

As the second half wore on the city side began to exert pressure - and on 62 minutes they were awarded a penalty try after Rose prevented a rolling maul reaching the line.

Haggart's conversion edged Heriot's in front for the first time.

Melrose attempted to mount a comeback in the closing stages but handling errors and firm Heriot's defence thwarted the threat.

And Haggart concluded the scoring with a penalty.

Melrose - Austin Lockington, Nyle Godsmark George Taylor, Craig Jackson, Rory McCann, Jason Baggott, Murdo McAndrew, Jamie Bhatti, Richard Ferguson, Nick Beavon, James Head, Ruaridh Knott, Neil Irvine-Hess, Grant Runciman, Iain Moody. Replacements - Dan Elkington, Ruairi McLead, Ally Grieve, Richard Taylor, David Colvine.