Hamilton 19

Melrose Storm 19

ON paper it should have been Storm's most comfortable match of the campaign.

But the disappointment of losing their 100 per cent record was quickly forgotten at bottom side Hamilton on Saturday as it emerged the draw was enough for Melrose to retain the BT National Reserve One title.

Wintry weather and slippy underfoot conditions prevented any attractive rugby.

And Hamilton's powerful pack made life even more difficult for the normally fluent Storm team.

During a fairly even match, which saw play bogged down for long periods, Callum Crookshanks managed to go over for a brace of tries.

Thomas Klein also touched down for the Greenyards team with David Colvine kicking two of the three conversions.

Storm's two points take them 20 points clear of second-placed Heriot's, who only have four games remaining.

Melrose Storm: David Colvine, Andrew Boles, Patrick Anderson, Gavin Wood, Chris Rogerson, Thomas Klein, Struan Hutchison, Ben Mickey Mclean, Matthew Wilkie, Callum Crookshanks, Aaron Welsh, Thomas Brown, RuairĂ­ Campbell, Grant Pyle, Callum Wilde (captain), Bruce Colvine, Elliott Hardie, Sean Quinn, Craig Fairbairn, James Brown, Connor McAulay and Robin Sharp