MELROSE will face Currie in the Premiership play-off semi-final on April 1 after topping the championship.

It raised the question again as to why the league winners may have to play two more matches to be crowned champions.

Melrose, Ayr, Glasgow Hawks and Currie will play for the championship in knock-out games which Mike Dalgetty, Director of Rugby at The Greenyards, describes as ‘what it is, is what it is”- and suggested that perhaps clubs should follow the rugby league style.

Speaking ahead of Melrose topping the Premiership with a win at Stirling County on Saturday, Dalgetty said: “It is a difficult one and I know some supporters do not like the idea (play-offs).

“I understand both points of view. The clubs are trying to create new interest, it is the modern way.

"The traditional rugby supporters believe that if you finish top of the league, you should be champions.

“Personally, maybe we should think of it in a rugby league sense. If you finish first after the regulation games, you get the league flag and the four teams play off for a championship.

“I think it may need some thought anyway. It is the way it is and you have to accept it. When you have played 18 games, it is just one part of the job done. There is no point in moaning about it.”

Melrose will play Stirling County in the cup semi-final on March 25 and Currie a week later, also at home, in the play-off.

A win would see Melrose gain home advantage for the final and a week later will stage their own sevens.

“It is a massive end of the season for us,” added Dalgetty.

It is likely, too, that Hawick will face Edinburgh Accies in the play-off to retain Premiership status with a few games yet to be completed in National League 1.