All clubs have their eyes on the new format this season, culminating in play-offs among the top four clubs, and as long as Melrose finish in the final running order, the championship-decider will come down to 'cup final’ contests.

“We kept up there in the top four, and the danger was that if you pushed too hard, you could lose it at the other end,” Dalziel said.

“Stirling are in fifth position and on our heels and a win would bring them right into it. Points are really key at the moment to get momentum before the next two games and the break.

“Stirling stuck in all the way and they wanted it as much as us and gave us a hard contest.

“It was one of these games – two soft scores against us makes it interesting.

“But if we keep winning our games, we will get that top-four position.” The action was far from dull and the result meant little change at the top of the Premiership in that race for a top-four place.

Stirling, who beat Melrose earlier in the season, had the consolation of a losing bonus point. “I thought we were not at our best and looked a little bit rusty,” said its coach, Graeme Young. “We have had only one game in three weeks, but it is still all to play for.” After two tries in the first half, Melrose were seen to be on course for a bonus, but in the end, with two points between the sides, the game could have gone either way.

Melrose led 10-3 at the interval, Austin Lockington outpacing the Stirling defence for the opening try in 12 minutes and Richard Ferguson the second from a flicked pass by Graeme Dodds and this after Nick Beavon had been sent to the sin-bin.

Stirling’s reply was a penalty by Jonathon Hope with still much to play for.

Joe Helps found his kicking boots and landed a penalty and converted a try by Bruce Colvine, sandwiched between a Rory Hughes try and Hope penalty, before Gary Mountford scored with eight minutes left and Hope converted to set up a grandstand finish.

Melrose finished on the front foot, with a suspect sprained ankle to Murdo McAndrew, who was replaced by Edinburgh player, Sean Kennedy, the only worry after an engrossing contest.

Melrose: F. Thomson; T. Mua, B. Hutchison, J. Helps, B. Colvine; A. Lockington, M. McAndrew; N. Beavon, R. Ferguson, E. McQuillin, J. Head, L. Carmichael, A. Knott, A. Nagle, G. Dodds. Replacements: C. Mackay, N. Little, R. Miller, S. Kennedy, T. Galbraith.