It followed on from the visitors 22-10 victory over their hosts at the Greenyards in October.

However, with the play-off places still to be decided ahead of the final round of matches next month, it may not be the last time these two sides meet before the silverware is handed out.

Reflecting on the match, Gala Head Coach George Graham told the Border Telegraph: “We never played in the first half, we had no possession, no territory and Melrose just squeezed the life out of us.

“We are a better second half team than we are a first but you can’t expect to come back from these deficits every time you give them a start.

“It was a horrendous penalty count but we need to learn to play to the referee’s interpretation of what the laws are and today we yet again gave away cheap possession and territory. It’s disappointing and ultimately cost us the game.” Tries from Melrose forwards Graham Dodds, Grant Runciman and James Heads, all three converted by Joe Helps, gave the visitors a 21-5 half-time lead.

However, despite Helps extending it further with a penalty kick, Gala bounced back in the second half with a second try for Pettie, and one for Russell Anderson which was converted by Craig Dods, to make the score more respectable and earn a losing bonus point.

And only some backs to the wall defending denied Melrose one of their own.

Edinburgh Elite Development Player Ewan McQuillin, who moved from Gala to Melrose at the end of last season, said: “We had a plan and we executed it for about 50 or 60 minutes, the last 15 or 20 minutes were quite sloppy but all credit to Gala’s defence, they stuck in and really put us under pressure. We’re glad to come out with a win because it’s a difficult place to come.” But he added: “We’re just trying to take one game at a time and not get too carried away. We never started the season to the best of our capabilities, we have an extremely strong squad, but we are getting there now.” It was apt that an image of Gala winger Grant Somerville should adorn the front cover of the club’s match day programme for their last home game of the season as it marked his last game for the club.

The winger, who has left to take up a new job in London, is one of a number of key players from the side which last year came within a point of winning the club’s first Scottish championship in 31 years to leave Netherdale this season.

He follows in the footsteps of Gary Graham and Rory Sutherland, who have gone on to win professional contracts with Jersey and Edinburgh, in addition to the departure of McQuillin and Chris Auld, who has only recently returned from a loan spell at London Scottish.

Gala President Scott Dalgleish said: “The loss of Gary Graham to Jersey on a pro contract is a huge blow to the club at this, the business end of the season. But we wish him well and hope it is a successful move in furthering his ruby ambitions and career.

“We are here to help ambitious players to try and forward their careers and it’s a great compliment to the coaches that both Rory Sutherland and Gary have made the transition to pro rugby this season.” Rising stars Ruairi Howarth and Gary Roberston were also missing from the Gala line-up at the weekend as they are involved with the Scotland Under 20 squad.

However, having topped the league earlier this season, the Netherdale side, who have not had their injuries to seek, have not given up hope yet.

Pettie, who scored two tries against Melrose on Saturday, said: “If you let a good side like Melrose get away from you in the first half it’s tough to get back into it. You can’t rely on a second half performance at this level of rugby and I think that’s what happened today.

“It’s disappointing having to rely on other teams to try to keep our place in the top four. Looking at last year we were unlucky, this year we’ve had a bad run of injuries again. But we just need to get on with the squad available.

“We’re a right close bunch and we always believe that we’ve got the ability to win out there.” Gala: Craig Dods; Graeme Speirs, Chris Auld, Ewan Scott, Grant Somerville; Rex Jeffrey, George Graham; Luke Pettie, Russell Anderson, Ewan Johnstone, Craig Borthwick, Chris Weir, Kris Mein, Scott Wilkinson and Euan Dods. Replacements: Callum Mackintosh, James Hilterbrand, Stevie Cairns, Alan Emond and Keith Young.

Melrose: Fraser Thomson; Tito Mua, Austin Lockington, Joe Helps, Bruce Colvine; Richard Mill, Murdo McAndrew; Nick Beavon, Richard Ferguson, Euan McQuillin, James Head, Ross Miller, Peter Eccles, Grant Runciman and Graeme Dodds. Replacements: Cameron Mackay, Nicky Little, Ruiri Knott, Tom Wilson and Tom Galbraith.