They edged out Gala Red Triangle, 17-14, during the third playing of the annual competition.

A late score by Melrose captain Gary McWilliam was all that separated the two sides on a sun-kissed evening at Netherdale on Friday night.

And scores of schoolchildren turned out to show their support.

The match, held in memory of the GRT’s former stand-off, raised more than £1200.

Matt, a former Galashiels Academy pupil, died aged 14 in January 2012.

GRT coach Jamie Dewar, who organised the match, told the Border Telegraph: “I think that was the closest of the games so far.

“Gala won the trophy the first two years so I think it’s good that Melrose have won it this year. The games are always close.

“The young (Gala) guys are gutted but it’s the first time they’ve played the game in Maroon. The Triangle used to play in red and blue but, with a combination of money that’s come from the Matt Lochrie Fund and sponsors Mcewan Fraser Legal, we’ve managed to kit out the entire club in Maroon now, so it actually looked like a Gala v Melrose game for the first time ever.” Melrose took the lead early on with an impressive score from centre Hugh Robinson converted by captain Gary McWilliam, but Gala hit back a few minutes later when Steven Patterson grounded the ball with Matthew Collison adding the extras.

Man of the match Ben Stephen was rewarded for a penetrating run with a try before the break for the visitors but again GRT went in front for the first time when Jack Easson bundled over, goaled by Chris Bell.

A late try from Captain McWilliam handed the match to Melrose late on.

Dewar said: “The stand was full and we’ve raised upwards of £700 on the night and we’ve got another donation of about £500 coming in so I think in total the game has raised about £1200 for the club.

“It’s good to see that it’s still being supported. We’ve got both teams from the past two years here, both Melrose and Gala, and some first team players past and present have come along to show their support.

“It’s really special for Matt’s family because he was not only very into his rugby but he had a lot of friends in Melrose as well. And I know that every year they look forward to it.” Matt’s aunt Nicky presented the winning trophy to Melrose on the night. When asked what the competition meant to the family, she replied: “It’s really important because Matt was all about rugby and he was really friendly with a lot of the Melrose boys so it doesn’t matter who wins, it’s just remembering Matt.”