RUGBY chiefs in Melrose claim a protesting vandal attack at the weekend will make them more determined to succeed.

The introduction of a new semi-pro team at The Greenyards towards the end of last season led to a split in the community.

And there was also anger expressed by former players and officials about further changes and developments at the historic ground.

Despite the divisions, the new Southern Knights team have still attracted encouraging crowds and support since kicking off the new semi-pro campaign.

But during the weekend someone entered the clubrooms and defaced all logos and signage connected to the Super6 team.

Several doors and walls were painted during the attack.

And there was also further spray-painted vandalism to a television set.

Although the club will now have to foot the clean-up bill ahead of their next home match against Boroughmuir on Sunday, January 19, officials believe the vandalism attack will strengthen everyone's resolve.

Mike Dalgetty, director of rugby at Melrose, told us: "You have to question why someone would do this.

"It's a pretty low thing to do.

"Going by the wording that's been painted, it would suggest this was an adult and not a child.

"If anything, though, someone doing something like this just makes all us all the more determined to make everything work."

Since a 3G pitch was installed at the ground over the summer, the Greenyards is now open for community use.

And many local age-group rugby and football teams use the facility during weekends.

Investigating police officers believe the vandal entered the clubrooms on either Saturday or Sunday.

A Police Scotland spokesperson told us: "We are currently investigating a report of vandalism at premises in Melrose.

"The vandalism took place sometime between 9pm on Friday and 9am on Monday.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting number 0609 of January 6."