Stirling County 12

Melrose 45

MELROSE made a little bit of history on Saturday by completing a league and cup double for the first time since 1997.

The defending champions from the Greenyards were in control for much of the final at Murrayfield.

And lightning-fast Ross McCann made sure the pressure was regularly turned into points by running in four tries for a man-of-the-match performance.

Craig Jackson also enjoyed a good day with the boot.

McCann scored twice in the opening quarter of an hour with a Jackson conversion giving the Borders side an early 12-point lead.

County responded briefly with Gary Holburn finishing off a driving maul.

But the comeback didn't last long as Melrose were quickly on the front foot again and Iain Moody added to the score after racing onto a grubber kick through.

The lead was stretched to 14 points with Jackson’s conversion.

Melrose defended well in the closing stages of the first half to maintain the gap.

Stirling did produce their best spell of the final after half time, but again Melrose defended valiantly.

The pressure was relieved approaching the 53rd minute as Rose surged up the pitch and Ruaridh Knott went over from close range.

McCann's third of the afternoon made sure the BT Cup was returning to the Greenyards trophy cabinet.

Craig Robertson did score late on for County but the final was already won There was still time for McCann to race away for his fourth try of the afternoon, and George Taylor also added the score late on.