Melrose 50

Glasgow Hawks 7

Atholl Innes

at The Greenyards

RAMPANT Melrose turned on the style again with eight tries at The Greenyards as Hawks threatened, but were eventually overcome by the pace and power of their hosts.

For spells in the game, the young and inexperienced Glasgow side battled to match their experienced and tough opponents.

But after only two games into a new season, the Scottish champions looked a formidable force.

With Ian Moody scoring the last of the eight tries in the final minute, Craig Jackson converting, Melrose reached the 50-point mark.

But coach Rob Chrystie was quick to play down his club’s dominant performance.

“I thought that Hawks had a decent start and kept the ball, but the most important thing is that we defended well and kept them out, which is the most important thing,” he said.

“We know where we are although not where we actually want to be, but it is only in September. I thought we played quite well and the score reflects that.

“Hawks had some decent moments and kept the ball well. But we took our chances and got there. We are pretty happy and know we have a lot of work to do.

“We have no new players coming in and young boys will be given opportunities.”

Jackson, who added the goal points to five of the tries, added: “We cannot look too far forward. It is all about rebuilding and to look no further than that.”

Hawks dominated early in the first half and again for spells in the second, and were rewarded with a score from Murray Godsman.

Despite their best efforts they finally conceded to a late flurry of tries.

“After the first 15 minutes, I thought we were going to put in a big performance,” said coach Finlay Gillies. “But Melrose are a very good team and they take their chances.”

Hawks played with an exuberance which tested the home side, but at the end of the day, experience and prowess, including the appearance of former internationalist Scott Lawson to answer a hooker crisis, counted heavily in Melrose’s favour.

Melrose had the bonus point secured after 30 minutes and led 31-0 at the interval with touchdowns from South African Michael Mvelase-Julyan, Bruce Colvine, Fraser Thomson, Magnus Bradbury and Moody.

After the break, Godsman scored Hawks’ only try, converted by Glen Faulds, before Melrose finished with scores from Rory Darge, Colvine and Moody.

Melrose: F. Thomson; M. Mvelase-Julyan, P. Anderson, C. Jackson, B. Colvine; S. Hutchison, M. McAndrew; G. Shiells, B. McLean, R. McLeod, J. Head, A. Runciman, I. Moody, R. Darge, M. Bradbury. Replacements: S. Lawson, C. Young, R. Knott, G. Runciman, G. Wood.