Melrose 45

Boroughmuir 29

Atholl Innes

at The Greenyards

MELROSE had to work hard for a victory on Saturday at The Greenyards despite the scoreline.

But the defending champions were boosted with an opening blitz before Boroughmuir threatened with a brave comeback.

It was a double celebration for the hosts - the win became even more welcome after news filtered through that leaders Ayr had suffered a defeat.

Melrose scored seven tries, but Boroughmuir showed their own qualities, particularly in the second half, with five of their own.

However, they were undone when Melrose scored twice in three minutes to snuff out any hopes of a fightback.

Melrose coach Rob Chrystie said: “They have some very good rugby players, but we started well, held a lot of decisive territory, and scored some decent tries.

"The young boys who come into the side due to injuries are getting more comfortable at this level."

Struan Hutchison, Patrick Anderson, Gavin Wood and Finlay Scott, came in for additional praise from the head coach after making an immediate impact on the side at a time of many injuries to the first-team squad.

“They showed they are making the step-up and their all-round contribution to the side is effective,” he added.

Boroughmuir coach Peter Wright believed that the game had been lost early.

He said: “You cannot give teams a lead of 25 points down and expect to come back."

Early tries from Murdo McAndrew, Anderson and a penalty try put Melrose in the driving seat at 21-0.

Dale Robertson pulled a score back before Lindokuhle Mvelase-Julyan and Anderson scored in the space of three minutes to ensure the bonus point.

Boroughmuir kept their hopes alive as Matt Walker scored on the stroke of half-time for his side to trail 33-14 at the interval.

The visitors may have won the second half 15-12 thanks to scores from Tom Drennan and Will Wardlaw. However, hooker Finlay Scott, who impressed Chrystie with his try and overall contributions, and McAndrew completed the scoring.

Hutchison and Robin Weersham added crucial conversions.

Melrose: F. Thomson; B. Colvine, P. Anderson, G. Wood, L. Mvelase-Julyan; G. Shiells, F. Scott, C. Young, J. Head, I. Moody, N. Irvine-Hess, G. Runciman, S. Lawson. Replacements: R. Ferguson, R. McLeod, T. Brown, A. Jardine, I. Sim.