Melrose 20

Ayr 15

David Morrison

at Annay Road

MELROSE left it late on Saturday to maintain their winning start to life in National League One.

Ayr had matched Stuart Johnson's side throughout a pulsating clash.

But inside stoppage time a tremendous breakaway try sealed the victory for the home team - much to the delight of an enthusiastic support.

Donald Crawford slotted Melrose into an early lead with a well-struck penalty.

But the west coast men were soon level through a Jamie Bova penalty.

And they edged in front midway through the half as Johnny McCorkindale managed to scramble over the line for a try.

Despite plenty home pressure Ayr held firm to take the 8-3 lead in with them at the break.

Melrose turned pressure into points though at the start of the second half.

After several good phases Will Owen darted in for a try.

Crawford's conversion gave the home team a slender two-point advantage.

Melrose looked to be getting on top when Lewis Malling burst over for another try out wide.

But Ayr responded well with Bova crossing the whitewash at the other end.

The conversion brought the scores level with less than ten minutes remaining.

As the minutes ticked away it looked like the teams would share the points, but Callum Folan made a terrific line break to feed Owen for the winning try.

Melrose, with five wins from five, remain top of the table on 23 points.