Melrose 31

Stirling Wolves 19

David Morrison

at The Greenyards

MELROSE mastered their new playing surface on Saturday to move back into second in the table.

Following a start to the season along at Annay Road, Stuart Johnson's team were desperate to mark their return to the Greenyards with a victory.

And, in a highly entertaining match, they added a four-try bonus point to their win to make sure it was a day for celebrations.

A fine running move inside the sixth minute saw Lewis Mallin create an overlap for Kieran Clark to collect the ball and score.

David Colvine added the extras.

But Stirling were intent on spoiling the opening-day party.

Within five minutes David Montgomery made his way for the try.

Jonny Hope levelled the scores with the conversion.

There can be little doubt that the new synthetic surface lends itself to fast, open rugby.

And in the 18th minute Richard Ferguson took full advantage of the firm pitch to break away for the home team's second try.

Donald Crawford made it 14-7 with the conversion.

On the half hour, and following some sustained pressure, Stirling edged closer with a Fraser Muir touchdown.

But within two minutes Ben McLean had shown a good turn of pace to race in for Rose's third try.

The Colvine conversion made the half-time score 21-12.

A John Cox drive from close range gave Melrose their bonus point try in the 52nd minute.

Colvine's conversion, followed a few minutes later by a penalty, gave the home team some breathing space at 31-12.

Stirling had the last word with scrum-half Adam Shaw nipping over in the 75th minute.

Hope's conversion left the final score at 31-19.

Melrose opened their new 4G pitch at The Greenyards in style with a bono-point win over Stirling County Wolves that puts the Borderers back into second place. Kieran Clark, captain Richard Ferguson, Ben McLean and John Cox scored tries for Stuart Johnson’s men with David Colvine and Donald Crawford sharing 11 points with the boot.

David Montgomery, Fraser Muir and Adam Shaw scored the Wolves’ tries with skipper Jonny Hope kicking two conversions, to make it 31-19 at the conclusion.