Melrose 29

Boroughmuir 21

David Morrison

at The Greenyards

MELROSE put recent disappointments behind them on Saturday to earn a bonus-point win over Boroughmuir.

During an encouraging opening first half it was the home team who looked the sharpest with some telling breaks and excellent support play.

Christian Townsend defied his teenage years with an accomplished display from stand-off.

And he was ably supported by the next generation of Greenyards stars.

Andrew Bradfield burst through for the opening try.

Bradfield was one of a handful of youngsters who appear to be improving with each match in the Melrose ranks.

But Boroughmuir showed they also have a deft touch when playing at pace with Gavin Welsh racing onto a kick through to score their opening try midway through the half.

Melrose, though, were soon back in front as the experienced Grant Runciman pounced on a loose ball to crash over.

David Colvine added the conversion for a 14-7 lead.

And just before the interval James Brown took advantage of the overlap to race in at the corner.

Bradfield added the bonus-point fourth try early in the second half with another determined run from 10 metres out.

Colvine's kick gave Rose what looked like a match-winning 26-7 advantage.

But Boroughmuir began to find their rhythm approaching the hour with a well-worked try from Welsh.

And there was more cause for concern in the Greenyards stand when Mark hare rounded off another fine move.

At 26-21, and with six or seven minutes remaining, the match suddenly hung in the balance once more.

But up stepped Colvine to slot home a penalty from distance to give his team breathing space.

Rose head coach Stuart Johnston said: It was good to go into the Christmas break with a bonus point win."

Melrose: D Colvine, A Cross, J Brown, G McWilliam, C Smitt, C Townsend, D Crawford, R Lindsay, G Runciman, A Bradfield, C Fairbairn, T Brown, J Dobie, J Johnstone & J Fairley. Reps: W Owne, J Cox, C Folan, D Crawford & K Clark.