Melrose 37

Watsonians 8

Atholl Innes at The Greenyards

MELROSE quashed the Watsonians challenge at a sun-drenched Greenyards on Saturday in a match in which defence was as key as attack and drew arguably the biggest crowd of the season.

Many supporters will ask why Melrose, or any other side for that matter, finish clear in the Premiership yet still could fail to win the title.

But clubs set the agenda and now Ayr stand between Melrose and the championship on April 7 at The Greenyards.

Five tries, three from winger Ross McCann, steered Melrose home, but defence was also a quality that sealed the win.

“It was a very good performance and the boys did well,” said coach Rob Chrystie.

“Watsonians had the ball for long periods of time, but our defence was pretty sound. We created opportunities and scored tries, but we also pride ourselves in our defence.

“When we did break, we did very well. But there were still things we can work on and get better.”

McCann, who has twice scored three tries in one game, added: “It was good to get our form back after our defeat at Hawick.

"It is nine or 10 games since I scored, so I thought I was due some.”

Watsonians had no qualms about the result. “Melrose were really good at contact and managed the game very well,” said coach Steve Lawrie.

“We need to be a bit more mature in what we are doing and Melrose were the better side and the game got away from us.”

Despite being given a yellow card, captain Craig Jackson was a key player in the performance, converting three tries and kicking two penalties.

The defensive work proved crucial and the pace of McCann and Fraser Thomson was instrumental at the other end of the field.

The opening try from Russell Anderson followed a forwards’ drive to the line.

McCann intercepted a loose pass to run clear for the second score.

Jackson added two conversions and penalty with Ali Harris scoring a Watsonians penalty on the stroke of half-time for the hosts to lead 17-3.

Thomson’s try in 43 minutes virtually finished the contest despite Watsonians possession and a response with a try from James Miller.

But Melrose were in command and a McCann double and Jackson penalty and conversion ended the contest.

Melrose: F. Thomson; R. McCann, G. Taylor, C. Jackson, R. McCann; J. Baggott, M. McAndrew; G. Shiells, R. Anderson, N. Beavon, A. Runciman, I. Moody, G. Runciman, A. Miller. Replacements: R. Ferguson, D. Elkington, R. McLeod, R. Knott, B. Colvine, G. Wood, P. Anderson.

end