MELROSE 35 GLASGOW HAWKS 13

Melrose turned an evenly-balanced first half into a bonus-winning second 40 minutes with four tries, the last in injury time, to remain undefeated in the BT Premiership, writes Atholl Innes.

However, Melrose coach Robert Chrystie played down the victory. “Hawks were excellent and came here with a clear plan and put us under pressure. We were really positive at half-time [Hawks led 10-6] and I was very pleased with the way the boys reacted in the second half,” he said.

“Hawks defended really well in the first half. It is not always going to be plain sailing, and every game will have its ups and downs. But I am delighted with the victory.”

Melrose tightened their game after the interval and gave away only two penalties, while the fourth, try from replacement Ruaridh Knott in the 82nd minute, epitomised the club’s strength in depth.

Finlay Gillies, the Hawks coach, said that Melrose were very clinical and took their chances well – and they had to play for 10 minutes without flanker Matt Smith, who was yellow-carded in the second half for a trip on an opponent.