BT PREMIERSHIP

MELROSE 30 20

Borders rugby derby matches can throw up tough challenges and, while Melrose made it nine bonus-point victories in a row on Saturday at The Greenyards, Hawick gave the hosts their hardest game of the season, writes Atholl Innes.

The visitors, under head coach George Graham for the second time, won the second half 14-6 in windy conditions, but remain winless at the foot of the championship.

Hawick recovered well from a disappointing start and, despite their battling qualities and determination, mirrored in a solid all-round second half, they were left chasing the game as Melrose’s power and pace were crucial in the opening 40 minutes.

Melrose rugby director Mike Dalgetty, on a day when the club inducted players into a

0 Melrose’s Neil Irvine-hess is tackled by Stuart Graham at The Greenyards. new Sevens Hall of Fame, said: “A lot of people expected more from us today, but Hawick are a very committed side. We had players away [in South Africa on sevens duty] and we were able to give others a chance and it shows the strength of the squad. It has been an excellent start to the season for us, but it is only halfway.”

Graham was pleased with the performance of his players, if not the result. “We did not put enough pressure on them in the first half,” he said. “On the positive side, we showed in the second half how well we can play. We stopped them from scoring [tries]. I am as happy as I can be at getting beaten, but I do not want to get used to it.”

Melrose scored four firsthalf tries through Richard Ferguson, Fraser Thomson, Murdo Mcandrew and Grant Shiells, Craig Jackson putting over two conversions. Ali Weir kicked two Hawick penalties.

In the second half, Melrose managed only two Jackson penalties as Hawick responded with two tries from Gary Munro, converted by Weir.