Champions Melrose looking formidable already and aiming to get better still

With Ian Moody, pictured, scoring the last of eight tries in the final minute, Craig Jackson converting, Melrose reached the 50-point mark, but coach Rob Chrystie played down his club’s dominant performance.

“I thought that Hawks had a decent start and kept the ball, but the most important thing is that we defended well and kept them out,” he said.

“We know where we are, although not where we actually want to be, but it is only September.

“We are pretty happy, although we have a lot of work to do.

“There are still 16 games left.”

Jackson, who added the goal points to five of the tries, added: “We cannot look too far forward. It is all about rebuilding and to look no further than that.”

Hawks dominated early in the first half and again for spells in the second and were rewarded with a score frommurraygodsman, but finally conceded to a late flurry of tries.

“After the first 15 minutes, I thought we were going to put in a big performance,” said coach Finlay Gillies.

“We are a young squad and we just need to learn. Melrose are a very good team and they take their chances.

“Apart from the last five minutes, we looked the better team in the second half, but you cannot give Melrose a sniff.”

Hawks played with an exuberance which tested the home side but experience and prowess counted heavily in the home side’s favour.

Melrose had the bonus point secured after 30 minutes and led 31-0 at the inter- val with touchdowns coming from Michael Mvelase-julyan, Bruce Colvine, Fraser Thomson, Magnus Bradbury and Moody.

After the break, Godsman scored Hawks’ only try, converted by Glen Faulds, before Melrose finished with scores from Rory Darge, Colvine and Moody to ensure that the victory was comprehensive to leave Hawks still looking for an opening victory.