Godsmark gifts Melrose a little slice of heaven
SCOTLAND sevens star Nyle Godsmark had the final say for Melrose against Ayr with his late try clinching the BT Cup — which was presented by HRH Princess Anne after the 23-18 Murrayfield triumph.
An enthralling encounter hung in the balance until the Borders outfit’s Craig Jackson put the ball wide to allow Godsmark to score in the corner.
It was sweet revenge for a Melrose side that lost the BT Premiership play-off final at home to Ayr last weekend.
But it was heartbreak for the Millbrae side who had Scotland star Finn Russell in the Murrayfield crowd cheering on his younger brother Archie.
‘We had lost a few cup finals at Murrayfield so it’s great to win,’ said Melrose head coach Rob Chrystie. ‘It was tight but we kept our cool to get the late try.’
A try from winger Danny McCluskey and a Frazer Climo penalty made it 8-8 at the break — with Melrose prop Jamie Bhatti’s try and Jason Baggott’s penalty countering for Chyrstie’s side.
Baggott then made it 11-8 for Melrose. However, Ayr hit back with flanker Will Bordill going over, and a Climo conversion putting the Premiership champions in the driving seat.
A Climo penalty made it 18-11 to Ayr but a George Taylor try and Jackson conversion drew the scores level.
With both sides out for the winner, Melrose went through the attacking phases that secured their victory through Godsmark’s late try.
In the Sarah Beaney Cup Final, Hillhead Jordanhill secured a narrow 26-23 win over Murrayfield Wanderers in an equally exciting women’s final.