PREMIER RUGBY

HAWICK 28 AYR 43

FINN RUSSELL played a starring role for Ayr yesterday as he took a huge stride towards a big-stage comeback.

The Scotland stand-off marked his first live action of the season with a try and a string of pin-point kicks at Mansfield Park.

Now Russell, who has been sidelined since suffering a serious facial injury, is in line to make his return for Glasgow in next weekend’s showdown with Ulster at Scotstoun.

And to complete a positive day for the Russell clan, younger brother Archie claimed a touchdown double.

Blair Macpherson also went over twice as the seasiders boosted their Premiership title hopes.

GLASGOW HAWKS 48

WATSONIANS 20

JUNIOR BULUMAKAU floored pacesetters Sonians with a display of power and pace at Old Anniesland.

The Warriors pro ran in a hat-trick of tries after the interval to put the contest out of reach.

The other Hawks counters went to Kerr Gossman (2), George Horne and Rob Beattie.

Horne also banged over five conversions and a penalty for a personal haul of 18 points.

BOROUGHMUIR 16

HERIOT’S 23

CHAMPIONS Heriot’s stepped up their revival by snuffing out the challenge of capital rivals Muir at Meggetland.

Murray McCallum went over for the first score for the visitors and they struck a further blow when they were awarded a penalty try.

Alex Hagart was in excellent form with the boot, slotting both conversions and four penalties which proved vital as the home troops were punished for ill discipline.

GALA 27 MELROSE 43

ROSE bloomed at Netherdale to secure the bragging rights in a thrilling Borders derby.

A pack-drive had given them the impetus to create the opening try, before Neil Irvine-Hess went over.

Ian Moody bagged the limelight with a quickfire double, making sure of a full haul of points in the process.

Jason Baggot and Ross McCann rounded off the win over a Maroons side that contributed to the entertainment.

CURRIE 27 STIRLING CO 24

CURRIE produced a stunning late fightback at Malleny Park to break their campaign duck and claim a precious bonus point.

The hosts had appeared to be heading towards another dose of misery – but they clicked into gear when it mattered.

Charlie Shiel emerged as the hero, pouncing for the clinching try just seconds before the final whistle.

Their other scores came from Cammy Gray, Tom Gordon and Graeme Carson.