Forward march in drive for title
MELROSE booked their place in the finale of the BT Premiership a week on Saturday after defeating Currie in the play-off semi-final at the Greenyards with an irresistible display of forward power that made the result predictable from early in the first half.
If it were not already an accepted fact then yesterday’s semi-final confirmed the maxim that winning scrums and line-outs is the key to winning games. Melrose demonstrated this to such an extent that Currie were permanently on the back foot.
“You don’t win games of rugby by being shunted back in the scrums,” said Currie coach Ben Cairns. “Our line-out didn’t function well either. The scoreboard was not what we’re about. We’re much better than that.”
So strong was the Melrose scrummaging that Currie were forced to concede five penalties at the set-piece. In fairness, Currie came into this game a tad rusty, having not played for three weeks and having suffered a stop-start second half of the season.
In the event, Currie took until well into the third quarter to score the first of their two tries.
But by then Melrose were in cruise mode, having established a 29-3 lead with a try from secondrower Ruairidh Knott, two from Scotland sevens cap Nyle Godsmark and then a solo effort early in the second half by South African Austin Lockington.
The scoreboard was also moved along by three conversions and a penalty goal by stand-off Jason Baggot.
Fortunately for Currie, pride and a touch of composure arrested what might have been a century of points against them. Veteran back row Ross Weston piled over and then a delightful “soft hands” pass by Jamie Forbes gave centre Robbie Nelson his side’s second try. Forbes, who had kicked a first half-penalty, added one conversion.
Two penalties by Baggot and his conversion of try by Ally Grieve, however, made sure Melrose could celebrate in style.