Grammar must learn lessons

S-Melville Grammar Another away loss leaves Rubislaw side sitting perilously close to relegation 30 14

Grammar’s sole objective for the rest of the season must now be avoiding relegation after plummeting to ninth place inNational 1, only four points ahead of second-bottom Kelso.

“It is our form on the road which is letting us down. We have not won away from Rubislaw since we beat Dundee High on the firstday of the season. It was very disappointing, although I thought the final score flattered Stewart’sMelville,” said coach Stuart Corsar.

Playing with a strong wind, the home side capitalised to lead 15-0 thanks to an Andrew Warnock penalty, an unconverted try from scrum half Fraser Strachan and a second touchdown by full back Ross McCann just before the break, with stand off Warnock adding the conversion.

The Inverleith side extended its lead in 50minutes when winger Sean Murchie raced over the Grammar line. Warnock was off target with the conversion but increased his side’s lead to 23-0 with a penalty two minutes later.

Grammar rallied with a score in 68 minutes when flanker Chris Jollands crashed over for a try, which stand off Hagart converted.

Lock Stuart Smith dived over four minutes later to give the small band of travelling supporters hope. Hagart added the conversion to make it 23-14 and move Grammar within a score of a losing bonus point.

But the Grammar revival wascut short inadded time when Stewart’s-Melville replacement Tom Croy broke out to score, with Warnock’s conversion proving the final nail in the Grammar coffin.

The few positives for Grammar included fine performances from forwards Adrian Hamilton, Tony McGinness and Ali Mackie, while replacement John Poe looked to be one for the future. Eventhenormally exciting Pecili Nacamavuto had a quiet game by his high standards.

Grammar’s next game at hometo Jed-Forestnowbecomes a must-win match if the Rubislaw side is going to break free of the relegation area.

It must hit the ground running against a Borders side bolstered by a 41-26 win against promotionchasing Marr.

NATIONAL 3: BROWN BEAMING AFTER VICTORY

“We have not won away from Rubislaw since the first day”