14-man Melrose hold out for victory

half with 14 men and get over the line,” he said. “You’ve got to give the boys a lot of credit.”

Melrose did show considerable character to come from behind to claim the win, especially after lock James Head was sent off right at the start of the second half.

County had taken an early lead with a penalty try but Ian Simscored,struanhutchison converting, to level soon after. George Arnott restored the lead for Stirling, Andrew Goudie adding the extras, but again Melrose responded swiftly when Patrick Anderson went over the line.

It looked like Stirling might benefit from Head’s sending off but Hutchison put Melrose in front with a penalty. County were then reduced to 14 players when Gary Holborn was sin-binned late on.

Both teams left the field with seven minutes remaining following a serious injury to Rory Darge, who suffered a dislocated knee. But Melrose put that behind them when Angus Runicman finished a forward drive with a try that Hutchison goalled.

Ratu Tagive went over to bring Stirling tantalisingly close but Melrose held out.