Heriot’s book cup final date with Melrose

HERIOT’S and Melrose progressed to the BT Cup Final after a day of high drama in the last four yesterday. In their semi-final, Glasgow Hawks and Heriot’s were tied 10-10 at the end of extra-time but, as the away team, Heriot’s went through to the final on April 16. Jack Steele and John Semple narrowly missed penalties for their respective sides at Old Anniesland early on before Heriot’s took the lead nine minutes before the break. It came thanks to a try from Iain Wilson. With the score being unconverted, it was 5-0 to the 2014 Cup winners at the break. Hawks were level soon after the interval when Rob Beattie scored after great build-up work by Steele. And, with 20 minutes to go, Hawks took the lead when Fin Gillies went over and, at the same time, Heriot’s lost their try scorer Wilson to the sin-bin. Heriot’s have great fighting spirit, though, and two minutes from time Charlie Simpson made it 10-10 to ensure the game went to extra-time and only the away team rule sealed Heriot’s progression. At Millbrae, Melrose defeated Ayr 20-13. Like the match at Old Anniesland, this encounter was a tight one all the way. The two teams, who meet again next weekend in the Premiership last four, were tied at 10-10 at the break, Craig Gossman scoring Ayr’s try and Melrose being awarded a penalty try. Ayr then went 13-10 up after the interval, but Melrose came storming back. A Joe Helps penalty levelled things up at 13-13 and then a converted try sealed victory for the visitors. Heriot’s last won the Cup in 2014, while Melrose’s most recent success was in 2008. Meanwhile, Watsonians won National League One after a 61-17 victory over Howe of Fife at Myreside and they will be in the top flight next season.