Nyle’s on the mark
Nyle Godsmark celebrates after scoring late on to secure victory for Melrose against Ayr.
The seasiders had looked on course to add the BT Scottish Cup to the Premiership Crown.
But, in a fascinating see-saw scrap at Mu r r a y f i e l d , speed merchant Godsmark pounced for the clinching score, capping a stirring fightback by the Greenyards troops.
Winning coach Rob Chrystie said: “I was confident that the guys could regroup after Ayr beat us last weekend to lift the league title.”
The fans from Millbrae couldn’t have dreamed of a brighter start as they watched their troops create a try after less than a minute’s action.
Melrose were slow to react when the ball was shipped out to Danny Mc C l u s k e y, w h o finished with precision.
The Borderers sucked up further pressure before levelling the contest. They out- muscled Ayr’s pack at a driving maul, leaving Jamie Bhatti to claim the crucial touch.
Jason Baggott then made amends for his missed conversion by slotting a penalty to put Melrose in front on the half-hour mark.
However, it took Frazier Climo just 60 seconds to equalise with an identical strike.
Both sides carved out chances to have their noses in front at the break but defences were on top during this spell.
Exchanges after the restart continued to be closely fought and Baggott was back on target with his second penalty to give Melrose a confidence boost.
His kick acted as a timely spur to Ayr, who blasted their way back into the encounter with a try from Will Bordill, playing his last match for the club before moving to London.
Climo added the extras – then banged over another penalty as the tussle entered the final quarter. That was the cue for both coaches to make bench changes. And it was Melrose who responded the stronger to send the match back into the melting pot.
Murdo McAndrew’s break allowed George Taylor the space and time to cruise over – with Craig Jackson converting.
And, with both sets of players showing signs of exhaustion and desperation, Godsmark was in the right place at the right time to seal Ayr’s fate.
HANNAH SMITH emerged as the Hillhead- Jordanhill hero as they pipped Edinburgh Wanderers in a dramatic final of the Sarah Beaney Cup.
Smith grabbed the all important clinching try six minutes from time as Hill-Jills triumphed 26-23.
A HAT-TRICK of scores from Alasdair Bain propelled Portobello to a well deserved 33-23 success over Blairgowrie in the final of the Bowl competition.
CARRICK salvaged some joy for Ayrshire by beating Murrayfield Wanderers 41 - 28 in an all- action BT Shield Final. They sealed the success with tries from John Fulton, Lewis Clark and Greg Montgomery.