Melrose Rugby Claim Borders Derby Victory Over Hawick RFC

Melrose started the round at the top of a wide open table, with Ayr RFC, Currie Chieftains and Heriot’s all close behind. But, as any Borders rugby supporter knows, league positions count for little when local rivals meet.

Melrose made a strong start, putting Hawick under sustained pressure and opening the scoring through Gavin Wood. Callum Anderson made the initial break through the Hawick defence before linking up with Wood, who crossed for the first try of the afternoon.

Despite creating further opportunities, the hosts were unable to extend their lead as Hawick’s defence stood firm. The visitors gradually grew into the game and found their response when Connor Sutherland set up Jardine Vevers, who used his footwork to find space and score in the corner. The sides went into half-time level at 5-5.

Melrose came out with renewed intent after the break and quickly regained the lead. Following a penalty and an attacking scrum, Doug Crawford and Luke Townsend combined to create the opening for Charlie Robbie to score in the corner. Townsend added the conversion to put the hosts 12-5 ahead.

The home side continued to build momentum, with Anderson once again breaking through midfield to set up Donald Crawford for another try. Townsend converted before Sam Derrick secured Melrose’s bonus-point try, breaking away from a maul to cross the line. Another successful conversion extended the lead to 26-5.

Charlie Robbie then grabbed his second try of the afternoon as Melrose continued to stretch their advantage.

Hawick kept battling and were rewarded late on when replacement Mikey Swailes scored from close range, with Owain Gray adding the conversion to make it 31-12. However, Melrose had the final say, completing a convincing 38-12 victory to maintain their place at the top of the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership.

Over in the West, Glasgow Hawks RFC welcomed Ayr RFC in a derby that proved much closer than the league standings might have suggested. Despite arriving as favourites, with Hawks still searching for their first win of the season, Ayr found themselves behind early on after Daniel Casserly crossed for the hosts’ opening try.

Ayr gradually found their rhythm and began to take control, particularly after the half-time break, building a 17-point lead at one stage. However, Hawks refused to go quietly and fought their way back into contention.  With just five minutes remaining, the gap had been cut to five points, setting up a tense finish. Ayr ultimately showed their quality to see out the contest, securing a 38-26 victory and keeping the pressure on the teams around them.

Currie Chieftains returned to action at Malleny Park, where they hosted Borders side Kelso RFC. Before kick-off, both sides joined in a minute’s applause to honour Currie’s own Ally Donaldson following his recent passing.

Kelso had their moments throughout the contest but struggled to find the composure needed to turn promising spells into points. Currie took advantage, controlling the game and heading into half-time firmly in command. The hosts put the result beyond doubt in the third quarter, continuing to add to their tally on the way to a comfortable 48-5 victory.

Heriot’s Rugby Men hosted GHA RFC at Goldenacre, with the visitors making the brighter start. GHA scored the opening two tries inside the first 20 minutes to put the hosts under early pressure. Heriot’s responded well, however, turning the game around with three converted tries before the break.

The hosts continued where they left off after half-time, adding another try to strengthen their grip on the contest. GHA managed a third try of their own, but Heriot’s had done enough to keep the visitors at arm’s length. A fifth try and a penalty completed the scoring, with Heriot’s running out 36-21 winners.

There was another closely fought encounter at Myreside, where Watsonian FC welcomed Edinburgh Accies. The hosts opened the scoring after 20 minutes through Gus Goodwin, but Accies responded with a try of their own. With both sides finding their way over the line twice in the opening half, the teams went into the break locked at 14-14.

The contest remained tight after the restart, with both sides adding to their try tallies as neither could pull clear. Watsonians eventually found a way to close out the game, securing a 40-28 victory on home soil. Despite the defeat, Edinburgh Accies picked up a try-scoring bonus point that could prove valuable as the league campaign progresses towards the halfway stage.

The first round of the Sarah Beaney Cup took place over the weekend, with the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership taking it’s second scheduled break of the season. Corstorphine RFC, Stirling County RFC, Cartha Queen’s Park, Hillhead Jordanhill RFC and Biggar RFC all enjoyed victories in the opening round of the competition.