PREM REVIEW | Tight at the top after wins for Ayr and Melrose

4 Nov 2018

Review of Round 10 of this week’s Tennent’s Premiership fixtures that took place on Saturday (3 November).

Melrose kept up their good form with a hard-fought win against local rivals Hawick at the Greenyards in an early kick-off.

The home side took the lead with a try from Scott Lawson before Hawick came back into things through Stuart Graham, leaving the scores tied 7-7 at half time.

Melrose didn’t let the tough windy conditions hamper their second half efforts, though. A penalty try following four scrum infringements from Hawick, followed by a score by Patrick Anderson in the final moments ensured a home win 21-10.

League leaders Ayr put in a fine first-half display to defeat Edinburgh Academicals at home. Blair Macpherson had opened the scoring after 14 minutes before Ayr ran in a further three tries before the break.

Another score 5 minutes into the second half would be the final points as Ayr saw out the game for a comfortable win (29-3).

Heriot’s made their way into third position to keep up with the top two after defeating Glasgow Hawks at Goldenacre. Hawks were left to rue the sinbinning of Andrew Kirkland with the scores tied at 21-21, before the hosts made the most of the extra man.

Ali Johnston came off the bench to score twice, while Alex Ball produced a man of the match performance, also scoring twice, as Heriots powered over the line with a 45-21 victory.

Elsewhere, Watsonians had to come back from behind against a determined Stirling County for a win at Bridgehaugh. Ratu Tagive opened the scoring with a try in the corner for the home side, however, the boot of Watsonian Lee Millar kept his side in contention.

Ewan Fox put the visitors in the lead, before another penalty for Millar sailed through the sticks to help grind out an important 6-point win for the Myreside men (8-14).

It was a tale of two halves for Boroughmuir as they overcame the challenge of Currie Chieftains to secure a bonus point win at Meggetland. Craig Grossman put the home side into the lead, but a try by Marc Kelly and a successful conversion by Greg Hunter put the visitors back into the lead.

Thomas Gordon and Ben Robbins both earned tries for the Chieftains, however, an impressive display by captain Jonny Matthews – with two tries – helped Boroughmuir take the honours, alongside some excellent kicking by Gavin Parker, nailing four conversions and a penalty to earn a 41-17 win.