RBS Cup: Selkirk 12 - 27 Melrose

By ALAN LORIMER
Published on 03/03/2013 00:00

Melrose marched into the last four of the RBS National Cup by overcoming a feisty Selkirk side that at times looked better than their Premiership opponents but which failed to turn a plethora of pressure into winning points.

By contrast Melrose, solid in defence and strong in the set piece, took their chances when presented with scoring openings. But Selkirk can take massive credit for an exciting display, inspired by the incisive running of captain and stand-off Gavin Craig, right, the pace of wing Darren Clapperton and the continuity play of their back row.

Melrose led 13-9 at half time from penalties by Joe Helps and Andrew Skeen and Skeen’s conversion of a try by Callum Anderson. Michael McVie provided three penalties for Selkirk but the scrum-half then missed three.

Having survived third quarter pressure Melrose scored tries by Gary Holborn and Ross Ovens both converted by Skeen, Selkirk’s only second half points coming from McVie.