Boroughmuir 32 - 26 Melrose: Boroughmuir capitalise on Melrose lapses

BOROUGHMUIR'S greater need for Premiership league points proved to be the difference as they chalked up a deserved win to ease relegation concerns.

Melrose, who have endured mixed fortunes since being eliminated from the title race, offered only brief glimpses of their pace and flair. Their hopes of silverware now rest with the cup, where they will be seeking a third successive appearance in a Murrayfield final. Had they been committed for the full 80 minutes, they could have taken more from this game.

Boroughmuir coach Fergus Pringle admitted he had been relying on the visitors having their minds elsewhere. "We were in Melrose's shoes last year. You are sitting third, you can't win the league and you are there or thereabouts. It's not easy getting up for these games and we were aware of that."

That urgency was evident from the outset as Shaun McMurchy hurtled down the flank to touch down after three minutes. He was joined on the score sheet by Jamie Doubleday after a spell of sustained pressure but Melrose were roused into action and reversed that deficit to lead 12-10 at the interval. Grant Runciman was alert to an untidy lineout tap down, gathering a loose ball on half way and sprinting over, then Ben Allen showed his pace for a touchdown which Scott Wight converted.

That stung the hosts into second-half action and tries from Justin Va'a, James Fish and a second for Doubleday, plus two conversions from Graeme Blackhall, left them 29-12 ahead entering the final quarter.

Melrose showed greater urgency in the closing stages and had well -executed tries from Callum Anderson and Jamie Murray – both converted by Wight – either side of a penalty from Blackhall, scores which secured two bonus points.

Scorers: Boroughmuir: Tries: McMurchy, Doubleday (2), Va'a, Fish. Cons: Blackhall (2), Pen: Blackhall. Melrose: Tries: Runciman, Allen, Anderson, Murray. Cons: Wight (3).

Boroughmuir: S Ruddick; T Bury, M Clapperton, J Fish, E Mills; G Cottrell, C Cusiter; F Lait, S McMurchy, B Ross, G Scott, N Patrick, E Matheson, P Cronn, J Doubleday. Subs used: N Fraser, J Va'a, M Stalley, R Cairns, G Blackhall.

Melrose: F Thomson; A Dodds, C Jackson, J King, B Allen; S Wight, S McCormick; K Cooney, L Gibson, N Beavon, G Dodds, G Elder, J Dalziel, G Runciman, R Miller. Subs used: R Ferguson, R Higgins, N McTaggart, J Murray, C Anderson.

Referee: A McMenemy.