Gala 16 - 37 Melrose : Experience the key as Melrose win Waverley Cup

MELROSE retained the Waverley Cup at Netherdale, but it took late tries from Callum Anderson and Gary Holborn to seal the win against a gallant Gala team.

Gala, who are aiming to join Melrose in Premiership 1 next season, hit back after a gruelling start when Melrose raced into an 20-6 lead, and Lee Millar's try in first-half injury time gave the Maroons a lift.

However, Melrose showed their experience when it was needed and the late scores ensured they grabbed the win.

Forwards coach John Dalziel said: "It was tough and Gala made it very hard for us."

Gala coach George Graham added: "I am disappointed, but Melrose were a bit more experienced, and that is what we have to aspire to that if we want to play in Premiership 1."

Melrose got off to the best start in the first minute when Gala came in from the side and Wight banged over the penalty. The visitors dominated and when Craig Dods failed to gather a Wight kick, Melrose won the line-out and Dalziel drove over for the opening try, converted by Wight.

Millar failed with a penalty, but made amends after a mistake by Anderson only for Wight to add another three points at the other end.

Millar added a second penalty after Hayden Mitchell spoke back at the referee.

Wight hit the post with a penalty but, after Gala knocked on, Melrose drove over for a second try, Robert Chrystie touching down and Wight converting.

Three minutes from the break, Melrose failed to clear and Millar won the race for the touchdown and added the conversion. The score inspired Gala, but Millar missed a chance to cut the gap in injury time when he failed with a penalty.

Gala forced the game after the break when Jamie Murray was yellow-carded for his challenge on George Graham, but it was Melrose who stretched their lead with Wight's third penalty.

Millar again cut the gap before Gala No 8 Tom Weir became the second player to be sent to the sin bin and Anderson and Holborn struck to put the game beyond doubt.

Scorers: Gala - Try: Millar. Con: Millar. Pens: Millar (3). Melrose - Tries: Dalziel, Chrystie, Anderson, Holborn. Cons: Wight (4). Pens: Wight (3)

Gala: C Dods; G Young, M Walton, A Emond, R Livingston; L Millar, George Graham; A Johnston, E. McQuillin, L Pettie, O Palepoi, D Marshall, Gary Graham, G Haurua, T Weir. Substitutes: S. Cairns, L.Roden, P. Stewart, R. Lindsay, M. Welsh, S. Chapman, F. Hunter.

Melrose: F. Thomson; C. Anderson, J. Murray, C. Jackson, J. Helps; S.Wight, R. Chrystie; N. Little, G. Innes, N. Beavon, R. Miller, H. Mitchell, G. Elder, J. Dalziel, G. Dodds. Replacements: R. Ferguson, G.Holburn, D. Crawford, S. Johnson, S. McCormick, C. Hardie, D. Dodds.

Referee: D. Crudge (Hawick).