Haddington 14-36 Melrose: Hosts make Melrose work for win

Melrose posted the bonus point win expected of them in yesterday's Premier Cup Pool C encounter but they were given a decent work-out by a spirited Haddington side which took great credit from the match.

Incessant Melrose pressure in the opening stages yielded tries by Jamie Murray and Allan Dodds, the first of them converted by Ewan Ford, but Haddington rallied and they were unfortunate not to open their account.

Melrose took full advantage when Garry Elder powered over for his side's third try after 33 minutes and already a rout looked likely.

However, hard working home winger Mike Legget darted in for a try and Ross King added the extra points and the hosts should have added to their tally before Callum Anderson gave the Borderers a 22-7 interval lead when he sprinted in for the bonus point try.

Melrose errors and a solid Haddington defence meant 55 minutes had elapsed when Graeme Dodds bagged a converted try and when play resumed after a lengthy stoppage while home flanker Kris Paterson was removed on a stretcher, Anderson claimed his second touchdown, Ford converting.

The hosts still refused to capitulate and had the final word when Quinton Caulfield barged over and King converted.