Ian Rankin heartened by Dundee dedication

DUNDEE HSFP coach Ian Rankin hailed his team's effort and application as they sent Stewart's Melville hurtling towards relegation from the Premiership top flight.

The Taysiders strolled to a clinical 52-5 success at Mayfield, and Rankin declared: "It was heartening to see the guys rediscover their appetite for hard work after a run of inconsistent results and performances."

James Fleming snapped up a hat-trick of tries and landed a string of kicks.

West of Scotland took a leap away from the relegation zone with a well-merited 20-18 victory over Melrose at Burnbrae. Jack Walker and Murray McConnell bagged the hosts' touchdowns, with Conor David landing two conversions and two penalties.

A penalty deep in stoppage time clinched a 25-22 success for Currie at the expense of Hawick in a rousing SH Premier Cup encounter at Malleny Park. Hawick's hopes of extra-time were dashed by Johnny Smith with the last kick.