Melrose 23 - 17 Glasgow Hawks: Resurgent Melrose end Hawks' unbeaten start

"ONE point is better than none" was the verdict of Peter Wright after an explosive game, which was not finally decided until the fifth minute of injury time.

The Glasgow Hawks coach watched from the touchline as Rory McKay scored a try in the 80th minute to set up a tight finish, which nevertheless saw his side lose its unbeaten record.

However, the game will be remembered not just for the six yellow cards handed out by RFU referee, Richard Kelly, but a pugnacious and stubborn Melrose defence, which closed down its opponents on occasions even when reduced to 13 men.

Melrose coach Craig Chalmers was concerned that his team had played with reduced numbers - following four sin-binnings - for half of the game, but praised his players for their efforts.

"I thought that their attitude and commitment was tremendous and we played with a lot of confidence," he said. "We are now back in the hunt (for the championship]."

Wright added: "We had the possession and the territory, but could not execute our moves and Melrose scored the points and that is what counts."

The victory not only lifted Melrose into fourth place in Premiership 1, but also was based on a strong forwards' platform and the aggression needed to challenge for titles.

And despite the high sin-bin count, this was not a torrid encounter but one in which both sides were committed to open, running rugby.

Melrose turned round 17-3 ahead with tries from Fraser Thomson and Wayne Mitchell, while Kerr Gossman and McKay touched down in either half. Scott Wight, Craig Gossman and White shared the kicking duties.

Scorers: Melrose: Tries: Thomson, W Mitchell. Cons: Wight (2). Pens: Wight (3). Glasgow Hawks: Tries: K. Gossman, McKay. Cons: C Gossman (2). Pen: White.

Melrose: F Thomson; C Anderson, J Murray, C Murray, A Dodds; S Wight, R Chrystie; N Little, W Mitchell, R Higgins, H Mitchell, G Elder, J Dalziel, G Runciman, G Dodds. Subs: G Innes, G Holburn, R Miller, B Colvin, C Hardie.

Glasgow Hawks: C Gossman; J White, D Kelbrick, T Preece, K Gossman; A White, K Hamilton; A Smith, E Milligan, G Hunter, R Hamilton, A Kirkland, R McKay, B Karalus, R Miller. Subs: G Strain, C Taylor, G Strang, S Murray, R Hair.

Referee: R Kelly (RFU).