Melrose 26 - 29 Bristol: Second-half inspiration not enough for Melrose

An inspired second-half performance by Melrose was not quite enough to prevent Bristol from securing the victory they needed for progression to the knockout stages of the British and Irish Cup.

Among the many outstanding players for Melrose were stand-off Craig Jackson, No.8 Graham Dodds and young scrum half Bruce Colvine, who gave a mature performance. The Greenyards men won the second half 19-7, but paid the price for a difficult first half against the powerful and professional Bristol pack

Moreover, Melrose kicked away far too much possession in the first half hour, helping Bristol to score through winger Anthony Elliott, No.8 Dan Montagu, and wing George Watkin, stand-off Ed Barnes kicking two conversions and a penalty.

Melrose won a fine first half try through Graham Dodds from excellent approach work by Grant Runciman and Nick Beavon and converted by Craig Jackson and then when John Dalziel and Callum Anderson touched down in the second half and Jackson succeeded with one conversion, Melrose were back in it.

Bristol scored a converted try, but Melrose had the final say with a second try for Graham Dodds, Jackson getting the extra points.