Melrose join forces with racecourse in supporter drive

MELROSE have launched an innovative relationship with horse racing in a bid to build on their success and attract more supporters to club rugby this season.

The Scottish Premier One champions of last season have agreed a tie-up with Kelso racecourse where Melrose RFC members will be able to take in four race meetings over the season at Kelso for half-price, while Kelso Races members can take in four matches at the Greenyards for half-price, including the British and Irish Cup game with Bedford.

Melrose RFC director of rugby Mike Dalgetty explained: "We are always looking for different ways to attract people to the club and this idea seemed like a good one to try.

"We have supporters who like the racing and vice versa, and Kelso Races were delighted to work with us and see if it works.

"We want to promote rugby as far and wide as possible. Our membership has held up quite well recently, but I think it's important to build on success.

"At the same time you have to recognise that these are hard times for people and so you have to go that extra yard to make a membership seem worthwhile, and reward supporters who are loyal rather than just expect them to turn up.

"We've been through a lot in Scottish rugby, but, ultimately, we want the rugby club to be at the heart of the community again, a place where people of all ages and interests can go for some entertainment, socialising and enjoyment."

The Borders club has also renewed its sponsorship with Edinburgh Audi, which is linked up with the deal with Kelso Races and will see a joint sponsorship of a novice hurdle race on 4 December. Richard Landale, managing director of Kelso Races Ltd, said: "We hope there will be mutual benefit for all organisations.

"I see it as a very positive move where sporting organisations and business come together to assist each other. It is our desire that this should become a sustainable relationship into the future."

Marking the sponsorship, Edinburgh Audi will host a 'Test Drive Event' with 20 cars at the Greenyards on 11 September.

On the pitch, Melrose have lost Calum Anderson and Brodie Runciman to teaching jobs further afield, Craig Jackson to a scholarship at Hartpury College and Nicky Little back to Hawick, but have recruited over the summer by bringing in prop Chris Keen from Kelso, hooker Alun Walker (Currie/Edinburgh), Australian lock Dallas Pawley (Italy), back row Peter Eccles (Heriot's) to strengthen the pack and backs Andrew Skeen (Watsonians), Bruce Dick (Gala) and Will Massey (Tynedale).