Perthshire 12 - 24 Melrose: Melrose leave it late to show class

MELROSE coach Craig Chalmers rushed his players into the dressing room after a Scottish Cup win at the North Inch that was too close for comfort. The Premiership 3 side had the visitors on the rack when they took the lead and again when they pulled the deficit back to two points. But a late try from Grant Runciman and a Scott Wight penalty eased Melrose into the semi-finals.

Perthshire's up-and-at-them tactics had Melrose worried for long spells and the home pack drove their opponents back, a policy which surprised everyone.

Melrose had learned a salutary lesson from Selkirk, who had scraped through two years ago, but Perthshire made it difficult for them.

Wight missed three crucial kicks at goal and Craig Jackson, Jamie Murray and Wayne Mitchell were denied in the second half. However, Perthshire's commitment often troubled the visitors.

It was the furthest that Perthshire had gone in the competition and they took the lead with a Gary Coull try, converted by Kier Doe in 26 minutes.

The score woke Melrose up and they stepped up a gear with tries from Murray and Gary Elder, both converted by Wight. Melrose dominated at the start of the second half, but Perthshire weathered the storm and when Gavin Bloice pounced on a loose ball for a scrum, it was game-on.

Melrose used their experience and Runciman put the tie beyond doubt with five minutes left. Wight converted and added a penalty – but it had been a near thing.