Rugby: Coach McKillop gracious in defeat at last home game

Departing Heriot's coach Bob McKillop magnanimously conceded that his side had lost to a superior side after the Goldenacre men exited the Premier Cup at the hands of Melrose.

The 39-24 scoreline tells the story of an open game between two squads intent on playing expansive rugby, and McKillop believes there will be more entertainment when yesterday's victors travel to meet Currie in the semi final on Saturday.

"We were beaten by a better team", he said. "I thought Melrose were excellent. I am really pleased with the bravery of our guys. Right to the end they defended their own goal line then went up the other end and scored a try.

"But I thought they were a better team. Looking forward, I would say that anyone who doubts the quality of Scottish club rugby should be at Malleny Park next week to watch Currie play Melrose because that will be a cracking game."

McKillop also praised the contribution of match referee David Changleng, whose air of calm authority ensured a hotly contested match remained firmly under control, as evidenced by a single-figure penalty count.

Melrose wasted no time in setting about the task of booking a spot in the last four of the competition. And, after dominating the early exchanges, the Borderers made the breakthrough when influential stand-off Scott Wight sent Alan Dodds clear for the opening try.

It took a committed effort by the under-pressure Heriot's defence to keep the visitors at bay until Ross Miller took a quick penalty and dived over after an offence at the breakdown that earned Heriot's replacement hooker Kevin Bryce ten minutes in the sin bin. Wight converted then slotted a penalty to cap a torrid opening half hour for McKillop's men.

Their first attack of note came a minute before the break when Jordan Kohn powered his way into opposition territory and the ball was recycled to Jason Hill who raced round behind the posts to leave Graham Wilson a simple conversion. However, instead of consolidating their position, the Capital outfit allowed Melrose to regain possession and Garry Holborn drove over for his side's third try, with Wight slotting the conversion for a 22-7 interval lead.

The second half resumed in the same vein and Joe Helps was on Wight's shoulder to take a scoring pass for what was the decisive try, with the creator also adding the extra two points.

To their credit, Heriot's refused to capitulate and Bryce plunged over from close range for a converted try. However, the response was a fine converted score by impressive Melrose flanker Grant Runciman. The scoring continued when Max Nimmo finished a slick handling move by touching down in the corner for a third Heriot's try that brought to an end a whirlwind third quarter.

Wight contributed the rest of his side's points when he booted a penalty six minutes from time but there was still time for one more contribution from the beaten hosts, with Colin Goudie darting over for a consolation.

The performance of Melrose confirmed the benefits of being involved in the British & Irish Cup, as McKillop acknowledged, adding, "It's not a coincidence. The boys find that they have another level inside them and the B&I Cup takes them out of their comfort zone.

"I thought Melrose's control of the ball was excellent and I think that their composure on the ball and their energy and intensity are probably down to the B&I Cup, although they have been a good side for five years in any case."

The loss marked McKillop's last home match in charge at Heriot's - they have two away matches before the end of the season - after five years at the helm, with work and family commitments now taking precedence. However, he may still have some input into the coaching set-up at Goldenacre next season if those commitments permit.

"I have three kids under the age of seven and a new job. I am very busy at work," he explained. "It is a huge privilege for me to have coached here for five years knowing the tradition and culture of Heriot's. It's a real wrench for me to leave but I just feel it's something I've got to do. I'm quite keen to stay involved and the club are quite keen for me to stay involved. I am not going to any other club. If I am involved in rugby it will be at Heriot's."

Scorers:

Heriot's: Tries: Hill, K Bryce, Nimmo, Goudie. Cons: Wilson (2).

Melrose: Tries: Dodds, Miller, Holborn, Helps, Runciman. Cons: Wight (4). Pens: Wight (2).

Heriot's: C Goudie, G Bryce, M Learmonth, J Kohn, M Nimmo, C Ferguson, G Wilson, A Dymock, S Burnett, G Camrton, M Reid, C Osazuwa, J Hill, L Seydak, J Syme. Subs used: K Bryce, P Eccles, G Walker, M Goldie, J-P Ward

Melrose: F Thomson, C Anderson, J Murray, J Helps, A Dodds, S Wight, R Chrystie, N Beavon, W Mitchell, G Holborn, G Elder, H Mitchell, J Dalziel, G Runciman, R Miller. Subs Used: C Murray, N Little, S McCormick, G Innes, R Ovens

Referee: D Changleng (Gala)