Rugby: Melrose step it up to deny Heriot's in high-scoring Greenyards encounter

Heriot's had their Premiership title aspirations dented when they lost to Melrose in a 14 try points-fest at the Greenyards.

The match looked over at the break, with the Goldenacre men trailing 36-10, but they rallied to reignite the contest before the hosts stepped on the gas once more to chalk up a 55-36 win and move into pole position in the race for the silverware.

Struan Dewar, Scott Burnett, Pete Eccles, Max Learmonth had a try apiece for the Capital outfit, while Edinburgh pro James King was also on the score sheet against his former side.

Edinburgh Accies made an impressive start to their bid for a place in the top four of Premier B and a return to the top flight. Skipper Dan Teague led from the front, scoring the opening try, as the Raeburn Place men posted a 31-22 win at home to Selkirk.

Watsonians also posted an Edinburgh win over Borders opposition when they beat Gala 29-24. The Myreside men netted all five league points with Ben Di Rollo, Niall Dennis, Alan Nash, Kian Coertze and Andrew Skeen all claiming a try apiece while Jamie Forbes booted two conversions.

Stewart's Melville extended their run of improved form when they eased to a 56-24 win over Jedforest at Inverleith. Sevens international Scott Riddell marked his return to the club with a hat trick.

Musselburgh coach Brian Hughes had urged his men to boost their Division Three survival bid by building on their spirited effort in the second half of the cup tie with Dundee High the previous week. But, despite trailing Ardrossan Accies only 11-6 at half time, 'Burgh fell short and eventually succumbed 30-9.

There were better fortunes for Haddington as they saw off Cartha Queens Park 14-10. Two penalties by Ross King gave the Scarlets a 6-3 interval led, and he added a further three points, while Graeme Dykes snatched a crucial try.