Rugby: Stew-Mel are left teetering on the brink

STEWART'S-MELVILLE could have their relegation to Scottish Hydro Premier Two confirmed as early as this coming weekend after they lost heavily to a James Fleming-inspired Dundee HSFP on Saturday.

The Inverleith men can not be faulted for the effort and commitment that they have put in this term, but they have now conceded 215 points in the last four Premier One outings after a 52-5 reverse at Mayfield.

It means that bottom of the table Stewart's-Melville are now 19 points behind third-bottom side Boroughmuir with only four matches to play and anything less than a bonus point win over Watsonians at Myreside this weekend will see their return to Premier Two confirmed.

On Saturday, Fleming, who this time last year was turning out for Perthshire, bagged three tries and four conversions to lead his side to a comfortable victory. Ross Lemon also scored two tries with Richie Hawkins, Harry Duthie and Matt Smith also crossing.

Jed Gordon got the visitors' only points with a try.

In Premier Two, Haddington suffered a 53-12 loss at GHA to leave them just four points ahead of the relegation zone. There was better news in Premier Three for Musselburgh though as they secured a 26-8 home win over Hamilton.

The victory moves them nine points above second-bottom Garnock, although the latter have two matches in hand.

And Currie were indebted to club international squad members Ross Weston and Andy MacMahon as they edged past Hawick in the Premier Cup.

The 2006 finalists won 25-22 at Malleny Park with the duo scoring tries along with Stewart Walker to just see off the Borderers and go into the draw for round two which takes place this week.