Melrose look for solace in Border League final

Melrose lost their grip on the RBS Premiership after two seasons of success, but defeated Gala in the cup semi-final to reach Murrayfield for an unprecedented fifth time in six years. They succumbed, however, to Ayr on Saturday in a dramatic extra-time denouement, with Cammy Taylor grabbing a last-gasp try deep into injury-time to seal a 28-25 win.

Coach Craig Chalmers has had to lift his side again for the latest chapter in the long-running rivalry with Gala, as he hands over the reins to John Dalziel. He will make his last appearance as a player tonight, along with long-serving hooker Wayne Mitchell, one of the most dynamic performers in club rugby over the past decade.

Melrose RFC president John Reed was full of praise for the team’s efforts against Ayr, and insisted that the players would be able to recover in mind and spirit in time for tonight’s clash. “I have the utmost admiration for both sets of players that contested the 2013 RBS Cup final,” he said. “It was a true gladiatorial affair, with both teams going hammer and tongs at each other, not just for 80 minutes but a full 104. We now have the task of repairing the aching bodies and getting the mindset back in order for the final against Gala.

“If they are fit to play, this will be the last game for Wayne Mitchell and John Dalziel. I wish them both well and thank them for all their playing efforts for Melrose, and I wish Craig Chalmers all the very best as he moves on in his career and future coaching commitments at Chinnor RFC.”