Watsonians 26 - 13 Stewart's Melville: Stew-Mel drop but Sonians fight on

STEWART'S MELVILLE'S return to Scottish Hydro Premiership 2 was confirmed while Watsonians gave their own survival hopes a boost after an open and entertaining match at Myreside on Saturday.

The win with a bonus point leaves 'Sonians second bottom, three points behind Selkirk, and although they know they will have to play better if they are to get enough points from their last four matches to stay up it was a step in the right direction.

Stewart's Melville fought to the end, as they have done all term, but a lack of experience and composure as well defensive frailties have been their downfall in the top flight over the last few months.

The hosts had the win all but wrapped up by the break, tries from back-row Gavin Callander, scrum-half Jamie Blackwood and winger Ali Rowe putting them 19-5 up at the interval.

Teenage full-back Jamie Forbes, who had a mixed afternoon but is improving week on week, bagged Watsonians fourth try and the bonus point two minutes into the second half to send them into four away games on something of a high. For the hosts Callander showed the grit and determination that will be needed if they are to stay up and second-row Harris Grant once again impressed.

For Stewart's Melville, who had three props injured during the afternoon, teenage stand-off Ross Grant showed glimpses of his talent and back-row Lewis Calder fought hard, but it was in vain.

Scorers: Watsonians: Tries: Callander, Blackwood, Rowe, Forbes. Cons: M Ker 3.

Stewart's Melville: Tries: Borthwick, Cox. Pen: S Ker.

Watsonians: J Forbes; A Rowe, D Brown, C Sorbie, M Learmonth; M Ker, J Blackwood; N Hart, G Walsh, K Coertze, H Grant, T Weizman, G Callander, N Dennis, M Fedo. Subs used: S Trotter, G Scott, J Duthie, G Somerville, N Tunnah.

Stewart's Melville: R Borthwick; M Doneghan, A Cox, C Marshall, J Gordon; R Grant, S Ker; J Charles, S Blackwood, R Merrilees, B Leathes, A Lean, B Tweedie, L Calder, R Sutherland. Subs used: A Edmonstone, C MacIntosh, C Sutherland, A Fraser, C Williams.

Referee: G Knox.