Hawick 14 - Melrose 19
Sep
Hawick's previous two matches against Ayr and Boroughmuir have been a case of so near but yet so far and they can consider themselves very unfortunate to emerge with only two bonus points to show for all their effort. The margin between success and failure is very small and the visit of Border rivals Melrose to Mansfield Park presented the ideal opportunity to show the big crowd that they are up there with the best and come away with their first league victory of the season.
On yet another lovely afternoon for open running rugby, Hawick took play to Melrose from the start and got their just reward with two well struck penalties from Rory Hutton. It was then the Melrose turn to pile on the pressure and despite great defence from Hawick, Melrose eventually managed to force their way over for the first try of the afternoon. A penalty from the visitors took them into a 8-6 lead. A break from the Hawick forwards took play into the Melrose twenty two, the ball was released to the backs and the Hogg brothers. Graham making the initial break and Stuart finishing off in fine style and a half time lead of 11 points to 8.
Hawick started the second half as they finished the first and were unlucky not to score again with some fine moves from the backs. Graham Hogg slotted a dropped goal to extend Hawick's lead to 14-8. Hawick then conceded a rather soft try to Melrose which reduced Hawick's lead to one point. Melrose converted to important penalties to complete the scoring. Hawick fought to the final whistle and could have grabbed the match winning try but Melrose hung on to record a 19 points to 14 victory. As in recent weeks Hawick missed some vital kicks at goal which cost them dearly. Stuart Hogg again showed he has the big match temperament with some fine breaks from centre ably assisted by brother Graham. Rory Hutton also emerged with plus points with a good match at stand off.
Team:- 15. Neil Renwick, 14. Gary Johnstone, 13. Stuart Hogg, 12. Graham Hogg, 11. Steven Anderson, 10. Rory Hutton, 9. Greg Cottrell, 1. Bruce McNeil (Capt), 2. Matt Landels, 3. Sean Linton, 4. Craig Charters, 5. Michael Robertson, 6. Nick McTaggart, 7. Danny Landels, 8. David Lowrie.
Replacements:- 16. Keith Davies, 17. Alistair Marsh, 18. Lindsey Gibson, 19. John Coutts, 20. Alex Dunbar
