Hawick welcomed Melrose to Mansfield Park on Friday night, for the first time in 3 seasons, in a Border League clash that would go a long way to deciding which of the two sides would remain in contention to lift the title.

With the Inter-District championship now in full swing, although both sides had received the call, Hawick’s representation for the South meant that this was a somewhat new look Hawick side looking to keep the Greens challenge on track.

Led by Stuart Graham, (himself very unlucky to miss out on South selection), the Greens took the field, and knew immediately they were in for a stiff challenge, as a clever kick and chase into the corner, immediately put Melrose on the scoreboard 0-7.

The Greens then weathered the early pressure from the Greenyards men, gradually finding their feet, and as they saw more possession, they worked their way into the Melrose 22, where a strong drive brought the inevitable score as they forced there way over the line…. being credited with the touchdown, which made it 5-7.

The Greens were now starting to gel and the second home try came from a strong forward drive, after which the ball was switched left by Gareth Welsh to see fullback Ryan Purves cut a beautiful line to take the pass and race through the defence, Bailey Donaldson seeing his conversion slip wide. 10-7.

As half time approached Hawick poured on the pressure and their third try came in a similar fashion as forwards and backs worked in harmony to gain territory. Swift handling then saw captain Graham draw the man and slip his pass to Morgan Tait in space. Tait with plenty still to do, took the defence wide before stepping back inside to force his way over for a great score. Donaldson being very unlucky from wide out striking the upright with the conversion.

Melrose may have thought they could get back into the dressing room and regroup but the Greens had other ideas and they drove back up to the Melrose 22. Tom Hope, immense on the night drove to within a metre of the Melrose line and terrific support saw fellow prop Ru Macleod pick up and dive over. Donaldson uncharacteristically slicing the conversion wide. Halftime 20-7.

The second half opening in torrential rain and it quickly became a master class in defence by the Greens as Melrose tried everything to get a foothold in the game, but to no avail. The Greens were in no mood to give up any more points, and as they rang the changes off the bench, an astute kicking game and some excellent and ordered defence saw the game out for the win.

With Gala’s last gasp win at Riverside Park, it means that Hawick need only a point from their final game against the Maroons at Netherdale, although the date of that encounter is yet to be finalised.

This was an excellent performance from a young Hawick side who hadn’t really had the opportunity to train or play together before the game. However the lads worked together, kept their structure and were clinical when created opportunities, which ultimately saw them through for an hard fought and much deserved win. 🏉💚