The Scotsman reports

Boroughmuir take bonus and barge eight points clear in championship race
DOMESTIC ROUND-UP
DAVID KELSO

EMOTIONAL Boroughmuir stepped up their title charge in memory of Bruce Hay, one of the club's most distinguished former players, by thumping capital rivals Heriot's 35-17 at Goldenacre.

A minute's silence was observed in tribute to the former Scotland hero, who died after a long illness, aged 57, earlier this week.

Muir were inspired to bag another precious bonus point thanks to tries by Olo Brown, Neil Drapper, Graeme McCallum, Malcolm Clapperton and Andy Hadden. Elgan O'Donnell weighed in with a string of pinpoint kicks to complete the rout.

James Thompson and Garrett Newman went over for Heriot's, with Murray Strang converting both and adding a penalty.

Melrose continued their stunning start to the campaign by snuffing out the challenge of Watsonians by 24-16 at Myreside.

The home troops appeared to be in control as they led 12 minutes from time, but Melrose stepped up the pace when it mattered. Their scores came from Wayne Mitchell and Glen Stewart, however it was the accuracy of Scott Wight that made all the difference.

The most amazing fightback of the day came at Mansfield Park, where Hawick snatched the glory against champions Currie - thanks to Dan Landels.

His clinching try came in the sixth minute of stoppage time after the visitors had been 24-3 ahead with 13 minutes left. The effort also completed his double, the other Greens counters coming from Neil Renwick and Rory Hutton, while Craig Neish goaled all four and banged over a penalty. Andy Binikos, Geoff Caldwell and Ian Downie had burst through for Currie, Jonny Smith booting their other points in vain.

Glasgow Hawks again looked jittery as they edged out Stirling County 20-19 in an untidy tussle at Bridgehaugh.

Their crucial touchdowns were claimed by Stevie Gordon and Stuart Low, with Mike Adamson stroking both conversions and two vital penalties. The County try came from David Adamson in the dying seconds, which he converted to add to his drop-goal. The rest came from the boot of Jon Hope.

Another dramatic finale unfolded at Mayfield where a last-gasp Tom Stewart try earned a 20-19 success for Edinburgh Accies against Dundee HSFP. The other Accies touchdowns were supplied by Ross Browne and Dan Teague, with David Blair's kicks ultimately proving important. Allan Hay broke through twice for the Taysiders, both goaled by Barry Jones. But he couldn't add the extras to Euan Grewar's effort.

Newly promoted GHA battled to secure a share of the spoils in a dour 16-16 draw with Ayr at Braidholm.

Premier Division 2 leaders Haddington crashed at Philiphaugh with Selkirk coming back from 17-15 at half time to win 27-22. That defeat means that, with a bonus point 32-8 win over Cartha, West join Haddington at the top of the table. Biggar and Jed fought out a 16-16 draw at Hartreemill while at Laigh Bent Stewarts Melville beat Hamilton 38-10.

Aberdeen Grammar picked up a bonus point with five tries in beating Musselburgh 36-0, and at Hughenden, Hillhead Jordanhill lost 11-9 to Kelso

This article was posted on 7-Oct-2007, 07:37 by Hugh Barrow.