Melrose 23 - 17 Glasgow Hawks: Melrose bring Hawks winning streak to an end
Scotland on Sunday reports
Published Date: 26 September 2010


By Alan Lorimer
Glasgow Hawks' unbeaten run in the Premiership came to a halt at the Greenyards with defeat by a Melrose side that blended aggression in the forward battle with well organised backline defence, in which Cammy Murray played a key role.
Murray, now in his mid- thirties, showed leadership qualities in the No 12 jersey, and along with namesake Jamie Murray, nullified Hawks midfield runners. Crucially too, Melrose were alert to the constant threat of Glasgow Hawks mercurial runner, Craig Gossman, but it was their overall defensive effort that was so impressive, limiting Hawks.

"Our work-rate in defence was outstanding today," said the Melrose coach, Craig Chalmers.

A penalty apiece by Scott Wight and Andy White kept the scores tied until the beginning of the second quarter when Melrose struck, Fraser Thomson scoring.

Wight converted and added the extra points to a close range score from Wayne Mitchell, the hooker's 84th try for Melrose to equal Robbie Brown's record for a forward, giving the home side a 17-3 interval advantage.

Hawks produced an early second half riposte from a break by Dean Kelbrick, linking from Kris Hamilton and fast finishing from Ker Gossman, brother Craig adding the conversion.

Two penalty goals by Wight extended the Melrose lead leaving Hawks chasing the game in the final quarter. An 81st minute try by skipper Rory McKay and the conversion by Craig Gossman to earn a deserved bonus point.

Scorers: Melrose: Tries: Thomson, W Mitchell. Cons: Wight (2). Pens: Wight (3). Glasgow Hawks: Tries: K Gossman, McKay. Cons: C Gossman (2). Pens: White

Melrose: F Thomson; C Anderson, J Murray, C Murray, A Dodds; S Wight, R Chrystie; N Little, W Mitchell, R Higgins, H Mitchell, G Elder, J Dalziel, G Runciman, G Dodds. Subs used: G Innes, G Holborn, R Miller

Glasgow Hawks: C Gossman; J White, D Kelbrick, T Preece, K Gossman; A White, K Hamilton; A Smith, E Milligan, G Hunter, R Hamilton, A Kirkland, R McKay, B Karalus, R Miller. Subs used: G Strain, G Strang, K Hamilton, R Hair, S Murray

Referee: R Kelly.

This article was originally posted on 26-Sep-2010, 06:25 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 26-Sep-2010, 06:27.