February 23, 2025
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The Greens backed up their fine performance of last week, by turning in another stunning and consummately professional second half performance this weekend, to run out deserved winner 36-17, over their Border rivals Melrose in this postponed Premiership clash.
Although giving the Greens faithful some cause for concern in the first half, with only a solitary Kirk Ford penalty being Hawick’s reply to two smartly taken Melrose tries, it fell to the experienced head of Lee Armstrong with a very smart chip and chase to calm the nerves as the half came to a close. His try beautifully converted from the touchline by Ford to make the score 10-12 at the half.
As the second period began, two points down agan and playing into the wind, the Greens then proceeded to put on a master class in both defence and attack, as they turned the game in their favour, with some irresistible rugby. Such was the level of accuracy and cohesion throughout the Hawick side, that the second 40 saw them outscored their opponents by 4 tries to one with a fine committed display. Captain Shawn Muir was first onto the scoresheet in the second period, with a smart pickup and drive over, much to the delight of his team mates. Hawick taking the lead 15-12.
Next up, following smart work by winger Matt Reid, was a great try by lock, Hughie Donaldson, and seeing the smile on his face as he galloped in from distance was a joy to behold. Kirk Ford added the extras to make it 22-12.
The Greens were playing some irresistible rugby by this point and another great break by Kirk Ford, saw him find scrum half Logan Henry on his inside shoulder and our wee Kiwi managed to out-sprint the Melrose cover to dot down under the sticks for the bonus point try. Ford converting to put the Greens in the driving seat at 29-12.
Melrose briefly interrupted the Greens flow when following an unfortunate slip they hacked the ball up the field and although Dalton Redpath made a valiant chase, the pace of the ‘Rose fullback saw him win the race for the touchdown. 29-17.
Hawick however were in no mood to let the momentum slow, and having marched Melrose back up the park, following a solid scrum in front of the Melrose posts, Grant Huggan found Andrew Mitchell with a slick pass and there was no stopping the big centre as he brushed off the Melrose defence to touchdown under the posts for Hawick’s 5th try of the afternoon, and his 14th of the season. Final score following Ford’s successful kick 36-17.
So ‘back to back’ Premiership bonus point wins for the Greens now sets them up for the challenge of another tough Border derby as they will prepare for their visit to Poynder Park and a resurgent Kelso side, next Saturday.🏉💚