March 23, 2025
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Doubtless there would have been a lot of honest analysis and soul searching this week at training, and the reaction demanded by both coaches and players alike was very evident straight from the referee’s whistle at the Greenyards. Hawick ultimately running out winners by 29-39 over Melrose.
Hawick started as they meant to go on, in dominating possession for the first quarter as their forwards took the game to the ‘Rose pack. The Greens first score coming after 14 mins, as the ever present Andrew Mitchell ran a great line to take a sweet slip pass from Kyle Brunton and go in under the sticks, Kirk Ford converting.
Hawick lost Matt Reid to a hamstring injury soon after, however his replacement Fin Douglas, was next on the score sheet, with his first touch of the ball. From a deft scrum pick up by the outstanding Connor Sutherland, he broke blind, drew his man and fed scrum half Gareth Welsh whose turn of pace saw him leave the Melrose defence in his wake. In copybook style he drew the last defender and popped the pass to cousin Fin Douglas who raced in to score, Ford was just wide with the conversion attempt, 0-12.
Hawick were sitting pretty at this stage however Nicki Little’s tackle in midfield was adjudged high and potentially dangerous by the referee, and his yellow card saw the Greens reduced to 14 for 10 minutes.
Melrose to their credit got themselves back on level terms during this period by scoring two tries themselves, however with halftime approaching and the numbers back to parity, terrific Hawick tackling and a fabulous turnover in midfield by Andrew Mitchell forced Melrose to infringe, and captain Muir asked Kirk Ford to secure the points, which he duly did. 12-15 at halftime.
Following the restart a lapse in defence by the Greens saw Melrose break the line and go in for a converted score. This was followed by a mix up in the Hawick midfield which saw the Melrose #10 intercept and with a deft chip through, Melrose edged further ahead with their fourth try of the day. 24-15.
It was imperative that Hawick got the next score and this duly came when following an attack which took play into the ‘Rose 22, scrum half Gareth Welsh spotted Lee Armstrong and cleverly switched the play. Armstrong’s dummy gave him the extra yard of space and he stretched out to touchdown, much to the delight of his teammates. Kirk Ford was on target with the extras 24-22.
Hawick were really starting to up the tempo now and a fine break by Armstrong and a lovely pop pass to his centre partner, saw Mitchell break several tackles to secure Hawick’s bonus point try and more importantly the lead. Ford was once again on target with the conversion 24-29.
As the game moved into the final quarter Hawick, won another penalty and captain Muir asked his fullback to kick the penalty, thus giving the Greens an 8 point cushion, at 24-32.
Melrose to their credit kept probing and asking questions of the Greens defence but the line held firm, and a timely, sweetly struck 50/22 by Kirk Ford took play back into the Rose 22.
From the ensuing line-out Hawick ramped up the pressure as they chased another score, and after earning a penalty another line-out which saw hooker Fraser Renwick hit his jumper once again The Greens set up the maul and Renwick who had started the play, was on hand at the back to the drive to muscle his way over for the touchdown. Ford once again adding the extras 24-39.
As the clock wound down Melrose again were able to move the ball wide and found an opening to score their 5th try taking the score to 29-39. Thereafter the Hawick lads managed the remaining few minutes and as the whistle went for full time, it was job done for the men in Green and the satisfaction of a seasons double over their great Border rivals.
Following a challenging week for the club, this was ultimately a very pleasing performance full of character and desire from the full squad. Preparations will now begin for our Friday Night Lights fixture at Mansfield Park this weekend against Currie Chieftains. 🏉💚