Haddington 3 v Melrose 38
With both sides unable to play Premier League matches on Saturday due to unplayable pitches, this presented an opportunity to replay the Border League match cancelled in early January again due to the pitch being unplayable.
Despite the thawing snow, the Neilson Park pitch was once again unplayable and thanks to the generosity of Dunbar RFC the match was switched to Hawhill. This did mean that the Scarlets gave up home advantage but this was considered worthwhile to ensure both teams could get a meaningful fixture ahead of the anticipated return to league duty next week.
The game started in bright clear conditions, though a steady biting wind did no favours to the hardy supporters of both teams who turned up in decent numbers despite the short notice.
Melrose started strongly showing their early intent with some strong forward play and looking to move ball quickly whenever the opportunity arose. The first penalty of the match went to the Scarlets after 4 mins and this allowed the lines to be cleared after the early Melrose pressure. Haddington started to get on terms up front and the forwards went on to at least match the Melrose forwards for much of rest of the game.
After 8 mins Melrose won good line-out ball in the Haddington 22 and strong driving by the forwards took them over for the first score which was duly converted for an early lead. Haddington 0 Melrose 7
A second try followed in quick fashion as the Reds lost ball in midfield and Melrose move it wide for second try on 12 mins- again converted. Haddington 0 Melrose 14.
The Scarlets continued to battle and some good play took them into Melrose 22 and rewarded with a penalty in front of the postsfor offside. Bell duly converted on 16 mins to reduce the gap. Haddington 3 Melrose 14.
The next 15 mins sees an even exchange with both sides looking to move ball and the Scarlets enjoying more possession. However on 31 mins Melrose score their third try in a similar catch and drive move from a line-out and again convert. Haddington 3 Melrose 21.
The Scarlets lost Brownlee to a head knock forcing a shuffle with Bell moving to 10 and Haenga coming on at scrum half.
The final score of the half goes to Melrose on 38 mins after weak defence and missed tackles lead to a soft score for the visitors.
Half Time: Haddington 3 Melrose 26
The second half gets under way with the Scarlets now enjoying the wind at their back and some some good field kicking from both Mark and Watt help to keep Melrose pinned back in their own half. Haddington enjoy their best spell of the game in the first 20 mins of the second half easily securing the bulk of possession and territory but crucially are unable to convert the pressure into points.
The next score goes to Melrose on 63 mins as a Scarlets attack in the opposition 22 breaks down and Melrose hack the ball upfield, winning the chase to the line for the touch down, against the run of play at that stage. The conversion is again successful. Haddington 3 Melrose 33.
This score seems to spur Melrose on who proceed to dominate the next 10 to 15 mins of the game securing their final try on 70 mins. This time the conversion is missed. Haddington 3 Melrose 38.
The final few minutes sees the Scarlets pressing the Melrose line but the defence holds firm and an error from the Scarlets sees the opportunity lost as the Ref blows for full time.
Full Time: Haddington 3 Melrose 38
There is no doubt that this was a very good workout for both teams after lengthy lay offs and hopefully from the Scarlets point of view this will stand us in good stead ahead of the visit of Peebles to Neilson Park this Saturday. No doubt the coaches will be working hard on certain aspects of the play ahead of this important league match.
The Peebles match kicks off at 2.00pm and as always the players would welcome a large and vociferous support to cheer them on.




















































