Heriot's 24-31 Melrose

May 4 2008 David Kelso Reports

FORMER Scotland hero Craig Chalmers returned to Murrayfield and inspired his classy Melrose side to a stunning victory over Heriot's in the SHE Cup.

The 1990 Grand Slam star couldn't hide his delight as he watched his men seal the trophy with a devastating first-half display.

And he dedicated their success to banned stars John Dalziel and Kieran Cooney.

The players were ruled out after being controversially found guilty of a stamping offence in a clash with Boroughmuir.

And Chalmers said: "The guys produced a tremendous display and I'm sure they were driven on by what happened to John and Kieran.

"There is a strong belief they were treated unjustly by the SRU and there is no doubt the situation inspired the team."

Heriot's had no reply to Melrose's pace and power which Chalmers' men used with devastating effect.

At no stage of the tussle did the hapless Edinburgh side look like mounting resistance - despite four late consolation tries.

Heriot's coach Rob McKillop admitted: "We were never in the hunt when it mattered.

"Melrose were much hungrier and deserved their victory. However, we provided some entertainment."

Melrose piled up their first 14 points in as many minutes.

Full-back Jordan Macey broke the deadlock following excellent work by winger Calum Anderson.

Soon after Heriot's stand-off Murray Strang could only look on as his pass was intercepted by David Whiteford who cruised home.

That was the cue for Chalmers troops to take a breather but they clicked back into gear as Anderson slid over in the wake of a slick move.

On the stroke of half-time former pro hooker Wayne Mitchell was driven over for try No.4. Scott Wight stepped up to bang over the wide-angled kick for another successful conversion.

After the interval Melrose opted to take a pot at goal when Heriot's were penalised for offside.

Wight defied the breezy conditions to rattle up another three points.

With the cup in the bag Melrose eased off and allowed Heriot's to claim two tries in three minutes.

First, Cammy Goodall hurtled through after a feed from Colin Goudie.

Then sub prop Innes Brown scored and Graeme Wilson converted

Oliver Brown and James Thomson salvaged some more pride for the Goldenacre troops with efforts in the dying seconds - with Wilson goaling the second.