MELROSE hopes of retaining their RBS Premiership crown took a huge blow when they were beaten 35-29 by Stirling County at The Greenyards.
Craig Robertson grabbed a double as Gala’s powerful second half showing secured victory at Heriots 34-19.
In the National League, Selkirk and Hawick just about kept in touch with runaway leaders Watsonians. The Souters defeated Kelso 15-11 thanks to tries by Darren Clapperton and Neil Darling, while the Teries thumped Stewart’s Meville 55-21, with Rory Hutton on top form.
A hat-trick by Gregor Young was not enough for Jed-Forest, whose 39-22 defeat at Hillhead Jordanhill means they remain rooted to the bottom of the National League.
In the Championship League B, Peebles pulled off a superb win at home to Musselburgh, with Greg Raeburn’s kicking vital in the 23-15 triumph, and Hawick YM drew 13-all at Kirkcaldy.
Elsewhere, Langholm lost to Berwick, Hawick Quins defeated Gala YM, and Hawick Wanderers maintained their 100 per cent record in the Semi-Junior League with a comfortable win against Peebles Colts.
Read full match reports in this week’s Southern.