Peter Wright’s Hawks soon found themselves under siege and conceded their first try when Scott Aitken romped in under the posts. Craig Chalmers then produced some delightful slight of hand to release Karne Kaufana for a second touchdown and Geoff Caldwell polished off an incisive foray a minute later. Wright was understandably incandescent at the ease with which his charges were being ripped apart.
However, Chalmers was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on Mike Adamson, who had kicked two penalties, and Hawks replied with the first of two tries from Steve Begley.
A penalty for replacement Scott Ruthven made it 27-13 for Melrose before Begley’s second try on the stroke of the interval.
Although Swindall released Greg Francis for an excellent try, Chalmers and his team reasserted their authority. Graham Dodds capped a break in the 70th minute, and Melrose had secured a famous win against the champions.
Melrose: J Murphy, G Caldwell, J Murray, K Kaufana, M Robertson (S Ruthven 32min), C Chalmers, S Shiel, R Higgins, W Mitchell, I Cornwall, G Dodds (R Miller 75min), S Aitken (A Clark 59min), S Johnson, Jim Murray, C Sutherland
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Glasgow Hawks: S Low, W Henry, A Maclay (R Munday 72min), R Munday (C Shaw 55min), C Shaw (K Sinclair 45min), M Adamson, R McKnight, E Milligan, F Thomson, G Mories, S Begley, R Maxton, S Forrest (S Swindall 25min), G Francis, M Fitch (S Forrest 60min)
Scorers: Melrose: Tries: Aitken, Kaufana, Caldwell, Dodds. Cons: Chalmers (3). Pens: Chalmers, Ruthven
Glasgow Hawks: Tries: Begley (2), Francis. Cons: Adamson (2). Pens: Adamson (2)
Referee: A Williamson (Hawick)