It was a break from league duty as Melrose were the visitors on cup duty on Saturday.

The wind and rain of the previous couple of days had relented and playing conditions were near perfect.

After some early exchanges it was the visitors who started to take a grip of the match exerting pressure through relentless waves of attack as the Scarlets stuggled to get their hands on the ball. After 7 minutes the pressure paid of as a missed tackle allowed Melrose centre Murray to claim the first score of the day. The conversion was added by Ford.

Haddington 0 Melrose 7

The visitors were quickly back on the attack retaining ball well and a simple move through the hands resulted in their second try after 10 minutes. The conversion was missed.

Haddington 0 Melrose 12

The home side dug in deep and on 20 minutes created an excellent scoring chance of their own after a great break in midfield but the move eventually broke down with the line beckoning. Upping their game the Reds go again and win a penalty that is kicked to touch deep in the visitors 22, but good defence keeps the line intact.

The Reds are now enjoying much more ball and from a scrum in the 22 move ball and head to the posts only to be penalised and allow Melrose to clear to touch.

On 32 minutes the Scarlets are again in the visitors 22 pressing for their opening score but a silly kick allows Melrose to regain the ball and after several good phases work their way up the park to create their third try of the day. The conversion is missed.

Haddington 0 Melrose 17

From the restart the Reds are again determined and turn the visitors over in midfield to set up a breakaway that goes through the hands for winger Leggat to score on 34 minutes. King adds the conversion for good measure.

Haddington 7 Melrose 17

On 37 minutes second row Caulfield is yellow carded and from the resulting penalty Melrose opt for a scrum in front of the posts. With options on both sides, quick ball through the hands sees the man advantage count to score out wide. The conversion is missed as the ref signals half time.

Half Time: Haddington 7 Melrose 22

The first 10 minutes of the second half are all Melrose but the Reds defend well despite being a man down to keep the line intact. Caulfield returns to the play but within a minute the Scarlets suffer their second yellow of the day as Morrison is sent for a rest on the touchline.

Melrose make the advantage count again on 54 minutes to score close to the posts despite a blatent knock on that the ref misses. The conversion is good to extend the lead further.

Haddington 7 Melrose 29

A few minutes later the game is stopped for an injury to Haddington flanker Paterson which requires an ambulance. After a full 10 minute delay the game restarts and with Morrision returning the the fray the Reds are at full numbers for the first time in almost 20 minutes.

Melrose are applying the pressure again, but solid Haddington defence keeps the line intact. On 75 minutes the pressure pays off for the vistors who squeeze in at the corner. The conversion is missed.

Haddington 7 Melrose 34

The remaining 5 minutes is all Haddington and good ball retention and right options get the home side deep into the Melrose 22 setting up Caulfield to barge through close to the posts in the last minute to score. King adds the conversion to bring the scoring and the match to a close.

Full Time: Haddington 14 Melrose 34

While the Reds were never likely to win this game, the performance was a huge improvement on the previous week. The home side contributed to an open and entertaining game of rugby and can take great credit for matching Melrose for long spells of the game. The Reds will be looking to build on this for the remaining league games and similar performances will yield the required results.

There is no match next Saturday. The cup match v Ardrossan being postponed with the blessing of the SRU in light of the clubs centenary dinner this Friday. The Reds will return to action the following week with a home league match against Dalziel.