Rotherham Titans 7 Melrose 17

Melrose continued their pre-season preparation with a visit to last years English National Division 1 runners up Rotherham Titans.
The home side, who take on Glasgow Warriors next Friday, began strongly, pinning Melrose to their own 22 for the opening minutes of the game. Despite some well organised defending by the visitors Rotherham opened the scoring in the 8th minute, driving over from a line out for a try and adding the conversion. The Melrose pack then warmed to the task with strong driving play by John Dalziell, Stuart Johnson and Graeme Dodds. With a good supply of early ball Robert Chrystie and Scott Ruthven varied their attack and kept Rotherham under pressure for long periods. New boy Glen Stewart, a powerful midfielder, almost scored on his debut by bursting through a number of tackles; however Wayne Mitchell barged over from the ensuing ruck for a try which Scott Ruthven converted.
Half time - Rotherham 7 Melrose 7.
Melrose continued to match their professional rivals in the second half and scored a second try with the best move of the day with lock forward Johnson hitting the line at pace and running fully 30yards before slipping the ball to Callum Anderson who finished the move off in the corner, Scott Wight again converting. Ruthven then added a penalty and the game was played out with Melrose looking the more comfortable side. Although a "friendly " this was a very physical encounter that gave the Melrose coaches plenty to think about as every player involved showed tremendous spirit and work ethic. Craig Chalmers was delighted by the efforts and the standards the players are now setting themselves for what will be a long and testing season in Premier 1.
Rotherham 7 Melrose 17