MELROSE head coach John Dalziel praised the battling qualities of his side after they came from 10 points behind to win their BT Premiership play-off semi-final with Ayr at Millbrae yesterday.
The Borderers, who are the reigning champions, will take on Heriot's in the final on April 25 at Goldenacre, the latter having beaten Currie in their last-four clash.
After watching his side come through a tense encounter 22-20, Dalziel said: "I thought the composure the guys showed and the never-say-die attitude was superb. Nobody panicked when we went 20-10 down and all week we had talked about how much we wanted to win this one for the supporters and everyone connected with the club."
At Millbrae, Ayr went 3-0 up early on against Melrose thanks to a penalty by Ross Curle. Joe Helps made it 3-3 with a penalty of his own and then after a good team move, Cammy Taylor's try put Ayr 8-3 up. Grant Runciman then scored a converted try to put Melrose in front for the first time 10-8.
That was the half-time score, but Ayr came out flying in the second half. Tries from Dean Kelbrick and Robbie Fergusson put the hosts 20-10 up before Melrose fought back.
A penalty try with 14 minutes to go was followed by a try by Murdo McAndrew as Melrose booked their final spot.
At Goldenacre, Heriot's came out on top, overcoming Currie 17-13.
A penalty from Joe Reynolds put Currie 3-0 up after 10 minutes before Graham Wilson's effort for Heriot's tied things up.
In the 21st minute Heriot's took the lead when they scored a converted try. Captain Jack Turley was the scorer with Wilson kicking over the extras and it was 10-3.
Reynolds kicked a second penalty for Currie, but a Colin Goudie converted try put Heriot's 17-6 to the good at half time.
In the second half a great try by Peter Murchie for Currie, converted by Reynolds, made it 17-13 and that's how it stayed.
In the last BT Premiership regular season match Glasgow Hawks saw off Stirling County 22-16 at Old Anniesland.
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