RUGBY TENS TROPHY

GUESTS Northampton picked up the Preston Lodge Rugby Tens Trophy, beating Melrose 12-7 in the final yesterday at Pennypit Park, Prestonpans.

Northampton, however, only just beat Kelso in the opening tie - the winning try coming after the final klaxon.

Centre Nick Beal was awarded player of the tournament and Craig Moir was top try scorer with five for Northampton.

Melrose's path to the final was much less convincing as they put paid to GHK, Boroughmuir and Heriot's.

Scottish sides were joined by guests Northampton and Sale - although the latter's contribution was short and sweet since they could only muster four players after their bus broke down en route from Stirling.

Melrose almost surprised Northampton in the opening minutes of the final when Scott Aitken was clear to the line but his pass to Gary Parker was stilled.

Tim Rodber opened Northampton's account, finishing off a neat-looking move, but Gregor Townsend's kick glided off the upright.

Moir's fifth try of the tournament in the second half sealed it for Northampton, Townsend adding the goal points to put them clear at 12-0.

A kick-ahead looked like it would earn a try for the chasing Gary Parker, but when the Melrose wing was nudged off the ball, referee Johnny Bacigalupo awarded a penalty try which Parker converted.