THE level of baiting, vitriol and gloating on social media on Saturday evening certainly suggested that club rugby rivalry in the Borders is alive and clicking.
Having watched their heroes blow an early lead, the Melrose keyboard merchants insisted the outcome had been a freak event, brought about by the wild weather, whereas the respondents of the Maroon persuasion could scarcely contain their glee.
They had suffered a miserable season following several years of rich promise, and what they witnessed at Netherdale offered them hope of a revival that would take them clear of relegation anxiety.
The picture had indeed looked bleaker than ever for the home faithful as Melrose streaked into a 10-point lead by the time the clock had reached the four-minute mark.
James Head claimed the touchdown, goaled by Joe Helps – who had broken the deadlock with a penalty. After that, it was all about which of the neighbours would make the fewer mistakes in their own territory – and that turned out to be Gala.
Just before the break, they gained a spur through a penalty from David O’Hagan, who then provided the link for Graeme Speirs to snatch their first touchdown.
Speirs completed his quickfire double, thanks to more astute handling and decision-making. O’Hagan added the extras – repeating the feat when Richard Tod scored Gala’s third to rule out a Melrose rally.
O’Hagan’s impressive striking in hostile conditions continued as he banged over a long-distance penalty.
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