Published: Tuesday, 15th May 2018
On Friday 11 May we held a civic reception at the Greenyards to recognise the achievements of Melrose Rugby Football Club in the 2017/18 season.
It is a long standing tradition that we host a civic reception if a Borders team wins the premier league or cup.
Melrose has won both honours this season.
The reception
The reception was hosted by Council Convener David Parker and Councillor Euan Jardine, Executive Member for Sport and Culture.
The evening began in style with guests watching Melrose Wasps win 45-24 against a visiting team from AS Monaco.
Council Convener David Parker:
“Melrose have had a tremendous season winning both the league and cup, but this year has also seen many other achievements for the various teams that Melrose operate and many individual honours for Melrose players.
“It was a fitting part of the reception to see Melrose Wasps beat the visitors AS Monaco and to watch the next generation of Melrose players winning at the same time as honouring the current generation of players for their achievements.”
Councillor Euan Jardine, Executive Member for Sport and Culture:
“The achievements of Melrose this year have certainly made club history and it is great to see that a future generation of young rugby players are developing well. Many Borders rugby clubs are playing some fantastic rugby just now and it is great to see the strength of Borders rugby continuing to flourish.”
During the reception, players from AS Monaco were given a gift of a tin of Hawick Balls as a memento for the visiting team from the Borders.
Hawick Balls were made famous by the late, great Bill McLaren, the legendary rugby commentator who often gave them as a gift to many all over the rugby world.
Douglas Hardie, President of Melrose RFC:
“I would like to thank Scottish Borders Council for the civic reception in recognition of the club’s achievements in 2017/18. It has been a significant year for the club with many team and individual honours secured and with the recent announcement that Melrose has been awarded a Super Six franchise, it is exciting times for everyone at the club and the future of Rugby.
“I’d also like to thank the Council for all their support throughout the year, particularly around the Melrose 7s event."