Melrose 24 v Stellenbosch 38

Stellenbosch University claimed their second Melrose Sevens title in two years when they staged a battling comeback to beat hosts Melrose in the final.

Melrose, appearing the final for the first time since tasting success in 1998, raced into a 19-0 halftime lead to raise the hopes of the home support.
Six second half tries from the pacey and powerful South Africans put the Ladies Cup beyond Melrose.

After threatening through Jamie Murray and Karne Kaufana, Melrose played the ball across field with Mark Robertson battling through for the score after being fed in by Murray.

A mistake deep in his own ’22 by Graham Gant left his side struggling and Murray capitalised to break through for the score below the posts. Scott Ruthven extended Melrose’s advantage with the conversion.

Clever play by Kaufana stole the ball for the hosts and a long pass across field found Robertson for his second try of the final. Ruthven’s successful conversion sent Melrose into a 19-0 halftime lead.

Stellenbosch collected from the restart, but were unable to make any head way and sloppy play allowed Graeme Dodds to pick up for Melrose. Dodds sprinted down the left flank and fed Murray for a score in the corner.

The South African’s finally got in on the act when Ernie Kruger followed up his kick ahead to touch down. Rohan Steyl then steered his conversion attempt wide.
Dodds twice and then Clark failed to capitalise on pressure play by Melrose and Stellenbosch broke clear with Henoe Stoffberg running in under the posts and Gio Aplon converting to spark a comeback for the visitors.

The overseas side narrowed the gap to five points when Aplon converted a break by Dwain Brown. And when Brown crossed again to level the tie, Aplon’s conversion threatened to break Melrose hearts as the tie entered it closing minutes.

Stellenbosch showed their quality when they cut out an intended pass from Dodds to run a full 60 metres with Thinus Du Plessis touching down and Aplon converting.
A try from Steyl ended a stunning comeback from Stellenbosch as the South Africans finally ended a spirited effort from the hosts.

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Date: 09/04/2005