WOW! The Ayr v Melrose BT Premiership play-off semi-final was a cracker.
We had some great tries, from both sides, total commitment, from both teams, and, at the end, Melrose had earned the right to defend their Scottish title against Heriot's, at Goldenacre, on 25 April.
I wish them well in what will surely be a very difficult game, but, if John Dalziel's men can show the grit they displayed in coming from behind at Millbrae, they can secure back-to-back titles.
From experience, I am well aware of how closely-matched these two clubs are, and this was again demonstrated on Saturday. Ayr and Melrose have been in the vanguard of club rugby in Scotland for a number of years now, but, while it might be argued these are the two most-consistent clubs sides of recent years, they are not head-and-shoulders above the competition.
In winning the Cup last season, Heriot's showed they were contenders, Gala might have slid a wee bit in the second half of this season, but, it will be foolish to write-off the Braw Lads.
As Gala slumped, Hawick, after a difficult start, began to flourish under Nikki Walker and, regardless of which side you support, you have to be pleased to see the Greens back in contention after some poor seasons. Scottish rugby needs a strong Hawick.
Boroughmuir are Hawick's cup-final opponents. This club too took a wee while to get going this season, but came good. In fact, I would say, we now have a lot of good, capable sides in the top flight.
The club game in Scotland is in good nick. Would somebody please tell our esteemed Director of Rugby and the other Murrayfield "suits" who seem to think Edinburgh and Glasgow are the only game in town how good the BY Premiership really is.
But, we cannot be complacent. The format for the season needs to be tweaked; we need to have our top clubs playing in the British & Irish Cup; we need to sort-out the protocol surrounding the "ordinary" as opposed to "first-pick" and "development" professionals playing in the Premiership.
But, for this to happen, Mr Dodson, Mr Johnson and Co have to be made aware of just how important the club game is to the overall health of Scottish Rugby.
And - WE NEED TO GET THIS SEMI-PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE UP AND RUNNING.
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