David Blair appeared in the blue and white hoops of Edinburgh Academicals for the first time since October on Saturday (22 March) but his contribution at stand-off could not prevent champions Boroughmuir from narrowly winning 18-14 at Meggetland.

As a result of the defeat, Accies must now win at Heriot’s on the final day of the season to preserve their Premier One status; even though Blair slotted home a 30-yard drop-goal and a nerveless penalty to put the team 14-13 up with minutes remaining.

Fergus Pringle did not get on the scoresheet for Boroughmuir, but the South African-born lock played a pivotal role at the line-out to ensure the champions finished their impressive season on a high note following their surprise Cup exit at the hands of Melrose last week.

Meanwhile, prop Geoff Cross – Edinburgh’s very own scrum doctor – crossed the whitewash at Mansfield Park for Hawick as the Borders club secured Premier One rugby next season with a 29-17 win over Stirling County.

Watsonians – captained by prop Kyle Traynor – virtually secured runner’s up spot with a deserved 31-22 win over city rivals Heriot’s at Goldenacre.

Heriot’s – with Edinburgh centre Matt Dey in their midfield – started off sluggishly, but a spirited second half showing made a real game of it between the two old rivals.

Winger Mark Robertson continued his comeback from injury with an appearance for hometown club, Melrose against Currie at Malleny Park on Saturday and helped the Greenyards-based club to a 22-17 win.

Robertson, who missed the opening six months of the season with a troublesome pelvic problem, has taken one step closer to being considered for first-team rugby at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Rugby Club actively supports and promotes all of the rugby clubs from in and around the Edinburgh district and after watching our match against Cardiff on Friday night (28 March, kick off 7.30pm) why not visit your local club for more live rugby action.