STEWART'S Melville, by beating league leaders Selkirk 22-11 at Inverleith, kept the third division title race open.

''We fancied we would win. Although we would have liked a bonus point, we're pleased to have moved into second place,'' said Colleges manager Alastair Napier.

With a try from Mark Mains and the wind over their shoulder, Selkirk had built up an 8-0 lead as the break approached. However, Graham Stirling kept Colleges in it with a try, converted by Fraser Pollock, and then took control.

They went ahead with a soft try. An attempted kick to touch by the Souters trundled to Chris Capaldi who broke up the narrow side for a try by David Roxburgh.

Pollock converted, put over a penalty, and converted his own late try as the previously unbeaten Souters revealed their naivety in defending a losing bonus point.

Gordonians, beating Grangemouth 37-22, jumped above them and were the only team to take a try-scoring bonus point.

Ayr turned leading 15-0 with the wind in their favour at Stewartry. Phil Manning and Gordon Tulloch scored tries, one converted by Matt Ellis who also kicked a penalty. Roles were then reversed but Stewartry managed only a try by Stevie Hunter, Donald Dunlop converting.

Hillhead/Jordanhill lost at home to Glasgow Southern by 25-10 and, like Stewartry, face the drop.

A try from prop John Coyle converted by Erin Cossey gave the visitors an early lead but a good run by Derek Muir and a try from Phil Price which Muir converted, followed by exchanged penalties, let the teams turn drawing 10-10.

Southern dominated territorially in the second half, scoring a brace of tries through Andrew Kerr, the second one converted by Cossey.