GHK 36

Peebles 20

Allan Beveridge at Old Anniesland

THIS was one of those games that got away.

Peebles had most of the possession and most of the territory but GHK ended up with most of the points and a try bonus.

For most of this game Peebles were in the hunt and it was only in the final quarter that GHK really took command.

In the first half the Pees were on top in scrums and in the lineouts and as a result possession was plentiful.

However, there were a few handling errors throughout the team and this in the end was to prove costly.

A number of refereeing decisions also went against the Gytes team and twice in that last quarter Donald Anderson was played off the ball and obstructed right in front of the home team's posts.

Peebles kicked off playing into the wind and the bright sunshine.

They were attacking from the start and and both Scott Stoddart and Stevie Hamilton put in good runs from their own half.

Peebles opened the scoring and it was a consolidated effort by the forwards leading to Jamie Menzies getting the touch down.

Greg Raeburn added the conversion.

GHK levelled the score in the 26th minute and like the Peebles try it was a drive by their forwards which led to the score.

Full back Danny Campbell kicked the conversion.

Just before the interval both teams scored again.

GHK took the lead against the run of play.

Cammy Pye had burst the home defence passed to Callum Anderson, who was held just short of the try line.

GHK were able to clear to touch but still in their own 22.

With a strong wind blowing from right to left the ball was thrown squint.

GHK not only won the ball, they took it 70 metres up field and Jamie McLean their open side flanker scored a try.

Peebles replied quickly and good team work right on half time saw Cammy Pye touch down in the left hand corner.

Raeburn added a lovely conversion from what for him was the wrong side of the pitch

In the second half Peebles were playing with the wind and this scribe would have bet good money that they would go on and win the contest.

Raeburn's early penalty gave them a narrow lead.

And they stayed in front until the hour.

Passes were dropped, tackles were missed and the wind was not used to good affect.

Murdo Anderson was also yellow carded.

GHK scored three tries in that last quarter and they were worth their win.

Greg Raeburn added a second penalty but by that time the match was out of reach.

This was a disappointing afternoon for the Peebles team and their travelling support.

The return game at The Gytes will be one that the coaches will have already have identified a one to win.

Tomorrow Peebles are on the road again with a long trip to Ardrossan.