Whitecraigs 34

Peebles 61

Allan Beveridge

at West Lodge

PEEBLES turned on the style last Saturday at Newton Mearns and scored nine tries against Whitecraigs in the last league game of the season.

The Gytes team made nine changes from the team which was originally selected for the postponed fixture last month.

However the young lads who stepped up to the mark gave a good account of themselves in this high scoring game, played in bright sunshine and on a firm pitch.

With promotion hopes gone and the home team free from any relegation fears, both sets of players enjoyed the afternoon running the ball when the opportunity arose.

Buster Davidson, on the right wing, showed he has the ability in attack to trouble any team in the league and his defence is also good.

James Wallpole at tighthead prop showed from the first scrum that he is strong enough and has the technique to move into the first team.

It was also good to see Rhaidah Clinch back playing at centre and he caused problems each time he had the ball in his hands.

His centre partner on this occasion was Roddy Guiney, another youngster who has shown throughout the season that he can cause problems for any opposition.

Peebles scored first and were 14-0 up inside 11 minutes thanks to tries by Callum Lecky and that man Clinch.

Both tries converted by the reliable Greg Raeburn.

However it was not all plain sailing with the home team having some big heavy men in their pack.

And it was one big heavy man that opened the scoring for the home team.

Loosehead prop McDonald took a short pass about five metres from the Peebles line and he was impossible to stop.

Whitecraigs winger Drummond reduced the leeway further when he beat Peebles full back Connor Blyth to a touch down after a long kick and chase. Peebles' loyal supporters on the touch line were a bit worried, but not for long, as the visitors scored another three tries before the interval through wing forward Rharidh Britton - another youngster showing great promise for next season - Euan Jackson and Clinch.

Raeburn kicked all three conversions for a10 - 35 advantage and a try bonus point.

The second half brought further pleasure for the five Peebles supporters/committee men on the touch line.

The Peebles support play was of a high standard and the the fitness levels were good.

This definitely allowed for fast flowing rugby but it was the home team who struck first blood in the second period when following a lineout five metres from the Peebles line Pollock scored the try, which was converted.

Peebles hooker Ryan Stewart then had a solo effort from the home team 22. He side stepped his way through the defence to score under the posts. Raeburn converted.

Before the end of the game Peebles added further tries through Buster Davidson (2) and Roddy Guiney.

It was a comprehensive win with enterprising rugby being played by a young Peebles team who showed what they can do in good conditions and with the ball in hand.