THERE'S not been all that much to smile about at The Gytes this season but Saturday's performance has brought a spring to the step of everyone involved at the club.

It was a must-win game for Peebles - and win they did.

Biggar set the tone for this fierce derby in the opening seconds when Biggar were penalised for dangerous play.

Within a few minutes David Paton flung took a swipe at his opposite number.

The tackles hammered in from both sides with no team willing to give an inch.

The Pees went on 19 minutes in front from a well-executed line out move. The ball was taken into a ruck before being spun on the blindside for Andrew Brown to dive in at the corner.

Neil Warnock landed the conversion to give the Gytes team a seven point advantage.

Just a few minutes later he missed a penalty from a similar tight angle.

Biggar were reduced to 14 players when David Reive was sin-binned for stamping at the rear of a ruck.

Despite being a man down Craig Parker slotted a penalty to reduce the gap to four points.

But Peebles quickly regained the momentum with Dale Clancy bursting clear to score before the half hour. Neil Warnock's kick stretched the score to 14-3.

Before Reive could return to the park, Peebles scored yet another try.

Neil Warnock's up-and-under was gathered by Paton before the ball was spun wide for Alan Warnock to touch down in the corner. Brother Neil again slotted the conversion to take the home tally to 21.

Peebles were now rampaging through Biggar, who looked all at sea.

And just before half time Donald Anderson picked up to smash through the defence and touch down again.

The conversion was missed, but at half time Peebles were a massive 26-3 up, and had already secured their bonus point.

Whatever Gary Parker said to hios players at the break, it had an affect. Within a minute of the restart Biggar were back in the game.

A cross kick from Connor Lavery bounced well for Craig Parker who gathered, skipped around two defenders to go over for his side's first try of the match. He was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Warnock missed a home penalty and a chance to restore some order.

Despite being reduced in numbers again - this time Notman being yellow carded - Biggar continued to fight back.

From a lineout take and drive the pack crashed over with Grant Owens appearing with the ball in hand. Parker's missed kick left the visitors trailing by 13 points.

The winger made amends with 10 minutes remaining as he he finished off a good running move for the Hartreemill men. His added two points brought the scoreline to 26-20.

It was all getting a bit tense for the home support in the closing stages.

Following a few phases of home possession Biggar were penalised for being off side - this time Warnock made sure with his kick to give his team a nine point cushion.