However, after a sound win the previous week against Aberdeen Grammar, a wave of optimism was spreading amongst the Peebles faithful.

Peebles took to the field in to wind for the first half, a tactic which always seems to have been the Peebles way. Scott McCormick is no stranger in playing in to a wind where kicking options are limited, marshalling the forwards well as route 1 became the only way forward in to the fierce wind.

A first half try and penalty from Greg Raeburn was Peebles reward for their grunt work and ball retention in the first half, however GHA were just edging the match at the interval, 8-14, with two converted try’s both born from sustained pressure on the Peebles line.

Peebles started the second half briskly with snow which was later to die down thundering in to the players backs. Early pressure resulted in a try for Peebles substitute Graham Hogarth who is back in the squad after a bout of flu. Raeburn converted to regain the lead for Peebles 15-14.

A further Peebles penalty by Raeburn got the tails up and a feeling that more was to come was on the cards.

However, GHA had other ideas and came roaring back in to the match with a yet another converted try which was a miraculous kicking display given the weather conditions.

GHA then went on to dominate possession. Peebles attempts to clear their lines were not making the required gains and were playing too much rugby in the wrong areas. The line outs and scrums did not function as successfully as the first half. The feeling was the elements also began to relent as the second half wore on to GHA’s favour.

All credit to GHA players for their massive effort in to the wind which frustratingly snuffed out any Peebles efforts.

A losing bonus point is not to be snuffed at against the second most consistent team in the league, an opportunity for a 4 points was definitely missed though.

Peebles coach Drew Moore said: “The second half just vanished away from us. Before you know it, you’re three points down and the final whistle goes.” But he added: “The aim was, and still is, to make the top four after a disappointing end to last year. We had the performance today but just didn’t get the points.” Peebles: Raeburn, Mather, D. Smith, M. Anderson, D. Anderson, McCormick, M. Carryer, R. McConnell, A. Brown, K. Clyde, R. Brown, K. Brown, Hall, R. Harrison, Wilson. Replacements: Brinck, G. Hogarth, J. Harrison, Blyth.

However, after a sound win the previous week against Aberdeen Grammar, a wave of optimism was spreading amongst the Peebles faithful.

Peebles took to the field in to wind for the first half, a tactic which always seems to have been the Peebles way. Scott McCormick is no stranger in playing in to a wind where kicking options are limited, marshalling the forwards well as route 1 became the only way forward in to the fierce wind.

A first half try and penalty from Greg Raeburn was Peebles reward for their grunt work and ball retention in the first half, however GHA were just edging the match at the interval, 8-14, with two converted try’s both born from sustained pressure on the Peebles line.

Peebles started the second half briskly with snow which was later to die down thundering in to the players backs. Early pressure resulted in a try for Peebles substitute Graham Hogarth who is back in the squad after a bout of flu. Raeburn converted to regain the lead for Peebles 15-14.

A further Peebles penalty by Raeburn got the tails up and a feeling that more was to come was on the cards.

However, GHA had other ideas and came roaring back in to the match with a yet another converted try which was a miraculous kicking display given the weather conditions.

GHA then went on to dominate possession. Peebles attempts to clear their lines were not making the required gains and were playing too much rugby in the wrong areas. The line outs and scrums did not function as successfully as the first half. The feeling was the elements also began to relent as the second half wore on to GHA’s favour.

All credit to GHA players for their massive effort in to the wind which frustratingly snuffed out any Peebles efforts.

A losing bonus point is not to be snuffed at against the second most consistent team in the league, an opportunity for a 4 points was definitely missed though.

Peebles coach Drew Moore said: “The second half just vanished away from us. Before you know it, you’re three points down and the final whistle goes.” But he added: “The aim was, and still is, to make the top four after a disappointing end to last year. We had the performance today but just didn’t get the points.” Peebles: Raeburn, Mather, D. Smith, M. Anderson, D. Anderson, McCormick, M. Carryer, R. McConnell, A. Brown, K. Clyde, R. Brown, K. Brown, Hall, R. Harrison, Wilson. Replacements: Brinck, G. Hogarth, J. Harrison, Blyth.