Kelso 24

Peebles 14

Allan Beveridge

at Poynder Park

AN inexperienced Peebles team gave a good account of themselves on Friday night.

And despite featuring many players from the Colts and the second-string Reds, they could count themselves unlucky not to win this Border League clash against a team from a division higher.

Kelso were sharper in the opening exchanges with their three-quarters handling well and running from deep.

In just the first minute, the home team should have taken the lead with a very good move from their own half, but the winger knocked the ball forward with the Peebles line at his mercy.

The hosts did take the lead in the 10th minute with some more good handling.

But Peebles responded well.

After being were awarded a penalty inside the home 22, Callum Anderson's quick tap caught the defence napping and he managed to drive over the line to score.

His brother Donald added the conversion points as regular kicker Greg Raeburn had been earlier forced to leave the field with a head knock.

It was a fairly even first half with Peebles edging the scrums.

But it was the hosts who went back in front with a good catch and drive from a five-metre line-out.

And they edged even further in front with a fortuitous charge down.

Peebles did score again before the interval with Kieran Brown touching down following a push-over from the pack.

Donald Anderson converted.

Anderson almost brought the scores level with a penalty on the stroke of half time but his kick hit the upright.

At 17-14 the game hung in the balance as the teams emerged for the second half.

Peebles played some attractive rugby as they attempted to open up the hosts once more.

But as time ticked away it was Kelso who managed to turn the screw with a try midway through the half to secure the victory.

While a defeat is never enjoyable, there was a lot of encouragement to take from this game.

As well as many promising performances, Neil Hogarth and Stuart Hunter both got game time under their belts as they return from injury.

This weekend Peebles entertain Newton Stewart at the Gytes with a 3pm kick off.

The players and committee would appreciate your support.