GHK 38

Peebles 31

Allan Beveridge at Old Anniesland

PEEBLES almost pulled off the unlikeliest of comebacks on Saturday.

But they were still rewarded with two losing bonus points for their Herculean second-half efforts.

Despite Peebles arriving in Glasgow full of confidence from their season-opening victories, they were given a rude awakening by their GHA opponents.

After only seven minutes the Pees were trailing by 12 points after Hugo Anderson and Fin Callaghan both went over for tries.

A Greg Raeburn penalty steadied the leaking ship somewhat.

But GHA were soon on the ascendency once more with Campbell going over for the home team's third try in the 14th minute.

Peebles slowly began to put pressure on the home pack with some solid scrummaging and powerful drives.

But they were hit with a counter blow approaching the half hour as GHA's Craig Rintoul burst from his own 22 to feed Rory Taylor for the home team's fourth try.

Things got even worse for the Pees as Matt Chan charged through another gap to bring the home tally to 33 points.

Whatever harsh words were spoken between the posts as the conversion was taken, they made a difference.

Peebles came out fighting in the final few minutes of the half and they were rewarded with Kenny Clyde's try.

Raeburn added the extras to make the half time score 33-10.

Only some resolute defending prevented Peebles reducing the gap further in the opening minutes of the second half.

But Peebles did cross the whitewash again on 50 minutes through Ross Brown.

Raeburn's conversion reduced the deficit to 16 points.

The revival was brought to an abrupt end just three minutes later as the dangerous Callaghan rounded off a move that involved several phases to go over.

At 38-17 it looked like the game was over, but Peebles, to their credit, had other ideas.

Donald Anderson darted through a space to bring Peebles within 14 points after Raeburn was successful yet again with the conversion.

Throwing caution to the wind Peebles continued to put the hosts under pressure.

And with five minutes remaining Calum Anderson rounded off a fine move for the bonus-point try.

Raeburn's kick brought the Pees within seven points for another bonus point.

Despite continuing to push for a further try in the closing minutes, time ran out on the valiant effort.