Falkirk 25

Peebles 19

Allan Beveridge

at Horne Park

IT wasn't until the final quarter of this disappointing match that Peebles played the rugby we all know they can.

Yet, if a pass in the closing seconds had gone to hand, the Gytes men could easily have stolen a victory.

Peebles started the match poorly despite having the low sun at their backs.

In Greg Raeburn they have an excellent stand-off with a great left boot, but the consensus on the touchline was that he wasn't used to any effect.

During the early exchanges the Falkirk backs sounded a few warnings with some eye-catching running.

And it wasn't long before they went in front through winger Darren Knox.

Call's conversion gave the home side a 7-0 advantage.

But Peebles responded just three minutes later as Douglas Voas shook off several challenges to race home from 30 metres. Raeburn levelled with the extras.

Straight from the restart, though, Falkirk went back in front.

Gregor Ramsay, on the right wing, managed to escape the clutches of the defenders to offload for Faulds to go over.

Falkirk were very much on the front foot, except in the scrums where Peebles had the edge.

But the home front row's continual standing up was ignored by the referee - and even resulted in a penalty against Peebles.

Falkirk opened up a 10 point lead on the half hour as Gilland drove over from five metres out to score.

And just before the break it became 22-7 as the home pack drove over for another unconverted try.

Peebles managed to contain Falkirk during the opening exchanges of the second half.

As the clock reached the hour the Gytes men finally began to get on top.

Scott Stoddart rounded off a good move, which was converted by Raeburn.

But their stand-off made it 25-14 with a penalty to repel the comeback.

However, with five minutes remaining Jack Harrison scored again to bring the Pees to within six points.

At this stage Peebles were running the ball freely between forwards and backs - and it looked as though they may be able to sneak it.

As 80 minutes arrived on the clock Peebles were keeping the ball alive inside the opposition's 22, but as the ball was swept along the line a pass went astray and the knock-on led to the final whistle.

It wasn't a great afternoon for Peebles, who will hopefully learn from their mistakes.

The travelling support will take some heart from the final 20 minutes and hopes are high that the team will redeem themselves this weekend against Whitecraigs.

Kick off at The Gytes is 3pm.