CHRISTMAS has come early for Peebles Reds.

The recently Christened seconds team received a new set of strips last weekend.

Two local businesses - The Crown Hotel and Syndicate Plumbing & Heating - have clubbed together to kit out the team.

Joanne Cassidy, who owns The Crown Hotel with her brother Chris, handed over the new tops to Reds captain Graham Hogarth last Friday.

Graham, who along with his business partner run Syndicate Plumbing & Heating, told us: "Peebles Seconds are enjoying an extremely successful season and the players were keen to establish a new identity for the team.

"We decided to adopt the name Peebles Reds and are delighted to have our new strip.

"We are still very much a part of Peebles Rugby Club and are a stepping stone for the young talent coming through the Club and for those older players who still want to enjoy their rugby."

The Reds took to the Hay Lodge pitch in their new strips last Saturday in a top of the table clash with Edinburgh Accies Blues.

In an entertaining and competitive match, The Reds earned a 36-22 bonus point win to remain unbeaten at the top of the Tennent’s East Reserve League Division 2.