Stewart's Melville 27

Peebles 17

Allan Beveridge

at Inverleith

THERE was an element of reversed fortunes for Peebles on Saturday.

In complete contrast to the previous week's win over Falkirk, when the Pees were trailing 7-17 at the interval, this week they gave up a 14-10 half time lead to go down against hosts Stewart's Melville.

Holidays and injuries forced several changes to the Pees' ranks.

The lack of a recognised hooker was evident throughout the match, particularly during line outs.

The first scrum awarded by a very good lady referee from Yorkshire looked a little ominous as Peebles were well and truly shunted off the ball.

However, the rejigged front row did give their all and the scrums were about even by the end of the game.

A catch and drive at a five-metres lineout out from the Peebles line saw the home team's No. 8 Allan secure the first score of the afternoon.

The conversion was added by centre Morrison.

Morrison also slotted a penalty to give the hosts a 10 - 0 lead.

A Greg Raeburn interception on half way led to Peebles coming back into the match.

His 50 metres sprint to the line was followed by a simple conversion.

Peebles suddenly were setting the pace, and Donald Anderson was unfortunate to be held up after taking a quick tap penalty.

On the half hour Stuart Hunter made good ground before being tackled high.

The penalty was kicked to the corner and from the ensuing ruck Ross Thomson broke blind and slipped the ball to Neil Hogarth to touch down.

Raeburn added the conversion and Peebles were 10-14 up.

There was still time for Peebles to add a penalty before the interval for that 17-10 advantage.

Neither team could find a way over the try line again during the opening 20 minutes of the second half.

But as the game entered the final quarter Peebles were again on the back foot as the city team began to exert pressure.

Fraser Strachan, who played a few years at Peebles, touched down in the corner.

The missed conversion left the hosts trailing by two points.

But it wasn't long before prop Mitchell barged his way over for Stew Mel to take the lead.

A further forwards try in injury time, which was converted, gave the home team a 27-17 victory.

While this was a disappointing result there were a few good moments, but only a few, for the Peebles coaches to consider before tomorrow's game at The Gytes.

The opposition will be big spending GHK, who have former Peebles coach and Scotland and British Lion prop Peter Wright in their dugout.