“It’s a great relief to win. The monkey is now off our back. I would have settled for a 3-0 win today, but instead our mainly local, young team turned in an exciting six try win. I was particularly pleased for our young back row of Keiran Brown, Richard Harrison and Graham Hogarth, they were just immense,” said coach Gavin Kerr.

The home side had looked less than convincing for the first 35 minutes, trailing 6-3 to an equally inept Aberdeen Grammar side who are now in danger of being relegated, while Peebles soar into a comfortable fifth place in National League 1.

Home fortunes took a turn for the better in the last three minutes of the half, adding two tries to full back Greg Raeburn’s third minute penalty which had been cancelled out by Alex Hagart’s two penalties in 11 and 27 minutes.

First centre Devyn Smith bustled over after fine work from his pack, followed almost immediately by a touchdown from winger Nathan Mather who cashed in on poor covering in the Aberdeen defence.

Raeburn’s conversion of Smith’s effort ensured a healthy 15-6 lead at the break for the home side who looked to have found its sparkle after weeks of self doubt.

The win was assured in 51 minutes after Raeburn had kicked his second penalty in 44 minutes and for good measure scored a try to which he added the conversion.

The icing was added to the cake by three further tries from a rampant Peebles, attributed to hooker Matt Carryer, centre Callum Anderson, enjoying his runout against his old team, and lock Kenny Clyde. Raeburn who had by this time moved up to stand off added conversions to the last tries.

His contribution of 15 points made for a good day on which Peebles made a welcome return, albeit against a poor Rubislaw side who have now twice been bettered by the Gytes side who can at least on this form go on to claim fourth place in the division.

The victory made for the perfect end to his week for former player and club stalwart Donald Swanson who was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to rugby.

The 88 year old did, however, find time to console the losers, as befitting a gentleman of the game.

'’I once lived and worked up there, and even played for my local team in Huntly, but I’m really pleased for Peebles. This win has been a long time coming. I’ll now have a double celebration,” said Donald.