Lasswade 26

Peebles 17

Allan Beveridge

at Hawthornden

SUPPORTERS crossing the Midlothian border on Saturday must have been full of expectation following recent league results and performances from their team.

But Peebles were second best in this National Cup quarter final clash with Lasswade.

And at the end of the match it was the home side who deserved to be going through to the semi-finals.

While the lack of recognised second row players hasn't stopped Peebles contesting well in the league campaign, it did show on Saturday.

During the first 20 minutes or so of the match, the Pees didn't win a single line-out.

And in the scrums for much of the match the visiting pack struggled.

Thankfully, despite the scoreline, the Peebles defence was fairly solid against some big and robust forwards.

There were opportunities during the match for Peebles to add to their tally, but several times they failed to capitalise when in possession close to the Lasswade line.

On two occasions, both in the first half, they had two-on-one situations inside the Lasswade 22, and both times the wrong decision was made by the ball carrier.

Lasswade had started the game well and were always in front.

Adding to their two converted tries, they also kicked four penalties.

Peebles did respond with tries from David Collins and from second half replacement Ryan Stewart, who was returning after injury.

Greg Raeburn also kicked both conversions as well as a penalty.

But it wasn't a day to remember for the travelling support.

A yellow card for Willie Aitken midway through the second half, as well as the sending off of Richard Harrison for an accidental stamping incident made sure there was never going to be any late fightback.

Lasswade deserved to progress and everyone at The Gytes would like to wish them, and their secretary, former Peebles player David Oliver, good luck in the semi-final.

Despite Saturday being the start of the Six Nations, Peebles are in action.

The National League match against Gordonians at The Gytes kicks off at 2pm.