Peebles 42

Newton Stewart 7

Allan Beveridge

at The Gytes

THERE was a danger of the players catching hypothermia in the closing stages of this match.

But the late afternoon blizzard which enveloped The Gytes couldn't spoil a match which saw Peebles close in on the top with a bonus point victory.

In October Peebles had been cruelly beaten by Newtown Stewart with a late interception try.

While the Dumfriesshire side did manage another interception try on Saturday, there was little chance of a similar result.

Peebles, similar to their last home match with Gordonians, were out of sight by half time, and had already earned a four-try bonus inside the opening 30 minutes.

Richard Harrison opened the scoring in the right corner after good handling from both the forwards and backs.

Greg Raeburn added the difficult conversion.

It was Raeburn who extended the Peebles lead when he sold a dummy 10 metres out to score beneath the posts.

His conversion gave Peebles a 14-0 lead.

Despite the strong swirling wind, the home pack controlled the ball well.

And when they made enough yards inside the visitors' 22 the ball was fed to Raeburn for a neat chip over the defence for Ritchie Reed to touch down.

The successful kick made it 21-0.

Raeburn added a fourth try after another lovely dummy inside the opposition 22.

With half time approaching and Peebles on the attack, Newton Stewart hooker MacDonald intercepted and managed to race the 40 metres to score.

Gaw added the conversion to make it 28-7.

But within a couple of minutes Peebles were awarded a penalty try when an advancing scrum was taken down five metres from the line.

In the second period Peebles played into an ever strengthening wind as well as a more enthusiastic visiting team.

Newtown Stewart enjoyed more of the ball with short drives around rucks and mauls.

With the weather worsening as the half wore on Peebles scored again through scrum half David Collins.

Raeburn added another conversion.

It was an another important win for Peebles as they continue their late charge up the table.

But they face a tough test this weekend when they travel to face the big pack of Kirkcaldy.

Kick off is at 3pm.