Morgan were the visitors to The Gytes on Saturday as the season reached halfway. Nothing other than a resounding victory would suffice for Peebles, who have to keep the pressure on Howe Of Fife and Musselburgh who have both succeeded in putting Pees to the sword.

Conor Blyth returned to the wing, Dale Clancy, Neil Hogarth, Darren Kerr and Adam Clark remain injured. Morgan took their own kick off, only to be turned over by Peebles. Pees then had a mighty scrum after being held up on a breakthrough. From a further scrum Pees pushed Morgan back again. Interference meant it had to be taken again. This time Peebles fed the ball to Ruaridh Clinch who nipped in. Greg Raeburn converted to give a 7 nil lead. One worried for the safety of the Morgan front row from the outset, when it was clear to see they were incapable of competing.

From a further scrum, David Wills found James Hemara who fed Calum Scott who raced over. Greg Raeburn converted again to make it 14-nil after 12 minutes. Next on the score sheet was Wonksie Warnock after some fine interplay involving Cruickshanks, Blyth and David Wills. Greg again converted to give Peebles a 21 nil lead after 16 minutes. Within 21 minutes Peebles secured their bonus points when Ryan McConnell rampaged through, went to ground and released Greg Raeburn. The youngster was not going to miss the opportunity, and zipped over. Greg’s conversion gave Peebles a 28 nil lead, after only 21 minutes.

Morgan were by now forced to have uncontested scrums. Not great in a game of rugby, to see a team lacking in front row players. However safety is paramount, and you really did fear for the safety of the Morgan front 3. Rory Milne was then replaced by Graeme Hogarth. Ryan burst through after a great pick up but Morgan disrupted. Morgan then managed to hit back with a fine try from their winger. This was converted to make it 28-7

From a shortened lineout, Greg kicked up the park for Hemara to take on the ball and Warnock romped in again. 33-7. Greg missed his kick, but was given a retake, which he still missed. Wills was then replaced at scrum half by Jack-of-all-trades Donald Anderson. If Fendath fed him some more, he might even make it in at hooker next week! Only kidding Fendath! Matt Carrier also replaced Connor McCann. Morgan’s hooker was then binned for a wee infringement. Pees released Hemara from the scrum and he sailed over. Greg converted to make it 40-7.

Greg Raeburn was then crudely tackled off the ball resulting in Morgan being reduced to 14 men. Unfortunately young Greg then had to go off as a result of his injury, which hopefully won’t mean we lose him for next week, as he has been playing fantastically well. Jack-of-All-Trades Donald then plied his trade at stand off, and young Willsie took over at number 9.

Clinch then released Willsie who passed to James Hemara before the ball made its way to Conor Blyth who zipped in with his electrifying pace to make it 45-7. Jack missed the conversion. Morgan were back up to 15 men. Morgan then exerted some sustained pressure, which Peebles soaked up. Peebles then came back setting up numerous rucks. Some good humour then ensued, as Dalton Hall administered some fancy footwork at the ruck in front of the Jim Currie stand. The Morgan recipient, who was laying a tad offside, complained to Dalton who retorted ’It’s awe right it’s rugby son’ Aye ye cannae take the Burn oota the boys feet! Hemara then missed a tackle, and quick as a flash redeemed himself by putting in a huge hit and Pees won the ball back. Calum Scott then picked up to release Matty, but Pees were penalised for holding on at the breakdown. It wasnae Graeme Hogarth honest ref! Grinning Graeme then got the last laugh, after a ruck saw James release Ryan, and the ball made its way to Hogarth who slumped over! Jack converted to make the final score 52-7. The game ended with Martin Cruickshanks going off on a blistering run, before throwing a slightly askew pass into touch.

Next up the big one….Musselburgh in a must win game. Pete’s Pistol Packin’ Pees cannot even contemplate defeat in this one. See you all at The Gytes on Saturday. Mon The Pees!