On Saturday the 2’s sponsored by First XV travelled through to Lasswade for what was sure to be a tough encounter.

In a close first quarter of the game Peebles found themselves on the wrong end of the over used referees whistle as he conducted what seemed like a coaching and manners lesson to both teams. Peter Whelen spent ten minutes in the bin for what was deemed a professional foul from a tap penalty. This seemed to galvanise the troops holding strong in defence against Lasswade's pressure.
It was during Peebs first visit to the opposition 22 after that the deadlock was broken with the forwards and scrum half Drew Moore driving over to score close to the posts. The conversion was made by Martin Clyde.

7-0, 23 mins

The yellow card came out again and Cameron Crawford was the next to have a rest for 10, after his bad language was punished by the referee. Who knew they were such a sensitive breed, has obviously never been involved in a Border derby. By this point the Peebles scrum was starting to dominate even with a man short, and strong running my Connor McCann getting Peebs over the gain line. Unfortunately it was scrappy turn over play that allowed Lasswade's fullback to score out wide having got round the outside of the defence.

7-5 30 mins

Peebles thought they had scored again when a bouncing ball was gathered and some nice handling put Moff clear only to be called back for a dubious knock on 40 yards behind. Some more good build up play led to a penalty from a ruck in front of the posts that Martin Clyde kicked 10-5.
This was the final score of the first half which had ran on to about 50 minutes
due to the referees whistle.

10-5 Half time

Playing with the wind in the second half territory was the name of the game and the whistle was heard a little bit less. Ross Brown played well and some excellent kicking to the corners kept the pressure on. The next score was a penalty kick from Martin Clyde again.

13-5 55 mins

Injury to Drew, which required some stitching, brought on the ever evolving Jim Currie and saw a move to centre for the clubs newest player Connor McCann. Some excellent loose play from Jim allowed Peebles to go forward again and along with Neil Clark their experience began to negate the Lasswade driving maul which had troubled Peebs so much in the first half. With a little bit of luck and some tired defence Lasswade slipped down the blind side to score their second try but the conversion was well wide.

13-10 60 mins

A penalty won by JC on halfway resulted in a narrowly missed kick that had plenty of length by Clydey, the resulting 22 restart allowed pressure to be maintained until the next penalty success by Martin took it to 16-10.

16-10 65 mins

With ten minutes to go good pressure by the forwards and some strong running in midfield by Moff and Connor led a final penalty by Peanut that took the bonus point away from Lasswade and gave the 2s a nice cushion.

19-10 75 mins

The team then defended resolutely until the final whistle, keeping Lasswade out sheer guts and stubbornness. It was fitting that it was Connor MaCann winning a turnover on his try line to finish the game as he had put in a huge defensive shift, and looks a great addition to the club. A huge effort was made by all the players but special praise to Lee Darker, Neil Clark and Gary Anderson for their first full 80 mins in a while.

Man of the Match was Ross Brown with some good running in the first half and great controlling kicking game in the second.

Next week we have Accies 3rds at home so if you are not following the 1st team please come down and support the 2s.