Pack power pushes 2nds past Peebles

Paul Pritchard was again in impressive form, helping himself to a couple of first-half tries as the Reds' pack dominated the set-piece.

Both of the number eight's tries came from pushover scrums, with props Kenny Harper and Robin Mainstone causing the Borderers no end of problems in the first half.

There was also a return to 2nd XV action for scrum-half Stuart Miller, who was at his livewire best behind the pack, while Graham Dykes and Andrew Symington provided a solid partnership in midfield.

There was also an impressive defensive performance from stand-off Alex Ferguson, who made a number of telling tackles and was again in superb form off the kicking tee - ending the afternoon with a 100% record from the boot.

The Reds second-string, dubbed the 'Goats' by many, started the match well with strong carries from captain Alex Watt and prop Harper also getting his hands on the ball.

The scores were quick to come, once the Goats had found their way onto the front foot through the powerful Dykes and great running lines from Symington.

There were periods, though, when the home side faced fierce pressure from their visitors, but the defending from James Weddell's side was outstanding all afternoon.

Back-rower James Slight can be pleased with his afternoon's work at the breakdown as he turned over opposition ball seemingly at will, allowing Pritchard to roam in the wide expanses.

The 'Goats' player/coach scored his two tries in very similar fashion, as the pack crashed over and he flopped onto the ball to move his tally for the season on to five and give the Reds a comfortable lead at the break.

Gary Glass provided the pack with more ammunition off the replacements bench at half-time, as he rotated with both Mainstone and Kenny Harper in the front-row.

Although the visitors did breach the Haddington defence to get themselves on the scoreboard, the result was rarely in doubt.

Symington was on the end of a wonderfully-worked backs move as he collected Ferguson's grubber to dart in at the corner, before adding to his tally late on.

Callum Elliot had another busy afternoon in the back-row, while Rab Watt and Colin Wood performed well amongst an impressive tight five.

All in all, it was a good day for the Reds as they maintained their 100% home record this season, while putting the Borders men to the sword.

James Weddell's side now lie fourth in the table, level on points with Edinburgh Accies, and will look to extend their winning run as they take on Dunfermline at home next weekend.