Duns 17
Langholm 18
RBS EAST DIVISION ONE
DUNS were just edged out by a late penalty when Langholm at last secured their first away win of the season in a very close encounter, writes John Smith.
The hosts had the wind and slope advantage in the opening half and it took a fine defensive effort by Langholm to keep the line intact against the Duns onslaught.
Duns were reduced to 14 men when Stewart Cockburn was yellow carded at the end of the first quarter, but they still continued to press and secured a penalty chance but Dale Robertson saw his kick rebound from the upright.
The home side started an attack from deep which ended with flyhalf Keiran Wilkinson beating several defenders to go over for a try which Robertson converted. Duns knocked on from the restart and from the resultant scrum Langholm flyhalf Keith Davidson kicked to the corner and, when the ball was spilled by a defender, winger Gavin Campbell pounced to score to make it 7-5 at half time.
Duns continued to press against the elements but the Milntown men defended well and used the wind advantage when the chance arose. A neat chip by Wilkinson for the home side, brought a try for the chasing centre Robertson, who also added the extras.
Langholm had a good period of pressure and scrumhalf Mark Young went over at the posts from a quick tap penalty and Cubbon converted to make the score 14-12.
With under 20 minutes remaining Langholm went in front for the first time from a penalty goal by Cubbon.
A successful Robertson penalty put Duns back in front, but Cubbon replied with a similar effort for Langholm and they held out for victory.
Duns: D. Hutchinson; A. Baxter, D. Robertson, K. Aitchison, J. Renton; K. Wilkinson, B. Black; A. Whellens, C. Hill, A. Connor, S. Cockburn, D. Budge, C. Williamson, R. Burns, C. Blaikie. Subs: S. McCraw, D. Ivison, C. Tait, R. Turner.
Langholm: C. Jardine; J. Pool, A. Cavers, N. Cubbon, G. Campbell; K. Davidson, M. Young; C. Little, S. Kitching, M. Salaman, S. Graham, D. Nordon, J. Reid, S. Howatson, S. Nicol. Sub: J. Ratcliffe.