Langholm 48
Duns 12
RBS EAST LEAGUE ONE
SOFT conditions did not deter Langholm from producing one of their best performances for some time, writes John Smith.
The Milntown men lost a shield match at Duns a few weeks ago, but a stronger side on this occasion produced a much-needed win in their battle to get clear of the relegation zone.
Keith Davidson was back in the side at fly-half after a lengthy time on the sidelines and Niall Cubbon played at scrum-half – and it was the latter who put the hosts in front with a penalty after two minutes.
Hooker Stephen Devlin surged over to stretch the lead with an unconverted try after 19 minutes and more home pressure ended with flanker Jordan Reid securing a touchdown. Cubbon converted.
Duns set up a good handling attack at pace which split the home defence and full-back Hutchison ran in for a try which Wilkinson converted to make it 15-7 after 32 minutes. But Daniel Nordon produced a fine turn of speed to dash over from 30m for his debut try. Cubbon again converted.
Home full-back Colin Jardine turned defence into attack with a kick ahead and chase for a try which Cubbon converted from a difficult angle.
But Duns never gave up and it was 27 minutes into the second period before Langholm increased their tally with a Lewis Miller touchdown in the corner.
Stuart Graham added his name to the home try list and Cubbon converted before the Dingers hit back with an unconverted try from Wilkinson.
Nicol had the last say for Langholm, crossing the line near the posts. Cubbon finished off a good afternoon with the conversion.
Langholm: C. Jardine; J. Pool, C. Davidson, A. Cavers, D. Nordon; K. Davidson, N. Cubbon; M. Salaman, S. Devlin, C. Little, A. Tyler, S. Graham, S. Howatson, J. Reid, S. Nicol. Subs used: S. Kitching, J. Ratcliffe, R. Taylor, L. Miller.