Peebles 29
Hawick 57
HAWICK called at the Gytes on Saturday to bring the XVs season to a close for Championship Group B champions Peebles, writes Stuart Paton.
It was always going to be a tricky game for both teams to play in. Peebles had already been crowned champions the previous week up at Morgan. Hawick, on the other hand, had completed their league games top of their table, but at Old Anniesland, Glasgow Hawks with a game in hand could take the title from under Hawick’s nose.
Added to that, this was a meaningless Border Regional Cup game for both sides.
Peebles took the opportunity to throw in some of their very promising youngsters, while Hawick fielded a strong team conscious that they may still have a play-off match to come.
There was really only going to be one winner.
Hawick ran in nine tries in total through Neil McColm, Gary Johnstone, Graham Hogg, John Coutts (2), Shawn Muir, Keith Davies (2) and Scott McLeod.
Neil Renwick slotted six conversions.
Peebles’ try-scorers were Warren Kearney, converted by Greg Raeburn; James Hemara, converted by Raeburn, Martin Cruikshanks and Kieren Brown.
Glasgow Hawks duly won their game at Old Anniesland, leaving Hawick needing to play-off for promotion, but the Mansfield men will have to wait until this weekend to find out who their opponents will be. Melrose, Dundee and Currie are all in the mix.
Meanwhile, Peebles are looking forward to climbing back up to the National league. Peebles: M. Cruikshanks; C. Blyth, J. Hemara, D. Clancy, R. Clinch; G. Raeburn, D. Anderson; A. Clark, M. Carryer, P. Stewart, K. Brown, A. Brown, C. McCann, D. Hall, W. Keirney. Subs: C. Crawford, R. McConnel, R. Brown, D. Wills, F. Dale.
Hawick: N. Renwick; N. McColm, G. Johnstone, G. Hogg, J. Coutts; R. Hutton, G. Cottrell; S. Muir, L. Gibson, L. Launders, R. Smith, K. Willison, S. Graham, N. Mactaggart, K. Davies. Subs: D. Johnstone, S. Robson, H. Murray, S. McLeod, A. Weir.