Greens in complete control at the top

BORN-AGAIN Hawick boosted their BT Scotland Premiership title hopes with a 65-3 thrashing of bottom of the table Watsonians at Myreside.

The home side broke the deadlock in the first minute with a penalty from Colin Duck - but from then on the Greens had it all their own way. Centre Stephen Cranston celebrated his return to the fray with two great touchdowns, seven conversions and two penalties for a personal points haul of 30.

But it was by no means a one-man show. Roddy Deans, Keith Davidson, Mike Dunlea, Bryan Wear and Nicky Walker also took full advantage of Watsons' defensive frailty to score.

Kirkcaldy suffered their first home defeat as Jed-Forest triumphed 18-11 at Beveridge Park. Gary Hill was the Jed hero with tries either side of the interval, Chris Richards adding a string of vital kicks. Ben Price claimed all the Fifers' points from a try and two penalties.

Division two leaders Aberdeen GSFP got over last week's hiccup at Kelso when they beat third placed Edinburgh Accies 23-8 in the north. Grammar effectively won the game by grabbing two tries in five minutes early in the second half. From a half time score of 8-8 they were suddenly winning 20-8 when flanker Colin Thompson took his try bag to three.

Stirling County went third after their third successive undefeated game. This time they won 10-0 at damp Peebles. Reds' James McLaren was County's hero, charging through four tackles for his 23rd minute try, converted by Craig Sangster. In the second half Peebles put the visitors under pressure but the County defence was secure and with a 43rd minute penalty from Sangster they were good value for their 10- 0 win.

West of Scotland gave second top Kelso a fright before going down by 9-6 at Burnbrae. Kelso seemed to have established early control and took the lead with a Graeme Aitchison penalty. However Nicky MacLeod's penalty brought equality, though penalties from Aitchison either side of the interval put Kelso into the lead again. MacLeod kicked a second penalty and Alan Williamson just missed with the game's last act.

Ayr preserved their undefeated home record with a 21-14 win over Selkirk. They started strongly and led 13-11 at the pause with a try from Scott Hazley. The Souters had a first half try from Andy Mabon but Ayr closed strongly with Steve Heaton's try confirming the win.

East Kilbride are still looking for an away win and they were on top in the first half and led 9-3 at the turn. Peebles edged back in the second half although Steven's fourth kick from four attempts let EK lead, until Alistair Warnock's fourth penalty.

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