Published: Thursday, 12th March, 2009 7:30am

Scarlets fail in promotion bid

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Haddington RFC 13 v 17 GHA

Haddington"s fifth defeat at home this season ended any slim hopes the club had of snatching one of the promotion spots.

Haddington put GHA under early pressure. A loose kick was fielded by Graham Dykes and his strong run created problems before the ball was shipped wide to flanker, Paddy Brown to touch down for a well-deserved unconverted try after only three minutes.

But having soaked up all the pressure, GHA began to grow in confidence and had Haddington scrambling to cover the first real threat to the home line after 20 minutes. Peters added a penalty on the stroke of half-time to increase Haddington"s lead (8-0).

With only 10 minutes into second half, GHA snatched a vital early

unconverted try. GHA added a second soon after from a turnover ball to lead 8-12. But, within minutes, the Scarlets looked to have got out of jail through Neil Watt.

The conversion was missed. But moments later Haddington"s defence was posted missing as the GHA scrum-half drove at the line and slipped a clever ball inside for the supporting player to score a dramatic try at the death.

Peebles host Scarlets tomorrow, KO 2.30pm.