Published: Thursday, 12th November, 2009 3:00am

NB still in the chase

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North Berwick 31 v 8 Earlston

EARLSTON arrived at Recreation Park hoping to knock the East League 1 leaders off their perch.

The home side had the better of the initial exchanges and from a penalty in the eighth minute, Grant Craig opened the scoring.

Soon after, centre Matt Dudgeon was replaced by Peter Gannon after being hurt in a tackle.

The loss of a key player seemed to increase the tempo of the home forwards and they took the game to Earlston and when the visiting defence seemed to be holding out Craig dropped a goal to increase the lead.

On the half hour, home flanker Tommy Dale won the ball at a break down in the North Berwick half and Gannon stabbed it though.

Craig Lauder was first to the ball and, leaving defenders flailing with his pace, scored at the posts for Craig to add the conversion (13 v 0).

Coach Macaulay used his bench at half-time with Lee Inglis, Grant Spence, Richard Macaulay and Alex Mitchell all coming on.

Earlston were further stretched when Craig kicked another penalty 12 minutes into the half and the points looked all but secure when he cross-kicked the ball to Graeme Fairgrieve who dotted down for a well worked try.

The conversion went wide but two minutes later Craig kicked another penalty to keep the score board attendant busy (24-0).

Earlston, who had been losing their composure, came back into the game and Watson kicked a penalty in the 24th minute to reduce the deficit.

A few minutes later, with the home support suggesting that there had been 'crossing' in the centres, he scored a try in the corner too far out for the conversion.

The last scoring act of the match was Gannon, who had slotted in well, won the ball and dribbled through the Earlston defence to score a try, Craig adding the extras.

A break is scheduled this weekend for the autumn internationals but league business returns away to Duns on November 21.