Published: Thursday, 13th May, 2010 8:20am

Rugby stars roll up to Pennypit

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A VISITING side of rugby stars from across Scotland ensured an entertaining night at Pennypit, Prestonpans on Tuesday - treating a big crowd to a feast of tries.

The Co-Optimists - featuring players from Premier Division One and Two sides including Watsonians, Edinburgh Accies, Boroughmuir and Galashiels - stormed to a 50-33 victory over an East Lothian Select.

The county side (in red) opened the scoring when Preston Lodge winger Jonathan Brash stepped inside his markers to score near the corner.

But the Co-Ops hit back through Haddington's Neil Roger, who nipped over the line.

The visiting select took a strong lead soon after with tries from McGee and Minto, before East Lothian replied through Musselburgh's Greg Walker, who darted through the middle at pace to score under the posts.

The first half ended with a try for each side, narrowing the gap to 28-19.

Early in the second period, Speirs scored a try for the Co-Ops and the visitors took a commanding 40-19 lead when O'Connell later dived over.

The home side refused to give up, though, and Haddington's Dan Barber hit back with a try, while Chris Tinlin completed their tally after breaking through the middle. But the Scottish select showed their class with Learmonth and Minto making up the Co-Ops' half-century.

Preston Lodge RFC vice-president Johnston Craig said: "Despite the bitterly cold wind, it was a very enjoyable and entertaining game. It is hoped that the match will once again become a permanent fixture on the calendar."