North Berwick backed up last weekend’s defeat of Duns with an impressive display as they routed Hawick Harlequins at Recreation Park, running out 75-23 winners.

Liam West returned to the side at stand-off, moving Grant Craig to inside centre. Ben Inglis returned at number eight, while Matt Sanderson, Jamie Dove and Grant Black were all among the replacements, where Leo Gordon awaited his North Berwick debut.

Head coach Rhodri Thomas told Courier Sport: “I’m very pleased with the performance at the weekend. The conditions suited us as we were able to play an expansive, high-tempo game.

“Back-to-back home wins with bonus points is a real positive for us as we look towards some tough matches to come. We have built up some strength in depth and it is pleasing to see younger players coming through and adding to our squad.” It took the hosts less than three minutes to make the breakthrough, as Graeme Fairgrieve broke clear to score. Craig added the extras for an early 7-0 lead.

And it was to be a relentless spell of attacking rugby from Thomas’ side, who watched Murray West go over twice, while captain Adam Macnair and Liam West helped themselves to a try apiece, all inside the opening quarter.

The visitors responded, though, as their full-back added three penalties before a powerful surge from the visiting number eight brought a consolation try, and reduced the arrears to 31-16 at the interval.

Thomas introduced Dove, Sanderson, Black and Gordon, who made his senior North Berwick debut, off the bench, with Bhrian Buchannan, Iain Dove, Jamie Armstrong and last week’s man-of-the-match Jonny Riddell all making way.

The second half started with North Berwick playing deep in the Quins 22 and after a period of sustained pressure it looked as if they would score from a well-created overlap, but the Quins winger intercepted and showed good pace to outstrip his opposite man to go in. The conversion was added, and after seemingly tying the game up after 20 minutes, it was back on, with the score at 31-23.

Those were to be the visitors’ last points, though, as North Berwick again raised their game and scored eight unanswered tries in a punishing 30-minute period.

Scorers included both West brothers, with Murray completing his hat-trick and Liam grabbing a brace, Jamie Dove scoring twice also and his back row partners Riddell, who returned from the bench, and Inglis also getting in on the action.

It was a comfortable victory for the hosts, who had impressive performances from hat-trick hero Murray West and barnstorming number eight Ben Inglis to thank in part for the win.

Thomas believes his side will go into their clash at Linlithgow tomorrow (Saturday) “full of confidence”, having taken 10 points from their last two games.

North Berwick: G Walker, G Fairgrieve, K Hamilton, G Craig, M West; L West, G Spence; R Patterson, B Buchanan, R Mercer, A Macnair, I Dove, J Riddell, J Armstrong, B Inglis.