Haddington ended a disappointing home campaign by getting their hands on silverware last Friday, regaining the Friendship Cup after a two-year absence.

The Reds took on Irish opposition last Friday afternoon, part of their long-standing arrangement with CYM Terenure, from Dublin, as the two clubs battle for the Friendship Cup.

Their meeting is widely acknowledged as the oldest annual clash between clubs from Scotland and Ireland, with CYM coming out on top on their last visit to Neilson Park, winning 10-0 in 2013.

But vice-president Cliff Livingstone called upon a strong Reds side, including first XV captain Garry Cockburn and regulars James Ferguson, Kyle Adams, Colin Stuart and Rab Watt.

The power of the Haddington pack was evident early on, with Stuart and Alan Laidlaw promiment in the tight exchanges, and they were duly rewarded through a quick-fire brace from flying full-back Adams.

Rab Watt went over from close range to put the Reds further ahead, but the visitors struck back with a couple of tries before the break to narrow the deficit.

The home side made the most of a big squad to bring on Callum Cockburn, Jock MacKay, Phill Smith and Graeme McInnes at the break, with further replacements following after the interval.

And the fresh legs helped extend the lead in the second half, as Adams completed his hat-trick, while Stuart and Ewan Chalmers went over to guarantee the Friendship Cup would be in Haddington hands for the next year.

Adams went over for his fourth, followed by close friend James Ferguson, while there was a also a try on full-time for the elder Cockburn brother, which Jock MacKay converted.

Ian Watt, drafted into the back-row from his regular spot among the three-quarters, was named man of the match for the rampant hosts, who are back in league action tomorrow (Saturday), for the final time this season.

They will take on Cartha Queen’s Park in Glasgow tomorrow, with their relegation to National 3 for next season already confirmed.

Friday’s final score of 62-21 did not hamper the spirits of the 40-plus Irish visitors, who enjoyed their stay in the town before taking in Ireland’s dramatic 6 Nations triumph in the Capital less than 24 hours later.

Haddington: K Adams, R McLuckie, J Ferguson, J Leslie, A Watt; S Marnoch, C Livingstone; A Laidlaw, A Cunningham, G Cockburn, B Laing, G Harper, R Watt, I Watt, C Stuart.