MUSSELBURGH advanced to the second round of the BT Cup, while a late penalty saw Preston Lodge edged in a thriller.

Grant Talac's Musselburgh welcomed National League Division 2 side Lasswade to Stoneyhill on Saturday, but were pushed all the way before eventually booking their place in the second round.

The county side scored five tries as they won 34-28, with the men from Midlothian providing a stern examination ahead of the league opener on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Preston Lodge travelled to The Gytes to take on Peebles, and raced into a 14-0 lead before the hosts drew level.

Andrew Clark's side held a 33-21 advantage early in the second half, but a stunning comeback saw the Borderers take the lead inside the closing stages (38-33).

A try by captain Pete Johnstone appeared to have secured a memorable away win for PL, only for the hosts to kick a penalty with the game's final play to seal victory 41-40 and book their place in round two.

Haddington also fell to defeat in their first competitive match of the new season, going down 48-21 to Kirkcaldy at Beveridge Park.

The county side managed to cross for three tries through second rows Harry Hamilton, Quinton Caulfield and full-back James Ferguson, but a disappointing second half saw them exit the competition at the first hurdle.

All six East Lothian rugby sides kick off their league campaigns on Saturday.

The three national league sides, Musselburgh (Division 1), Preston Lodge (Division 2) and Haddington (Division 3), are all in the Borders, as they face Selkirk, Kelso and St Boswells respectively.

All three of the other sides are in East Division 1 this campaign, with promoted Ross High at home to Hawick Harlequins and Dunbar welcoming Linlithgow to Hallhill.

Former Scotland head coach Jason White will take his North Berwick side, last season's runners-up, to the other newly-promoted side, Penicuik.