Selkirk 47 Musselburgh 10

A DISAPPOINTING performance saw Musselburgh well beaten in their National League Divsion 1 opener at Selkirk.

The club travelled to Philiphaugh to face the side relegated from the BT Premiership last season, and took the lead when Craig Owenson went over after 20 minutes.

The prop profited from good work by his pack colleagues to dive over, with scrum-half Brian Walls converting to make it 0-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Willie Fleming was then shown a yellow card, and before Burgh were able to reorganise, John Welsh waltzed in under the posts for Selkirk's opening try of the day.

The try was converted, and Darren Clapperton quickly crossed for a second from the hosts, before Lewis MacLennan scored a third in quick succession to leave Burgh trailing 19-7.

Selkirk secured a bonus point before the break as Ciaran Whyte scored their fourth try, but a Walls penalty reduced the gap a little before the break.

Burgh turned round 16 points behind, but things got worse soon after the restart when Clapperton scored his second for the hosts.

That feat was repeated by Whyte, who went over to ensure victory for Selkirk, with both tries converted by Hendrie – Burgh trailed 40-10.

Grant Talac's side were unable to add to their tally after the break, and a seventh Selkirk try, also converted, was scored before the end as they recorded an emphatic victory

The club's 2nd XV enjoyed victory over Selkirk A, also at Philiphaugh, as they ran out 27-24 winners.

Both teams are at home to GHA this weekend, with the 1st XV at Stoneyhill and the 2nds match at Pinkie – both kick off at 3pm.

Musselburgh: L Clarke, S Watt, A Cook, R Watt, J Doig, I Martin, B Walls; C Owenson, J Crain, J Walker, W Fleming, G McKinstry, G Bowman, M Fleming, L Hutson