Dunbar 34 Linlithgow 20

DUNBAR opened their league campaign with a hard-fought win over last year's third-placed team, Linlithgow, at Hallhill on Saturday.

The county side added Connor Forlow and Robbie Brown to their squad over the summer, and both made their debuts in the league opener.

Mark Coull's side did not have long to wait for their first try of the season, with Gary Peebles going over and Ross Charlton's conversion giving the hosts an early 7-0 lead.

Linlithgow full-back Jack Frame reduced the deficit with a penalty.

The home side hit back, though, with a second try, this time skipper Blair Mills went over after a quickly-taken penalty, but the visitors reduced the gap to just three points with two more penalties from Frame.

John Peebles emulated the feat of younger brother Gary as he scored Dunbar's third of the first half, meaning they held a comfortable lead at the break.

Ben Cairns was introduced at prop for the hosts early in the second half, and skipper Mills extended their lead with a penalty on the hour.

Frame kicked the West Lothian club to within five points, before Mills repeated his first half effort, to weave his way through the defence to score his second try of the afternoon – securing a bonus point in the process.

Charlton converted to put daylight between the sides.

Gary Peebles crossed for his second try late on, and although the visitors crossed in injury time, it was merely a consolation score as Dunbar opened their campaign with a good win.

Relegated Berwick are the visitors to Hallhill on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.