Musselburgh 37 Stewart's Melville 22

A HAT-TRICK from Musselburgh number eight Luke Hutson helped his side to a first league win of the season over struggling Stewart's Melville.

The big man opened the scoring when he powered over from close range with just three minutes on the clock.

He then crossed twice more after the break, to secure the win, and a try bonus point for Grant Talac's side.

Musselburgh dominated up front, with skipper Craig Owenson outstanding at hooker.

That dominance saw them add to Hutson's early score with a second inside the opening 10 minutes.

A carbon copy of the first, Graeme Bowman was the man to emerge with the ball after a pile of Burgh bodies drove over. Owenson converted to make it 14-0.

The visitors, who were also looking for their first win of the campaign, struck back thanks to winger James Ferguson, who sprinted clear of the Burgh defence to score.

The kick was missed, and Burgh hit back when Owenson kicked a penalty to move the score to 17-5.

An excellent first half display from the hosts was capped when prop Jamie Walker was pushed over by his pack colleagues for Burgh's third try.

Owenson's touchline conversion hit the post, but Burgh led 22-5 at the break.

Talac's men wrapped up the bonus point as Michael Roy went over from a line-out move. Owenson's kick was wide, but the county side were well in control.

The visitors scored their second try through the outstanding Alex Rappestad, before they had hooker John Grant sent off.

Burgh took full advantage as Hutson scored his second with eight minutes left.

Rappestad went over for his second, and his side's bonus point try, to bring the gap back to 10, before Hutson completed his hat-trick to seal the win.

Musselburgh: L Clarke, R Watt, T Rodrigo, A Cook, C Veitch, J Burey, D Owenson; D Paton, C Owenson, J Walker, W Fleming, M Roy, G Bowman, B Graham, L Hutson