Hawick Harlequins 69 Dunbar 14

League leaders Hawick Harlequins proved too strong for Dunbar as the top two met in the Borders on Saturday.

Mark Coull's Dunbar side travelled missing a number of key figures, particularly from the back division.

They got off to a dreadful start as they failed to gather the kick off, which allowed the hosts to build pressure in the Dunbar 22.

A quickly-taken penalty saw them up to the line, and although the ball appeared to have been knocked on, the opening try was awarded.

Quins then dealt their visitors a double blow as they crossed for two tries in three minutes to extend their lead.

Dunbar improved in the second quarter, but struggled to break down the hosts' defence, and fell further behind as the Borderers scored another pair of tries in as many minutes just before the break, to leave Coull's men with a mountain to climb.

Rory Wood made his Dunbar debut, coming on for Matty Pickles at the break, but the second half started as the first had ended – the hosts over for another pair of tries inside as many minutes.

Connor Forlow provided a rare moment for the travelling support to cheer as he broke the line, but after getting within five metres of the Quins line, the move broke down and the hosts cleared.

The impressive Hawick side cruised through the 50-point mark with a powerful rolling maul, and added another try shortly before the hour.

Dunbar were desperate to get on the board, and eventually got their first points as skipper Blair Mills rounded off a good move.

Ross Charlton converted, but no sooner had the county side scored than they were under their own posts once more, as Quins scored tries on 64 and 66 minutes.

Ewan Patrizio grabbed a second try for Dunbar, converted by Charlton, but it was merely consolation as they fell to a big defeat.

They will hope to bounce back, and have their ranks strengthened for the trip to Penicuik on Saturday.