A difficult start to the season continued for Haddington, as they were well-beaten by high-flying Hamilton on Saturday.

The Reds went into the match still awaiting their first win of the season, and brought in Charlie McLean at prop for injured captain Garry Cockburn, while Gavin Stewart replaced Charlie Hamilton at lock.

Cockburn’s absence meant Euan Herkes took over the captaincy, while there was also a return for Kris Paterson in the back-row.

But the personnel changes did not have the desired effect early on, as the home side started slowly and allowed their visitors to take control of the match.

Full-back Craig Inglis was a constant threat, and Andrew Wilson controlled the match from stand-off, ensuring the Reds could not get into the match.

And the tries soon came, as the visitors’ territorial advantage took its toll on the Reds defence.

Ross and Craig Inglis both crossed, while the visitors added two tries in quick succession to give them a comfortable 0-33 lead at the interval.

Soon after the break, the Reds were dealt a further blow as Kenny Harper was forced off with a serious arm injury, and replaced by veteran tighthead Gary Glass.

The second half was more promising for Bryan Craig’s side, though, as they scored two well-worked tries through Calum Cockburn and Colin Stuart, but they were only consolation scores as the visitors ran out comfortable winners.

Craig’s side face a hugely important clash as they travel to fellow strugglers Aberdeenshire on Saturday, knowing they need a win to stay in touch with the other teams at the bottom of the table.

Haddington: J Ferguson, K Adams, C Cockburn, E Herkes, R McLuckie; A Ferguson, D Crichton; K Harper, C Stuart, C McLean, H Hamilton, G Stewart, A Pryor, K Paterson, D McKenzie.