Glasgow Academicals 50

Haddington 5

RELEGATION worries increased for Haddington as they were thrashed by promotion-chasing Glasgow Accies on Saturday.

A Kyle Adams try was all the visitors had to show from their trip along the M8 as they shipped a half-century of points on their second consecutive visit to New Anniesland.

It did not take the visitors long to open the scoring, Greg Valentine going over for their first of three first-half tries.

A second came from lock Kane Greggain after a quick tap penalty. Jamie Loomes converted for 12-0.

Rhodri Thomas’ side enjoyed their fair share of possession in the opening 40 minutes but were unable to break through.

A third home try followed from flanker Hugh Lindsay, who broke through weak tackling to score.

The Reds were 19 points behind at half-time and by no means out of contention after showing power up front and some good play in the backs, James Ferguson and Adams to the fore.

Accies had the try bonus point in the bag just two minutes into the second half, centre Gordon McGuire showing pace and power to go over. Four more tries followed for the now-dominant home side, Freddie Enstad and PJ Rankin touching down, while there were second scores for Greggain and Valentine.

The home hooker’s touchdown saw Accies hit the 50-point mark.

Haddington finally got on the board when a good backs move put Adams away and he showed his pace to score in the corner for a consolation effort.

The Reds’ cause was helped by Dalziel’s first win of the season, over third-from-bottom Orkney, meaning the island side remain just a point better off than the county outfit.

Dalziel visit Neilson Park in Haddington’s next game on March 3, with Thomas’ side looking to record just their second win of the season.

Haddington: K Adams, J Dewar, J Ferguson, L Clutton, J Dewar; S Morley, A Peace; G Cockburn, A Cunningham, P Smith, H Hamilton, C Hamilton, J Riddell, M Renton, C Stuart.