They will face either reigning champions Stirling County or Hamilton in a home tie.

Playing into a steady breeze in the first half we were first on the scoresheet when Lyall Archer barged over from close range after a series of forward drives. Rory Carson missing the conversion 5-0.

We then overdid the forward drives, spurning several chances to move the ball wide, although the Lasswade midfield defence was very strong.

No more scores for either side in the first half with defences dominating the game.

A strong start from Lasswade in the 2nd half saw them take an early lead. A powerful surge from their centre saw him slip through weak Highland tackling to touchdown. Well converted from out wide 5-7.

We then took control of the game through the forwards set piece and accurate kicking that turned the Lasswade back three.

Tom Brogan who had been lively all day spotted a gap around the side of a ruck and scampered over the try line to put us back in the lead 10-7.

The backs then put together a delightful handling move to send John Clark over, converted by Rory to give us a bit of breathing space at 17-7.

Stuart Watson put the game beyond doubt as he rumbled over for the final score 22-7.

Lasswade more than contributed to a highly entertaining game - watched by a decent crowd – the scoreline flattering us a bit and we know we need to improve to move on in this competition.

All the boys put in a big shift. Winger John Clark went looking for work all afternoon and had some strong runs. Rory Grant was a real nuisance at the breakdown winning a lot of turnovers and Lyall Archer in the unfamiliar position of 2nd row had several strong carries.

The quarter-final is scheduled for this weekend but it seems the weather put paid to the Stirling/Hamilton game so unless it is played midweek it will have to be rescheduled. We will not be idle though as we have other games to play.


Captain Ben Gordon was presented with the trophy for winning the North U18 League after the game by North Comittee member Alastair MacKenzie