For the third week in succession Lasswade squared up to one of the newly promoted teams. Highland were unbeaten last season (P 18, W17, D 1) and, with three wins from three this season, travelled to Hawthornden with some confidence of continuing in that vein.

Twenty minutes into the game they realised that may have underrated their opponents when Lasswade were ahead two tries to two penalties. A penalty and converted try took the visitors six points ahead at half time and another try on the hour seemed to seal the result: but their hosts had other ideas.

Opting to play into a Rosewell breeze strong enough to have an influence, Lasswade had the best of the opening exchanges. With just five minutes gone a switch of direction allowed Blair to burst through the middle and slice open the Highland line. As the Highland full back barred Blair’s way, Hall was on hand to take the offload and finish in the corner.

Penalties for rucking offences allowed Fraser to put his side a point ahead in the next ten minutes but early in the second quarter Lasswade’s favourite weapon had Billingham touching down from a short range lineout.

Further indiscipline at a ruck gifted Fraser another three points, but the half was into stoppage time before Highland crossed the line for the first time. Some forward pressure and then swift handling to the opposite wing made space for Grant to cross and round toward the posts for Fraser to make it 10-16 with the last touch of the half.

Lasswade didn’t make full use of the following wind in the second period and most of the play swung between the 22’s. Gladstone, at full back, challenged the Highlanders with several darting and weaving breaks to earn his side’s player of the match, but for the most part to no ultimate reward.

As the hour approached the pressure was on Lasswade and an attempted clearance from the 22 was charged down and the retrieved by the Highland fullback who beelined for the corner to touch down with millimetres to spare.

With the home side now needing three scores the visiting support began to scent victory but forgot the old adage about playing the full eighty. Lasswade battered at the door but were thwarted near the line on a number of occasions. As the clock ticked toward normal time another patient build-up finally paid dividends with Blackie finishing off but too wide out for the conversion.

Now well into stoppage time, Hunter gathered the restart kick to initiate an extended period of possession and progression downfield. Kept mostly in the forwards the ball was driven into the red zone and after a couple of rucks on the line it was Blackie again who found the whitewash for his second try of the game and sixth of the season.

Smith’s coolly taken conversion gave the home side the slenderest of leads with five minutes of stoppage time already elapsed. The referee allowed a further restart but it was safely rounded up by the Lasswade forwards and a couple of recycles used up the remaining time. A kick straight into the stand signalled the home eleventh hour victory.

This bonus point win moves Lasswade up to third place two points behind unbeaten Dumfries Saints and Saint Boswells.

This Saturday planes, boats and trains in various combinations will be used by the Team and travelling support for the odyssey to Orkney where a warm welcome off the field - and stiff opposition on it - can be expected. Kick-off 3pm.