Dunbar welcomed Earlston RFC to Hallhill, for their first home match in a long time. Both teams struggled early doors to get on top but Dunbar looked the more dangerous. On 9 minutes the match kicked off when the referee yellow carded Daniel Philp and two Earlston back row forwards for an off the ball incident.

Earlston had the first opportunity to get points on the board with a penalty but the kick never threatened. From the twenty two, Matt Wilson gathered the ball and took off into the Earlston half before being high tackled. Dunbar elected to kick to the corner and were within 5 metres of the line. Captain Greg Patrizio was throwing in and the ball came off an Earlston hand back to the Dunbar man who greatfully accepted the early Christmas present. Charlton converted from the touchline for a 7-0 lead after 14 minutes. Dunbar then had Jordan Lister yellow carded for a high tackle. The referee was having a nightmare and both teams were having issues with some of his decisions. From the kick Earlston reduced the deficit with a well taken penalty. Dunbar were now looking much the better team and were a constant threat. A nice chip through by Jamie Peters saw winger John Peebles burst through and looked to have failed to ground the ball. The referee was probably the only person who thought otherwise much to the annoyance of the visitors. Charlton again converted from the touchline. Dunbar lost full back Thomson to what looked a serious injury. Dunbar came back up the field and were rewarded with another try on 29 minutes when prop Marius Hurez touched down with Charlton converting.

Earlston then had their flanker yellow carded on the half time whistle for killing the ball.

Dunbar started the second half with a bang and scored on 42 minutes when Jamie Peters came into the line at close quarters to score with Charlton again successful with the boot. It was then the turn of brother Gary Peters to get in on the act when he finished off a nice move to score and again Charlton was successful. Dunbar had the bit between their teeth and there play was rewarded with the try of the day from winger Josh Nicol who rounded the defence and touched down under the posts. Charlton converted to give his side a 42-3 lead after 59 minutes. Dunbar then thundered down field and centre Gary Peebles crashed through for a try on 61 minutes with Charlton converting for a 49-3 lead with twenty to play. Dunbar failed to score in the final twenty minutes but were guilty of not taking their chances and the match fizzled out.

This was a good performance in wet conditions and with a bonus point, Dunbar move up to third in the table.

Match report and Photographs – David Wilson, Chairman Dunbar RFC