Dunbar hosted Leith in their final match of the season at Hallhill. Both teams had still a lot to play for and a win would more than likely see the winner end in third place behind Hawick Linden and Langholm. Conditions again were ideal for a fast and open match.

Leith were looking the hungrier early doors and took the lead on 8 minutes from a penalty kick. This was soon followed by a converted try on 13 minutes as the home defence was sliced wide open. Dunbar were slowly getting into their stride and were rewarded with a try on 19 minutes by Matt Wilson. Good play from the forwards out left saw the ball moved quickly to Jamie Peters who burst through and gave the scoring pass to Wilson. Charlton converted for 7-10. Leith came back again through their much biggar pack to score on 26 minutes. With half time approaching Dunbar got right back into things with a nice opportunist try by Josh Nicol converted by Charlton to complete the first half scoring.

Dunbar came out the blocks flying and skipper Greg Patrizio bulldozed his way over to give his side the lead for the first time. The game swung back in favour of Leith on 48 minutes after a chip over the top went dramatically wrong for Dunbar leading to a try.

It was Patrizio again who stepped up to finish off some good forward play on 56 minutes with Charlton converting for a 26-22 lead. Leith pulled three points back from a penalty and then took the lead with a well worked try on 62 minutes. The home side responded with a penalty to make it a one point match.

Time was running out and back came Dunbar and a great break saw Peters burst the line and dummy inside which gave him the space to beat the defender. Charlton converted for a 36-30 lead.

Dunbar now had to defend like demons and that saw Leith go over under the posts but Peters prevented the try but was yellow carded which was a ridiculous decision. Dunbar bravely defended and with time running out conceded out wide leaving the conversion to win. Fortunately the kick went wide but Dunbar still had to see out the match and to their credit did so and came away with the win. Leith stay ahead of Dunbar on point difference thanks to their two bonus points.

Final score: Dunbar 36 – 35 Leith.

Photographs and Match Report – David Wilson, Chairman, Dunbar RFC