Dunbar’s season was at a critical point if they wanted to continue in East 1. A season that started so badly, saw the team work hard and battle for results. Performances have been much better but results have not always gone their way. Dunbar are certainly a better team than their lowly position shows. Coach Mark Coull had to make several changes, some at the last minute.
Dunbar kicked off against the wind and into the strong sunshine and took the match to Linlithgow. Strong runs by Lister and Wight were rewarded with a penalty which Charlton converted. From the kick off skipper Greig Patrizio ran from his own twenty two to that of the opposition but a silly penalty allowed the visitor’s to clear. Linlithgow then had a period of pressure but the home defence held out before clearing from a penalty. Dunbar went further ahead on 14 minutes when Patrizio stormed in at the corner. Charlton converted for a 10-0 lead.

Dunbar were forced to go uncontested in the scrums after an injury which did not go down well with the opposition. Dunbar however were dominant in the scrum.

With 21 minutes gone the visitor’s reduced the gap with a try from close in which was converted. Linlithgow were on a period of good possession which told on 27 minutes with another try and again that was converted. Dunbar picked themselves up and had a few opportunities before a Ross Charlton penalty reduced the deficit to a single point which was how the half ended.

The second half saw the home side giving away a few penalties one of which was in front of the posts which was somehow missed. Linlithgow kept up the pressure and kicked two penalties on 48 and 51 minutes. Dunbar then came back and should have scored when Peebles looked to be in but was pulled down short. Linlithgow then had a purple patch with a try on 61 minutes followed closely by a penalty try which was to  the amazement of the home side and support.

The Linlithgow player was pulled back but there were players between there and the try line. The home side fought hard but made too many mistakes or made the wrong decisions. Tries were there but play was far too slow, allowing the visitor’s to get back in defence.

With the match coming to an end Dunbar did finish strong with a try from Gary Peebles on 77 minutes. From the re start the home side came back again and youngster Jordon Robbins burst through to score. Charlton converted to bring the game to an end. As in previous matches at home, Dunbar have shown up strong in the first half but have not managed to match that in the second period.

Final score – Dunbar 25 – Linlithgow 34