Dunbar travelled for the third league match in succession to the Capital for the match against Leith. The match was reversed due to the International being played in the City to make travel easier for both sides.

Leith started the more likely and forced play for much of the opening minutes in the Dunbar twenty two and deservedly went ahead from an 8^th minute penalty. Dunbar slowly worked themselves back into the match and scored a nice try from a quick tap and go after a high tackle. The ball was moved quickly to Antoin Penrose who slipped the defenders to score. Uncharacteristically Charlton missed the kick when the ball came back off the upright. Dunbar then had John Peebles yellow carded when the player went for an interception on half way and knocked on. Peebles was soon followed into the bin by his team mate Jamie Peters. Dunbar were under the cosh with only 13 players but they worked up field and Nathan Craig scored a great try. Charlton again missed the kick. Leith then scored a simple try after some poor Dunbar defence when the number eight stretched to the line. Dunbar turned round 10-8 to the good but would have to improve in the second period.

Dunbar were having some great results with the driving maul which the home side struggled to contain. Captain Greg Patrizio then had an amazing tackle on a Leith player with the home player having to retire injured. On 52 minutes Leith took the lead with a try in the corner with the kick coming back off the upright. Dunbar then had a penalty close in which Charlton converted to level the scores at 13-13. This was followed on 63 minutes by a try from John Peebles after some good work by Patrizio. The winger should have scored minutes later but slipped at a crucial moment and Leith cleared.

Antoin Penrose then scored his second try which was a beauty. The ball was shipped quickly out to the right then a long ball back to the left side caught the defence napping and the Dunbar full back had the easiest of runs to the line. Charlton converted for a 25-13 lead and the try secured a bonus point. Dunbar should have run down the clock but poor defending on the Leith goal line allowed the home side to rally up the pitch. Some desperate defending kept Leith out but a penalty try was awarded for a deliberate knock on by Peebles. This, if a deliberate knock on should have resulted in a second yellow card but the referee kept the cards in his pocket. Dunbar did see out the last two minutes for a good win. Final Score Leith 22, Dunbar 25.

Away Team: Dunbar RFC – 1st XV (Men)

Starting Team

Subs

Match report and photos courtesy of David Wilson, Chairman Dunbar RFC