Reds squeeze past Dunbar

Linlithgow Reds scored a much needed victory with a slender 18-17 home win over Dunbar.

The Reds have been frustratingly inconsistent this term and suffered a string of narrow defeats as well as two draws, but this win sees them climb into sixth place in the East Region League One table.

Linlithgow were under pressure from the kick-off and had to defend resolutely to keep the scores tied.

Their cause wasn’t helped when Ross Plenderleith was taken off injured.

Jack Frame missed two penalties as the Reds aimed to take the lead before Dunbar did just that thanks to their first try of the game.

Frame was able to convert at the third attempt to make it 7-3 to the visitors at half-time.

The Reds started the brighter of the sides after the break and, after several failed phases, were rewarded with a try through Chris Ronalson, which was converted to put the Reds up by three points. The scores were level shortly after thanks to a penalty and the game was perfectly poised at 10-10.

The game appeared to swing massively in the visitors’favour when they pounced on a Reds error and went the length of the field to score and take a 17-10 lead.

It was familiar territory for the home side as they have suffered several narrow defeats this season but they bounced back this time thanks to a Cal Thompson try and, with the clock ticking, Frame scored the crucial penalty to seal the win.