Black day for the Reds
Things just did not work out for the Reds on Saturday.
First their bus was late then it broke down twice, which meant their BT East Division One clash at Duns was forced to kick off an hour late.
And they were hurt by a lack of availability as they suffered their second defeat of the season, going down 27-20.
A lively start from Duns saw them take a 15-3 lead halfway through the first half. A Ross Martin penalty was all the Reds had to show for their efforts.
He added to his earlier penalty with a fine try near the corner just before the break.
That put his side within touching distance at 15-8 down at the break despite a disappointing start.
Linlithgow started the second half much more brightly and produced some great, flowing rugby.
It was from such a move, started in their own half, that Jamie March made a fine outside break in a 40 metre run before off-loading to John Chapman, who finished the move off with a fine try under the posts. Ross Martin duly converted.
However, they took their foot off the gas and conceded two quick tries, one of which was a speculative length of the field kick-and-chase from a highly promising Reds’attack in which the bouncing ball tripped up a defender before bouncing up into the arms of the grateful Duns player.
Pete Millar was able to mark his debut with a try to reduce the deficit but that was as close as the visitors were able to get.
Their search for victory is delayed for a fortnight as they have a bye week on Saturday, with their next clash being at home to Berwick.