Rugby: Heriot’s coach happy as new charges make Mark

On a day when Currie, Boroughmuir and Edinburgh Accies all suffered defeats, the Goldenacre outfit posted a 24-12 win at home to Hawick, with the points coming courtesy of tries by Andrew Scott and Saiasi Vono, plus 14 points from Graham Wilson’s boot.

Appleson is confident of his side’s readiness to feature among the division’s leading quartet, saying: “Heriot’s have a proud tradition. We think we can beat anyone at home and, with the quality we have in the squad, it’s a realistic opportunity.”

Across the city, Muir had the scant consolation of a bonus point from their 31-25 loss at the hands of Dundee High. The hosts rallied from a poor start that saw them concede 15 early points, and were back in the game by the break after Sep Visser bagged a debut try, converted by Ally Warnock, who had earlier landed a penalty.

Malcolm Clapperton touched down to square matters early in the second half but the Taysiders pulled clear to secure the win and it took a late score by Sean Crombie to haul Muir back to within seven points.

Accies returned empty handed from their trip to meet Ayr after losing 27-16 in their first match back in the top flight. Accies produced the open rugby that has become their hallmark under coach Simon Cross but had only a self-converted try from Jamie Sole and three penalties by Ruaridh Bonner to show for their efforts.

Elsewhere, Watsonians launched their bid for a swift return to Division One with a narrow 18-17 success at Selkirk. Danny Moussa and Matt Henderson had a try apiece for Sonians, while Ben Di Rollo added a conversion and two penalties.

Stewart’s-Melville were involved in a feisty affair, eventually seeing off Falkirk 28-24 at Inverleith. Liam Steele crossed the whitewash twice – the second score coming two minutes from the end – and Phil Hendry joined him on the scoresheet, while Stu Ker booted the other points for Bruce MacNaughton’s side.

Meanwhile, Lasswade started life in the Premiership with a five-point haul from their win against Perthshire at Hawthornden. The hosts reached the break with a 20-3 advantage, and they continued in the same vein in the second half, eventually stopping the scoreboard at 32-10, with Bernie Hennessey, Niall Gray, Neil Clark and Jamie Blackwood grabbing a try apiece and Nick Wood landing three conversions and two penalties.

Haddington led 10-7 at half time in their match at Howe of Fife but were overpowered in the second period eventually going down 26-10.