Having finally broken their duck - and raised their hopes and ambitions – against Preston Lodge last week, Lasswade needed to maintain the momentum. GHK offered that possibility having recorded just four wins in their opening eleven. However, they included a 48-15 caning of Lasswade in the season’s opening week and a win with 6 of the eleven points in total scored at Glasgow Accies the previous Saturday, so they too were looking for back-to-back wins.
Lasswade prevailed this time scoring four unanswered tries and being 29-0 ahead until GHK earned a consolation try with just minutes to spare.
In bright sunshine and on a dry pitch with the gentlest of breezes from Rosewell at their backs GHK kicked off and had the slight advantage of possession and territory in the opening few minutes but posed no real threat to the Lasswade line. With just seven minutes gone Lasswade turned over a ruck on half-way and set Lamont off down the right wing. Stopped on the 22, Wilson was at his shoulder to finish wide out and Smith converted.
The next twenty minutes were largely 50-50 with both sides keeping it mostly in the forwards and both defences holding firm.
As the half-hour approached Lasswade penetrated the GHK 22 and used a penalty to set up a 5 metre lineout and the catch and drive proved reliable with Greig being credited with the 5 points and Smith made it 14-0.
With the clock ticking into half-time stoppage time Smith added another penalty to end the period at 17-0 ahead.
Four minutes into the second half the hosts scored their third try which was a thing of great simplicity. A scrum five metres out and a switch pass from Clarke to Wilson opened a well angled road to the line for the centre but Smith ended his run of ten goal kicks as the conversion slipped past the uprights.
GHK were kept on the back foot mostly by close order forward play in which a recalled Blair Smith stood out enough to earn Lasswade’s player of the match. GHK had their share of possession but it was another ruck turnover 50 metres that led to the bonus try. Hart made the initial break and Lamont had a bit of stepping and speeding to do to claim his second try, converted by Smith again.
With 25 minutes still to play GHK switched up a gear and with some decent possession and were nearly in on a couple of occasions. As last week, though, Lasswade’s defensive structure and tackling was much improved and continued to frustrate the visitors’ efforts.
GHK kept going, and utilised a less expansive game and took a leaf out of the Lasswade close driving book. They made decent progress and put pressure on the hosts as was evidenced by the rising penalty count. With six minutes of normal time remaining GHK were rewarded with a try from Campbell which he himself converted.
GHK continued in catch-up mode for the last few minutes but could not add to their tally
This was more like the Lasswade that challenged for promotion for much of last season and there is reason to hope that they will rescue their National 2 status from the remaining 10 games.
Their next League game is in a fortnight and will provide a strong test when they travel to Peebles. The Hydro town have won 6 from 12 with another drawn and are fifth in the table. Most significantly they are unbeaten at home. Expect a tough encounter.

Meanwhile, it's back to the National League Cup Round 2 this Saturday and Lasswade are at old rivals, Kirkcaldy. Kick-off 12.30pm.