Lasswade returned to League rugby from the festive break with a full strength squad to take on Ardrossan Accies at Hawthornden. The Ayrshire side lost their home leg 12-50 and have been struggling this season with just two wins from eleven and only Greenock Wanderers keeping them off the bottom of the table.

Ardrossan kicked off on a firm pitch in bright, dry but chilly sunshine and a customary but only moderate breeze from Rosewell at their backs.
With early territorial advantage, Accies used the first kickable penalty opportunity to take the lead through Johnstone’s boot., with just four minutes gone.

Lasswade responded from the restart by camping in the visitors’ 22 but it needed five minutes before a scrum 5 metres out set up Robertson to pick up from the base and barge over near the corner. Matt Smith judged the breeze perfectly to slot the conversion.

If anything, Ardrossan were slightly ahead on both territory and possession and looked better than their lowly league position. They showed some useful back play but were the weaker side up front.

Johnstone was of target with a couple more penalties and the half time break was imminent before the next score which fell to Lasswade. Already in the Accies 22 but blocked on the left wing Matt Smith out a speculative cross kick which bounced favourably for Tiffney to recover and feed Kyle Smith who brushed off three tacklers to score under the posts and stake his claim on Player of the match. Matt Smith’s conversion brought up the 14-3 half time score.

With the breeze assisting them, the hosts now dominated territory but needed 10 minutes to stretch their lead. Opting for a scrum from a penalty the ball reached Blair Smith at centre and he sliced through the defenders and forced his way to the line to set up Matt Smith’s conversion.

Another 10 minutes and a Lasswade trademark catch and drive was finished off by Tiffney for the bonus point try and Matt Smith again converted.

From another short range lineout with 10 minutes still to go, Robertson broke for the line and when stopped the ball was recycled out to Cook and the hooker dummied and jinked his way through the defenders with a fair impression of a stand-off. Matt Smith made it five out five conversions.

Now 35-3 down with only minutes left, Accies could have just thrown in the towel. Instead in a final rally they set up their own short range lineout and their hooker, Campbell earned their consolation try and the final score of 35-8.

Lasswade are nine points or more clear of the next three teams who have all played more games. One of them, Howe of Fife, has further assisted the leaders by winning at home against Berwick who, now with three losses, are still best placed to challenge for one of the promotion spots.

This Saturday, Lasswade travel to Hillhead/Jordanhill. Early League leaders with five wins on the trot they have since lost five out of eight. They could still be a banana skin for visiting teams. Kick-off 2pm.