Highland ……………............ 13
Linlithgow …………….........… 21

The side was missing Tim Meadows and Kevin Hope but Matt Dixon and Ewan Gunn had recovered from the previous week's knocks.

The coaches kept Graham McKenzie at stand-off after his success the previous week and Billy Edment retained his place as hooker, leaving space on the bench for brother, Pete.

Linlithgow kicked off into a light breeze and were the first to press, earning a penalty which took them into High-land territory.

Linlithgow got the first strike, a penalty from Matt Dixon after Highland were deemed offside.

This settled the Reds and they had good opportunities when Bill Taylor and Stuart Jamieson combined but came up just short of the line and were penalised in the process.

Linlithgow dominated the scrums but the referee, who wasn't having the best of games, penalised Linlithgow.

The second half was more open and Highland thought they were in with a chance.

The Reds changed scrum halves and having gained good field position scored a really good try.

Highland were not finished and were awarded a penalty in confusing circumstances to reduce the deficit.

The players were boosted when news came though that league leaders Whitecraigs lost at Newton Stewart thus narrowing the gap at the top of the league table to three points.

There is a re-arranged game at Mains Park on Saturday as Linlithgow 2nd XV take on Trinity at 11.30 am before watching the South African international at 2.30pm.