If rugby matches were decided by time in possession and time in opposition territory, Newton Stewart would have been clear winners of this opening National League 2 encounter.

With some lively backs and well drilled forwards, when out in the open at least, they tested Lasswade’s defence to the limits, frequently within a few yards of their try line. As the scoreline confirms, Newton were unable to cover the last metres.

Lasswade opened the scoring with a deceptively easy looking try when, seven minutes in, from a lineout on the visitor’s 22 the ball was whipped out to Mark Wilson who, at speed and at a perfect reverse angle ran untouched to the try line.

The half hour had passed before a 50-22 by Gladstone set up a lineout 15 metres out. When the catch and drive stalled, Innes was on hand to make it 10-0.

As half time approached, Newton temporarily turned from try attempts to take advantage of one of numerous penalties to claw back three points.

From the restart and in stoppage time, an infringement near the Newton line was exploited via a quick tap by Captain Cook and a solo drive to the touch down. Lane converted, Smith having left the field with a shoulder injury.

In the first 10 minutes of the second period the sides exchanged penalties to take the score to 20-6.

Still chasing the bonus point try, the hour was near before another penalty set up a short range lineout and catch and drive for the home side. Almost inevitably, Robertson claimed the touchdown to add to his five from last week.

Liam Jackaman was Lasswade’s player of the match having stolen Newton’s lineout ball a number of times and cropping up just about everywhere in attack and defence.

Resigned to their fate, Newton used a penalty in the dying minutes to add three more to their total

This was a good win against a side which could well be in contention later on.

This Saturday it’s the longest trek of the season, to Aberdeen, to take on Gordonian’s. They lost 29-14 at Preston Lodge last week. Kick-off 3pm.