Strathmore came to this game fourth from bottom and still, arithmetically at least, not clear of the relegation zone.

By contrast Lasswade are closing in on promotion and possibly the league title. On paper at least this should have been a bonus point win but it was not to be so. It wasn’t a personnel problem as the Midlothian side now have a squad of 25-30 players all worthy of selection.

Strathie more than held their own in the early exchanges sharing territory at least equally with the visitors bit neither side really threatened the other’s line. Lasswade broke the stalemate after 10 minutes with a Matt Smith penalty after a deliberate knock on.

Butchart missed an opportunity to equalise 10 minutes later but was successful on the half hour.

Matt Smith retook the lead with another penalty for the visitors just before the break to end a rather scrappy first half of less than accurate passing and resultant handling errors.

The second period continued in much the same vein with two more Smith penalties being the only scoring and Butchart again being off target for Strathmore.

The hour was passed before Lasswade finally broke the line. From a scrum on the left 22 metres out the ball was moved through hands to the right where Gladstone made a half break and slipped the ball to Kay to finish off in the corner and confirm his grip on player of the match. Matt Smith converted from the touchline.

Strathie didn’t give up and were finally rewarded when Lockhart ghosted through a gap to touch down beside the posts, making it easier for Butchart to convert.

With two minutes left Butchart had the chance to grab a loser’s bonus point but was off target for the third time.

Strathie had more to celebrate from this game having held the league leaders to one try and penalties. Lasswade will reflect on an opportunity squandered by some inaccurate passing and resultant handling errors.

Lasswade’s ambitions received a boost from Milngavie where West of Scotland edged out Berwick by the odd point in the 69 points scored in total.

Perthshire travel to Hawthornden this Saturday. The visitors are third from bottom with just two wins and a draw from 13 matches. A four point win will put Lasswade over the promotion line. Kick-off 12noon.