Aberdeen’s Stirling work

Andy Crichton was the Aberdeen hero as he claimed a hat-trick of touchdowns - while experienced stand-off Keith Oddie slotted five kicks.

Aberdeen’s other tries were supplied by Steve Newton and Ian Stanger, but County were also their own worst enemies by squandering a series of chances.

Their scores in the second half came from Alastair Hogg and Robbie Mailer, who also landed a conversion and a penalty, while Murray Fraser kicked a penalty.

Kelso halted the Selkirk surge with a hard-fought 19-14 success at Philiphaugh. The boot of old-stager Graeme Aitchison proved decisive, with former Scotland back-row ace Adam Roxburgh powering in for their only try.

Selkirk, who turned round 11-10 ahead, had a touchdown from Mike Jaffrey, while Scott Tomlinson banged over three penalties.

A burst of three tries in six minutes was the platform for Edinburgh Accies’ 32-14 victory over Peebles at Raeburn Place.

John-Michael Howison sparked the rout before Scott Macrae and Mike Blair broke through.

Accies added scores from Rory Boyd and Jason Parrott, while Phil Smith was successful with three kicks.

Former Melrose man Scott Nichol claimed all the Peebles points - but in vain.

Troubled West of Scotland looked set for a shock win at East Kilbride as they opened up a 10-0 advantage - only for the home brigade to charge back in style.

A try by centre Alan Gibbon and two kicks from Barry Irving had EK in early bother, but they battled back with a series of penalties by Gordon Steven and a touchdown from Shannon Warren.

Biggar also produced a late fightback to overcome Ayr 22-14 at Hartree Mill. Alastair Warnock was the toast of the clubhouse after claiming all their points, completing a full-house of four penalties, a try, a conversion and a drop-goal. Gavin Money claimed Ayr’s touchdown, while Darren Holt kicked three penalties.

In the Third Division, leaders Murrayfield Wanderers maintained their position with a 43-13 win at Musselburgh. Adam Broatch had two tries and David Miller, John Caddell and Arthur Robert-Mill had one apiece. Charlie McMillan hit 18 goal points from four conversions and two penalties. Musselburgh could only manage two tries from Alan Kittle and an Andy Clark penalty.