The men's 1st XV started its league campaign at home to Penicuik on Saturday and came away with a valuable bonus point win. With 6 debutants in the side it made for an exciting, fresh looking team sheet.

Penicuik where the quicker team to start though as they took an early 10 - 0 lead with some good counter attacking rugby, pressure brought a kickable penalty and the try coming from an interception from their own 22.

This didn't deter the Cougars as they plugged away and got their rewards through a try from Captain, Paul Strachan. A quick tap penalty from scrum half, Robbie Douglas, saw him claim some yards as the backs showed some good supportive play before Strachan bounced of the post protector to dot down his 1st of the day. Converted by Adam Pilkington.

With the set piece proving effective for the Cougars, momentum spun Corstorphine way, as a messy Penicuik lineout on the half way was tidied up by David Leach. Leach carrying well before the backs and forwards took turns to carry into the 22. On the 6th phase Kevin West changed direction of the play before slipping the ball to David Heslop who put Fraser Wright in the corner.

With the lead now 12-10, Pilkington slotted a penalty opportunity on the 35 min before then scoring his first try of the season moments later. A solid clearance from the Corstorphine 22 after the restart saw the ball returned to the arms of Paul Strachan. A mazy run followed by a nice offload allowed Pilkington to smash his way along the touchline for a try in the corner. The score 20-10 at the halftime whistle.

Penicuik continued to test the Corstorphine defence after the half. A lack discipline at the offside line by the Cougars allowed several penalties that kept Penicuik in the game. Penicuik kicking a penalty gave hope at 20-13. The Penicuik 8 was unfortunate to receive a yellow card after a second high tackle having carried and tackled well throughout the game. With the man advantage the Corstorphine pack hammered the Penicuik line before Bastien Chavagneux crossed the white wash in the 50th min.

Penicuik came again though and scored in the 58th min to keep things interesting.

As the subs rolled on and the Penicuik pack began to tire the scrum became a good platform to attack from. With 12 mins left a penalty 10 metres out set the stage for the final try. Quick ball to the back line as Marc Maiden sent Pilkington crashing for the line. A good tackle held him short but Strachan was on his tail and picked and placed the ball over the line. Pilkington converting the opportunity to make it 32-13.

Penicuik didn't back off though as their back line continued to threaten - as they had all day. A 74th minute try saving tackle from Harry Loakman made up for his pass earlier that had lead to the 1st Penicuik try. The Penicuik pressure continued and following another messy lineout managed to ship it wide to score in the opposite corner with mins to go.

The Cougars held on to claim the points and the winners beers.

Some great debuts on the day from Robbie Douglas (scrum half), Harry Loakman (Stand off), Euan Ferguson (Fullback), David Leach (Flanker), Zach Finney (Hooker), Gordon Baptie (2nd row) along with the returning Jason Tait (Flanker). All looking more than capable of making a big impact this season.

Next week is the long road to the muckle toon as our first away game. The bus for Langholm will leave at 11:45 for anyone wishing to travel with the team.