The Dingers were seriously depleted with no more than nine first team squad players not available for a variety of reasons. A hard day at the office was anticipated and Annan duly obliged.
With conditions perfect for open rugby Duns played towards the clubhouse and started well with early pressure on Annan.
Duns had an early opportunity to score but decided to kick to the corner rather than take the three points possibly on offer. From the resultant line out Duns drove to the line but at that crucial point lost possession.
With quick turnover ball Annan spun the ball wide with play ending deep in the Duns 22. From a couple of quick rucks the home side created an overlap and a score in the coner resulted. This was followed by two further quick scores.
At this stage, with only 15 minutes on the clock, Duns were 19 points down but regrouped and for the next 20 minutes matched Annan in pretty much every department. On the stroke of half time Annan added a further two tries, both very dubious, but the referee let play go and awarded the scores.
At half-time the Dingers' efforts did not warrant being down by 31 points.
The second half started badly for Duns with Annan adding three quick scores with thier pacey backs causing serious problems and opeining up the Duns defence, seemingly at will.
At this stage in the proceedings Duns were facing what could have been a massive score against but against all odds they rallied and put in a huge effort for the next 20 minutes preventing Annan any further scores and even had the cheek to score themselves.
A great angled cross field kick from Alan Hislop which was gathered by Jamie Renton to score with Hislop adding the conversion.
After this tiredness and fatigue took its toll which saw Duns stretched and the home side running in a further three tries before the final whistle blew.
A big score against, but the team that took to the field can be proud of their efforts.
In the backs Alan Hislop kicked very well out of hand and the centre partnership of Duncan Budge and Jamie Renton tackled their hearts out all day. The pack scummaged well all day not losing anything against the head and in the loose Stevie Brown and Chris Blaikie covered every blade of grass.
A special mention has to go to Michael Burns who answered the SOS to prop for the first team after three years out of action.
This week Duns are home to Glasgow Accies so hopefully the season can get back on track. Kick-off at the Hardens is 3pm.
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