Watsonians welcome in a new winner

have thought he had joined a rather useful outfit. Watsonians won this

game by the length of Colinton Road, practically eliminated their

relegation worries, and made Heriot's, championship challengers at the

turn of the year, look grey at the gills.

As for the home coaches, they were delighted with the debutant even

though he had not played for over a month. ''Look how quick he gets

about the field,'' enthused Paul Hogarth. ''He has faster hands than

most threequarters,'' was Andrew Ker's comment.

Aitken is not all that tall, mind you, I have just about seen enough

big stookies for one season -- and he may eventually gravitate to the

flank. But he is a lively lad, appears to want to settle in Edinburgh,

and has enough family connections from Largs to qualify him for our

international shirt. We will keep watch.

There were other bright spots on a driech day. Allan Hosie was along

to run his eye over Watsonians fly-half Duncan Hodge with under 21 Tests

in mind; the youngster responded with a five-star display, a couple of

his breaks Gregor Townsend would happily have bought.

Nor is the Scotland captain in anything but rude good health. Gavin

Hastings was into everything, including rucks and rolling mauls. Frankly

he is the difference between First and Second Division status at

Myreside.

There is not a great deal of bulk about this Watsonian pack but their

work-rate is impressive. Scott Aitken and hooker David Henderson were

stand-outs here.

British Lion Roger Baird was posted to his old schoolboy position of

scrum-half for the latter part of the second half. ''At my age it is

probably a good move,'' he quipped. ''It is a bit warmer than the

wing.''

There is not a lot one can say about Heriot's. Henry Murray's head

never went down but too many others did. Kenny Milne's return will be

welcomed.

Playing downwind, Watsonians were first on the board with a penalty

from Hodge. They scorned a number of further opportunities before Gavin

banged over one of his Howitzers just before the break.

Heriot's did have a 10-minute pressure period, Gordon Lawrie was close

with a dropped goal attempt, and Hugh Gilmour was just beaten to the

touch in the corner. The home side defended stoutly.

As often happens, Watsonians found it easier against the breeze.

Hastings craftily curled in two more penalties before driving in the

crucial nail with a try after Hodge had danced up the blind-side.

Far too late Heriot's rallied, Gilmour shot through the cover and

Peter Hewitt converted his try.

Hodge had more to say anyway. He dropped a goal and Bobby Clark's hand

went up; wish that had happened in Cardiff.

Watsonians -- A G Hastings; F M Henderson, A Garry, G Jessop, G R T

Baird; D W Hodge, N Cowan; G Luck, D Henderson, R Macleod, J G Matheson,

D Gray, S A Aitken, A Aitken, J D MacDonald. Replacements -- D

Aitchison, G Inglis.

Heriot's FP -- H A Murray; H R Gilmour, A R McRobbie, D R W Adam, P J

Hewitt; G Lawrie, A Watt; M W Livingston, C Turnbull, S W Paul, P Young,

S Gilmour, S Elliot, G A R Simpson, G F Dall. Replacements -- A Binnie,

M Channing, I Brydie.

Referee -- R S Clark (Stewart's Melville FP).