Linlithgow Reds served up a half-century as they sealed a commanding 50-15 victory over Broughton at Mains Park.
The victory very much keeps the Reds’ hopes of mounting an East Region League Division One promotion challenge alive as they sit in third place.
Despite the final scoreline, it was the away side who started the brighter before the Reds reeled off four tries in the final 20 minutes of the first-half to completely change the game.
Broughton opened the scoring with a penalty with only sturdy goal-line defence by the hosts preventing them from adding to their lead before the Reds finally settled – and duly raced into a 26-3 half-time lead.
They opened their account when good lineout ball from Mark Caddle was transferred along the backline before Jack Frame confused the defence with a wonderful dummy before cruising under the post.
That was quickly followed by another Frame score as he sprinted beyond the static Broughton defenders to latch onto a brilliant Cammy Murrie kick over the top before gathering near the goal-line and reaching out for the score.
Frame was at the heart of things again for the third try with an outrageous through-the-legs pass sparking the move that led to Caddle charging over the line.
The bonus point was in the bag before the half-time whistle when a quick tap penalty was shipped along the line to Aidan Rennison who duly delivered a wonderful pass for Ross Plenderleith to storm between two defenders to complete the first-half scoring.
Linlithgow added to their advantage early in the second-half before a spirited fightback from Broughton threatened to make for an interesting final 20 minutes.
Frame made it a hat-trick as he darted through the defence before the visitors rallied and bagged two quick tries to reduce the deficit to 18 points.
With the momentum now firmly in the away side’s favour the Reds’ subs helped stem the tide and ensure there was no late drama.
The home side were even able to wrestle the contest back and scored three more late tries to take them to the 50-point mark.
Skipper Euan Mochrie fought his way to the line after great work from Ross Tulloch and Frame before Murrie burst over the posts to get the try his overall performance deserved.
It was Frame, though, who had the final say as he capped off a brilliant passage of play that involved nearly half the team before he strolled over for an incredible fourth try. Add in the five successful conversions and it was a 30-point game for the talismanic fly-half.
The Reds host Ross High in a clash that pits third against second on Saturday (2pm kick-off).
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