WANDERERS entertained North Berwick at Fort Matilda looking for a win against a side which had narrowly defeated them in the earlier fixture between the clubs.
From the kick-off they had opportunities to open their account, but handling errors in the early minutes cost them.
Conditions were not easy for both sides and the game developed into a forward battle until the 20th minute, when the visitors' left winger scored in the corner to put them 5-0 ahead.
Wanderers hit back as they fought their way into the visitors' 22 and Robb picked up from a ruck and ran in under the posts to level.
The visitors after some time in the home 22 were then rewarded with a penalty which was converted to give them an 8-5 lead.
Shortly after Robb was yellow carded. Both sides had spells in each other's half without being able to dominate or trouble the scoreboard. Another yellow card was issued, this time to the visitors' number 8, and both sides racked up a good number of penalties for high tackles which the referee was unable to take control of.
With half-time looming Wanderers were in the opposition half with McGroarty about to score when he was fouled.
The referee gave a penalty try, making the score 12-8.
The visitors' inability to convert territorial advantage into points and both sides' penalty count, but Wanderers in particular, played a mighty part in the home half-time lead.
With the weather conditions not improving play in the second half was mainly in the forwards.
Wanderers full-back Knapton was yellow carded for a clumsy upright challenge.
In a rare visit to the opposition half McGroarty scored to make it 19-8.
This lead looked likely to win the match for the home side with 10 minutes to play, but it sparked a last throw of the dice for the visitors.
They pounded the home line and, accompanied with poor decision-making by Wanderers, this made it a very uncomfortable last few minutes.
The visitors finally scored under the home posts to bring the score to 19-15.
The visitors continued to batter the home defence but Wanderers held out to win and push themselves out of the relegation zone.
They are not due to have their next league match until the New Year when they travel through to Murrayfield Wanderers on January 13.
The 2nd XV had a fine 23-15 win away at the weekend against table toppers Alan Glen's.
The Ladies match was postponed.
The next activity at Fort Matilda is the annual Boxing Day match between the President's XV and the Men's 1st XV, which is usually a great occasion on the Club calendar.
Sponsors: MMSEARCH Club, Straps of Gourock and Brow House Cosmetics.
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