Linlithgow Reds open season in style thanks to hat-trick hero Ross Tulloch

Linlithgow Reds made a perfect start to the East Region League Division One season thanks to a 34-15 victory at home against Leith.

The Reds will no doubt be heading into the season confident of mounting a promotion charge, having fallen just short last year, and while there were signs of rustiness they produced a fine display to pick up a deserved opening day win.

The home side kicked-off and were utterly dominant for the opening 20 minutes, only for some sloppy passing and handling seeing a string of promising moves break down.

Leith were then reduced to 14 men after the referee had given plenty of warning about high tackles and the Reds made the most of the extra space as they finally got their account up and running.

The first try of the season arrived when Conor Findlay went over after spotting a gap and running through a string of defenders - with two more unconverted tries quickly following as Linlithgow built up a 15-0 half-time advantage.

The second try arrived when the Reds opted for a scrum when 10 metres out with the ball eventually making its way to Jack Frame who duly sent Ross Tulloch clear to score.

The pair would be involved in the move for try no.3 just before the interval with Frame finding Ross Plenderleith. He made up ground before teeing up the overlapping Tulloch who sold his defender a dummy and sprinted 40 yards to touch down.

To their credit, Leith started the second half well and worked their way upfield for the first time in the contest.

They were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty, which was quickly followed by an unconverted try to make it a one-score game at 15-8 after 50 minutes.

Linlithgow responded in fine fashion, though, and instantly resorted their double-digit advantage when