We'll meet again . . . perhaps. While the occasion did not warrant a rendition of Vera Lynn's famous wartime song, it raised the possibility of a reuniting of these clubs in the same league for the first time in two years. The Hills are at present Premier Division 2 and although not faring too greatly, feel they can stave off relegation and still be there should West earn the promotion they are so close to achieving from Premier 3.

With Saturday's encounter being a Cup tie situations are never straightforward and the underdogs can have their day. And so it was that West proved to be the stronger side on this occasion, and showed they would not be out of their depth should they earn the step up. Scoring five tries to one illustrated they were certainly not to be overawed.

The Hills were perhaps fortunate that all of the second half involved non-contested scrums, because they could not field genuine front row coverage after injuries to props Joe Stafford and Nick McAuley. The scrummaging area was West's most potent weapon, and it could be said they were perhaps the more intimidated by the ruling. However, they proved they had other qualities, and did manage three further tries including one right on the final whistle.

West enjoyed forward supremacy with the experienced heads of Gordon Bulloch and Guy Perrett keeping the younger members on the right track. Behind the pack scrum-half Sandy Service, as his name implies kept the ball moving to fly-half Fraser Sinclair to keep The Hills turning.

On the other hand, the home side's strength appeared to be their pacey back division, but deprived of the ball for lengthy spells it was difficult for them to make headway. Andrew Eggleton is a potent weapon they should release more often, but again, lack of ball nullified even his potential.

The Hills' coach Mike Blackie admitted his boys were surprised by the size of the West pack, and found themselves dominated on most occasions. "The game was a bit slack compared to our performances in recent weeks," he said.

"But that was because of the size of their pack. We had hoped to win more ball and use our fast backs but they did not allow us any space to expand. We needed a platform and did not have it today. It means now we have to concentrate on our next league matches and make sure we are not relegated. It would be great to meet West again next season, as long as it is in Premier 2."

West's David McLean was "very, very, very happy and relieved"at the win, and the grin on his face confirmed it. He felt, however, the uncontested scrums worked against his team as they lost their momentum, while The Hills played well into the wind during that spell with them being able to get more ball.

McLean is happy his team are still going well on two fronts, but admitted the promotion situation is tight, as they have to win their two remaining home matches against Murrayfield and Kirkcaldy to step up. But performances like Saturday's would be very acceptable.