IF at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again.

That is a useful motto for life, but a somewhat galling adage on the rugby field.

Such was the case for the hapless players of Edinburgh's Lismore RFC at the weekend, who put in plenty of effort in their East Division 2 match against Berwick, but suffered the unhappy experience of seeing their opponents cross their line no fewer than 24 times. And through it all, they kept battling, putting in tackle after tackle, though it must have felt akin to throwing themselves at runaway trains.

The actual result is a matter of some dispute. This newspaper reported the scoreline as 0-148, though some at the match who were keeping count thought it finished 0-159. Such differences can be excused, since officials of the amateur game are not required to have a degree in arithmetical studies.

The result represents some sort of improvement for Lismore - the previous week they had run Dalkeith close, to the extent they were pipped 133-0.

Club secretary Alan Soden hopes this is a short-term blip - though bleeps may be more pertinent - and bemoans the fact they are short on players. Next time, perhaps a fly half might be in order.