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Aberdeen Grammar ran in seven tries to get back to winning ways in National 1 with their second win of the season.
Winger Grant Walker, captain in the absence of flu-stricken Morgan Ward, led from the front with a touchdown in each half. Peceli Nacamavuto also scored two tries to take his total for the season to five from four starts.
Musselburgh never gave up and aided by some poor home tackling turned around only 26-23 in arrears at half-time.
The home points came from tries by Nacamavuto (2), Walker and the splendid lock Stuart Smith who capped a fine day with his touchdown.
Grammar’s Alex Hagart led his line well, adding three conversions. The Musselburgh points were attributed to flanker Michael Maltman (Ed: ex-Scotland Sevens squad), winger Sandy Watt and Paddy Brown who scored tries, while stand off Danny Owenson kicked a penalty and a conversion.
James Doig added a drop goal, even if referee David Sutherland failed to spot that the full back had knocked on when collecting the ball.
The entertainment continued apace in the second half, but spoiled by a poor referee who felt the need to sin-bin three home players in what was never a dirty game.
Tony McGinness, Sam Knudson and Adrian Hamilton were the home victims.
Grammar’s second half points came from winger Martin McRobbie, Walker and full back Alex Ratcliffe. Hagart kicked a penalty and two conversions.
The plucky visitors were rewarded with tries from lock Will Lander and flanker Declan Slaven. Owenson kicked a lone conversion, but were never likely to win the game.
Grammar coach Stuart Corsar said: “We did most things right today, though we might have defended better, but then it was an entertaining game of rugby.
“We were more focused than of late, and score some thoughtful tries. We will be working on our defence as the autumn progresses. We were much more co-ordinated, which is hugely encouraging.
“There were some outstanding performances out there, not least in the pack where I thought Peter Gillies was superb, as were the back row.”
© Jack Nixon
Aberdeen Grammar: Alex Ratcliffe; Grant Walker (c), Peceli Nacamavuto, Tom Aplin, Martin McRobbie; Alex Hagart, Sam Knudson; Matthias Schosser, Stuart Davis, Colin Neilson; Stuart Smith, Hamilton Burr; Robin Cessford, Tony McGinness, Adrian Hamilton.
Replacements: Peter Gillies, Aaron Robertson, Chris Jollands, Jamie Gilmour, Ali Addy.
Musselburgh: James Doig; Sandy Watt, Alex McKay, Andrew Cook, Adam Hook; Danny Owenson, Arthur Sinclair; Dave Paton, Connor Slaven, Craig Owenson; Paddy Brown, Will Lander; Michael Maltman, Declan Slaven, Luke Hutson.
Replacements: Cailin Gibson, Ross Gregor, Ryan Southern, Euan O'Brien, Rory Watt.