IF there was one moment that illustrated the gulf in class between these two sides it came in the 35th minute.

An attacking movement started with prop Jono Peers showing sleight of hand to slip a pass on the inside that sent Ryan Hilliard racing through a gap.

It then left the full back to draw his opposite number to put Danny Lynch under the posts for an exquisitely worked try.

The move was straight off the training paddock and left Recs coach Kurt Haggerty with a broad grin on his face, but it also exemplified was his side’s vastly superior ability to move the ball through hands.

The intrigue surrounding the first round Challenge Cup tie against the Scottish champions was enough to draw the BBC cameras for a special feature.

And the Scottish lads certainly gave a good account of themselves, with plenty of industry, grit and determination.

But they could not handle Recs’ speed of attack, which saw three quarters Ian Stanley, Andrew Knapper and debutant Chris Kinsey all cross for braces.

Kinsey’s first try came after a well-executed move from a scrum that followed Greg Smith's 40/20.

The excellent Stanley got in on the act before Knapper crossed for his first and Richard Rafferty barged over.

Lynch’s try followed before Kinsey crossed to make it 32-0 at half time. Knapper, Mark Ashton and Stanley crossed for second half tries.

But, as the weather deteriorated - with driving rain and wind making handling difficult - Aberdeen dug in to avoid a rout, with Lance Tallet grabbing a consolation try.