Alloa travelled to Harley Street, Rosyth in the knowledge that they had failed to win at that venue in their four previous visits. Despite a fantastic hat-trick by Fraser Smith a win still eluded the Earlsfield side who had to settle for two bonus points through scoring four tries and losing by seven points or less.
Playing with a stiff wind at the their backs in the first half, Alloa led at the quarter through a Matt Allan penalty and first try by Fraser Smith after a great break in midfield by Kris Aitken. However the penalty count against began to weigh heavily on Alloa both in terms of lack of consistent field position and ultimately a yellow card produced by persistent offending (Grant Smith was the unlucky player to go). Southern took advantage of Alloa’s temporary shortage of numbers and scored two converted tries before the break.

Half time Fife Southern 14 Alloa 8

Back to full numbers Alloa came out the traps strongly in the second half and constant pressure resulted in firstly a home forward being yellow carded for killing the ball and then the Alloa backs spinning the ball to Marc Murray for try converted by Alan Keir. The home side regained the lead momentarily. However, the Alloa backs ripped through again and Smith was on hand to crash over.

As the game moved into it’s final quarter the strength of the home front five and tactical kicking to the corner brought Southern two further tries via drives from their pack close to the Alloa line. In between scores Alloa had Marc Murray yellow carded for a high tackle which was perhaps a bit harsh considering what had gone before. To their credit Alloa came back again and Fraser Smith scored a charge down try converted by Alan Keir via the crossbar however it was a case of a little too late.
This Saturday Alloa travel to Broughty Ferry to face Panmure and the 2nd xv have a home fixture against Hillfoots – both kick-offs 3pm.