In the reverse fixture earlier this season, the Taysider’s built an early 12 point lead before a strong Alloa comeback resulted in them scoring three unanswered tries for a 24-12 victory.
This fixture saw the local side welcome last season’s Div 3 Champions to Earlsfield for their first match in 4 weeks, and they may have been forgiven for feeling a little apprehensive after this period of inactivity. However, any fears of rustiness were almost immediately dispelled when straight from the kick off, Alloa applied pressure on the visitors defence and Gary Taylor was unlucky not to score when he was held up just short of the line.
But the home side did not have to wait long for the opening score. From an expertly executed catch and drive on the Panmure “22 the home side forwards advanced patiently to the try line and Player – Coach, Brian ireland drove over with ball in hand for a 5 point lead.
Despite the muddy underfoot conditions the local side were playing an exciting style of running rugby, displaying fine handling skills. This was evident in the next try, after 15 minutes play, when from a quick break, deep in their own half the Alloa back line combined well with the forwards and when the ball was quickly recycled, Tam McGowan was on hand to receive the scoring pass.
By this point, Alloa were well on top but they had to be careful to protect their 10 point lead as Panmure have been a rejuvenated side in recent months having beaten Madras and scored an excellent cup win at Stirling University en route to next week’s Caledonia Bowl Final against Grangemouth.
The visitors did have one or two periods of pressure, but the home side defence held firm with some hard hitting tackles and with 5 minutes remaining in the half, young Lee Cairney capped an excellent display at Stand Off when he wrong footed the visitors defence and strolled over under the posts for a converted score and a healthy half time lead.
The second half followed the same pattern of the first with Alloa on the front foot straight from the whistle and Mark Murray secured the 4 try bonus point when he started a move from the halfway line and set up the forwards for a series of rucks and mauls and the pacey winger was rewarded for his earlier efforts when he was on hand to receive the final pass and he had no trouble in rounding his marker before dotting down under the posts.
Alan Keir stretched the lead with a nicely struck penalty and Mark Murray doubled his own tally to complete the afternoons scoring and a very well deserved 32 – 0 victory.
With everyone playing their part it was difficult to name a man of the match, but young Hooker, Scott McLellan was awarded the title for his tireless work around the pitch both in offense and defence.
The 1st XV have no scheduled fixture this weekend, but the 2nd XV have an away trip to face Dundee side, Stobswell – 3pm KO.