Match report V Aberdeen Wanderers

Even after a major re-jig of their pack from the victory over Hillfoots the week before, Alloa still created enough chances to comfortably win this match in Aberdeen. Therefore leaving Groats Road with a with a single bonus point was a disappointment for a side who looked likely to take all five points up to the last play of the match.

With the blustery wind making handling difficult, it was Ed Waller who provided the first meaningful attack of the match, grounded just short of the line after a mazy run. However the home side struck first from a try from their number eight who picked up from a scrum and stretched over. Alloa equalised soon after through a sweeping move down the right finished by Lee Cairney in the corner. Wanderers edged back ahead with a penalty before Alloa responded with two unanswered tries, one converted by Lee Cairney. David Jess got downward pressure after Alloa drove a line out and then Lee Cairney barged over for a second try after strong pressure on the home line. Wanderers reduced the deficit to 11-17 before the break courtesy of a second penalty.

The Alloa scrum misfired for a while in the third quarter and they coughed up one ball too many and the Wanderers backs made good use of the ball scything through the Alloa defence. Alan Keir came close from a break down the left and Matt Duncan couldn't find the over-lap pass with the line beckoning as Alloa dominated for a while. However the next score came from Wanderers from a driven line out. Alan Keir eventually got a deserved score which secured the bonus point and reduced the deficit to 25-22. The visitors were piling on the pressure and Rab Truesdale went close before being bundled out in the corner but the last play of the match defined Alloa's afternoon. They had a kickable penalty that would have levelled the scores and yielded three league points however with Wanderers down to 14 men and visibly wilting they went for the victory and took a quick tap penalty. From the third wave of attack they proceeded to knock on and the home side hacked downfield to secure maximum points from their fourth try which turned out to be the last play of the afternoon.

Alloa were justifiably downhearted (at least until they headed home on the long journey from Aberdeen). However it needs to be noted that through injury and unavailability their ranks change radically from week to week with a number of players just needing more game time.

Dunfermline visit Earlsfield on Saturday for round five of the league competition - kick-off 3pm.

Alloa Under 16's started their season in style with a 57-19 victory over Kirkcaldy at Earlsfield. Leading only 19-14 at the break, Alloa changed gear in the second half and put together some outstanding passages of rugby against a Kirkcaldy side who are always strong at age-grade rugby.