Match Report V Panmure

Panmure RFC 9 - 47 Alloa RFC

Alloa travelled to Broughty Ferry on Saturday to play Panmure RFC, a club that have in the past caused Alloa some problems.
However, this did not appear to affect the visiting side as they started the game at a blistering pace, attacking the Panmure line from the outset.
Panmure defended their line and held firm until Matthew Pope went over following another sustained period of pressure from the forwards. The conversion went wide partly due to the strong wind which was in the Alloa faces.
The visitors scored their second try from the forwards once again setting up good ball for the backs, and who popped up in the middle, but the ever reliable Back Rower, Matthew Pope who scored between the posts - Lee Cairney converted.
There then followed some indiscipline from the visitors which resulted in Panmure being awarded several penalties all within kickable distance. Panmure converted 3 of the 5 penalties that were awarded.
When the half time whistle blew with the score Panmure 9 Alloa 12 it was over to the Alloa coaching team who made a few choice remarks and a bit of restructuring at the break.
The home support was fairly confident at this stage given that Panny would be playing down the slope. However, the Alloa players responded magnificently to the half time team talk and just refused to give Panmure the ball, who subsequently only managed two excursions into the Alloa half during the second period. Alloa were in complete control and further tries followed from Rab Truesdale, Martin McKenzie, Matthew Pope for his third, Marc Murray and Keenan MacDonald all of which were converted by Lee Cairney, who also converted a penalty.
It was great to see the backs interact with the forwards and everyone contributed to a fine team display.
Daniel McGookin was making his Alloa debut in the back row and was deservedly awarded the player of the match.
Alloa now face Harris next Saturday at Earlsfield 2pm KO.