Dunfermline 15-8 Strathmore

Strathmore first XV made the trip down to Mckane Park Dunfermline on Saturday to play Dunfermline 1st XV in their first fixture for 11 weeks due to International Autumn tests and bad weather which prolonged the mid season break.

Strathmore started brightly and pressed hard to cross the Home teams try line but couldn’t find a way to break the solid Dumfy defensive line. However Dunfermline presented Strathie with a great opportunity to take the lead by conceding a penalty which Ali Olivier duly slotted between the uprights. 0-3.

Strathie winger Ali Olivier then added to his own tally after he managed to cross the whitewash mid way through the first half to extend Strathie’s lead with a well worked try. Quick ball from scrum half Sean Webster from the back of a ruck resulted in slick passing through the hands from the backs which let Olivier score in the corner. Unfortunately the conversion was missed but Strathie led 0-8.

Before the half time whistle Dunfermline managed to score an unconverted try to end the half 5-8.

The second half started with Dunfermline pressing hard and with a strong vocal support behind them they were rewarded with a kickable penalty for their efforts. 8-8. Dunfermline were clearly a rejuvenated side and for the first time in the game took the lead after scoring a converted try midway through the second half. 15-8.

Despite Strathie never giving up and having a chance close to full time to possibly draw level it just wasn’t to be for the Men in Black. Head Coach Stewart Ross commented “A frustrating loss in a very tight game. Defensively we were very solid, in attack we just didn’t click which is unlike us. Next week we have to turn it around against league leaders Caithness at Inchmacoble.”

As Coach Ross said this Saturday the action returns to Inchmacoble with Strathie 1st XV hosting Caithness which kicks off at 2pm. With Free Entry to the match it’s hoped a large crowd come down to support the Men in Black in this must win game to maintain their chances of promotion.

Unfortunately the Angus Development game fell foul of the weather Saturday past where they were due to play Aberfeldy however they look to make the short trip to Dundee this Saturday playing against Dundee Medics also kicking off at 2pm.