Dunfermline 5 Perth 0 : Kirkcaldy 3 Dunfermline 5 : Kirkcaldy 0 Perth 3

The visitors to Beveridge Park, Dunfermline and Perth, got proceedings underway with a game of high quality rugby. Dunfermline scored with the first move of the match, brushing off tackles to cross the whitewash, and dominated most of the half. Perth showed good commitment but struggled to get into the opposition half. A 2-0 scoreline at half time was extended in the second half; Dunfermline good value for their 5-0 victory.

After watching the opening match the Wee Blues took to the pitch to take on Dunfermline. The rustiness in the team showed straight away with missed tackles and a general lack of alertness allowing Dunfermline to break through the middle or ship the ball to the wings to score 4 unanswered tries. Kirkcaldy were trying to play as individuals but the team work and desire seemed lacking. It was a relief to those watching, and great credit to the boys, that they came out for the second half looking a different side. Owen set things moving with a break up the left wing to score his teams’ first try of the day. This was followed by a determined move culminating in Rory breaking through tackles to just reach the line and register a score. The Wee Blues were unfortunate that an attacking move broke down, allowing the opposition to score a break away try. They did, however, have the satisfaction of scoring the final try of the game with Owen showing his characteristic skill and determination to register the points. The fact that the Wee Blues shaded the second half (3-1) did not obscure the fcat that Dunfermline were the better team on the day. They had more desire and determination and had obviously benefited from their indoor training over the holidays. The Wee Blues showed promise in some areas; a number of great breaks by Max, Owen and Rory; some important ball winning in the centre of the pitch from Ross Laird and great energy and enthusiasm from Matt. These positives were countered, however, by a worrying tendency to lose the ball at the breakdown, a lack of support running and some ineffectual tackling.

The final match of the day pitched Kirkcaldy against Perth. This promised to be a good contest with the Wee Blues hoping to build on their second half performance against Dunfermline. Unfortunately, this proved not to be the case. A very closely-contested first half saw Perth take a 1-0 lead following a try on the left wing. This left everything to play for after the break but Kirkcaldy again struggled and to turnovers from promising home possession allowed Perth to score breakaway tries to secure the victory.

These back-to-back defeats were a harsh reminder of the challenges awaiting the Wee Blues squad in their final season before the move to secondary rugby. As a squad they have the talent to compete with, and beat, both of today’s opposition. It is vital, however, that they return to taking responsibility for themselves on the pitch and to doing themselves justice. This will require small improvements in their play, big improvements in their teamwork and important changes in attitude. Hopefully, a few training session will dislodge the rustiness and re-awaken the competitiveness and team spirit in the squad.

Squad:
Owen Bonner, Matt Collins, Jon Frame, Stuart Findlay, Dahir Gallo, Austin Glass, Max Hadoke, Rory Harvey, Ross Laird, Reece Patterson, Ross Sinclair, Greg Stewart, Fraser Wallace.

Try scorers were:     Owen (2); Rory (1).