Dunfermline 17 Perthshire 21

Perthshire repulsed this but were soon penalised at a ruck on their 22 metre line. Zropf converted for three points. Despite the Dunfermline scrum being under pressure in the scrum, the line out functioned well and a rolling maul off a line out forced the visitors to concede a further penalty, converted by Zropf. Dunfermline failed to deal effectively with the restart and Perthshire were rewarded by an unconverted try from No 8 Duncan Clow following driving forward play. Perthshire second row Adam Pattinson added a further try after driving lead up work from the forwards. Clow added the conversion. Dunfermline responded immediately from the restart forcing a penalty for failing to release the ball in the ruck. Zropf added a further three points to his tally.
A bright start to the second half gave Dunfermline the edge and good interplay from forwards and backs was finished by Craig McKenzie who crossed wide on the right. Both sides were penalised frequently by the referee but it was Perthshire who benefitted first with a penalty from Clows. This was negated by a well struck penalty from Zropf. With a two point lead Dunfermline dug in and weathered determined play by their visitors clearing their lines after a series of 5 metre scrums. As both sides attempted to gain dominance play became scrappy with infringements from both sides. Unfortunately for Dunfermline Clows had the measure of the elements as he converted two more penalties to secure the win for Perthshire.
Despite this disappointment Dunfermline deserved to gain more than the losing bonus point and the continuing improvement in performance will give them heart for the coming fixtures.
Next league fixture is against Dumfries away on 22 November. KO 2.00pm