In development terms, this was the match Dunfermline had been looking forward to this season – up against a team which was universally strong in all positions, and who would provide a stern test for the home side. GHA’s game was based around a well drilled approach to contesting the ruck, keeping possession with a fast off-loading game, and getting the ball to one of several elusive runners in their back line.
Dunfermline were stretched thin in terms of playing numbers, a few unavailable and others still recovering from injury meant that we took to the field with only 13 fit players, and indeed one of these – Jack – was still recovering from a bout of flu and was hoping to take only a small part in this match. Instead he showed great commitment to the team and agreed to give it his best for as long as he could.
A tight game throughout, each team matching the other score for score. Kian carried well and ended up bagging three tries, Andrew scoring the 4th and kicked 3 out of 4 conversions. Final score 15-16
All in all a good team performance, and the boys will be taking a lot of lessons away with them in terms of committing to the ruck, working on our attacking formations, and keeping switched on at all times. Man of the match was Blair, who linked well in attack, and put a couple of vital tackles in.