History making match

On Sunday 19 September Dunfermline Women’s rugby team made history, competing in their first official Scottish Rugby league.
The newcomers join Lismore, Liberton, Livingston, Dundee, Strathmore, Grangemouth and Kirkcaldy in the Tennent’s East/Midlands league.
Having first established in 2019 it has been a short and sharp rise from a development team to playing competitively, a challenge which the team relishes.
Team Captain Sheryl Wilson said: “We’re excited and ready to join the competitive set up. We have been working hard with our coaching team to learn and grow, even throughout covid-19. The season ahead, win or lose, is a massive stepping-stone in the club’s history and something that I am extremely proud of.”
In their opening fixture, Dunfermline welcomed Kirkcaldy to McKane Park.
With Dunfermline not having much time with ball in hand, it was a game of solid defence and Kirkcaldy had to work hard to make it past the wall of blue.
After putting three scores past Dunfermline, the hosts were quick to respond with Lynne Stewart crossing the whitewash before half time.
Despite a valiant effort to fend off the attacking side, Kirkcaldy wrangled additional three tries and one conversion to take the full-time score to 5-37.

Player of the Match nominated by Kirkcaldy: Sheryl Wilson
Forward of the Match nominated by Dunfermline: Lynne Stewart
Back of the Match nominated by Dunfermline: Kayleigh Laing

Team selection
1. Suzanne Rennie 2. Chelsie Martin 3. Lisa Hamilton-Martin (VC) 4. Amy Ironside 5. Lynne Stewart 6. Helen Newton 7. Shelby Lynch 8. Rowan McNeil 9. Alison Caldicott 10. Sheryl Wilson (C) 11. Bethany Breckinridge 12. Caitlin Gould 13. Kayleigh Laing 14. Ali Arnott 15. Chloe Alcorn 16. Eilidh Duff

Match report by Caitlin Gould