Dunfermline 26-15 Glenrothes: Glens exit Caledonia Shield

The Glens got off to the worst possible start when, in their first foray, Dunfermline stormed up their left wing and scored in the corner. The conversion gave them an early seven-point advantage, and this was increased a few minutes later with a penalty from the Glens 10m line adding another three points to the Dunfermline total.

Glenrothes could have fell further behind but the Red forwards did well to halt a driving maul. It was to prove pivotal as Glens halved the deficit when Emerson used every inch of his frame to force his way over the line despite the attention of two defenders.

By half time Glenrothes were level. Shaun Gray set off on a jinking run down the right wing and as the defence closed in he put a delightful chip over their heads. Winger Rhys Bryce raced past the wrong footed Dunfermline players retrieved the ball and scored in the corner.

Two Dunfermline tries early in the second put Glenrothes on the back foot again before the Reds scored another try after good pressure. A penalty was awarded and this time Ross Hutchison took a quick tap and dived over the line before the defence was set. For the third time, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Dunfermline’s stand off, and undoubtedly their best player, put the game beyond doubt with a penalty and as the game drew to a close rounded off his personal tally with a drop goal to give a final score of 26-15 in Dunfermline’s favour.

The league season opens with the visit of Aberdeen Wanderers to Carleton Park, kick off at 3pm on Saturday, with the second XV facing a trip to Hillfoots.