​Howe of Fife forced to settle for bonus point v Allan Glen’s

​Over the past two seasons, the East Dunbartonshire outfit’s visits have yielded competitive games and tight scorelines, but that wasn’t the case this time round as table-toppers Glen’s, arriving at Cupar’s Duffus Park on the back of handing out an 84-0 hiding at home to Cartha Queen’s Park seven days prior, ended up winning by 42-26.

have been very tight competitive affairs.

Howe’s line-up reflected a squad in transition, featuring several under-18s from last season, including Ruari Barr at full-back, Cameron Merrington at centre and Owen Anderson on the wing, with Will Gillespie on the bench.

New to scrum-half was Inver Petrie, and a notable absentee was captain Fraser Allan, out recovering from injury.

Howe got off to an inauspicious start, leaking three tries in 13 minutes.

The danger-man for Glens was centre Levi Ekevati, who set up the first try and scored the second, and he was involved in the third too, scored after a clever loop pass.

Howe regrouped, driving the ball through their forwards, making their way for the first time into the visitors’ half.

Numerous penalties helped Howe exert pressure close to the visitors’ line, but strong defence repelled their attacks, though they were rewarded with a breakthrough when youngster Barr showed his pace and footwork to sidestep past the defence to score. Owen Anderson kicked the conversion.

Howe’s defences were tested every time Glen’s ran at them, moving the ball and varying attacking angles.

Their fourth, bonus-point try came from a Howe mistake as the hosts lost their own 10m lineout, with Glen’s gathering the ball to score.

Howe’s resilience was tested as they continued to be dominated by a physical, well-organised side, and it was to their credit that they maintained their shape and control, every player working hard to regain a foothold in the game.

The deficit was reduced when second-row Will Hodgkins powered over for a much-needed try, Anderson again adding the extra points.

Howe were then penalised for wrong entry at a ruck, giving Glens an easy extra three points to lead 27-14, but the hosts responded with a well-taken try by Anderson and he added another conversion.

The difference now only five points but Howe couldn’t keep it at that until the break as their visitors scored a try from a quickly-taken tap penalty to go 32-21 in front.

Howe started the second half on the back foot once more, conceding another try, followed by a high tackle on Anderson resulting in him being taken off and a yellow fcard for Glen’s.

Howe then upped their game, attacking at every opportunity, but back at the other end of the park, Glen’s scored a seventh try.

The last word went to Howe, though, in the form of an unconverted bonus-point try touched down, after making his debut off the bench, by second-row Gillespie. He powered his way through a couple of defenders, almost being held up, to stretch out and touch down.

Next up for Howe is a trip to Hillhead Jordanhill this Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.