Dunfermline Press | Sport | Season ends with derby hammering from Kirkcaldy

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Thursday, 3rd April, 2008 09:25

Season ends with derby hammering from Kirkcaldy

Kirkcaldy 34-6 Dunfermline

Dunfermline’s season ended with a whimper after they were thumped by their local rivals at Beveridge Park on Saturday.

Recent performances had suggested they could finish on a high but any hopes of an away victory were blown away as they seriously underperformed.

Against the elements in the first half, they were on the back foot straight away but the home side failed to convert good possession into points.

They were just a penalty to the good but Dunfermline failed to muster a serious challenge to Kirkcaldy’s superiority and a lifting mistake at a line-out cost them dear.

Kirkcaldy stole the ball and broke away down the narrow side for the first try of the match.

Another set-piece error put the McKane Park men under more pressure and, coupled with defensive frailty, it allowed the home side to rumble over for another try and a 15-0 lead at the break.

Dunfermline managed to put some phases of play together but in the worst of the weather and in the face of sound home defence, the best they could manage were two Ali O’Connor penalties.

They quickly returned to their error-strewn ways which invited more pressure. Late tries put an extra gloss on the result for Kirkcaldy but it was a comprehensive victory that leaves Dunfermline licking their wounds over the summer.

* An old-established link with Northumbrian side Newcastle Northern RFC was renewed on Sunday when Dunfermline RFC under-15s travelled to Newcastle to compete for the annual Northern v Dunfermline Challenge Cup.

Northern were the current cup holders having beaten Dunfermline at their home ground two seasons ago and they retained the cup when last season’s match ended in a draw at Dunfermline

The first half saw each team sharing equal possession and territory, the only difference being a penalty converted by stand-off Connor Edward, which gave Dunfermline a 3-0 lead at half time.

And that’s how the game finished with no further scores for either side.

Martin Scade, the Dunfermline captain, accepted the cup on behalf of the team.

Northern, keen to gain revenge for the narrow defeat, have already set a date for their visit to Dunfermline next season.

* Dunfermline are to hold their annual mini's rugby tournament at Dunfermline High School this Sunday. Teams from Central Scotland will be competing with Dunfermline at Primary 4, 5, 6 & 7 level for the honours. The tournament starts at 11am with the final games being completed by 3pm.

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