A LATE try broke Dunfermline hearts on Saturday and denied them their first win of the season in National League Division Three.

Derek O’Riordan’s men were set to claim a vital victory on Murrayfield Wanderers’ artificial pitch but a score in the fifth minute of time added on drew the home side level.

Dunfermline could have left with nothing but a missed conversion ensured they at least took two points.

Both teams deserved credit for end-to-end, exciting rugby and the McKane men have definitely improved after a difficult start to the season.

Having lost their opening six matches, getting their first points will be a relief and new signings Zac Zropf and Harry Masters have provided a solid half back partnership.

The Australian duo made their debuts in the previous match with East Kilbride after being signed through a rugby recruitment agency until March.

They produced another good display in the capital, with Zropf converting all but one of his attempts at goal. Dunfermline started well and in the opening 10 minutes crossed the line for their opening try through Alex Conyers.

Murrayfield came back during a thrilling first half that ended 13-13 after Zropf successfully kicked a penalty to level after the hosts had edged 13-10 ahead.

A difficult start to the second half saw the visitors lose Masters to the sin bin and concede a pushover try to fall five points adrift, but Wanderers missed the conversion.

The Fifers were forced to defend under some severe pressure and survived another scare when Murrayfield missed another penalty attempt from the 22 metre line.

Dunfermline weathered the storm and Zropf brought them into contention with another successful penalty before the visitors appeared to have won it as they ran clear from 25 metres to score a converted try.

More pressure followed and just as it appeared they would see the match out, a scrum in the 85th minute saw Wanderers force the ball over the line to snatch a draw.

Dunfermline’s quest for an elusive first win of the campaign continues on Saturday when they welcome unbeaten league leaders Dumfries Saints to McKane Park.

Kick-off is at 3pm.