The home side began well with a scrum against the head winning a penalty on 22 metres and Zac Zropf converted the three points.

Hawick responded when Dunfermline were punished at a ruck on 35 metres which Matty Douglas converted to level the score.

Good forward play by Dunfermline saw them advance within 15 metres but with the last pass knocked on they were denied a likely score. They continued to press and excellent lead-up play by Dunfermline’s forwards and backs saw play switching direction for Matty Lloyd to cross wide on the right for an unconverted try.

Inaccurate kicking for touch from the home side allowed Hawick to force their way deep into Dunfermline’s 22-metre area and a five-metre scrum to Hawick saw them move the ball wide to left winger Shaun Desport to cross wide on the right close to half-time. The conversion was missed.

Douglas converted a penalty on 35 metres for the visitors in the second half but Dunfermline responded forcefully and after good lead-up work by the forwards, Zropf kicked through and the ball was gathered by Graham Hall to touch down. Hawick were then awarded a penalty just outside the Dunfermline 22-metre line which Douglas converted to give them a one-point advantage.

Dunfermline again responded well, winning good field position from a scrum against the head and although Hawick cleared the danger, they were penalised in front of the posts. Zropf converted the three points.

With minutes to go, the home side looked to have secured the win, however, Hawick threw everything at Dunfermline and the home side held firm until a high tackle gave Douglas the opportunity to win the match with a penalty on the final whistle.

Dunfermline next travel to Perthshire on 7th March (KO 3pm).