Published: Thursday, 25th September, 2008 9:40am

Dunfermline break down Hillhead to secure bonus point victory

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Dunfermline 24 Hillhead Jordanhill 19

SHIRT SHRIFT: Dunfermline's Jonny Smart tries to escape the clutches of the Hillhead defence.
Pic by: Dunfermline Press

DESPITE the close scoreline Dunfermline won this entertaining match four tries to one to secure the all-important bonus point against a team that was always going to be tough to break down.

The game started slowly with Hillhead probably a little aggrieved not to be up after the opening exchanges as they had two great chances to open the scoring.

Only a combination of poor decision- making and great home defence kept the scoreboard blank.

Dunfermline eventually started to get into their stride and apply some pressure on their Glasgow opponents.

After some sustained possession some good forward play saw Rob Hamilton open his account in a Dunfermline jersey.

Dunfermline quickly backed this up with a fortuitous piece of play, a missed pass from Ali O"Connor went through the hands of centre Gibson only to bounce forward off his knee allowing Jonny Smart to capitalise and touchdown.

As half-time approached, Dunfermline were stringing together some good phases of play and were only denied further scores by individual errors.

Thankfully, there was some reward just before the interval, Warren Daly made a piercing run through the opposition forwards and linked with back row forward Colin Stewart, who glided over close to the posts for O"Connor to convert.

The second half saw the game really open up as the away side came out of their shell in an effort to save the game and with the home fifteen now not working as hard defensively, Hillhead got their reward.

A string of penalties saw Hillhead claw back nine points through the boot of their full back.

This stung the home side into action and saw them score the best try of the match.

Waves of attacks with all fifteen players involved saw them move up the pitch. The final move saw the ball get to wing Neil, who burst through a series of would-be tacklers before eventually off loading to Sky Laurie. O"Connor converted.

Once again, Hillhead launched another series of attacks and with 10 minutes to go they finally broke the home defence and followed this up quickly with a penalty to create a grandstand final five minutes which were made even worse for the home support when captain Scott Swankie was sin-binned. However, composed play by the pack secured victory.

This weekend Dunfermline travel away to Ellon along with the thirds and the under-18s.