Published: Thursday, 6th November, 2008 12:15pm

Vital Morgan win gives Dunfermline huge promotion push

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Dunfermline 17 Morgan 11

DUNFERMLINE took a huge step in their push for promotion on Saturday with a hard-fought victory over Morgan, who were placed above them before kick-off.

The victory was even more sweet as the team had to deal with six call-offs late on in the week. They were buoyed, however, by the return of skipper Scott Swankie.

The start of the game could not have gone any better as straight from the kick-off, Dunfermline moved the opposition from one side of the pitch to the other.

After many good phases, stand-off Ali O"Connor put in a pin-point crossfield kick for Andy Brown to collect, beat the last defender and go down under the posts for O"Connor to chip over the conversion.

The next 10 minutes saw Morgan gain in confidence as, rather than capitulate, they showed why they had proved tough opposition all season.

With their scrum dominant they began to put Dunfermline under some pressure and were rewarded when their No 8, Van Nekirk, rumbled over for the equalising score from close range.

Dunfermline were looking very dangerous in broken play and twice looked like they had scored only for the referee to find a reason not to give the score, despite no objections from the away team.

This became more frustrating as just before half- time Morgan centre Kiddie knocked over a penalty to take the lead.

The second half started with Morgan again taking charge of territory and possession. However, they never really threatened the home line and were only able to add another Kiddie penalty after 15 minutes of pressure.

The home team showed terrific composure to then turn a period of defence into a period of attack.

After a couple of attacking line-outs they eventually gained enough momentum to charge towards the line and gain a terrific try for Rob Hamilton. O"Connor again added the extras.

Dunfermline continued to pressure the Morgan try line and, after a couple of forays that Morgan illegally stopped, the ref yellow-carded the Morgan centre and from the resultant penalty O"Connor added another three points.

The final 10 minutes were a frantic affair with both teams looking for a crucial score. However, neither team was able to add to their tally.

This weekend Dunfermline travel to Ardrossan for the final match before the mid-season break knowing a win will put them in a strong position going into the second half of the season.

Kids from Dunfermline"s mini section headed to St Andrews to participate in the annual tournament held by Madras RFC at the weekend.

This year players from Primary 7 to Primary 3 were involved. The Primary 3 team played four games, winning two and losing the others.

The Primary 5 team beat Kirkcaldy 5-3, with tries by Cameron Symes (2), who ended up being man of the tournament, Euan Colston, Cal Clarke and Conner Morris.

They also beat Melrose 8-5 with a brilliant tackling display from Jonathan Scott, Colston and Symes in the middle of the park, but lost 5-4 to Howe and 9-4 to Madras.

The Primary 7s beat Kirkcaldy 3-1, Harvey Gardiner scoring a hat-trick and receiving the man of the match award.

They then defeated Melrose 3-2, with Cormac Wcislo and Adam Cumming on the score sheet and Adam Nicol scoring a last-gasp winner. In their 4-3 defeat of Howe of Fife the man of the match was Adam Nicol.

They drew 2-2 with Madras, with Gardiner and Nicol scoring the tries. Owen Prentice was named man of the match for his rucking performance.

They were beaten 4-3 by Heriots, with Owen Prentice and Adam Cumming on the score sheet. Gregor Betson received man of the match award.

The team finished in fourth place.