Published: Thursday, 29th January, 2009 8:30am

Shock home defeat ends Dunfermline's winning run

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Dunfermline 17 Cartha Queens Park 18

DUNFERMLINE"S nine-game winning run came to an abrupt halt on Saturday as the home side went from being 11 points ahead with just 10 minutes remaining to losing the game.

The home side went into the match full of confidence, buoyed by the previous week"s historic derby victory at Kirkcaldy.

Yet it was the away side who dominated the opening exchanges without really threatening the home line.

Eventually Dunfermline were penalised and the away kicker obliged with an easy kick.

This spurred the home team into action and the rest of the half was spent hammering away at the Cartha line.

At one point the home pack thought they had scored only to realise they had touched down on the five-metre line.

Just as a little desperation was setting in, makeshift centre Sky Laurie charged down a defensive kick right on half time and collected it himself to score. Ali O"Connor continued his fine kicking form to convert from wide out.

The second half resumed with sterling defence from Cartha as Dunfermline attempted to put the game to bed.

The home side made the breakthrough when the visiting defence became stretched, allowing Ross Neill to run in for the game"s second try. O"Connor again converted.

Dunfermline looked to be in control and set for a 10th win but they proceeded to throw their advantage away.

First a loose kick gave Cartha their first run-in, then a scrum against the head gave them their second run-in to get within a point.

O"Connor looked to have put the match beyond doubt when he gave Dunfermline a four-point advantage, converting a penalty with only minutes to go.

But from the kick-off Cartha were first awarded a scrum, from which they ran the ball wide, and then were awarded a penalty.

As there was no time left they had to run it and caught Dunfermline on the hop, allowing Cartha"s attackers to spill through some holes in the home defence and score the all-important try.

Despite the defeat, Dunfermline are still in control of their own destiny and they can get their promotion push back on track this weekend with an away trip to Perthshire (kick-off 3pm).

On Sunday the club"s under-17s reached the semi-finals of the Glasgow/Caley Cup with an easy victory against Cumnock and will now play Perthshire.