Published: Thursday, 26th February, 2009 4:03pm

Dunfermline exit national cup

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Dunfermline 7 West of Scotland 30

Pic by: Dunfermline Press

SATURDAY saw Dunfermline Rugby Club knocked out of the national cup by a stronger and fitter outfit two divisions above them.

Despite a huge defensive effort the home side were unable to repel a late surge by West that saw them gain a couple of scores gave the final score a flattering look.

Dunfermline started well dominating the opening exchanges but they were unable to put any points on the board as they came up against a very well organised and aggressive defence.

However, they showed the Premiership 1 team that they were not going to have an easy time of it and this was reflected when the West coaching team brought British Lion Gordon Bulloch and ex Pro Guy Perrett of the bench after 20 minutes.

They had an immediate effect as from a scrum, Dunfermline were penalised and the first three points were scored.

The game then went from end to end though it was the West attacks that were more threatening and prolonged, with fantastic defence from the home side keeping them out.

This continued until the final minute of the half when a surprising hook against the head near the Dunfermline line allowed the West left winger to skip in for the first try of the afternoon.

Dunfermline again dominated the opening exchanges of the half only this time they were rewarded.

From a line out penalty the home pack created waves of attack on the West line and eventually lock Gareth McColl dived over close to the posts, allowing Johnny Bruton to add the extras and bring Dunfermline within a point.

It was at this point, with about 20 minutes to go, that the home team"s lack of match fitness and West"s Premier 1 fitness levels began to take their toll.

West quickly replied with an easy penalty, then with 15 to go Dunfermline conceded a penalty close to their line and rather than take the easy points, Bulloch tapped quickly seeing a disorganised defence and ploughed over for the crucial score.

The final moments of the match were played out with many substitutions creating some disruption and ultimately allowed West two more soft scores as the home team threw everything into attack.

This weekend sees Dunfermline return to the more important part of the season, the promotion charge. They have a rearranged league match versus Falkirk at McKane with a noon kick off.