DUNFERMLINE Rugby Club head coach Derek O'Riordan admitted he was relieved that his players clinched promotion despite losing at Orkney on Saturday.

After making a 512-mile round-trip, which included an overnight stay in John O' Groats on Friday, the McKane men rubber-stamped their step-up to National League Three after the 29-0 defeat, which was not enough for the islanders to overhaul second-placed Dunfermline on points difference.

The West Fifers ended the season having only lost four league matches and having suffered four relegations in five seasons, this year has exceeded expectations set out by O'Riordan when he took charge last summer.

O'Riordan told Press Sport, "The game itself was played in a full-force gale and in the first half we had to batten down the hatches so we were happy to be just 19-0 down.

"On the Thursday, we lost our number 10 and 12, which is not ideal preparation for travelling 12 hours later, so we were depleted and it was hard to adjust our gameplan.

"But all we cared about was securing promotion and all the boys did it so I suppose it was more relief than anything else. It's been a tough season and we've done it the hard way - it's not as though we've been thrashing teams every week - so I'm delighted.

"With the squad that we had, nobody would've given us a chance at the start of the season so to do it is outstanding, especially as morale, compared to where we're at now, was low. It is huge testament to the players as this year was about consolidation so it has exceeded my expectations.

"There have been games this season where the Dunfermline team of old would've caved in when under pressure but now the players dig in and find a way to win.

"The feedback we've had from the committee is that that ability to grind out a result is something that has been missing over the last few years so again it's great credit to the players." As the players celebrated on their way home from Orkney by holding a super heroes party by dressing as characters such as Spiderman, O'Riordan has already started preparations for next season by adding to both his playing and non-playing staff.

He said, "I've already brought in another physio and three new players. Lewis McIntyre, who is only 18, is six feet five inches and is a great athlete, and at number nine we've brought in Johnny Wieczorek from Grangemouth and a 10 who is a Kiwi living locally. We're on our way to building a decent squad and there are around six boys from our under-18s who will be ready to push for places.

"They have worked hard and they play a similar style to ours. The building blocks are in shape and we're in a good place just now. I'm excited about what lies ahead." The club will also be hosting a fund-raising sportsman's dinner at the Glen Pavilion on Friday 23rd May. Sandy Strang, Doddie Weir and Joe Camay are the invited speakers and for further information and table availability, contact Hazel Swankie by emailing hazelatjhs@aol.com.