Harris Academy 0 Dunfermline 43

DUNFERMLINE’S perfect start to the new rugby season continued on Saturday as they cruised to a bonus point win at Harris Academy.

Mark Dobson’s side recorded their 11th successive win in competitive fixtures in Dundee to set up a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash with leaders Strathmore this weekend.

Seven tries – five of which were converted by Adam Fraser – from Connor Simpkins (2), Jack Miller, Calum Allardice, Ryan Vidler, Clarke Smith and Cameron Dunn secured the Blues’ second win from as many games in Caledonia Division One.

Their visitors to McKane Park on Saturday are the only other team in the division with a 100 per cent record, having played a game more, and head coach Dobson is anticipating a stern test.

“Strathmore are top of the table, are well coached, have a good playing group and play in a similar way to ourselves,” he said.

“It’s probably the toughest challenge I’ve faced since being in Dunfermline. I’m certain that the physicality will be of a high standard but we’ve got the structures and plenty of tools in the toolbox to adapt where we need to.

“The boys know that if they put in a shift and execute well, we’re confident we can get a result, and I’m pretty close to being able to put out my strongest squad since I’ve been at the club.”

Dobson, whose team have also been drawn to play Strathmore in the next round of the Caledonia Regional Shield in November, was pleased with the manner of his side’s win on Tayside but insists there is still room for improvement.

“I was really pleased that we were able to keep Harris to zero,” he continued.

“They were quite plucky so to come away with a 43-0 was pleasing, and they didn’t put enough pressure on our defensive system.

“We keep talking about the word clinical and, even though we comprehensively beat Harris, we’ve identified areas we could’ve and should’ve scored more points. There are other teams in the competition who, if we don’t take our chances, can beat us.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, a Dunfermline under-20 side played host to Uruguayan touring team Carrasco Polo Club in a friendly match.

The home side, which contained several former junior players as well as those currently with the club, lost 24-0 but Dobson added: “It was a great occasion.

“They were well-drilled and well-organised, and you can tell that they have a number of talented players; some of them featured for Uruguay at the last under-20 World Cup.

“Half our team were previous Dunfy juniors who have moved on, and it was a bit like a Dunfy Colts reunion! To come together, learn lineout calls and the style of play only an hour before kick-off, they acquitted themselves well.”