Grangemouth Stags 5 Dunfermline 31

MARK DOBSON believes his team are playing with “great enthusiasm” after they picked up a fine victory at Grangemouth on Saturday.

The Dunfermline head coach was full of praise for his players after they overcame tough conditions at Glensburgh to record their third successive Caledonia Division One victory and maintain pressure on early pacesetters Strathmore.

Leading 14-5 at the interval, the Blues powered away from their hosts in the second half to score 17 unanswered points and secure a bonus-point win.

Danny Clarke, Calum Allardice, Darren Donaldson, Scott Murphy and Craig McKenzie all crossed the whitewash for the visitors, and Dobson told Press Sport: “We did well, especially as the conditions were a bit heavy underfoot after the heavy rain that fell for 48 hours in the lead-up to the game.

“You would think that would have kept the way we play tighter, but the boys continued to play with width and scored some terrific tries.

“They’re playing with great enthusiasm and, for large parts of the game, we were in control and the stronger team. After 15 minutes, I thought we would go on to get something positive from it.

“I was really pleased with our adaptability in the wet conditions, and our scrum was really outstanding.”

Newly promoted Hillfoots are the visitors to McKane Park on Saturday, on a day that will see Dunfermline field four senior teams, and Dobson added: “That’s three-in-a-row now but we’ve got a tricky fixture against Hillfoots, and then an away trip to Aberdeen Wanderers, before we have the chance to play Strathmore again.

“Hillfoots can hold their own and it will be a huge day for the club, fielding four senior teams. I believe it’s the first time that has happened since the mid-1980s, and there’s probably only me and one of the older second rowers who were alive the last time!

“There won’t be many clubs in Scotland who will be able to do that this weekend and it says a lot about the club and the engagement we have at the moment.

“I’m pleased with the way the boys have bounced back. The hunger is there on a Saturday, and in training on a Tuesday and Thursday.”

Kick-off at McKane is at 3pm.