DUNFERMLINE Rugby Club’s second XV have all but clinched title glory after maintaining their perfect winning record on Saturday.

The team, coached by Cosmin Popescu, made it 11 wins from as many matches in Tennent’s Caledonia Division Four with a hard-fought derby victory over Glenrothes’ second team at McKane Park.

The hosts knew that a bonus-point victory would clinch the championship and promotion and, after leading 8-3 at the break, they went on to win by a 20-13 scoreline.

Although they didn’t secure the bonus point, first team coach Mark Dobson – whose side’s clash with Glenrothes on Friday night was postponed – said that, mathematically, the title is theirs.

He said: “They’ve got three games remaining and can potentially win the league and be undefeated. Mathematically, no other team can catch them so it’d be fair to say they’ve won Caledonia Division Four and promotion to Caley Three.

“Cosmin, the coach, and James (Shields), the team’s manager, have done a brilliant job organising the boys. I was looking at the SRU website and I don’t think any other club in Scotland has scored as many points as them.

“It highlights the growing depth and they have some handy players who are continuing to put pressure on the first team.

“When I came in. two years ago now, we were finding it hard to field a second XV.

“Next season, we’re hoping to enter our third XV into Caley Four.”

This weekend, the first XV return to Caledonia Division One action at home to Harris Academy, while the seconds travel to Hillfoots (both 2pm).

Dobson said of Harris: “They got their first win at the weekend so they’ll come down full of enthusiasm.

“We’ll put out an extremely strong team and treat them with the utmost respect before we look at two big games on the horizon.”

Meanwhile Rosyth Sharks’ Caledonia Division Three title hopes took a hit as they went down to Angus Development at Harley Street.

In an exciting first half, the visitors edged ahead 14-12 at the break thanks to two Liam Ward tries, one of which was converted by Craig Paterson.

Defences remained firm until midway through the second half when Ward completed his hat-trick – with Paterson adding the extras – to put the Sharks ahead.

Angus responded well but were repelled until Sharks were reduced to 14 men for a yellow card, after which their opponents took advantage to score two tries and a penalty to win 29-19.

Rosyth travel to Waid Academy on Saturday, and kick-off is at 2pm.