Pannie’s bid for Murrayfield finals ends in dismay

There was disappointment for Panmure in their efforts to reach finals day at BT Murrayfield later this month.

Clubs from Caledonia region started the day with the prospect of a representative in all three men’s finals.

However, the challengers in the lower tier competitions were unable to match the achievements of Stirling County.

Panmure made the trip to Stranraer for a clash with Wigtownshire. The Broughty Ferry men battled gamely but fell 23-0 behind after an hour before scoring their first points and ended on the wrong side of a 33-12 scoreline.

In the BT Shield, Alloa welcomed Carrick to Earlsfield but went down 20-10.

Meanwhile, on league duty, Harris were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat the previous week when they travelled to face Banff.

It proved to be a fruitful trip as they posted a 38-30 success to take all five league points.

Strathmore’s hopes of catching long-time leaders Caithness suffered a blow when they were held to a 36-36 draw away to Grangemouth Stags in an incredible encounter.

Strathie started well and had secured the bonus point try by half-time through a double from James Kiely plus one apiece for Dave Vernon and Ally Smith.

However, the hosts led 36-31 with five minutes left after a double by Graeme Gemmell plus one try each for Gavin Scott, David Harvey, Adam Hind and Graeme McNiff, before Smith dotted down for an unconverted score to claim a share of the spoils.

Dunfermline beat Aberdeen Wanderers 34-0 at McKane Park. Adam Fraser grabbed two of the Fifers’ five tries while there was one apiece for Clark Smith, Craig McKenzie and Fraser Cowe.

Hllfoots clinched the Division two (Midlands) title in style with an 87-0 win at home to Carnoustie.

That was enough to secure the silverware by a point from Blairgowrie who beat Stirling County thirds 48-0.

Madras edged out Morgan 22-21 while Falkirk seconds beat their Kirkcaldy counterparts 31-22.

In Division Three (Midlands), Dundee University Medics moved to within striking distance of leaders Howe of Fife seconds with a 61-8 win away to Grangemouth Stags seconds.

Crieff & Strathearn thrashed Perthshire seconds 73-5.