Glens see title slip away

Glenrothes saw their slender hopes of the BT Caledonia title officially ended when they went down 38-26 to champions-elect Gordonians in Saturday’s game at Carleton Park.

The Aberdonians travelled to meet the Fifers knowing that a win would make their advantage at the top of the table unassailable.

Ross Hutchison touched down twice for the home side and Barry Crookston joined him on the scoresheet as they had the better of the opening 40 minutes, reaching the interval with a 19-14 lead. James Cowan secured the bonus point try for Glenrothes in the second half but the visitors clicked through the gears and eventually wore down the hosts to claim four more touchdowns and secure a 38-26 success that moved them eight points clear.

The four-try bonus means Glenrothes now occupy second place in the table, one point ahead of Alloa, with both sides still having one game to play.

Elsewhere, Strathmore welcomed Dunfermline in a rescheduled mid-table encounter.

The sides reached the break locked at 12-12 but it was the hosts who had the better of the second period, eventually emerging 22-12 winners.

Division Two (Midlands) champions Grangemouth Stags completed their league programme when they travelled to meet Blairgowrie. And Stags, who had only lost once so far, were given a tough test before squeezing home 14-12.

The race for the runners-up spot will go to the wire after the two contenders both posted bonus point wins.

Hillfoots had too much all round power for Crieff & Strathearn and eased to a 44-0 win that leaves them three points ahead of Falkirk seconds, who have a game in hand.

The Sunnyside men were on the road to meet Morgan Academy and had the better of a high-scoring affair, seeing off the Dundonians 54-22.

The sides at the foot of the table went head to head when basement outfit Kinross hosted Panmure.

The Broughty Ferry men took the honours, although the 24-19 result meant there was the consolation of a first losing bonus point of the season for the hosts.