Strathie grab 12 tries in Harris rout to stay top of Division One

Strathmore bagged a dozen tries as their dominant start to Tennent’s Caledonia Division One continued when they swept aside Harris 74-7 in the top versus bottom encounter at Elliot Road.

Despite being rooted to the foot of the table with no points, it was Harris who made the better start to the game.

However, they failed to convert early pressure into points and it was the visitors who took control, reaching the interval with a 43-0 lead then – with uncontested scrums as a result of an injury to a Harris prop – maintaining their domination in the second period to record a comfortable win.

Dale Bell crossed the whitewash four times, while there were doubles for Darren Bell and Rory Mellis, as well as one each for Dave Smith, Gus Smith, Matt Russell and a debut try for Ruaridh Beaton. He also booted one conversion, with Andrew Burgess kicking the other points.

Adam Wood grabbed the Harris consolation try and it was converted by Graham Hopkins.

The result leaves Strathie – who have played one game more – 11 points clear of Dunfermline, who were 65-0 winners at home to Ellon.

Harvey Gardiner set the scoreboard ticking when he raced in for the opening try. Craig McKenzie, Alex Jenkins and Liam Quarm bagged a try apiece to clinch the bonus point by half-time, Adam Fraser kicking the other points for a 29-0 lead.

Gardiner added two more in the second period and there was one each for Cammy Dunn, Calum Allardice, Quarm and Fraser, who booted the rest of the points.

The Fifers occupy second spot on points difference ahead of Grangemouth Stags, who won 36-17 away to Aberdeen Wanderers.

Division Two Midlands pacesetters Blairgowrie beat Kirkcaldy seconds 84-5 at JJ Coupar Park.

Dundee University Medics squeezed home 41-38 against Falkirk seconds, while Kinross deservedly beat Carnoustie 28-22 at home.

In Division Three Arbroath are on top after beating the Angus Development side 31-28.

Rosyth Sharks moved second with a 56-10 win at home to Grangemouth Stags seconds.

Dundee Morgan’s match at Aberfeldy was postponed after the hosts were unable to raise a side.

Division Four leaders Dunfermline seconds had a sixth successive bonus point win when they breached the century at Bo’ness. Montrose seconds beat Stobswell 96-0.

Picture: Getty. Australia pulled off the second-biggest comeback in rugby union Test history yesterday to beat Argentina in the Rugby Championship. Michael Hooper, above, grabbed one of the tries as the Wallabies won 45-34 despite trailing 31-7 at the break.