No leeway for Dundee High in difficult season

The game was long gone in the rain, and uncontested scrums blunted the onslaught a little, but Dundee High got something from the second half against National League One leaders Jed-Forest at Mayfield last week.

29-0 down to a rampant Jed at the break, they “drew” the second half 7-7 with even veteran Euan Grewar called on to augment the pack. Injuries on top of the loss of so many players are making this a difficult season for High, and they don’t exactly have any leeway this week either with a trip to Musselburgh.

Burgh are enjoying a fine season so far, lying fourth with five wins from seven, and they’ve turned into a pretty free-scoring outfit, putting up an incredible 55 in their win at Netherdale two weeks ago.

Kirkcaldy’s visit to Hamilton fell foul of the weather last week, but Cartha’s loss to Musselburgh keeps them in 10th and the Southsiders are the visitors to Beveridge Park tomorrow.

This looks like pretty much a mustwin for the Blues if they are to stay out of the bottom two, whatever penalty that might bring at the end of the season. Their home form has been pretty solid with only the Marr game being one to forget, and Kirkcaldy have shown that when they have a full complement – and avoid yellow cards – they’re competitive against just about anyone.

The 19-19 draw with GHK at Duffus Park lifted Howe of Fife up to 10th in National League Two, but it was an opportunity to leapfrog their visitors that was missed.

It was however their best defensive performance of the season so far. Peebles, lying comfortably in mid-table, are their hosts at the Gytes tomorrow.

Defence is also a question for Perthshire in National League Three, who still lie fourth in the table despite only getting a losing bonus from last week’s rain-soaked visit to Hughenden.

Shire are scoring plenty of points but conceding a lot as well, and they can’t afford to be generous with unbeaten division leaders Gordonians coming to North Inch in search of extending their two point lead at the top. The only match they’ve failed to win out of seven was a draw at Carrick.

With leaders Strathmore taking the bye week in Caledonia Division One last week, Dunfermline won the battle of second versus third with Grangemouth Stags to move to within six points of the 100 per centers.

This week Strathie are hosting Alloa, while Dunfermline welcome Hillfoots to McKane Park. At the other end of the table Harris host Ellon hoping to get off the mark.

Blairgowrie strengthened their grip on Caledonia Two Midlands with a resounding bonus point victory over Panmure at Forthill – that’s played six, won six, six try bonuses and a points advantage of 272 so far.

Howe of Fife IIs are due to host the leaders this week but they’ve only been able to fulfil two fixtures thus far due to player shortages. Dundee Uni Medics, in second, are hosting their landlords, Panmure, who are now in fifth.

Arbroath are still out in front in Caley Midlands Three and are at home to Waid, who lie second from bottom.