Victory against nearest rivals edges Strathie closer to title

Caledonia Division One leaders Strathmore faced their toughest afternoon so far this season when they welcomed their nearest challengers Dunfermline for a clash that went to the wire before the hosts emerged with the victory that edges them closer to the title.

For the first time in the campaign they failed to secure a four-try bonus point.

It took more than 20 minutes for the first points to be registered.

And it was the visitors who opened the scoring when Alex Jenkins darted over. Graeme Low added a second before Strathie’s Tom Hall bagged a score in injury time for a 10-5 interval lead.

It remained tight throughout the second period and Strathie took the lead for the first time with 15 minutes to go when Glenn Feighan crashed over for a try and Lee Alexander converted to make it 19-18 then kicked a penalty 10 minutes later for a 22-18 victory that leaves Strathie 15 points clear of Dunfermline, who have a game in hand.

The defeat for the visitors allowed Glenrothes to move to within striking distance of them thanks to a 79-0 win over Harris at Elliott Road.

Tries came from Rhys Bryce (4), Cammy Goodall (2), Gavin Emerson (2), Ross Anderson, David Gray and Connor Young.

Division Two Midlands leaders Blairgowrie were given a stiff test at Carnoustie before emerging as 31-22 winners to remain in command, six points clear of Stirling Accies, who saw off Dundee University Medics 53-33.

Carnoustie’s defeat presented Panmure with an opportunity to move up to third spot. However the Broughty Ferry men were edged out 22-19 away to Falkirk seconds. Meanwhile, Madras chalked up a 23-12 victory over Kinross.

In Division Three there was no game for pacesetters Morgan and that allowed Rosyth Sharks to cut the gap at the top to a single point thanks to a 39-19 win away to Grangemouth Stags seconds.

The Angus Development side had a comfortable 47-3 success at Arbroath while Crieff and Strathearn were also untroubled in seeing off Waid 32-10.

Dunfermline seconds were confirmed as Division Four champions after beating Bo’ness 63-8.

Montrose and District were 85-3 winners at Stobswell and Perthshire seconds beat the Glenrothes Development side 19-0.