Dunfermline kicked off into a stiff breeze. The initial stages saw the large home pack give Dunfermline some trouble in the scrimmage. The first scoring opportunity fell to the home side with a penalty awarded against Dunfermline for not releasing in the ruck. The attempt went wide from 25 metres. During the frantic opening spell a good run by Josh Harris took play to half way and Dunfermline gained a free kick. A quick tap allowed Scott Swankie to make a promising break but the move broke down on the 22 metre line as the ball was lost allowing Ellon to clear deep. Dunfermline continued to press and a sniping run by Rhys Davies won a penalty. Running the ball into the wind a series of quick rucks saw the ball worked to Graeme Lowe who crossed wide on the left for an unconverted try. Ellon responded to the challenge and forced their way close to the Dunfermline line but were denied by Swankie tackling the winger into touch on 5 metres. Ellon knocked on in the line out and Gregor McNeish cleared the Dunfermline lines. The home side continued to press but the Dunfermline defence held firm and as frustration crept in Ellon committed a series of offences in the rucks allowing Dunfermline to gain ground. A searing run from Swankie up the middle of the pitch was held out but from the 5 metre scrum the ball was worked wide to Swankie to score. McNeish converted.

Ellon opened the second half with intent and only a huge clearance by McNeish relieved the pressure. Ellon had clearly decided to change their game plan by keeping the ball tight to the forwards countered by astute positional kicking from McNeish. Ellon were pinned in their own half until managing to break out with a drive by the pack. Winning a penalty on Dunfermline’s 10 metre line they kicked for position. Dunfermline turned over possession from the lineout and cleared to half way. Ellon fought their way back into Dunfermline territory and a strong run by left winger Kyle Bayliss secured the try. The kick went wide. Dunfermline stepped up their game a and worked their way close to the Ellon try line. Winning the line out close in Tommy Murray forced his way over giving McNeish a fairly easy conversion. The visitors continued to pressurise the Ellon defence who were forced to concede a penalty for offside. McNeish took the three points to complete the scoring.
Coach Gavin Blackburn said “I was very pleased with our structured play as we retained the ball for several phases at times and looked dangerous. I thought the front five were excellent and they have set themselves a benchmark for the rest of the season.

Dunfermline 2nd XV maintained an improvement in their performance with a hard fought 17 – 17 draw with a strong Biggar side.

This Saturday Dunfermline host Ellon on RBS National League One duty at McKane Park Kick Off 2.00pm. On Tuesday evening Dunfermline were put through a training session by guest Rob Moffat former Edinburgh Rugby head coach.