With the players training hard through pre season it was going to be good to bench mark against a well established Glasgow team. Unfortunately the Dunfermline squad was depleted for this trip with injuries and unavailability meaning coaches Derek O’Riordan and Caine McIntyre took places on the bench.

From the kick off the 2 teams exchanged territory and it was quite a close affair. With neither team giving away much a break away try by West seemed to give confidence to the West players. Dunfermline hit back and after some pressure Dunfermline were awarded a penalty, which was expertly kicked by Graeme Low. West’s big pack and powerful backs started to string phases together. Backed by pressure in the scrums it wasn’t long before West scored a few tries against the Fifers. Dunfermline were making too many errors to get their game going and were struggling to contain West who were enthusiastic in their support play scoring further tries making it 29-3 at halftime.

Unfortunately the second half saw more of the same for the Dunfermine men, too many changes having an effect on the ability to win set piece and the lack of cohesion from the backs added to the Dunfermline woes. West, buoyant now added a couple more scores through good set piece play by the backs. The misery was compounded when substitute Niall Campbell was yellow carded for a cynical offence at the breakdown. West added to their tally and even with the introduction of the substitutes the balance remained with West of Scotland. Tired and dejected Dunfermline lost the game to a well drilled West of Scotland team 53-3. This is a disappointing result given the hard work that the players had put in result however there is hope that the return of key individuals they can look to rectify this performance.

Dunfermline 2nd XV played away to Dalkeith for their first game of the season. After much work, a squad mixed with experience and youth were sent for this game. In a one sided but entertaining game Dunfermline 2nd XV blew their opponents away with flowing rugby. Good performances from’ Blair Nicol and Calum Allerdice were only outdone by a hattrick from Cammy Morgan. Encouraging signs for the 2nd XV who struggled last season to fulfil fixtures. Hopefully this year Dunfermline 2nd XV will go from strength to strength maintaining their current excellent training numbers.

This weekend sees Dunfermline 1st XV play their first home fixture of the season against a much fancied Preston Lodge team. A big support is welcome to help the boys get over last weeks defeat. Dunfermline 2nd XV are also at home entertaining Watsonians 3rd XV. Both teams kick off at 3pm come and support your local rugby club.