This initial attack was snuffed out and indeed the home team opened the scoring, winning a series of rucks before a kick through allowed centre Alex Cox to gather and run in. The conversion went wide. The free running Murrayfield backs were presenting problems to the Dunfermline team but good first time tackling denied them any advantage. Dunfermline’s prospects took a blow after 15 minutes as Josh Harris, one of their most threatening backs, was replaced by Warren Daley due to a leg injury. Dunfermline winning their fair share of possession made ground as a deft kick by Scott Swankie took them to within 5 metres. Murrayfield relieved the pressure but only temporarily as Dunfermline probed again and won a penalty on 30 metres. Gregor McNeish kicked the three points. Shortly after an up and under by McNeish caught the home defence flat footed. A kick on by Swankie was followed up by Scott Gracie who went over under the posts. McNeish converted. Dunfermline fought well to gain possession against the bigger home pack and surges by Colin Eadie and Scott Gracie resulted in a further penalty award which McNeish was unable to take advantage of.

Shortly after he re-start Dunfermline were further handicapped by the departure of tight head prop Andy Warneford resulting in uncontested scrums. The next period passed with neither side dominating but exchanging penalties which were kicked to touch to gain position. Murrayfield built some good field position and forced a scrum 5 metres from the Dunfermline line. Quick release of the ball gave centre Alan Richards an easy run in to level the score, Murray Johnstone converted to give Murrayfield a two point advantage. Dunfermline’s opportunity looked lost as both Jocky Carr and James Lawrie found themselves in the sin bin for 10 minutes each. However the team responded well and the defence held out through this period. As Dunfermline were restored to a full complement they upped their game and some good pressure was rewarded with a penalty award 35 metres out. McNeish gratefully accepted the opportunity to put Dunfermline in front by the narrowest of margins. Heartened by this the Dunfermline forwards began to take control and threatened the home line with a series of 5 metre scrums and good tight rucking to end the game on top.

Next fixture V Livingston at Almond Park Livingston KO 3.00pm