Ardrossan quickly won a penalty on half way and drove into the Dunfermline 22 where they conceded a further penalty in front of the posts. Wilson the Accies stand-off converted. The Dunfermline forwards struggled to cope with the big home pack and conceded a scrum against the head. The forward drive was snuffed out by Dunfermline but a further Accies scrum allowed centre Flint to break through only to knock on under the posts. Dunfermline cleared the threat but with the forwards under pressure in the tight couldn’t make more of it. Untidy play in the midfield saw Accies steal the ball and with the defence caught short centre Duncan raced over to increase the home lead. Wilson converted. Dunfermline were forced to replace prop Ged Queen with a neck injury. Accies dominated possession for a while as a series of rucks released centre Flint to cross on the right. The conversion missed in the strong wind. Dunfermline were stung into responding and won a line out on 15 metres which resulted in a quick tap penalty but the promising move broke down as the last pass didn’t go to hand. Accies attempted to drive the ball away through the forwards but were penalised for failing to release in a tackle and McNeish converted from fully 40 metres. Dunfermline failed to capitalise on a good forward drives in the loose with a series of unforced errors.
Facing the wind in the second half Dunfermline were repeatedly pinned back by tactical kicking and a spilled ball allowed wing forward Kean to drive over wide on the right for an unconverted try. Dunfermline were forced into replacing lock Jon Hamblin due to injury and this further weakened the pack. Despite this set back Dunfermline launched several forays into home territory but were unable to capitalise. Harris grub kicked through but the kick was fielded and returned with interest. Accies began to gain the upper hand again as Dunfermline struggled to retain possession and with it any continuity. Accies won a scrum on half way and moved the ball wide for full back Hunter to cross. Wilson converted. This stirred the Dunfermline side and winning good lineout possession moved the ball to Swankie who danced over close to the posts. The referee then awarded the try as a penalty try for a late tackle. McNeish converted from under the posts. Accies were not to be outdone however and as they again dominated play moved the ball to winger McKechnie who showed good speed to score on the right. Wilson converted. Showing determination Dunfermline launched a spirited attack with Eadie and Stewart to the fore but Accies cleared the danger. The play moved to the opposite end and Dunfermline’s defence was split by Littlejohn who ran in under the posts. Wilson added the two points. As Eadie left the field injured the Dunfermline pack again had to be shuffled again. Undaunted the forwards drove their way deep into Accies half forcing a penalty. McNeish reacting quickly chipped through and gathered to cross for final try which he converted.

Thus was an expensive afternoon in terms of injury with 3 of the forwards unlikely to play in Saturday’s home fixture against Greenock Wanderers KO 3.00pm at McKane Park