Although the visitors began strongly their efforts largely fizzled out in the face of determined defence by Dunfermline. The Dunfermline scrum laid the foundation for the first score with good driving forward play on the left before switching play to Graham Hall who put captain Ian Spence in near the posts. Gregor McNeish converted. The home pack continued to press the visitors and forced penalties in quick succession for indiscretions in the ruck. McNeish converted both long range attempts. An unexpected mix up at the restart after the second of these penalties gave Graham Kiddie the opportunity to secure 3 points as Dunfermline were adjudged offside. Undeterred the home side returned to the attack forcing Morgan on the back foot as their indiscipline resulted in two further penalties, one pushed wide by McNeish before he knocked the second over. Dominating play Dunfermline released Graeme Low on the left who made 30 metres from half way, the attack was held short however from the resultant line out Dunfermline were awarded a penalty. Taking the kick quickly the forwards drove Colin Stewart over. McNeish added the two points for a half time lead of 23 -3.
After the restart Morgan retained possession well for the initial period but they could not sustain this. Dunfermline soaked up their attempts and a surging break by initially by Stewart and continued by Giles Boland from deep released Ian Barrett to cross under the posts. McNeish converted. Dominating possession and play Dunfermline added to their tally as Hall added a further try after the ball was quickly recycled from a penalty award. Clearly in a confident mood Dunfermline showed willingness to handle the ball from deep with several move closed down by desperate Morgan tackling. Despite being reduced to fourteen men following a yellow card Dunfermline continued to maintain pressure on the visitors who fought to secure some consolation score. However this was their undoing as Craig McKenzie intercepted an ambitious pass on the visitors’ 22 metre line to romp in under the posts. McNeish added the final two points.
Next Saturday Dunfermline play Perthshire in the RBS Caledonia Shield Semi Final KO 2.30pm at McKane Park Dunfermline