ROSYTH SHARKS earned derby day bragging rights as they claimed victory over Dunfermline Rugby Club's second XV at Harley Street on Saturday.

The eagerly-anticipated Caledonia Midlands Region League, Division Three, encounter, which was played out in blustery conditions, was well supported by fans of both clubs and they watched the hosts win by a 33-14 scoreline.

Sharks opened the scoring with tries from Ian Mulroy and Craig Paterson, and two conversions from Ryan Wallace, before the visitors drew level to go into the half-time break level at at 14-14.

In the second half, however, Rosyth's tries flowed, with two from man of the match, Jamie Hance, and one from stalwart, Batikota Qiolevu, aided by two further conversions from the boot of Wallace.

Sharks pulled away in the second half to clinch victory on Saturday.Sharks pulled away in the second half to clinch victory on Saturday. (Image: David Wardle.)

"Dunfermline sent a strong and experienced team and they gave a good account of themselves in the first half," Sharks head coach, Mark Love, commented.

"It was the second half where the Rosyth boys really piled the pressure on, knuckled down, and put all their summer drills and training into practice, and it paid off.

"As a coach it's everything you want to see, the team working together as a unit, thinking about the whole scope of play, and not just focusing on their individual part in the game."

Dunfermline Rugby Club's first XV head coach, Gavin Emerson, commented: "For us, just to where we have been earlier on this season, to get two squads out is a real good thing for us, so we're happy with that."

This Saturday, Rosyth are on the road to face Perthshire second XV, who lost 153-0 to Dundee Uni Medics at the weekend, whilst Dunfermline's second XV host Grangemouth Stags second XV.

Love is not expecting an easy ride against Perthshire, particularly as their side could be bolstered by players from their first XV, who do not have a match.

"Of course we're looking forward to travelling to Perth next Saturday coming off the back of a win against Dunfermline 2XV, and a strong opening performance the weekend before against Kirkcaldy 2XV, but we take nothing for granted and Perthshire will be out to make things as difficult as possible for the Sharks," he added.

"We've already shown that sticking to our game plan, keeping spirits high and playing positive rugby every game can really pay dividends this season."