Rugby: Dunfermline lose National Division Four match with Ardrossan

DUNFERMLINE Rugby Club's senior men's first XV showed that they're "there or thereabouts" with National League, Division Four's leading teams despite losing out to leaders Ardrossan Academicals.

The McKane Park men picked up try-scoring and losing bonus points in a narrow loss on Saturday, during which they fought back from a 21-10 half-time deficit to lead.

Head coach, Gavin Emerson, was left to rue two missed opportunities to score first half tries, and the concession of late penalties which saw points conceded.

"We went into the break 21-10 down at half-time, leaving ourselves a bit of a challenge in the second half," he told Press Sport.

"They were probably the most physical team we've played this season. They had a fast defensive speed, which put our guys under pressure. If we tried to play a bit flat, we were just getting a bit of traffic off them.

"Their backline was small in size, but they were very physical. It was quite deceiving for our lads, but, nothing against them, they were great. Their number 10, he kicked everything all day.

Dunfermline picked up two points despite losing the match. (Image: David Wardle.)

"He was really good. He kept them in the game well. We only executed two of our eight kicks at goal, which didn't help the scoreboard.

"We came out in the second half and, same as Linlithgow the week before, we were a totally different team. We played well, a bit more direct.

"We matched them in their physicality. The referee started penalising them for high tackles. They took two yellow cards in the second half, which gave us a bit of a numerical advantage.

"We actually took the lead as well. We'd only given two penalties away in the first half to their seven. That's quite good for our level, and it's the lowest we've ever given away in a half.

"But then, near the back end of the half, whether it was tiredness or just a little bit of excitement to close the game out, because we were winning, we gave away a penalty in their 22. They then kicked it to round about the halfway line, took a line out, and then we gave another penalty away straight away, which put them in our 22. They then scored from that.

"A couple of minutes later, we gave another penalty away in our half. They kicked it to edge out the lead.

"It was a good game. It was a good test for us to play, well, we'll see how they go this weekend with Strathmore, but the current league leaders, and we're only a couple of points away from them.

Gavin Emerson was pleased that his side are there or thereabouts with the leading teams in the division. (Image: David Wardle.)

"It's a bit of a good one for us to show that we're there or thereabouts and, with a couple of fine tweaks, coming out with a bit of confidence as well. We thought maybe the guys are lacking a bit of confidence and belief in themselves to how far they've come into the season.

"We're able to match the stronger teams in the league, so we're not that far away."

Dunfermline host North Berwick on Saturday, with a 3pm start, before having a weekend off ahead of a fixture at second-top Strathmore, one place above them, on November 9.

"There were a few disappointed bodies that day, but a few sore bodies as well, but it's a good place to be," Emerson added.

"Hopefully, we can just take a bit of confidence from that game."

Meanwhile, in Caledonia Midlands Region League, Division Three, Dunfermline's second XV lost 42-24 at Waid Academy.

This Saturday, they are scheduled to host Panmure at McKane Park, with kick-off at 3pm.