Kilmarnock ‘s winning start to the season was stemmed after their visit to McKane Park where Dunfermline defeated the visitors in a close encounter 22-14.
The home side got off to a flying start after Kilmarnock’s kick-off went straight into touch, the first scrum saw the Dunfermline backline move at pace followed by two breakdowns and a turnover by Kilmarnock with the backline failing to hold onto the ball. Dunfermline’s number eight picked up at the base of the scrum and strolled through two tackles to release the backline with the fullback bursting through at pace for the opening try which was converted. 7-0 after four minutes.
Kilmarnock secured the ball from the kick-off but were slow to use possession allowing Dunferline the next scrum. A squint feed and Kilmarnock were awarded a penalty which Kyle Johnston slotted from 30metres 7-3 after eight minutes of play. Kilmarnock mounted an attack from the restart with Brian Henry and the forwards making inroads but again a knock on spoiled the attack.
Dunfermline’s pack secured the next scrum and released the backline with two attacks being swiftly executed which resulted in an easy second converted try, 14-3 after 12 minutes of play.
Kilmarnock were soon with a man advantage after a glancing punch aimed at Ian Spiers saw a red card given to the blind side wing forward.
Fergus Porter replaced Scott Brown as Kilmarnock tried to make an impact on the game.
Kilmarnock added a further penalty from Johnston 14-6 midway through the half and were aided by the sin binning of Dunfermline’s inside centre for a high tackle.
Despite the deficit it was Dunfermline who added the next score with a penalty to lead 17-6. On the stroke of half time Kilmarnock pressed hard and were given another penalty as Dunfermline strolled offside. Johnston was on target 17-9 in arrears at half time.
Just as in the first half it was Dunfermline who kicked straight out at the kick-off and Kilmarnock promptly won the scrum with the ball being kicked deep into Dunfermline’s 22 area. Kilmarnock now mounted a prolonged campaign to rescue the game. Kyle Johnston narrowly missed with a penalty attempt ten minutes into the half. Kilmarnock nullified the home attacks with Greg Montgomery safe in defending long searching kicks and the forwards solid in thwarting the opposition. Michael Kidd then replaced Scott Crawford. Two tap penalties by Dunfermline put pressure on Killie which was relieved by a clearance kick to touch by the stand-off.
Dunfermline stole the lineout ball but knocked on at their 10metre line.
Kilmarnock controlled the scrum with Johnston and Sean Christie being held up in attack, the ball broke loose to captain Johnny Bradford who broke through passing to second row Ian Thomson, a neat pass to right winger and Chris Milligan raced through to score in the corner. 17-14 and Kyle Johnston failed with the touchline conversion. Kilmarnock were now to the fore and continued to have the upper hand but not quite firing on all cylinders. The game now featured uncontested scrums making life more difficult for Kilmarnock.
The game was there to be won however it was the home side who quashed Kilmarnock’s hopes when they broke out of their own 22 area and ran the length of the park to score the final try which was not converted 22-14.
A last ditch effort to salvage a bonus point ended as Kilmarnock attacked and were penalised. Dunfermline kicked to touch and they took the spoils.
The coaching staff were non too pleased with the Kilmarnock display which seemed to lack leadership and total commitment. The message was given loud and clear to redeem themselves in the return fixture and the next league fixture which will be this coming Saturday when Kilmarnock play hosts to Borderers Langholm which should be an enthralling game.
Kick-off 3.00pm. Be there and support your local team.