Match Report by Kevin Greenan

In the second of Saturday’s Open Day doubleheader, the 2nd XV welcomed a strong Dunfermline team, who finished 2nd in reserve league 2 last time out, to Academy Park.

Leith started brightly and pressed Dunfermline at the contact area, forcing turnovers. This resulted in the backs running a set play with some slick passing promising much but unfortunately they knocked the ball on in the tackle and the opportunity was missed. This did not deter Leith and they continued to press forward, led by captain George Lees and Shaun Guesford. Dunfermline had a ruck and did not secure the ball that seemed to come out the ruck area. The evergreen Keith Aitchison seized on the opportunity and picked up the ball with the try-line gapping and his first score looming, however he was cruelly called back by the Referee to say he was offside.

After some good sustained pressure Dunfermline made a break and scored the first try of the game against the run of play. Leith continued to work on their game play and structures, but Dunfermline managed to turn over the ball resulting in another score. Leith continued to work hard in defence though and on another turnover were awarded a penalty in their own 22. Scrum half David saw the opportunity to take a quick tap and make a break for it – making it all the way to the Dunfermline 10-metre line then realising he was going to be tackled stepped inside to find Guesford in support – sadly support did not arrive in sufficient numbers to capitalise on the break.

This seemed to be the pattern for the game with Leith staying strong in defence, but Dunfermline continuing to dominate the possession. Leith did manage to cross Dunfermline’s try line with some slick passing resulting in trialist Callum MacDonald scoring, and the conversion was good from Guesford. The game changed after both Leith’s props were injured and the game went to uncontested scrums, which did not work in Leith’s favour, as Dunfermline ran in another two tries. Leith crosses Dunfermline’s try line again with Grant Aitken playing his swansong game before he leaves for pastures new (good luck on your new adventure in Plymouth) to score between the posts. Leith were forced into more changes due to injuries, and Dunfermline capitalised to run in a few more tries, and a final score of 12-56.

MOTM was scrum half David Somerville for the way he controlled the game and led the side.

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