Sandwiched between the wettest of days Saturday was a perfect but tricky day for rugby. Blue skies, sun shine, menacing cross wind and a couple of routine showers.

Strathmore were unbeaten in the league this season and sitting top of the table on 69 points. Whitecraigs, on form and picking up regular points over recent weeks, sixth in the table on 33 points before kick off.

Whitecraigs had given Strathmore a real challenge away in Forfar end of last month.

Our 1xv started the first half with conviction. Carrying the ball physically and directly into Strathmore with a string of phases claiming metres of their half. As a result of the pressure Whitecraigs got two penalties and opted to kick for sixth points to lead 6 mins into the first half.

A yellow card for Strathmore on 10 mins helped minimise their response to Whitecraigs early lead for the next 10 mins. However Whitecraigs capitalised with the extra player advantage to score a try and convert to go 13-0. With 15 players back on the pitch Strathmore scored, unconverted, followed by a Whitecraigs converted try and yellow card to end the first half in a commanding 20-5 lead.

Strathmore with much work to do fought hard in the early phase of the second half. Whitecraigs were playing superbly and confident, the defence was organised and solid. However Strathmore snatched three consecutive tries to get back into the game 20-24. Whitecraigs soon followed up with a penalty 23-24 then another Strathmore try 23-29 before Whitecraigs regained the dominance they had shown in first half. Pressure back on Strathmore to defend their try line in the dying minutes of the second half. Whitecraigs scored a try in the final minute of the game 28-29. Another nail biting finish with a conversion deciding the result of the match on consecutive weeks.

A bonus point gained against the league leaders and a strong performance to be proud of in what was a tough entertaining match.

Player of the Match: Andrew Paterson

Thanks to all the home supporters.

Next Fixture:

1xv
Saturday 1st March
Arnold Clark National League Division 4
HOME V Linlithgow
Kick off 3pm

2xv
Saturday 22nd March
Arnold Clark West Region Reserve League Division 2
HOME V Cartha QP
Kick off 3pm