FALKIRK 34

MORGAN ACADEMY FP 10
Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership League Division Three


After two defeats in their opening three fixtures, Falkirk have now won their last SEVEN to move into second place in Premier League Division Three.

They knew, however, that all the stops would have to be pulled out to record the latest victory.

Morgan Academy FP provided the Sunnysiders with formidable opposition
and, prior to kick-off, were number two in the standings themselves along with Hillhead/Jordanhill and Dunfermline.

However, Falkirk went on to produce a sparkling display of quality rugby last Sunday afternoon, particularly in the first half, to improve their promotion chances further.

Although the season is only just approaching the half way stage, if the Sunnysiders can keep this current form going – especially at home – then surely they will not be too far away from stepping up yet again come the end of it.

Falkirk took the initiative in the opening five minutes of this encounter when stand-off Darren Kapene broke, from just outside Morgan's 22 metre line, and sent centre Roddy Denham in full flight for the try line.

Determined as he was, though, Falkirk's club captain was checked just short of the line but, from the following ruck, Bob Wyllie was driven over for the touchdown.

Just four minutes later, on the opposite side of the pitch, Kapene then made another telling break from a line-out and full-back Cameron Drake timed his intrusion perfectly to take the scoring pass, which he dotted down near the left hand upright.

And, towards the end of the first quarter of play, that man Kapene put his side further ahead with a converted penalty.

The Dundee-based side did counter eight minutes later, though.
Falkirk lost control of the ball when a misdirected clearance kick was fielded and quickly shipped left for winger Phyfer.

And he duly showed a clean pair of heels to run in a fine try in the corner, which inside centre and captain Kiddie converted from the touchline.

However, true to their character, Falkirk retaliated almost immediately.

Following close interplay from the forwards under Morgan's posts, Brendan Cairns made good ground before being tackled. But again they scored from the resultant ruck when Kevin McKenzie got the touchdown between the posts.

Kapene, as he had done with Falkirk's two previous tries, converted their third successfully while Morgan's injury time penalty conversion from Kiddie gave a half-time score of 24-10.

Falkirk then scored almost directly from the re-start. Following a powerful break by Roddie Denham, the back division gave the ball some air for left winger Chris Harris to round his defender and race in for the bonus point-awarding try, which Kapene converted.

Later on in the second half, what would undoubtedly have been the try of the match, was sadly chalked off.

Matt Larsen had charged clear from midfield and linked up well with his backs before the ball went through several pairs of hands.
Chris Harris then finished the move off with a blistering run under the posts. However, much to the Sunnysiders' disappointment, the referee had spotted an earlier forward pass and denied Harris the try.

Kapene did close off the scoring, though, with an 82nd minute converted penalty for a final result of 34-10 in his team's favour, which ultimately saw Falkirk move up three league places.

Very tough opposition comes calling to Sunnyside again this Saturday, when Hillhead/Jordanhill are entertained.

And Falkirk will, no doubt, be keen to put up a much better display than they did in their opening match at Hughenden, which ended 37-15 in the Glasgow club's favour. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.