The roar, whoops and cheers of the "enemy" approaching through mist at Bannockburn, no it wasn't 1314, it was in fact 14:15, because the kick off was delayed to allow a youth game to finish, and Dunfermline/Bannockburn entered the pitch through smoke flares.

A new team to play for Dalkeith and a bit of unknown quantity for us, but we had prepared well for a physical encounter.

The conditions were good underfoot, but a strong wind across the pitch would prove a bit tricky at times, but Dalkeith kicked off with it at their backs.

It took a little while for Dalkeith to settle and a good pressure defence from both sides had play firmly between the 10m lines. Handling was also taking a bit to get going so there were a number of scrums, which Dalkeith dominated with the front 5 powering through the Dunfermline pack forcing their front row up and a couple of penalties to Dalkeith.

This got us into good position and our lineout was functioning well, so we were able to release our backs and get on the front foot, some good offloads and support put Roche in space and racing in for Dalkeith's first score, converted by Bell.

Dalkeith certainly weren't having it all our own way and it was obvious that Dunfermline were a well drilled, well structured team. They looked dangerous when they had the ball and it took good comms and cover defence, combined with our ferocity in the tackle and breakdown to keep them at bay. Campbell and Brunton on the wings throwing themselves at all comers!

However, we were starting to settle in to the game and in attack we were making good yards, through Halliday, Roche, Mcintosh and MacNamara, fresh from her 10k race in the morning (I know it's sickening how energetic and fit she is!?).

But some great tackling from Dunfermline's fullback, undoubtedly their player of the match, was a final hurdle we were struggling to get past. But there was only so much she could do and eventually the pressure told and Halliday powered through taking defenders over the line with her to get Dalkeith's 2nd score and again converted by Bell.

Bell was having an outstanding game at 10 distributing the ball well and keeping the defence on their toes with well selected kicks in to space. A well timed pass to Mcintosh sent her in to space and then breaking tackles saw her get on the score sheet and Dalkeith's 3rd, once again converted by Bell.

Dunfermline were not dropping off though and had a number of good attacks that had Dalkeith scrambling, their loose head prop proving difficult to stop and making good yards every time she had the ball. Unfortunately due to the scrambled nature of it, we gave away a number of easy penalties, and it just kept the pressure on. As we tired in defence a lazy high tackle resulted in "Hallmark" Halliday getting a yellow card, to add to her collection.

Across the half there had been a couple of injuries to the Dunfermline team, requiring a bit of attention resulting in the first half ending roughly an hour after kick off.

21-0 to Dalkeith at the half.

Things were largely going well, but with a player in the bin no changes were made at the half.

As we expected Dunfermline were not going to give in and attacked well through their forwards and looked to have a bit of pace out wide, forcing their way in to our 22. A penalty at the breakdown saw Dunfermline choose a shot at goal, which could be seen as a credit to Dalkeith's defence, but with 35+ minutes left was a good reminder that they weren't out of this game either.

3-21.

That reminder got a great reaction from the team and probably the try of the match for us, with pods sucking defenders in tight we released our backs, first a good half break from Bell who offloaded to Hayhurst, quick hands to McLean coming in to the line at speed, she committed the defender and offloaded to Mcintosh who had a 2 on 1 with support from Brunton on the wing, Mcintosh drew the defender inside before passing to Brunton who outpaced the covering defence to score.

A brilliant team try, converted by Bell.

3-28.

With the return of Halliday, we made a couple of changes, Dunbar again who's lineout throwing had been brilliant made way for Vickery and Nangle who had dominated at loose head in the tight, was replaced by Pam Mcintosh.

As players tired on both sides the game became a little scrappy and more open, this was good and bad for us. We put ourselves under a little bit of pressure and a clearance from our 22 was caught in the wind and curved back towards the Dunfermline winger who collected and ran in, chased by Bell but unfortunately getting the score.

8-28.

Again this riled Dalkeith and we pushed to counter that score, but were maybe guilty of forcing things a little and a turn over and quick clearance downfield had their backs chasing well, the bounce of the ball favoured Dunfermline and left McLean facing a 2 on 1, good support and good hands saw Dunfermline in again.

15-28.

A bit of regrouping under the posts and a bit of gentle "encouragement" from Campbell on the wing woke Dalkeith up and we settled back into our structure, with Mcintosh and MacNamara leading the defence effort and good connection in the line behind them we got back on the front foot and the openness of the match now suiting MacNamara, who had been a thorn in the side of Dunfermline all day and her opposite number specifically with great running and physical tackling, released in to a bit of space to use her speed, sidestep and the fact that even she doesn't know where she's going to go, had her weaving her way through defenders to get on the score sheet with a well deserved score.

Converted by Bell.

15-35.

Further changes made with an injury to Vickery, Williams was on at hooker, Lyons replaced Duff, another good showing from her, in the 2nd row and Robertson on for McCathie in the front row.

An injury to Bell resulted in a bit of a reshuffle and while we adjusted to that Dunfermline pressed our line. Good pick and drives and some determined running eventually saw them over our line again.

20-35, with 10 minutes to go. Game definitely not over.

However Dalkeith had settled again and we were not going to let this slip. Attacking with purpose and with options across the team, when we make the right choices we know we can score and get back the momentum. That's exactly what we did and that momentum told with Mcintosh slicing through the defence with after a great run from Robertson and good hands sent her over for her second and Dalkeith's 6th.

With Bell off injured it fell to Kira Turner to convert and bring an end to the match.

Dunfermline 20 - Dalkeith 42.

A real tough test for our squad and a really good game of rugby overall. Our women have been warriors all season and they showed that character again today. Always things to work on, but far more positives to take away from the game.

Thanks to Dunfermline/Bannockburn for the game, a real battle between two good sides. Thanks also to the referee who had a good handle on the match and kept the game going throughout.

Well done to all of you for the effort and performance, player of the match goes to Leigh Bell at 10, who had the team ticking really well (and we felt sorry for you because you got injured ?) but in all seriousness a great performance across the board.

This win puts us in pole position in the group with a game to go.

Next Sunday, 9th of March, see's Mid-Argyle visit King's Park. Another new team to play and we're sure it'll be another good challenge.

All support is appreciated for a 2pm kick off as we try and secure a spot in the National Bowl Final.