Dunfermline and Helensburgh lift silverware

Dunfermline 11 - 9 Musselburgh: RUNNERS up in RBS National Division One, Musselburgh again had to settle for second best in yesterday’s RBS Shield Final against a well-drilled Dunfermline side.

Musselburgh stand-off David O’Hagan set the scoreboard ticking over when he thumped over a long range penalty after 14 minutes. However Dunfermline rallied and carried the play to their opponents. And it took a crunching last-ditch tackle to halt the Fifers’ No.8 Colin Eadie just shy of the line. However, it was the East Lothian men who finished the half in the ascendancy, and only three points separated the sides at the break. Musselburgh made a strong start to the second period and doubled their advantage when O’Hagan banged over another penalty. But, two quick-fire penalties from Gregor McNeish restored parity and swung momentum in the Fifers’ favour. And they snatched the lead in 58 minutes when Tommy McColl crashed over after a close-range penalty.

O’Hagan reduced the leeway 15 minutes from time with his third penalty. The same player had the chance to snatch a dramatic win but his drop goal attempt with the final kick of the game fell short.

Dunbar 7 - 13 Helensburgh

Helensburgh lock David Calderwood became the first grandfather to win a Murrayfield final when he contributed a 40-minute shift to his side’s RBS Bowl success. The West Division Two champions survived a whirlwind start by Dunbar before David Sterry atoned for an earlier miss when he steered a penalty attempt between the sticks.

Dunbar persisted with their expansive rugby but their efforts repeatedly floundered with the line in sight.

Helensburgh extended their advantage when Sterry banged over his second penalty.

And the men from the West moved 13 points clear when Johnny Drake chipped ahead then won the race to the line, and Sterry converted.

Dunbar ensured a tense finale when Sandy Thomson darted over and Peters converted, but Helensburgh saw the game out for a deserved win.