Fife show West how it's done with upset win

HOWE of Fife stepped up their impressive giant-killing run yesterday as they sent West of Scotland hurtling out of the second round of the Scottish Hydro Premier Cup. The hosts appeared to be heading towards the third round when they opened up a 17-10 interval lead. But a remarkable late surge from the Premier 3 side left West on the wrong end of the 30-29 scoreline.

Howe, who saw off Kelso in the last round, had try scorers Ross Aitken and Murray Calcutt to thank for keeping them in the contest. However, the real damage was inflicted by Andy McLean, who went over twice in quick succession, and Fraser Clark. Matt Daly also contributed to the shock result with a penalty and conversion.

Graham Fisken (2), Mark Jenkinson, Ben Wright and Jack Walker notched the West touchdowns – Mike Sim and Wright sharing the kicking points in vain for the Premier 1 side.

There were try hat-tricks at both Millbrae and the Greenyards to help Ayr and Melrose sweep aside top flight strugglers Stewart's Melville and ambitious minnows Falkirk, respectively.

Scrum-half Jamie Hunter was the destroyer-in-chief as Ayr crushed Stew-Mel 77-15, while Mike Thomson was in prime form for Melrose, grabbing a treble in the 67-3 win over Falkirk.

Cartha Queen's Park had high hopes against Perthshire in the wake of their surprise midweek triumph over Boroughmuir. But they couldn't reproduce that form at Dumbreck, going down 36-8. Craig Assenti was Shire's dangerman with two superb scores.

Selkirk were another top flight side to bite the dust, surrendering an interval lead to crash 25-12 to Premier 2 pacesetters Stirling County at Bridgehaugh. Ben Addison, Colin Eadie and Rob McGowan were the County try heroes, while Brian Archibald landed two conversions and two penalties. The Selkirk counters came from Rob Nixon and Gavin Craig, David Cassidy converting one.

Gala of Premier 2 won away at Ardrossan of Premier 3 in the day's other second round tie. The Maroons booked their place in the third round draw with a 26-22 victory.

London Scottish suffered a surprise 35-34 defeat at Otley in English National League 1 yesterday. The Exiles remain in second place as they bid for promotion to the Championship.