Howe Of Fife 34 – 40 Stew Mel

Saturday saw Stew Mel record their second away pre-season victory. Stepping into the gap left in Howe’s schedule by Dunfermline’s Cup withdrawal, we headed up to Duffus Park, Cupar to play National 3 opposition. On a glorious autumnal day, Howe took an early lead through a converted try and soon added an unconverted try to lead 12–0. Howe dominated the first half, utilising their big pack effectively and attacking with width to limit Stew Mel’s opportunities. In the dying embers of the first half, however, Ted Truby squeezed over to bring the score back to 12-5.

The second half started ominously with Howe scoring around the 45-minute mark to extend their lead to 17–5. Substitute Kyle Henderson was, however, beginning to find space with his booming touch finders and, from a long punt into Howe territory, a lineout was forced and the away pack mauled over for Hayden Hart to score. Kyle converted to make it 17-12. The third Stew Mel score was a carbon copy with Hayden scoring again and Kyle converting: 17-19. Howe were not for lying down, though, and scored an unconverted try to retake the lead 24-19. Playing down the slope, the visitors forced another try, this time through Ally Scott, which was converted by Kyle to make the score 24-26.

The lead soon changed hands again with another Howe score to make it 29-26 before Hayden popped over for his hat trick. Kyle converted to make it 29-33. Howe scored another unconverted try before Adam Fraser finished the afternoon’s try scoring in the final play, Kyle converting to make it Howe 34-40 Stew Mel.

Six tries, five conversions and another away win recorded against physical opposition provides encouragement ahead of the season opener on Saturday. The forward pack looks to have been greatly strengthened over the summer with the returning Ewan Stewart, Gregor Thomson converting to hooker and new recruits Duncan Reid, Jamie Chalmers and Max Filby adding depth and quality.

Finally thanks to Howe for the invitation and hospitality afforded.   

 

David Calder

 

Photographs courtesy of Robbie Preece