ALLOA travelled to Dundee on Saturday knowing if they wanted to improve on last year’s league position they really had to beat Elliot Road side Harris.
After two weeks without a game, Alloa produced what can only be described as an extremely scrappy first half with dropped balls, conceded penalties and missed tackles being the order of the day.
The home side were first on the score board 12 minutes into the game. Electing to take a tap penalty in front of the Alloa posts Harris moved the ball wide for a simple touch down, duly converted, 7 nil.
On the 20 minute mark, Alloa winger Lee Cairney was unlucky not to score from a lovely interception when he was brought down inside the 22-yard line, but the Harris defence were judged to have held on to the ball.
Scrum half Martin MacKenzie shifted a quick tap penalty to Stevie Jack and the following ruck released flanker Andrew McTaggart wide for Alloa’s first unconverted try. 
Shortly after McTaggart suffered a knee injury and was replaced by the ever versatile James Shaw.
The handling errors continued as half time approached and Harris took advantage of some loose lineout play from Alloa, shifting the ball wide for another score giving the hosts a seven-point lead at the break.
Alloa’s woes continued in the second half with scrum half MacKenzie shown a yellow card for knocking the ball away after a penalty. 
Despite some good defensive work from the visitors they lost their own scrum and Harris took full advantage shifting the ball wide for a third try.
With about 20 minutes to go and 17 points to five down the Alloa pack finally started to take charge of the game, using their powerful forwards to greater advantage. At this stage Philip Edwards replaced Steven Skelton at stand-off and MacKenzie returned from the bin.
Alloa were awarded a penalty 15 yards out and Matthew Pope was held up just short of the try line. 
Substitute Shaw was on hand though and went over for a well-deserved try, converted by Cairney, score 17-12.
With 10 minutes to go some great inter-play from the visiting pack saw a series of rumbles up the middle of the park and Alloa got their reward with a well-taken try between the posts from vice-captain Rab Truesdale. 
Cairney converted to put Alloa two points ahead for the first time in the game.
A much-improved second half was completed after South African import, Sabello Sam, scored Alloa’s fourth try, securing the all-import bonus point. 
Prop Alistair Edwards was Alloa’s man of the match.
Alloa’s Director of rugby, Henry Edwards, commented later: “I thought the players showed great commitment and determination, especially in the second half, to secure a well-deserved victory against a strong Harris team.”
Alloa move on to BT Caledonia Shield business this Saturday, October) when they entertain Caledonia 1 league leaders Gordonians. 
Kick off at Earslfield is 3pm.