ALLOA RFC were defeated 27-21 by Kinross at the weekend in a special match for both clubs.

The match marked the 40th anniversary of Kinross RFC's foundation and it was an Alloa XV that were their first opposition.

Furthermore a number of former Alloa players were instrumental in helping the Kinross club form all those years ago.

However, it was the home side who took the most inspiration from the fixture and scored a four tries to three victory.

Alloa had to ring the changes in the starting line up from the previous week with Blaine Gilchrist, Scott McLennan and Michael Doig added to the pack and James Shaw and Mitchell Guild lining up in a re-jigged back division. Gary Taylor skippered the side in the absence of the unavailable Dale Foster.

The Wee County side started well, taking the lead from a Marc Murray try converted from the touchline by Martin McKenzie.

However, Alloa's back three were having a few problems under the high ball and when they failed to deal with one too many probing kicks, Kinross pounced for their first try. The home side had the momentum at this point and took the lead from a second try and there followed a key point of the match.

Alloa attacked deep into Kinross territory but threw an interception pass that was countered almost the full length of the pitch. So instead of levelling the match Alloa were looking down the barrel at 19-7 down at the interval.

Thing got tougher in the early exchanges of the second period as Alloa's injury count worsened and Kinross notched their fourth and bonus point winning try followed up by a well struck penalty goal.

Alloa re-grouped through some strong running from captain Gary Taylor and his back row colleagues. Matt Pope starting to ask some serious questions of the tiring Kinross defence and reduced the deficit with a brilliant break and finish under the sticks. Pope was to the fore again with couple of superb solo efforts that were hauled down close to the Kinross line. Martin McKenzie then struck a third conversion that earned his side a losing bonus point.

Alloa were left to reflect on what could have been if their penalty count had been lower and they had shown a little more control in the contact situation.

The Wee County side will go again this Saturday when they entertain Kirkcaldy 2nd XV in a 3pm kick-off.