Alloa RFC top of the league after win against Howe Crusaders

ALLOA RFC go into 2025 the league leaders after a late comeback saw them topple an unbeaten Howe Crusaders side.

The Clacks team hosted the Cupar club in a top of the table clash at Earlsfield, in what would be one of the tightest matches Alloa had played in some time.

The hosts welcomed Dale Foster and Joe Viggers back to the pack, while Jonny Gray resumed at centre and Colin Jess and Daniel Murrell slotted into standoff and right wing respectively.

Alloa deservedly took the lead after Gary Taylor managed to stretch over the line, Lee Cairney reliable as ever with the conversion.

Howe struck back shortly after and pulled three points back, but this was short lived as Lee Cairney restored the seven point margin.

The hosts attempted to move the ball out the back-line and were punished with an interception try from 75 metres out.

Crusaders were playing with their tails up and took the lead for the first time in the match just before half-time.

Alloa regrouped at the break seven points behind and looked to mount a comeback in the second half.

The latter half’s first 25 minutes saw Crusaders dominate possession and territory, while Alloa struggled to regain control.

Their breakthrough came as Howe were awarded a penalty close to their own try line and opted to run at Alloa, with their eye on a bonus point try.

The hosts managed to turn the ball over and Blaine Gilchrist drove over after spotting a gap.

Cairney’s conversion brought Alloa within one point of taking the lead – and Foster scored a superb solo try to give his side a fighting chance late into the game.

The hosts earned the lead from Cairney’s conversions to successfully round off a thumping good comeback, to top the table ahead of Christmas.

A spokesperson for Alloa RFC said: “This was an outstanding result for an Alloa side who have only lost two league or cup ties at Earlsfield during the whole of 2024.

“It was a real squad effort on a day with a fair number of regulars unavailable. All of the players did the club proud.”

Alloa will now have a break ahead of resuming their league charge away to Madra on January 11.