There was double disappointment for Glenrothes on Saturday.
The Fife side suffered a 27-10 defeat on their trip to meet Orkney in a match that carried BT Caledonia Division One league points and was also the final of the BT Caledonia Shield with a place in the national semi finals up for grabs.
In addition to ruling out a repeat of last year’s appearance in finals day, the result also means that Glenrothes now trail Orkney by four points having played two more matches.
Elsewhere, Strathmore suffered a 66-7 defeat away to Gordonians and Morgan Academy’s winning run came to an end when they went down 32-0 away to Highland.
Meanwhile, erstwhile Division Two (Midlands) leaders Alloa had mixed fortunes.
The Earlsfield men took the honours in the BT Midlands Bowl, seeing off Stirling University 39-30 in a 10-try thriller.
The hosts appeared to be on track to lift the silverware when they reached the break with a 24-13 lead. The students battled back and the match was finely poised at 32-30 entering the final 10 minutes.
And it took a late try from Martin McKenzie his third of the afternoon converted by Lee Cairney, to finally secure the win and book a semi-final slot in the BT National Bowl against Kinloss Eagles.
Harris Academy and Carnoustie both posted bonus point victories that have moved them into the top two spots in the table.
Harris were given a tough test away to basement side Blairgowrie before emerging with a 39-7 win. Owen McDonald claimed a hat trick and Adam Wood had a double, while there was one apiece for Stewart Walker and Joe Abbott as the Elliott Road men eventually saw off their determined hosts and moved into pole position in the league.
“On this display, how Blairgowrie lie bottom of the league is a mystery to both the players and supporters of Harris”, said spokesman Davie Stibbles.
“Our opponents tackled like demons and made life considerably difficult for us at times.”
Carnoustie sit one point adrift of Harris after chalking up a 25-17 win over Grangemouth Stags.
Michael Downie touched down twice for Carnoustie while Ian Reid, Nathan Bowles and Owen Hughes had a try apiece.
Madras were the day’s top scorers with a 50-8 win over Kinross, while Howe of Fife seconds returned from their trip to face Panmure with a 31-22 success under their belts.
Kirkcaldy seconds moved six points clear at the top of Division Three (Midlands) following a 37-12 win at home to Dundee University Medics.
Second-placed Arbroath’s run of poor results continued when they went down 38-27 against Falkirk seconds.
Waid Academy saw off Crieff & Strathearn 58-26 and Stirling Bridgehaugh defeated Bannockburn to move into third spot in the table.
Fife Southern top Division Four (Midlands) after a 38-5 win over Glenrothes seconds, while Alloa seconds and Hillfoots seconds were awarded 28-0 wins over Strathmore seconds and Montrose & District respectively.