The race for the RBS Caledonia Division One title intensified on Saturday when Perthshire suffered a second loss of the campaign and Dunfermline eased to a comfortable win.
Perthshire retain the edge courtesy of a superior points difference after a 25-23 defeat at home to Caithness.
Dominic O’Connor contributed 18 points from a try, three penalties and two conversions, while Ed Salter touched down for Perthshire’s other points. Dunfermline chalked up a 68-0 win on the trip to face St Andrews University.
Strathmore remain in fourth spot after two penalties from Stewart Ross gave them a share of the spoils in a 6-6 draw with Ellon at a sodden Inchmacoble.
Morgan Academy’s trip to face Mackie Academy was delayed until yesterday but it ended disappointingly with a 22-13 loss.
Division Two (Midlands) leaders Hillfoots saw off Kinross 89-3 and extend a lead that the Tillicoultry men have held since the opening day of the season.
Nearest challengers, Harris Academy, took all five points from a 24-7 win at home to third-placed Glenrothes.
Stirling University remain fourth, despite succumbing 46-7 in the battle of the students away to Dundee University. Alloa moved up the table with eight tries in a 48-14 win at home to Madras Rugby.
In the day’s other game, Grangemouth Stags chalked up a 47-3 win away to Panmure. The Division Three (Midlands) clash between leaders Howe of Fife seconds and basement side Glenrothes seconds was called off.
Carnoustie took full advantage with a 41-5 win at home to Kirkcaldy seconds that has moved the Links Parade men level on points at the top of the table.
Crieff & Strathearn maintained their challenge when they saw off Bannockburn 35-17 at the Braidhaugh. Blairgowrie beat the conditions and a stuffy Fife Southern side 8-0 in their mid-table clash.
Arbroath blew open the race for the Division Four (Midlands) title by posting a 31-24 win over previously unbeaten Perthshire II. Stobswell moved into third thanks to a 54-0 win at home to Alloa seconds.