PL pack a punch in Fife

Howe of Fife 22 Preston Lodge 29

PRESTON Lodge maintained their spot at the top of National League Division Three with a fantastic win away at in-form Howe of Fife.

The Prestonpans side found themselves on the scoresheet after just five minutes at a muddy Duffus Park when Pete Johnstone went over from close range. The powerful back-row picked up from the base of the ruck smartly to dive over for the opening score in what would prove to be a man-ofthe-match performance.

Fraser Falgate missed the conversion but PL had a solid 5-0 lead early on and this would be extended with 15 minutes played, Falgate stepping up to slot home a penalty inside the Howe 22.

Howe would get on the scoreboard a few minutes later. Winning a penalty on the edge of the PL 22, the Fifers duly converted to reduce the deficit to five.

But PL bounced back with just under half an hour played to grab their second try of the afternoon, Jack Pollard on hand to cross the whitewash from a few metres out. Falgate added the extras and PL led 15-3.

Howe were sure to not let PL get out of touch, however, grabbing a converted try a few minutes later to make it 15-10 at the break.

The first score of the second half would prove vital in asserting dominance in the fixture, and it would come from PL on 47 minutes.

PL dismantled the Howe scrum from 10 metres out, driving them over their own line, where Andy Horne was on hand to tap the ball down. Falgate nudged the ball over from the conversion to make it 22-10.

On 55 minutes, PL grabbed the bonus-point score. Johnstone powered through with a massive carry before offloading to Horne for his brace. Falgate added the extras to make it 29-10.

PL would spend the rest of the match on the back foot as Howe looked to force their way back into the game.

The hosts grabbed an unconverted try on 72 minutes before Pollard was then sent to the bin on 74 minutes as the Fifers continued to press.

On 79 minutes, they reduced the deficit once more, scoring a converted try to make it 29-22.

However, PL held on, keeping the home side at bay in the closing stages to secure a hugely important bonus-point victory.

Next up, the Prestonpans side make the short trip to the Capital to face Boroughmuir on Saturday, Kick-off is 2pm.