Carluke Tigers faced Fife Lions last Saturday, in what was an eagerly anticipated match between the new boys of Carluke and last seasons� league title holders Fife. The Tigers went into the match at the top of the Scottish Rugby League Conference following last weekends demolition of Moray Eels, but were missing a few key players from last weeks squad. In contrast, Fife Lions turned up with their strongest possible squad, including former Super League professional Gareth McColl, current Scotland Professional International Blair Skipper, and a host of Scotland Amateur Internationals.

Straight from the kick off Fife Lions looked as good a side on the pitch as they did on paper, and it was quickly apparent that this would be the best side the Tigers had faced so far this season. With Fife's huge pack of forwards making the hard yards and their backs running some excellent angles, the Tigers were quickly two scores down. This shook some real life into the Tigers however, and they battled back but missed out on a few opportunities to get their first try of the game. The lions then scored again, but the Tigers stole one back just before half time with a great try from speedy winger Frazer McKenzie who rounded his man to go over in the corner, and the try was converted well by Lewis Matheson.

Half Time - Carluke Tigers 6 Fife Lions 16

In the second half the Lions really took the game to Carluke, and managed to rack up a few quick scores to put the game beyond doubt. All credit to the Tigers though who stuck in until the end, and grabbed two consolation tries through Craig Lewis and Nico Nyemba, one of which converted.

Full Time - Carluke Tigers 16 Fife Lions 54

Carluke Tigers; A. Lynch, L. Matheson, F. McKenzie, L. Bryson, J. Goldie, J. Hillis, R. Bryan, M. Martin, C. Lewis, N. Nyemba, A. McLatchie, G. Ferguson, J. McAuley.
Subs (all used); A. Robinson, C. McLaughlin, W. Stack, R. McAuley, R. Queenan, J. Pringle.
Man of the match; Craig Lewis.

Overall a very disappointing result, but at the end of the day with the superior rugby league quality and experience, the best team - Fife Lions - won. The Tigers are confident, however, that with some hard work in training, a bit more experience, and a full strength squad that any future fixtures against Fife Lions will be very close encounters.

Next weekend is a free for the Tigers, but a friendly match may be arranged in preparation for the following weeks fixture away to Easterhouse Panthers. For more info check the official website; official.sportnetwork.net/main/s604 or email thetigers@live.co.uk