Falkirk travelled to Gordonian RFC on Saturday in good form, but with a much changed backline. And in a match where the visitors arguably had the edge in the set piece and at close quarters, Falkirk's backs couldn't match the pace and accuracy the home side produced in the wide channels, especially from their excellent full-back. A home score from a chip and chase inside 3 minutes set the tone and by midway through the first half Falkirk had conceded a point per minute at 21:0. The Wheels clawed their way back into the contest with an unconverted score from Harry Grieve and then a Callum Hunter line-out maul try on the stroke of half-time, converted by Lewis Jamieson.

But the Gogos started the 2nd half like men on a mission and scored three quick tries to put the game beyond Falkirk at 42:12. A yellow card for the home side gave Falkirk a brief period of dominance which Gregor McKinnon took advantage of, before the tide turned back in favour of Gordonian with a couple of quick replies. However, right on full-time, Lewis Pentecost went over in the corner to at least secure a four-try bonus point. FT: 56:24

Player unavailability often has the greatest impact on the 2nd XV, and so it proved against Bannockburn. With a few regulars promoted to the 1st XV, only Craig Ross retained his starting position in the backline from the previous outing. Bannockburn scored quickly, racking up 17 points. Andy Graham went over for a try just before half-time with Ross MacDonald converting. Falkirk put pressure on Bannockburn after the break with the score at 17-7, with Bannockburn even attempting a penalty kick at goal to ease the pressure, but eventually they stretched away with another 3 tries in the last 25mins to make the final score 34-7. One positive was Cairn Marshall's senior debut for Falkirk. He had a great game, and was dominant in the lineout.

Thankfully, the women gave us something to cheer about on Sunday as they made the long trip to Lochgilphead to play Mid-Argyll in the National Plate. However, they maintained the weekend's theme of a slow Falkirk start by conceding the opening try. They gradually got into their stride and by the 2nd quarter were exerting pressure on the pitch, which was reflected on the scoreboard. Special mention to Dannielle Nixon, who having never previously scored for the side, racked up a first half hat-trick of tries and the same number of player of the match awards! Katie Scott made her debut and didn't look at all out of place.

Falkirk's other scorers in the eventual 5:45 victory were Abbie Ledwidge, Shannon Paterson, Morven Hylands and Sophie Robertson, with Abi Skelton converting five of them.