​Survival in rugby’s Arnold Clark National League Division 2 within reach for Berwick after 46-25 win at Kirkcaldy

That result ended up suiting both sides as the fifth-placed Fifers’ four-try bonus point takes them out of danger of the drop and their Northumbrian visitors, though still sixth, are now seven points clear of the division’s two-deep relegation zone, on 32 from 14 fixtures, and also five in front of third-from-bottom Lasswade, having been level with them at kick-off, both with two games left to play.

Berwick’s scorers at the weekend, making amends for a 24-22 defeat in the reverse fixture south of the border in November, were right-winger Ben Nicholson at the double, left-winger Jack Dalrymple, outside-centre James Thompson, full-back Aidan Rosie, hooker Ryan Wilson and tighthead prop Jordon Patterson, with fly-half Jack Webster adding five conversions and a penalty.

Touching down for their hosts at Kirkcaldy’s Beveridge Park were Sean McKervail twice, Stevie Milne and Kieran Mitchell, accompanied by a penalty from captain Fin Smith and a conversion by Ethan Murray.

Berwick’s remaining games are at home to basement side Preston Lodge at Scremerston on Saturday, March 22, and away to Lasswade on Saturday, April 5, both 3pm kick-offs.

September’s reverse fixtures yielded mixed fortunes in the form of a 25-14 defeat in East Lothian and a 35-17 home victory against the Midlothian side.

Berwick head coach Paul Pringle was delighted to see his team take a big step towards safety on Saturday with their sixth win of the season, telling Borders Rugby TV: “The boys fronted up magnificently.

“Our pack was very strong in all the set-plays and our backs were just really hungry, but the key standout for me was the fact we were actually playing with a bit of clarity, playing heads-up rugby.

“We showed that when we do that and look around, we can pick teams apart.

“It was an all-round squad performance and I’m very happy with that.

“There are still two games to go and a cup quarter-final, so it’s just another step but we’re aiming to build on it going forward.”