Arbroath welcomed local rivals Carnoustie to Lochlands for their first match of 2011. Torrential rain throughout dictated the style of play for both teams but nonetheless it was a thrilling match for the hardy souls who were spectating.

Carnoustie had the better of the opening exchanges. Setting their stall out early their stand off was looking to play a territorial game with a tactical kicking game. Initial pressure saw them slot an early penalty to go 3 - 0 up.

Not overawed by their opponents superior league position, Arbroath began to gain a foothold in the game. McIntyre was abrasive throughout, Olliver needed no second invitation to go on a charge and Collins was handling the dreadful conditions well at Stand-off. Arbroath ground their way up the pitch and forced the visitors into conceding a penalty which Collins sent just wide. Not deterred they kept the pressure on and Collins succeeded quickly after with another attempt. 3 - 3.

The game was finely balanced with neither team able to gain the ascendancy. Ferocious counter rucking from Crowe, Smith, Watermeyer and Breach was giving the visitors food for thought. McIntyre who didnt take a step back all game saw yellow after confronting the opposition after an altercation on the Arbroath try line. More penalties were exchanged from both sides to make the halftime score Arbroath 3 - Carnoustie 9

The halftime team talk re-inforced the need for discipline and self belief. Reinforcements arrived in the shape of Skivington and McIntosh and with the weather deteriorating even further the second half continued in much the same vein as the first. Carnoustie kept Arbroath pinned back with some well judged kicks. Tremendous last ditch try line defence from Williams and Irving among others prevented Carnoustie from crossing the line, instead having to settle for another couple of penalties in reply to an Arbroath penalty. Arbroath 6 - Carnoustie 15.

Determind to have the final say in the match in the closing minutes, the home side surged up the pitch. Carnoustie were holding fast though and just when the movement looked to have fizzled out, the Carnoustie stand-off was too casual with his try line clearance. Breach lunged at him in an attempt to block his kick. His persistence paid off and the ball ricocheted off his head and settled in the try area for the Arbroath winger to plunge onto for the converted try. Final score Arbroath 13 - Carnoustie 15.

Team : Smith (c), Skivington, Olliver, Breach, Neish, McIntyre, Haynes, McIntosh, Irving, Crowe, Watermeyer, Collins, Horne, Keillor, Williams, Burns, Forbes, Taylor