ALLOA edged out a determined Madras 33-29 in a tight contest that went right to the wire.

A good crowd gathered at Earlsfield in the Spring sunshine in anticipation of some open running rugby.

Madras dominated the opening 10 minutes and deservedly scored the opening try.

However, led by captain for the day Gary Taylor, Alloa fought back in style.

Taylor made a break that set free his back division and an outrageous dummy by Rab Truesdale saw the Alloa centre slice through and score under the posts.

Rab McCran sped over for two tries as Alloa stretched their advantage and in between times Daniel McGookin popped up amongst the backs to cut through for a tremendous try.

Lee Cairney popped over three conversions to take Alloa over twenty points clear and with a bonus point try already in the bag Alloa were looking comfortable after the first half hour.

However their set-piece was never comfortable, the penalty count was rising and the influential Gary Taylor had gone off with an ankle injury.

Madras then served a warning that the game was far from over when they crossed for their second try shortly before the break.

The visitors further reduced the deficit after the break with a third try but a great angled run by Matt Pope restored Alloa's advantage.

Alloa were still dogged by a rising penalty count and a number of injuries didn't help their cause.

Madras clawed back two further tries and with five minutes remaining Alloa's lead had been cut to four points but the Wee County side held on to seal the victory.