Aberdeenshire narrowly lost out in a high-tempo game 33-43 to Glasgow side GHK at Woodside.
Coach Alex Duncan’s men scored five tries, four of which were converted, but failed to cope with the well-balanced organisation of the visitors.
Duncan said: “It was a fine game of rugby to which we made a huge contribution, even if we were a little naive at key moments, but we played well for most of the game.
“In centre Nat Coe and hooker Andy Cook, we had two of the most effective ball carriers on show. Nat was particularly impressive, setting up the try of the afternoon for fellow centre Nat Clough. But despite the defeat we are in a good place going into our last game of the season, building for the future and hopefully a good run at promotion.”
In an entertaining first half Shire had the measure of the Glasgow side, dominating for most of it, but went in 15-14 down.
The Shire points came from tries from Coe and Cook, both of which were converted by stand off Paul Paxton. In the second half GHK raised the tempo of the game, although Shire hung in, scoring a further three tries, but outscored by four touchdowns to three. The pick of the home efforts came from Clough who was beautifully set up by Coe after a 75yd run.
The rest of Shire’s points came from Coe’s second score of the afternoon and flanker Brad Fraser.
Paxton added two conversions, but it was not enough to prevent the home side from going down. The Woodsiders have one game left which will be played at home on April 22 when they take on promotion-seeking Kelso.