Saturday 1st March, 2008

Glensburgh park

Scottish Hydro Electric Bowl 4th Round

GRANGEMOUTH STAGS RFC 8 - 5 HILLFOOTS/ALLOA RFC

Grangemouth progressed to the quarter final of the bowl with a hard fought victory over local rivals Hillfoots. After the heavy rain of the previous day there was some doubt over the fixture taking place but some hard work by Ian Ormiston and others in the morning allowed the game to take place.

The Stags played into the strong wind in the 1st half and survived early pressure by the visitors. After 15 minutes Grangemouth cleared upfield and created pressure inside the opposition 22. A quick tap penalty in front of the posts was taken and the home side were held up over the line. From the resultant scrum skipper Mcfarlane was driven over for the opening score. Sonny Campbell missed the difficult conversion. Hillfoots hit back and scored when poor defence from a tap penalty allowed the centre to crash over for an unconverted try. Half time 5-5

With the wind at their backs in the 2nd half it seemed that the Stags were set for victory. After 10 minutes of pressure Forbes kicked a penalty. However this seemed to encourage the visitors and much of the 2nd half play was in the Stags half of the field. With the game entering the last 5 minutes Hillfoots were stopped on the goal line several times by excellent defence from the home side. Finally the Stags cleared their lines and held out for a good victory.

This was another good performance by the Stags who now face another interesting local derby against Linlithgow away on 5th April. Lets hope the side can continue this form in the 3 league matches to come before that match.