Saturday 10th November

Glensburgh Park

Friendly

GRANGEMOUTH STAGS 2 XV 0 – 31 LINLITHGOW RFC 2ND XV

Just as the pre match atmosphere was building up nicely with the Stags hosting a 1st and 2nd XV double header, the mood was somewhat deflated when the game was reclassified a ‘friendly’ as the referee called off sick. Club Chairman Alan McKenzie pulled on the boots to step in to the breech to ensure that the game could still go ahead, however.

The surface was still in a remarkable condition as the season approaches winter, but the wind was to play a significant role in this match. With the stags kicking off with the wind behind them, they dominated the opening 10 minutes with some strong running from Brendan Tucker, and some astute positional kicking from Graeme Mair to peg back the local visitors.

However, as much as they huffed and puffed, they could not breech the resolute Linlithgow line, and were to leave with no reward for the determined start.

Indeed, as Linlithgow came to terms with the conditions, they snatched the lead with some solid driving play, and a good run from the centre to touch down. Kick converted, and Linlithgow were leading against the run of play.

The half continued with some ebb and flow of play, but again there was to be no reward for the Stags as they pushed for their opening score with some poor decision making costing them dear. Too many times the ball was picked up at the base of the ruck 5 yards out, and a have-a-go hero would try and go it alone instead of either shipping it wide or getting a push over the line.

Linlithgow closed the half with another score, but this time the conversion was missed. Both sides were having to ring the changes as players were dropping like flies in the tough but fair tackling. Gareth McKnight especially looked in the mood with some league-esque tackles shaking the bones of the Linlithgow attacks.

As the sides swapped sides, it was Linlithgows turn to enjoy the elements and play the positional game by kicking for the corners and gaining territory. However, neither team particularly shone at the lineout or scrum, but the away team were utilising the service best and running in a further 3 tries by the end of the game to secure a convincing win.

The game was played in a great spirit with no flair up to speak of- which might be considered a little disappointing in a such a derby! However, they will have it all to do again as they repeat the fixture with a neutral referee.

Although there was not much between the teams on the day, if anything, Linlithgow had the knack of doing the basics right when it counted and punishing a tiring team in the second half. Both teams took the chance to introduce a couple of more inexperienced yonger players which bodes well for the future of both clubs.

Overall an entertaining match, but Grangemouth need to once again look within themselves at how to finish off their build ups with a decisive score.

The Stags second string return to league duty with a home match against Lismore, KO 2pm. As ever, see the club website (www.grangemouthrfc.co.uk) for further details.