Saturday 31st October 2009

Caledonia League 1

Stonehaven

Mackie RFC 8  Grangemouth Stags RFC 8

The Stags travelled back up the A90 this week to take on Mackie FP at Stonehaven. There were four changes from the previous week with Ward and Mair starting at 9 and 15 respectively , allowing young Chapman to resume at centre beside the experienced McIntyre. The home side were in confident mood after winning their last two league matches. The pitch was heavy following all the rain during the week but at least the game was played in dry conditions. The early part of the game was evenly contested but again the Stags conceded too many penalties at the brakdown to lose possession and territory. After 9 minutes the home side took the lead with a simple penalty. The Stags hit back and achieved good field position after a kick and chase upfield by Mncube. This set up a period of pressure by the visitors with Alexander and McIntyre having good runs to set up Skipper for a failed drop goal attempt. Mackie relieved the pressure with a kick to the corner but were kept out by strong defence by the Stags. The last 5 minutes of the half saw Grangemouth back inside the home 22 and following turnover ball and a couple of phases of play, good hands by the backs allowed Cuthbertson to feed Chapman and the youngster squeezed in at the corner for an unconverted try.  Half time Mackie 3 Stags 5

Mackie started the second half strongly and were only halted by a sound defence with Mcniff making one very important tackle. Mcintyre then had a couple of good runs but the Stags were unable to keep possession and the ball was cleared. Poor tackling by the Stags allowed the home winger to kick ahead and he was only just beaten to the ball in the ingoal area for a 22. Mackie continued to press and finally scored a try as their centre had enough strength to dummy and drive over. The conversion was not too difficult but was pushed wide. Mackie continued to push for further points and almost scored after running back a poor kick from Skipper before knocking on just short of the line. With the game into the last 10 minuts the Stags finally exerted some sustained pressure with a good run from Cuthbertson before Tucker was held up on the line. The chance for points seemed to be lost when the referee gave the scrum put in to the home side but Mackie were penalised at the next ruck to allow Skipper to kick a simple penalty.

Final score Mackie 8 Stags 8

This was a disappointing match and a draw was probably a fair result. The Stags will have to improve their ball retention and work on lineouts before next weekend when they entertain joint league leaders Strathmore at Glensburgh.  Kick off 2pm

Scorers:

Try- Chapman

Pen- Skipper

Team Lineup;

G Mair, G Alexander, C McIntyre, T Chapman, J Cuthbertson, B Skipper, D Ward, D McFarlane, A Mncube, G McNiff, S Binnie, A Whyte, M Stirling, B Tulloch, D Angus. Subs (All used)- B Tucker, C Jaworek, C Williamson.