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Saturday 6 October 2007 National League "ivision 2 Week 6
STEWARTRY RFC 19 – 5 GRANGEMOUTH STAGS
The Stags travelled to Castle Douglas in the Scottish borders to take on Stewartry, with six changes from the previous week due to injury and unavailability. In particular the backs showed four changes with a debut on the wing for young Stuart Allan, still to have his 17th birthday but showing great potential in the 2nd Xv so far this season.
Grangemouth struggled in the opening stages with Stewartry missing a penalty in the second minute. Shortly after, they were again let off the hook when only a desperate tap tackle by McIntyre stopped the home full back as he raced down the wing. However the opening score was not too long in coming when, from a turnover on the wing, the home centre broke through and raced home from 50 metres to score under the posts, leaving an easy conversion.
After 16 minutes the home side missed another penalty. With the Stags having difficulty clearing their lines, another turnover on the 22 allowed the number 8 to brush off some poor tackling to feed his centre for another try. The conversion was missed. The first half misery for the travelling side continued when after 35 minutes another turnover saw the number 8 break through and score near the posts for another 7 pointer. Grangemouth pressed at the end of the half but a couple of poor lineouts allowed the home side to clear their lines.
Half time 19 - 0.
Grangemouth had to score first in the second half and they did after just 2 minutes, when a break by Innes was carried on by Gillanders, feeding Macintyre for a perfect timed pass to Allan for a try in the corner on his debut. The conversion was sadly missed from touch by Mair.
Grangemouth were on top at this stage and a good driving maul by the forwards made 30 metres before being illegally stopped. More pressure saw full back Spence make a good break but the move ended with a knock on. With 20 minutes to go Stewartry missed another penalty. The closing stages saw an interception by Mcintyre who ran 40 metres down the touchline before passing to Allan once again on his shoulder, but was this time thwarted 5 metres out. The Stags were unable to recycle the ball and the chance was lost.
Full time 19 - 5.
This was another match that was a ‘could have should have’ feel to it for the Stags, even allowing for the unsettled and scratch team. It was a slow start to the game with the team once again only seeming to come on to their game in the second half when they are chasing a score. This has continued the unenviable trend of having lost 3 on the road, with 2 of these certainly offering a bonus point on another day. Sadly, this was Lee Spence’s last game for the club as he now departs for New Zealand, which will no doubt be sorely missed in the future. Grangemouth now have the opportunity to get back on the rails with a mid table clash with Caithness this Saturday, kick off 3pm. Please see the club website (www.grangemouthrfc.co.uk) for any further details.
Team: 1. Billy Tulloch 2. Marc Stirling 3. Brian Johnston 4. Gavin Curran 5. Steve Binnie 6. Davie McFarlane 7. Charlie Gillanders 8. Calum Taylor 9. Danny Rawlings 10. Mike Gowdy 11. Stuart Allan 12. Ronnie Innes 13. Caine McIntyre 14. Graeme Mair 15. Lee Spence Scorer: Allan (1 try) Discipline (N/A)
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