Saturday 26th September 2009

Friendly match

Glensburgh park

Grangemouth Stags 2nd XV    0    Stirling University 2nd XV  42

Grangemouth Stags reserve team, aka ‘The Dream Team’ took on a new dimension on Saturday with a squad of 20 players being available with a mixture of old and young alike.  With RHC cancelling the scheduled league match (awarding the points to teh Stags in the league as a result) a hastily arranged fixture V Stirling University 2’s was arranged and GRFC are grateful to the students for filling in at short notice. There were 1st outings of the season for the veterans Gowdy, Tucker, Noble and Crossan along with a scattering of youthful promise.  After Thursday nights training where 16 of the squad trained hopes were high of giving the students a lesson in quality rugby but alas it was very much the boot on the other foot as a very fit and fast student team threw the ball about and scored some excellent tries. Grangemouth, to their credit played all the continuity rugby and after some early disorganisation, settled into the game and were content to create phases of play that frustrated the students who were struggling for front row players.  As a result of this, the scrums went uncontested and the 11 stone whippet props assisted the ticking over of the scoreboard.

The Stags did make several opportunities with Noble being caught short of the line on three occasions and Burns unable to collect a wayward pass with the line beckoning.  Some of the defensive hits were fantastic with Angus, Paterson, Fritz and Middleton all putting in telling tackles. In fairness, the difference between the two teams was the speed of the students and ability of their backs who were no match for the Stags backline.  They played some excellent rugby and will be an asset to their 1st XV during the season.  For Grangemouth, the set piece went very well with Burns and Brown securing valuable lineout ball for the backs to run from.

There were no fewer than 11 U19’s in the Stags squad, all of whom are developing as players and proof of the tremendous work going on at grass roots level within the club as we now have a steady conveyor belt of youngsters to take the club forward in the future. The final score somewhat flattered the students as they ran in a few soft tries towards the end of the match as the veterans began to tire and trip over their lungs.

Afterwards the Dream Team presented GRFC Captain Caino with a birthday card, a pint and a strawpedo to celebrate his 30th (or was it his 40th?), anyways a birthday and headed off into the night to enjoy the rest of their day. This week the Stags reserve team and scheduled to play away to Foresters 3XV although they have been struggling to field a team of late therefore another fixture may be required and details will be posted on the GRFC website at www.grangemouthrfc.co.uk .

It was pleasing to see a packed clubhouse after the game with the 2’s all staying on to chat over a few beers and prepare for improvement over the season.  This coupled with the very busy training nights is creating a new buzz around the club.

Fancy being part of a club who invest in youth development and enjoyment for all? Training for seniors is 7pm Tues/Thurs at the club and players of all abilities will be made most welcome.  Details from the club website.