Stags retain the Alban Jenkins Shield

After their bowl success at Lossiemouth two weeks ago the Stags made the long journey south to take on old rivals Llandybie last Friday in the run up to the international weekend. It was the usual tour mixture of current and ex players with an age span of 17 – 48. The Stags made a poor start as the home side dominated the opening 15 minutes and scored 2 converted tries. Firstly they worked a simple number 8 pick up which allowed the winger to score and then added the second after the referee had missed a knock on. As the half progressed Grangemouth came more into the game and began to make some half breaks from Allan and DJ Innes However they lacked the support and the moves came to nothing to leave the half time score at 14 – 0.

Skipper Denny asked for more effort in the second period and was immediately rewarded with two quick scores from Mncube. Firstly the flanker finished off a series of forward drives to score near the posts, and then was part of a back row move to power over from 20 metres. DJ Innes was successful with both kicks to leave the game level. Grangemouth continued to enjoy most of the territory and possession although the home side were always dangerous on the break. With the game entering the last 5 minutes young Innes missed with one penalty attempt before calmly converting a second attempt with 2 minutes left. The Stags defended one final Llandybie attack to hold out for a very encouraging win and retain the Alban Jenkins Shield. Full time 14 -17.

James Denny was delighted with the performance of all the players on the day. Mncube won the Huw Rowland Tankard as man of the match for his 2 tries and their were excellent performances from Allan, Denny and Randalls and a cameo from Forsyth from the bench.

On Saturday its back to the leagues as Harris visit Glensburgh with a 3pm KO.