Grangemouth Stags RFC 30 vs Glenrothes 18

The Stags were back in action with a home tie against Glenrothes in the National Bowl Competition. The Fife side had won the league fixture between the clubs earlier in the season so the local side knew they had to raise their game to avenge that defeat. The Stags opened strongly and should have scored the opening try after just 5 minutes. Mcintyre made a great break but passed inside instead of giving the outside pass to his winger. However from the resulting ruck Skipper dropped a goal. The Stags continued to dominate possession and territory in the opening 15 minutes but were unable to increase their lead with Skipper missing 2 penalty kicks at goal. Glenrothes finally relieved the pressure and nearly scored after a break by their centre but his floated pass was intercepted by fullback Chisholm who cleared into touch. The big visiting pack then had a series of drives to the line but were held up by some solid defence. Glenrothes were dominating at this point and 2nd row Paterson covered well to halt another attack. hayes then called a good mark before gaining 40 metres with a fine run. With the score still at 3 - 0 and 30 minutes played, the Stags kicked ahead and chased the fullback down under the posts. The Fife side were penalised at the ruck and reduced to 14 men and from the resulting tap penalty winger Alexander dived in at the corner. Skipper missed the difficult conversion. Soon after Chisholm made a fine break upfield but his pass langed between 2 supporting players and the chance was lost. Half time 8-0.

The Stags were on the attack at the start of the second half and Mcinally converted an easy penalty. Glenrothes then had a period of pressure and scored their opening try after a missed tackle in the centre allowed an easy run in under the posts for a converted score. Shortly after they added to the scor with a penalty when the Stags handled on the ground at a ruck. With the lead now just 1 point it needed a moment of magic from the Stags to stretch the lead. Veteran centre Hayes received a pass on his own 10 metre line and after bursting the initial line of defence he sidestepped through the cover before rounding the fullback to score a great try under the posts. mcinally kicked the conversion. Glenrothes refused to give up and narrowed the lead with a further penalty. With 10 minutes to go Grangemouth scored their 3rd try. Hayes drove upfield and when the ball was switched to the right Mcintyre made the break and passed to Noble who scored in the corner. Once again the visitors hit back and were awarded a penalty close to the line with McIntyre being given a yellow card for killing the ball at the breakdown. From the tap penalty the forwards were driven over for an unconverted try. With just a couple of minutes to go Glenrothes tried to run out of defence but lost the ball and Skipper picked up the loose ball to score under the posts. McInally again kicked the conversion. Final score Stags 30 Glenroyhes 18.

This was a good all round performance by the Stags who are now into the quarter final of the Bowl Competion. Next Saturday sees the Stags back in league action with an away fixture against Kinross. Kick off time still to be confirmed.