Murrayfield Dream Over for Another Year

Grangemouth travelled to Ayr last Saturday to take on Millbrae in the semi final of the National Bowl. The Stags made 4 changes from their last game with Parsons and Allan returning on the wing, Christie at hooker and ex-skipper Weir coming in at prop. The heavy overnight rain had cleared but the conditions were difficult with frequent showers and a strong breeze blowing down the park. Grangemouth played into the wind in the first half and started brightly. After just 3 minutes the ball was moved wide to Allan and the winger was bundled into touch just short of the line. The Stags continued to press and Fisher was wide with a penalty a few minutes later. With their first real attack Millbrae were awarded a penalty on 14 minutes and took the lead with a well struck kick from their centre. The home side were giving away numerous penalties at the breakdown but the Stags were unable to take advantage and exert any sustained pressure as the lineout misfired. Then on 24 minutes Shaw was given a yellow card for stamping and Millbrae converted a second penalty. Despite being a man down Grangemouth still looked dangerous in attack. From a scrum in midfield Hind picked up and fed Stangoe. The centre kicked ahead but the Stags gave away a penalty close to the home line and the chance was lost. In the closing minutes of the half Millbrae had some pressure close to the Stags line. From a free kick Hind made a last gasp tackle to prevent a score before the Millbrae scrum half dived for the line to claim a score. However the assistant referee thought he was short and the ‘try’ was disallowed. HT Millbrae 6 Stags 0

The Stags again dominated the opening spell of the second half. However once again they had problems securing lineout possession and this allowed Millbrae to ease the pressure. On 53 minutes Fisher landed a penalty from 30 metres after another breakdown penalty. Two minutes later McNiff secured a turnover and again the home side were penalised. This time however the kick from Fisher drifted just wide. As the game entered the final quarter Millbrae pinned the Stags back into their 22 with clever kicks and solid defence. Finally on 65 minutes after a spell of pressure the ball was moved wide and the centre was able to slip the tackle and score out wide. With 5 minutes to go they increased their lead with another penalty.
FT Millbrae 14 Stags 3

This was a very disappointing result for the Stags. They struggled all day at the lineouts and the breakdown where the home side competed well throughout. As a result they failed to exert any pressure on the Millbrae side who now progress to Murrayfield for the final. This week it is back to league action as Grangemouth take on league leaders Alloa at Glensburgh with KO 3pm.