Llandybie Retain Shield

The Welsh were in town last weekend as old rivals Llandybie made the long trip north to take on the Stags for the Alban Jenkins Shield. This historic fixture had now reached its 60th year and both sides were in good form and determined to lift the trophy. The Stags had already won their league while the visitors were top of their league and undefeated for the season. With a number of the usual 1sts unavailable Grangemouth were still able to select from a large squad of 1st and 2nd XV players. On a cold but dry day the pitch was very heavy after the previous days rain and it was the visitors who made a good start. They had most of the early possession and scored first when they landed a penalty after 3 minutes. The Stags gradually worked their way into the game and Noble tied the game with a penalty after 15 minutes. As the game entered the second quarter Parsons had a break but was tackled just 10 metres from the Llandybie line. The ball was flipped back but was intercepted by a Llandybie player who made 60 metres before being tackled by the chasing Chapman. Grangemouth were penalised at the breakdown and a quick tap penalty saw one of the Welsh flankers crash over in the corner for an unconverted score. The Stags hit back with some power play from the pack. They set up a couple of driving mauls from lineouts which somehow Llandybie managed to defend when a score looked likely. Then from a scrum on the 22 number 8 Hind picked up and beat the cover to score out wide. Noble was unable to add the conversion. From the kick of Jamieson and Sloan had runs before some clever interplay between Hind and Innes saw the latter burst through to run in from 30 metres. Noble was on target with the kick. HT Stags 15 Llandybie 8

Grangemouth made a host of changes at the break and were caught cold at the start of the second period. A good kick and chase forced Noble to concede a 5 metre scrum. From the set piece the visiting back row worked a move which resulted in their flanker going over for his second score. The conversion tied the scores again. Straight from the kick off good continuity play between the visitors backs and forwards produced a sweeping move which was finished off in the left hand corner with a fine score. The Stags tried to hit back but despite a spell of pressure were unable to break down the Llandybie defence. Then as the game entered the final quarter Llandybie stole a lineout in midfield. The visitors number 8 made 30 metres as he brushed off a number of poor attempted tackles before feeding his winger for an converted score in the corner. in the closing minutes as Grangemouth pushed for a consolation score another interception saw the Llandybie centre canter in from 40 metres for the final score. FT Stags 15 Llandybie 32.

Grangemouth had their chances to win this game. However a combination of making too many changes, poor tackling and simple mistakes saw the Welsh retain the Alban Jenkins Shield. Their number 8 Daniel Wiggley deservedly won the man of the match tankardfor the second time. The Stags have no game this weekend. The next game is on the 11 March when they travel to take on Blairgowrie for the final league game of the season with kick off 2pm.