Stags progress to next round of Shield

After a 6 week break the Stags were finally back in action last Saturday as they welcomed Mackie to Glensburgh for a first round tie in the National Shield. The Stonehaven side were sitting mid table in the North Conference and a close match was expected. Grangemouth made a couple of changes from their last outing before Christmas with Gemmell and Anderson starting in the centre. The storms of the previous week had left the playing surface very soft but conditions were otherwise pretty good despite the strong breeze blowing down the pitch. The Stags had the advantage of the wind in the first half and had most of the early possession. However they were unable to break down the visitors defence and gradually Mackie began to string some phases together and look dangerous with ball in hand. On 18 minutes one such attack broke down just inside the Grangemouth half. Siddiq was able to grab the loose ball and race up the touchline for an opportunistic score. Skelton added the extras. From the kick off a kick and chase from Anderson pinned the visitors back in their 22. Grangemouth used their pack to good effect at scrum time and to from a 5 metre scrum White picked up and drove for the line. The ball was dislodged backwards and skipper Wieczorek picked up to dive over from close range. Once again Skelton slotted the conversion. On the half hour mark the Stags added their third try. They drove a lineout up to the line and hooker Watson was able to secure the touchdown. Skelton added the difficult conversion. The closing minutes of the half saw Mackie deep inside the home 22 but the defence held firm to prevent any score. HT Stags 21. Mackie 0.

Grangemouth were back on the attack at the start of the second half. They pinned Mackie in their 22 and after a series of 5 metre scrums the ball was moved wide with Ward cutting back inside his man for the score. The kick from Skelton held up in the breeze and drifted wide. Mackie fought back and some poor tackling allowed the visitors possession in the Stags 22. The ball was moved wide with the winger beating the cover for the score. The conversion was successful. Despite still being in control the Stags seemed to panic, lose focus and this affected the team discipline. They started giving away numerous penalties for high tackles and breakdown infringements and this resulted in 3 yellow cards for the home team and 1 for the visitors. Mackie took advantage of the extra players and a kick through resulted in an unconverted score. Somehow the Stags survived the rest of the yellow card period but just when they returned to full numbers Ward received a 2nd yellow card for a high tackle meaning the home side finished the game with 14. Once again Mackie took advantage of the extra man to score a converted try and make it a one score game. In a frantic finish Mackie tried to attack from deep but Grangemouth were able to close out the game and secure the victory.
FT Stags 26 Mackie 19.

Grangemouth will be wondering just how they managed to almost lose the game after being in so much control for the first 50 minutes. They will certainly have to reflect on poor discipline with numerous high tackles and petty infringements. They now face the long trip north to face RAF Lossiemouth on 17 February. This weekend the Stags head to Wales to face old rivals Llandybie.