Grangemouth record first win of 2012

After a four week break the Stags were back in action last Saturday with West Division 1 side Annan travelling to Glensburgh for a friendly fixture. Both sides were keen for a game before important league matches in the next few weeks. Grangemouth showed a few changes from their last game with starts for Keighan and Norval in the forwards and Dempsey switching to centre. Annan started strongly and helped by the wind pinned the local side inside their 22. However they were unable to break down the solid defence of the Stags. Grangemouth relieved the pressure and gained some possession inside their opponents half. Mncube made a strong run from a lineout steal and indeed it was the young flanker who opened the scoring shortly after. A fine kick from Sangster set up position inside the Annan 22 and after four phases of play from the lineout Mncube received a short pass to crash over near the posts to leave McInally the easy conversion. Grangemouth continued to push for another score but were unable to capitalize on a Dempsey break in the centre and Annan were able to clear. Soon after the visitors kicked to the corner and it was the unlikely figure of Jamieson who was back to clear the danger with a 20 metre run from deep. With half time approaching Sangster and Risk combined to move the ball up field and when Annan were penalized at the breakdown McInally was successful with the kick at goal. Half time 10 - 0.

With the wind at their backs the Stags dominated the 3rd quarter of the game and increased their lead after 48 minutes. The Grangemouth forwards had a series of drives close to the Annan line and when the ball was moved out Sangster sliced through the defence to score. McInally added the conversion. Further pressure inside the visitors 22 saw Grangemouth disrupt an Annan scrum and good hands by the backs allowed Allan to score in the corner. With 10 minutes to go Grangemouth scored their final try when Sangster brushed aside some poor tackles to score from a tap penalty. McInally again converted rhe score. Annan pressed hard in the closing 10 minutes for a consolation score but again the Stags defence held firm. Final score 29 - 0

This was a good win for the Stags and a very useful run out before the important upcoming league and bowl fixtures this month. McInally dominated the lineout and was successful with 4 out of 5 kicks and Sangster controlled the game from 10. Next Saturday the Stags are back in league action with Kinross travelling to Glensburgh. KO is 2 pm