Miserable Run Continues

After a three week break the Stags were finally back in league action last Saturday as they travelled to take on Kinross. Despite missing a few key regulars the local side still fielded a fairly strong side. The pitch was in good condition after the overnight frost. Grangemouth made the better start and had most of the initial territory and pressure with the Rutherford brothers linking well to take play deep into the home 22. When the ball was moved wide Pedyo was just in touch close to the line. Despite dominating the possession the Stags were losing their lineouts and this, along with frequent penalties, allowed Kinross back into the game. On 17 minutes the home side won a lineout on the Stags 22 and after a drive by the forwards the stand off cut inside the defence before popping the pass to the support to dive in under the posts. The home stand off added the simple conversion. A few minutes later Grangemouth conceded another penalty at a lineout and the kick increased the lead. As the game entered the second quarter the Stags were back on the attack. Gibson had a run to the line and when the ball was recycled Jamieson seemed to have grounded the ball but the referee ruled the ball was held up. The closing minutes of the half saw Kinross on the attack but they were denied by some good defence. HT Kinross 10 Stags 0

The Stags made a few changes at half time and again started the half on top. However once again failure to secure first phase ball and indiscipline at the breakdown allowed the home team to clear their lines. The game became bogged down in midfield with both sides making mistakes and conceding frequent penalties. Grangemouth emptied their bench as they tried to change the game but neither side could create any space for their runners and the game finally ended as the referee seemed to blow up 5 minutes early.
FT Kinross 10 Stags 0

This was a very poor match and a disappointing performance and result for the local side. They failed to secure their scrums and lineouts and conceded a host of penalties at the breakdown. The backs were unable to create any space and rarely threatened the Kinross line. However the side has a chance to make amends as they now face the same side in the semi final of the Midland Bowl this Saturday at Kinross with a 1.30pm KO