Stags Fail to Halt Griffens

After the disappointment of their cup exit the previous week it was back to league action last Saturday as Alloa made the short trip to Glensburgh. The visitors were unbeaten in the league all season and were looking to extend their winning run on the road to the championship. The Stags made 4 changes with Scott, McNiff and Gibson starting in the forwards and Christie coming in on the wing. On a good day for rugby both sides were keen to play an open game. Alloa were on the attack from the start and only a good cover tackle from Hind prevented an early score as their hooker made a blindside break. The pressure continued and it was no surprise when Alloa took the lead after 8 minutes. They kicked a penalty into the corner and from the resulting lineout a clean catch and drive saw the maul over the line for a converted score. Grangemouth hit back and Fisher was just wide with a long range penalty a few minutes later. The home side continued to press but a missed penalty kick to touch saw the visitors launch a sweeping counter attack from deep. In the end only a fine tackle from Kinnaird halted the move. Alloa were now back on the attack and they increased the lead on 18 minutes. Once again the Stags were under pressure from a lineout drive and were penalised for bringing down the maul. The visitors scrum half took the quick tap penalty and darted through the home defence for a second converted try. Grangemouth were struggling to cope with the speed and support play of the visitors. On 23 minutes they scored try number 3. From another tap penalty inside their own half the ball was moved through several pairs of hands before the winger crossed in the corner for an unconverted score. Finally Grangemouth gained some territory. They drove a lineout close to the Alloa line and this time the visitors were penalised for collapsing. The home side repeated the lineout drive from a shorter range and this time the maul stayed bound and Jamieson was at the back to claim the try. Fisher landed the conversion. The game continued to swing from end to end. Gemmell was involved in attack with a break from deep but he then was back in defence when a turnover saw Alloa race downfield. However the try was only delayed as further quick ball was moved wide to allow the wing to round the cover and run in for the bonus point score.
HT Stags 7 Alloa 26

Grangemouth made one change at half time with Clark coming on at wing forward. On 42 minutes Fisher kicked a penalty into the corner. Once again the Stags claimed a clean catch at the resulting lineout and again Jamieson controlled the ball at the back of the maul to claim his second score. Fisher was wide with the conversion. Five minutes later Grangemouth scored try number 3. A lineout on the Alloa 22 went slightly wrong but Clark was first to react and secure the ball. When the ball was moved to midfield Allan came off his wing at pace to burst through the defensive line and outpace the cover for a fine score in the corner. Alloa hit back and extended their lead a few minutes later. Good support play almost resulted in a score but the play was brought back for a foot in touch. From the lineout the Alloa prop grabbed the loose ball to rumble over from 5 metres. Grangemouth then went looking for their bonus point score but were denied by some gritty defence by the visitors. In the closing stages Clark had a good cover tackle to prevent a score before finally a break in the centre saw Alloa collect their 6th try. FT Stags 17 Alloa 38

This was a very open and entertaining game with Alloa deserved winners and now almost certain to clinch the championship next week. It was also an improved performance from the Stags. The scrum was solid and the lineouts were better. The backs ran with more purpose but again some silly mistakes and penalties cost the home side dearly. Grangemouth have one final league match this season on 23 April when Howe of Fife travel to Glensburgh for a 3pm KO. The Grangemouth 2nd XV had a hard fought victory over Glenrothes 2nd with trys from Bell, Caulfield and Reid. This Saturday they travel to take on Arbroath.