Grangemouth go down in the Little County

Grangemouth reached the halfway point of the league season with the short trip across the Forth to take on Hillfoots. The Stags were again forced to make a number of changes with 9 changes in the 18 man squad and only 7 players in their starting positions from the previous week. The team included young David John Innes making his senior debut on the wing and youngsters Connor McFarlane, Jordan Bailey and Ali Brown on the bench.

Hillfoots won the toss and chose to kick down the slope and with the wind and immediately put pressure on the Grangemouth line. However the ball was turned over and the Stags forwards worked their way upfield with a series of pick and drives. The ball was moved wide but lost and Hillfoots took advantage with good hands to score under the posts. After 10 minutes the home side doubled their lead. A lineout was stolen and a missed tackle in midfield allowed Foots to set up a ruck inside the 22 and simple hand allowed the winger to score. Five minutes later they scored again. A high kick was allowed to bounce and then another turnover allowed the centre to come on to the ball at pace to score under the posts. The bonus point was secured inside the first quarter when the stand off skipped round the defence to score. With half time approaching the home side camped inside the Grangemouth 22 and after a series of scrums and drives by the forwards the try came from close range. Half time 35 – 0

Grangemouth turned to the bench at the start of the second half and started well with a Mncube run setting up a good field position. However the ball was again lost at the crucial moment and Foots worked their way back upfield. The Stags did have a chance shortly after when a huge clearing kick was chased downfield by Bailey who caught the fullback just short of the line. However a penalty was conceded and the danger was cleared. After 55 minutes the home side scored again. They worked their way upfield to the 22 and then moved the ball to the blindside for an unconverted score. The final score came after an hour with Grangemouth pressing inside the home 22. A loose pass was picked up by Hillfoots and they broke upfield to score under the posts. Despite having most of the play in the closing 20 minutes Grangemouth were unable to score. Mncube had a few runs but too often the ball was turned over at the crucial moment. Final score 47 – 0

Another disappointing score line for the Stags with the only consolation being the performance of the youngsters. McFarlane in particular did well in the line outs and the loose. Next weekend sees the Stags at home to Mackie with a 3pm KO