Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

It was derby time last Saturday as Grangemouth welcomed Falkirk to Glensburgh for the latest round of league fixtures. The Stags were able to recall Gemmell, Allan and Pedyo to the backline while up front there were starts for Howie and McNab. The heavy morning rain had largely cleared but the conditions were tricky with a soft pitch and slippy ball. Grangemouth made a good start. They regained the ball from the kick off and had all the early pressure. There were good runs from Jamieson and Stangoe as Falkirk struggled to clear their lines. After 4 minutes the visitors messed up a defensive scrum 5 metres from their line and were forced to concede an attacking scrum to the Stags. The platform was secure and number 8 Hind was able to pick up and drive over from short range. Fisher was on target with the conversion. Falkirk hit back and after a spell of pressure narrowed the gap with a penalty a few minutes later. They added a second penalty on 12 minutes. The Stags defence got in a tangle from a high kick and were penalised at the breakdown to leave the visitors a simple kick. Grangemouth were soon back on the attack and Forsyth had a darting run up to the Falkirk 22. This time the visitors gave away the penalty and Fisher slotted the kick. As the game entered the second quarter Falkirk missed one long range penalty before being successful with an easier kick on 25 minutes. Five minutes later Fisher replied with his second penalty to increase the lead to 4 points. With half time approaching Grangemouth collected their second try. Allan had the initial run and the move was carried on by Scott. The forwards then had a series of drives at the line before finally Hind was able to drive over for the score. This time the conversion was wide. Right on half time Falkirk had a good attacking position but were penalised in the backs for crossing and the chance was lost. HT Stags 18 Falkirk 9.

It was the visitors who made the better start after the interval and scored after 4 minutes. They had the early possession and some good play in the backs gave their left winger enough space to round his man before cutting inside the fullback for the try. The conversion was on target. The half continued with both sides cancelling each other out with defences on top and too many errors from the home side. However as the game entered the final quarter Grangemouth extended their lead with a third penalty from Fisher. Falkirk then missed a penalty attempt with 15 minutes to go. This set up a dramatic conclusion to the match. Falkirk threw everything at the Stags to try and snatch the victory. In the last minute their second row made a break inside the Grangemouth 22 and was only hauled down a metre from the line. The Stags were penalised at the ruck and Falkirk chose a scrum. They moved the ball wide and although the initial defence was good, quick recycling saw the right wing squeeze in at the corner to tie the scores. With the last kick of the game the conversion sailed between the uprights to give Falkirk the victory. FT Stags 21 Falkirk 23.

And so a disappointing result in the end for the Stags and a hard fought victory for the young Falkirk side. Grangemouth will be unhappy with the number of penalties they conceded and the frequent handling errors especially in the second half which meant they were unable to exert any periods of pressure on the visitors. This week the Stags are back on the road as they travel to fife to take on Kirkcaldy with KO 3pm.